When we think of the name Kashmir the first thing which comes to our mind are the beautiful snow-clad mountains, picturesque evergreen valleys and the magnificient lakes. The beauty of Kashmir valley is unparallel and often it is called as the “Switzerland of Asia”. Also known as the “Paradise on Earth”, the beautiful Kashmir valley is located between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range in the Jammu and Kashmir state of India. However, due to a territorial dispute the region is divided among 3 countries: Pakistan administers the Northwest portion (Northern areas and Azad Kashmir), India controls the Central and the Southern portion and the Ladakh, while China controls the Northeastern region (Aksai Chin).
The road to Srinagar from Jammu through the well paved NH1A offers breathtaking views of the lush green mountains. To name a few major towns which come in the way are Kud, Batote and Patnitop. Patnitop is a well known hill top tourist destination and is located in the Udhampur district. Many tourists come here and stay for a day amidst the beautiful, thick forests of pine, deodhar and cedar trees. Another important attraction of this place is the paragliding facility that is offered from Patnitop to Kud. On the way you need to go through the historical 2.5 km long Jawahar Tunnel(also known as the Banihal Tunnel) to get an access to the Kashmir Valley. This tunnel which was opened to public in the year 1956 connects the Jammu region with the beautiful Kashmir valley. The Titanic View Point which is about 2 km from the tunnel provides sweeping views across the vast mountain-rimmed Kashmir Valley, with its beautiful poplar edged rice terraces.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is located at an altitude of 5,200 ft on the banks of the Jhelum river which is a tributary of the river Indus. It is economically the most important city of the Indian administered Kashmir Valley. Srinagar is a house to some huge, beautiful lakes which includes the world famous Dal Lake and Nagin Lake. The city also have few beautiful Mughal Gardens and they attracts a large number of tourists from all corners of the world.
Dal Lake is spread over an area of 18 sq km and is enclosed by the picturesque mountains from all ends. It houses as many as 500 houseboats. These houseboats made of wood are usually stationary and are very well designed and decorated with all sorts of modern amenities. They come in various sizes and even include a living room, bedroom, bathroom, a kitchen and a balcony in the front. Many tourists come to Srinagar to stay in these
luxurious hotels. There are also e few numbers of houseboats on the Nagin Lake and the Jhelum River and they are far cheaper as compared to the ones at the Dal Lake. A shikara ride of the Dal Lake should not be missed. A 2 hr ride of the Dal Lake costs somewhere between 400-600 INR. However, if you take a shikara ride in the early morning the fares can be much less. But to feel and enjoy the charming beauty of the lake to the fullest, a ride just an hour before the sunset is highly advisable. The colors after the sun down are simply mesmerizing. A ride of the lake would take you through the floating garden, floating market, Mission Kashmir point and if you pay a 100 INR more you can also see one of the two Charchinar islands of the lake. The name Charchinar is given to the island as because the island has four Chinar trees. You will also witness different shikaras selling their stuffs (ornaments, flowers, eatables etc) to the tourists of the tourist shikaras. There are also many beautiful Mughal Gardens around Dal Lake. 
At night Dal Lake offers a splendid view with the dazzling light of the hundreds of Shikaras lighting up the waters of the lake.
There are a large number of Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. Among them the must visit ones are listed below:
1. Shalimar Bagh: This Mughal Garden was built by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor Jehan in the year 1619. The garden has three terraces and is located in the Northeast direction of Dal Lake. It contains florals of varied species. Shalimar Bagh can be accesed through the Dal Lake via Shikara. One can also hire autos and taxis to visit this garden.
Entry Fees: 10 INR (Adults), 5 INR (Children).
2. Nishat Bagh: Nishat Bagh meaning “Garden of Joy” is located in the Eastern direction of Dal Lake. This is a twelve terrace garden and houses a large number of known and unknown orchids and florals. This is the second largest garden of Srinagar after Shalimar Bagh. It was built my Asif Khan, the elder brother of Noor Jehan in 1633.
Entry Fees: 10 INR (Adults), 5 INR (Children).
3. Chashmashahi: This garden was set up in the year 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It is the smallest of all the mughal gardens of Srinagar. This is also a three terraced garden.
Entry Fees: 10 INR (Adults), 5 INR (Children).
Another main attraction of the city is the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden. This garden is very well maintained and offers scintillating views of the Himalayan Ranges in the backdrop. There is also a mini lake inside the garden and boating facilities are also available there.
If you are visiting the city in the month of April then don’t forget to visit the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden. This garden is located just beside the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden in the foothills of Zabarwan Hills. Every year a Tulip Festival for one month is organized here in April. On that occasion tulips of as many as 68 varieties and colors could be seen. The beauty of the four-terraced rows of tulip gives the impression of a rainbow in bloom and this further enhances the charm of the paradise.
Shankaracharya Temple: The Shankaracharya temple is believed to be built from rocks in the 3rd century BC. It is situated at an altitude of 1100 ft on the hill known as Takht-e-Suleiman. This temple is dedicated to the lord Shiva. The temple was named after the great Hindu philosopher Shankaracharya who visited this area in the 9th century to revive the Sanatan Dharma. From the temple premises one get to see the magnificent view of the valley below. On one side the Dal Lake with its houseboats looks splendid. While on the other side the view of the beautiful Jhelum bisecting the city of Srinagar into New Srinagar and Old Srinagar is clearly visible. In simple words, the view looks like a satellite image of Srinagar.
Hazratbal Mosque: The Hazratbal Mosque is located on the Western banks of Dal Lake and is built in the form of a beautiful structure using white marble. This shrine houses the preserved sacred hair of Prophet Mohammad. Public display of the hair takes place only on some sacred religious occasions.
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