Page 61 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL7

religious sites and stunning Persian architecture line up along medieval and sometimes dilapidated wooden mansions. Khanqah of Shah Hamadan, on the bank of the Jhelum River, was Srinagar’s first mosque, built in 1395. The pagoda-like wooden structure features arches, intricately carved eaves and hanging bells, papier-mâché reliefs, flower paintings and elaborately coloured wood panelling. The hilltop Hari Parbat Fort, a summer retreat for the Mughal emperors, still has ramparts that hint at its former grandeur. The Makhdoom Sahib, a jewel of Mughal architecture that resembles a beehive on the hillside below the fort, is a two-storey mosque with numerous pillars. The Hindu Shankaracharya Temple is a remnant of the Hindu rule in the valley before the Muslims arrived in the 14th century.After the tours you can unwind at the Mughal gardens. Built by emperors to serve as private havens, these gardens feature pools, fountains, small water lanes and manicured trees and flower bushes. Asia’s biggest tulip garden, open in spring, spreads over 12 hectares and has over a million tulips comprising over 50 species. For a local experience, wake up before 5am to take a shikara boat to the floating market on Dal Lake to see locals trading on the water. Don’t take Dal Lake for granted just because it is in the heart of Srinagar; stroll along its banks at 5 or 6pm to soak up the twilight that turns the water and sky golden.When to goThe valley can be explored in all seasons, but the weather is best from March to October. Spring (March to early May) has blossoms and is not too cold, with snow still at higher altitudes. Summer (May to late August) sees temperatures between 25 and 30oC, perfect for outdoor activities and flower viewing. Autumn (September to November) provides natural backdrops of gold and red hues. Winter sport aficionados should visit in December and January, but some roads and highways will be closed due to snowfall.Getting aroundTravel agencies in tourist areas such as Boulevard Road or Dal Gate in the city centre can arrange for a car to take you to the sights. Prices start at 2,000 rupees per day, including pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. Getting around Srinagar is best by auto-rickshaw.Sleeping and eatingIn Srinagar, stay on a houseboat for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Lodgings on Dal Lake ranging from basic to maharaja give you a chance to wake up to dream-like mists hanging over the mirror-still water. Boule- vard Road also offers plenty of the lake-front hotels.Mutton is a notable ingredient of the Kashmiri kitchen, and the tender and juicy meat oozes with blended spices with every bite. The old restaurants on Khayam Street are good places to sample these dishes.BudgetTravelling in the valley, like in most of India, is not expensive. One rupee is roughly half a baht, and hotel rooms costing 1,200 rupees provide adequate facilities and comfort. A group of three or more planning to share expenses should budget for at least 2,000 rupees per person per day. The important mantra is to bargain, especially in tourist areas; the difference between the initial and the final price may surprise you.