Kashmir, in the northernmost part of India, is an ideal destination for travel during the summer months. As the snow melts in the lower regions, the distant mountain peaks continue to wear their snow-capped coats. On the one hand, you have a lush green landscape, blooming flowers, and gushing streams of Srinagar to mesmerize you; on the other is a little-known tradition tirelessly preserved by households from a small village on the outskirts of Srinagar who migrated to the old quarters of the city for better livelihood opportunities.
In this article, we present to you three reasons to visit Srinagar this summer season. Hope it inspires you!
Its Natural Beauty
Called the ‘Venice of the East’, Srinagar has long been associated with romance. And rightly so. Whether you are walking through its lanes, driving around the city, or enjoying a lovely Shikara ride on Dal Lake, you’ll likely see something intriguing from the corner of your eye. You’ll find a frame-worthy shot in every turn you take in the town fringing the banks of the stunning Dal Lake. We bet you will stop to have a second, more detailed look. That’s the charm of Srinagar.
The flower and fruit markets upon houseboats mirrored upon the rippled surface of the lake, the still-preserved fountains and the Mughal gardens of Srinagar, and the blooming orchards under the endless blue skies will fill your heart with awe – more beauty than your eyes can behold.
Its Cultural Landmarks
Beyond the obvious appeal of the picturesque landscape, there lies Srinagar’s old city, which is like a living museum of Islamic architecture. Dating back to the Mughal era, the houses, shrines, and bridges showcase the Islamic, Persian, and Indian architectural styles blended. Under the intricately carved wooden balconies and lattice windows, the narrow lanes and alleyways remain filled with vibrant sights and sounds of everyday life with an impressive lineup of shops and stalls.
From dry fruits and spices to traditional handicrafts like papier-mâché, beautifully embroidered shawls, local delicacies and trinkets, and luxurious merchandise, here you’ll find everything quintessentially Kashmiri. The artisans and craftsmen at work will warmly invite you to watch and engage with them as they create magic with their hands.
And a Lesser-Known Heritage
A treasure hidden and quite lost in time, Kani shawls are amongst the oldest Kashmiri handlooms, their origins believed to date back to 3000 BC. Counted among the world’s most luxurious kinds of Cashmere, the weave has been a symbol of opulence to affluent folks across history. Mughal emperors, Sikh Maharajas, and British Emporers were believed to own Kani shawls as their prized possessions. Today, Kani Shawls are housed as artifacts in the world’s finest museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Unfortunately, what was once a flourishing craft with over ten thousand looms operational in Kanihama village during the Mughal era, is now being kept alive by only a few families who moved their base to the city in search of livelihood options. And therein lies an opportunity to see the exquisite craft in-making right at the heart of Srinagar’s old town. Several artisan households in this quarter of the city continue to preserve their heritage weave. Most of them have workshops as a part of their homes, where they also create weave pashminas and work on traditional embroidery along with Kani shawls.
India, as a destination, is considered most suitable for travel in the cooler months. Most travel advisories list September to March as the best time to visit the country. But as the heat on the mainland increases, destinations up high in the mountains open their doors to welcome discerning travelers. And amidst the stunning landscape and weather, a wholesome cultural experience awaits you as you visit Srinagar this summer.
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