Hazratbal Mosque - Its Perfect White Marble Style Of Mosque Is Looked As A Significance Of Srinagar

HAZRATBAL MOSQUE

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SRINAGAR

Hazratbal Mosque is the most important Muslim Religious place, situated on the western shore of Dal Lake.  Its perfect white marble elegance is reflected in the waters of the lake.

Hazratbal's special significance is derived from the fact that it houses a hair of the prophet Muhammad. This is displayed to the public on religious occasions, usually accompanied by fairs. Apart from these occasions, Friday prayers are offered at Hazratbal and attended by throngs of people.

Hazratbal is remarkable for being the only domed mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs. The shrine – mosque complex is situated on the western shore of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh and commands a grand view of the lake and the mountain beyond.

The history of the shrine goes back to the early seventeenth century when the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan's Subedar, Sadiq Khan, laid out a garden here & constructed a palatial building, Ishrat Mahal or Pleasure House in 1623. However, the Emperor, during his visit in 1634, ordered the building to be converted into a prayer House with some additions & alterations.

During the time of Aurangzeb, when Moi-e-Muqqadus (The Holy Relic) arrived in Kashmir in 1699, it was first kept in the shrine of Naqashbad Sahib in the heart of the city. Since the place was found to be insufficient in view of the unprecedented rush of people who thronged the place to have a glimpse of the Moi-e-Muqqades, it was decided to shift the it to Hazratbal, then known as Sadiqabad.

The construction of the present marble structure was started by the Muslim Auqaf Trust headed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1968 and completed in 1979. The "Moi-e-Muqqadas" (Holy Relic of Prophet Mohammad S.A.W) is displayed on Various occasions related with the life of Prophet & his four holy companions.

The Moi-e-Muqqadus (Holy Relic of Prophet p.b.u.h) is usually on public display inside a glass casket on certain sacred and holy days. Tours and travel to the Hazratbal shrine gives you an opportunity to participate in the colorful and vibrant fairs that are held at Hazratbal every year, the most important among these is the Shab-e-Meraj.

Hazratbal lies in Srinagar and the nearest Airport is approx. 25 Km away. This Airport is connected with major cities of India. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountainous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Regular transport is available from various points in the Srinagar city with nominal charges. Route from Dal Lake can also be undertaken.

Salimar Bagh - It Is One Of The Most Important Largest Mughal Garden In Kashmir Valley

SHALIMAR BAGH

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SRINAGAR

Shalimar Bagh is the largest mughal garden in India located at northeast of Dal Lake near Srinagar city along with other famous lake garden Nishat Bagh.

 The Bagh has the Dal Lake in the background and considered to be very beautiful during the autumn and spring seasons.

Shalimar Garden or shlimar bagh in Srinagar is the largest mughal garden in Kashmir valley built by Mughal emperor Jahangir in the year 1619 AD for his wife empress Nur Jahan.

 The term Shalimar comes from Sanskrit language which means Adobe of Love. This famous garden is sited on the right banks of Dal Lake and the garden is also popularly called as shalamar garden or bagh.

 This garden is the outstanding example of Mughals in the field of horticultural. The garden is currently owned and managed by Jammu and Kashmir tourism department.

The garden features a canal, lined with polished stones that run through the middle of the garden, which has four main areas/terraces.

One is the lower area which is connected with the road, the second is the outermost area with a pavilion that was used as a public garden The third area is somewhat wider and has two shallow terraces with the Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience in its middle. The fourth terrace area is the Zenana Garden that was reserved for the royal ladies of the court with small guard-rooms on the entrance.

The best time to visit Shalimar Bagh is during autumn and spring season (September-October and mid-Feb till mid-April). The Chinar trees change their colours from green to orange and yellow which gives a warm glow to the garden.

By Air

There are regular flights from other major cities of the country to Srinagar.

By Train

Srinagar does not have an train station. Nearest option is Udhampur.

By Bus

You can easily get regular buses to Srinagar from other major cities of the country.

Heart Of The Sri Nagar-Dal Lake

DAL LAKE 

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SRINAGAR 

Dal lake is situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the northern-most state of India, strategically surrounded by four countries, on the East by Tibet, on the North-East by China, on the North by Afghanistan and on the West by Pakistan.

 Dal Lake is a Himalayan Urban Lake, located in the heart of Srinagar. The lake is known as a tourist attraction and it also provides drinking water, fish and vegetables, – and recreational opportunities to the local population.

The Dal Lake with its sparkling quiet waters is surrounded by the beautiful snow-capped mountains on three sides making the Dal Lake one of the most beautiful lakes in India which is immensely popular amongst tourist.

The stunning ‘shikaras’ loaded with fresh flowers look like some metaphorical version of the gondolas of Venice. You can see these casually decorated shikaras floating around the lake for transporting goods to markets, children to school and travellers from houseboats to shore.

 The dramatic houseboats equally attract tourists for a peaceful and unforgettable stay on the lake. These houseboats are well-equipped and well-attended and make for a very pleasant stay.

Both shikaras and houseboats form an integral part of the scenery of the Dal Lake. To get a glimpse of the life style of Srinagar a joy ride on a Shikara or a houseboat is a must.

The lake is probably at its most beautiful when the lotus flowers bloom in July and August. The floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, are one of the stranger aspects of Dal Lake.

 They're composed of matted vegetation and earth, which are cut away from the lake bottom and towed to a convenient location where they are moored.

 Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Melons all grow amazingly well in these gardens, if one look underneath one can see that they do literally float on the lake.

 One can also approach the floating gardens by road; the boulevard runs along the eastern edge of the lake, providing fine views all the way.

By Air

Srinagar is the nearest airport, connected by Indian Airlines daily (75mts). Jet Airways connects Srinagar with mumbai and new delhi with daily flights. : Jammu-Srinagar (13:35) and Delhi-Srinagar (11:15).

By Train

Jammu Tawi is the nearest railhead(165km). Srinagar is well connected to Delhi by daily trains like the JP Jat Express, Jammu Mail, Shalimar Express, Jhelum Express and Malwa Express. Major Indian cities are also linked to Jammu by train.

By Bus

The lake is situated at the heart of the Srinagar City. Srinagar is well connected by road to Chandigarh (630 km), Delhi (876 km), and Jammu (298 km). Jammu KSRTC and STRCs of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh regularly run to Jammu from all major northern cities. Route from Delhi- Ambala-Ludhiana-Jalandhar-Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Banihal-Srinagar

TULIP FESTIVAL

Tulip Festival

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KASHMIR

Tulip festival is held annually in the month of April when tulips are in full bloom. The garden looks like a silken carpet of bright colored sprawling tulips. Best time to visit is March-April. Spring is when Kashmir is at its most picturesque, and is also the season for flowering tulips. This special time of year is beautifully captured by the Tulip Festival in Srinagar, home to Asia's largest tulip garden. As well as the arresting sight of more than a million blooms, the festival features daily cultural programs, Kashmiri folk songs, sale of local handicrafts, and traditional Kashmiri cuisine.

Nearly 60 varieties of beautiful and vibrant tulips grow in this garden, spread over 5 hectors of land. Tulips remain in bloom just for 15-20 days depending upon the temperature. “Red, yellow, variegated, pink, white, orange, light blue, and magenta are the main colors of tulips. The scene is simply charismatic with floral charm. The view remains in the memory of a visitor forever. Cultural programs, Kashmiri folk songs, sale of local handicrafts, and preparation of traditional Kashmiri cuisine forms an eminent part of the entertainment of visitors during the festival.

Entry to the Tulip Garden is 50 rupees for adults and 20 rupees for children

·          First two weeks of April.

·         Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Srinagar, Kashmir. It's located in the foothills of Zabarwan range, overlooking Dal Lake.

AMARNATH TEMPLE (CAVE)

 AMARNATH TEMPLE (CAVE)

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JAMMU & KASHMIR

Amarnath cave is a Hindu shrine located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m, about 141 km from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir and reached through Pahalgam town

Shiva is a living God. The most Sacred and  ancient books of India, the Rig Veda narrates His presence in the hymns. Vedic myths, rituals and even astronomy testifies to His existence from the dawn of time .The Mohindaro and Harapa findings confirm Shiva worship in the ancient India. According to the older scriptures, He has three places  of His residence. One is  Kailash Parvat another  is Lohit Giri under which Brahamputra flows and third is Muzwan Parvat .

Inside the main Amarnath cave is an ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga, which waxes during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter. This lingam is said to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival. According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort Parvati. There are two other ice formations representing Parvati and Shiva’s son, Ganesha. Devotees generally take the 42 km (26 mi) pilgrimage on foot from the town of Pahalgam, about 96 km (60 mi) from Srinagar, and cover the journey in four to five days. There are two alternate routes to the temple: the longer and more traditional path from Srinagar, and the shorter route from the town of Baltal. Some devotees, particularly the elderly, also ride on horses to make the journey.

Devotees visit Amarnath Cave close to the festival of Shravani Mela that is held between July-August.

From Pahalgam–A traditional route

To reach Amarnath Cave, one has to reach Pahalgam either from Jammu (315 Km) or from Srinagar (96km). Take a bus or taxi from Jammu to reach Pahalgam or reach Srinagar by air and from there take a car, bus or taxi.

From Pahalgam, devotees have to reach Chandanwari (16 km)and this distance can also be covered by using road transport. Pilgrims can either camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari.

From Chandanwari, pilgrims climb the height to reach Pissu Top that is believed to be formed by the dead bodies of Rakshas who were killed by Lord Shiva.

To reach at Sheshnag, pilgrims follow a steep incline. The entire route has untouched wild scenery with cascading stream on one side. The place got its name from the Seven Peaks. The shape of the peaks resemble that of the head of the mythical snake.

From Sheshnag one has to cover the steep height of 4.6 km to reach Panchtarni. This is the last camp to the Holy Amarnath Cave. Cold winds might lead to cracks on skin. Also at such an altitude one feels short of oxygen.

From Panchtarni, the Amarnath Cave is located at a distance of just 6 km. As there is no place to stay, so pilgrims have to start their journey early in the morning so that you can come back to the base camp on time. The entire route is very beautiful.

From Baltal–Anewroute

There is another route to Amarnath cave from Baltal that is located at 14 km from the Amarnath caves. The distance of Baltal from Jammu is 400 km that can be covered by taxi or bus. From there, pilgrims can either take ponies or travel by foot to cover the route from Baltal to Amarnath. Though this route is much narrower and steeper than from Pahalgam, it can be completed in one day with Baltal as base camp. If you want to complete the journey in one day then you can hire a helicopter from Pahalgam to Panchtarni.

All in all, Amarnath Yatra is an experience in itself and one must visit this holy place at least once during his or her lifetime.

 During the past fifty years, the ice Shivlingam has shrunk in size. While weather does affect its shape and size, many environmentalists blame global warming for the condition.

By Air

Srinagar, the nearest aerodrome, has world famous sights to see, such as Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Shankaracharya Temple and Mughal gardens like Shalimar, Nishat and Cheshma-shahi.  Known as "Paradise on earth" and being the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, the city is well connected by air and road. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu. On certain weekdays flights also pickup passengers from Chandigarh and Leh.

By Rail

Jammu is the nearest Railway Station. Jammu is the  winter Capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Also known as "CITY OF TEMPLES", one may visit old temples such as Raghunath Temple, Mahadev Mandir and other temples. Railway station is very well connected and there are lots of express trains to various towns in India.

By Road

Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road. Buses and Taxies are  available for this part of the journey. These can be hired on daily as well as on full tour basis.