Amarnath Yatra Part-5: Srinagar Travel

By Mahendra On 1 February 2019 In Uncategorized

Srinagar, is known for its beauty. It is one of the capital of Kashmir state. It is famous for Dal Lake and house boats. It is called Paradise on Earth. Srinagar is located on the banks of the Jhelum river. There are many beautiful lakes and numerous Mughal gardens are there.

Sri Aadi Shankaracharya temple:

Full tight security will be there for this Temple. It is on a hill. You need to follow timings to visit this place. We went in the morning times so there is no rush. Our soldiers are doing a very good job over there. You can read full history about Sri Adi Shankaracharya a temple in the wiki. Unlike all other temples, You can see Lord Shiva lingam very closely. You will enter into the Garbha Gudi and you can do Puja on your own. Temple dome also a very different shape than other temples. It is all made up of rocks. Since it is a very old temple you will see a few of the rocks are decayed.

As soon as you enter the temple surroundings you will feel the calmness or peace from the environment. Beside temple, you can also see Sri Adi
Shankaracharya Dhayna Mandiram also. Like Temple, you can also enter into the Mandiram and sit for some time.

Sri Adi Shankaracharya Temple in Sri Nagar ( Photo courtesy: wikimedia.org)

Lake boat experience:

In Dal lake Many local families made house boats. Familiy stays back side of the house boat. Basically House boat is ment for the Tourists and Kasmiris stays back side of the house boat. This is the main souce of income for them. If needed house boats can travel in Dal lake but most of the time they will be in the same place. They will arrange food from their own kitchen or else you can go out and eat food.

House Boat stay is a very good experience. We preferred in staying Kashmir Lake boats instead of staying in outside hotels. The houseboat is fully made up of wood and Kasmir wood carving is the best part of it. It will cost huge amounts for them to make a Houseboat. Form many years these families are staying there. They give importance and priority to the customers. In Houseboats also, there are many different variety houseboats are there, like Standard Houseboats, deluxe, super deluxe houseboats are there. I read about 5-star houseboats. Based on your economic feasibility you can opt one and stay over there. Like all other hotels. Checkin and checkout timings will be common which is 12:01 PM to Noon. We spent around 3500 for our stay and it is a good experience. Here I am sharing some of the photos which I have clicked.

If you see Dal lake from Adi Shankaracharya temple you will see a lot of Houseboats. Dal lake is full of houseboats. You can also book these houseboats online.

Shikara Boats:

Even though we have not travelled in this boat, people use to tell this is also a good experience. They will take you in boat and roam around Dal lake.