Srinagar

Situated in the Kashmir Valley, the beautiful city of Srinagar, the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is a splendid arrangement of lakes, gardens and houseboats, with bustling markets selling traditional handicrafts and the famous Kashmiri dry fruits.

Dal Lake, the most famous tourist destination perhaps in the whole state, is located here with its quintessential houseboats ready to ferry tourists around the lake. The city displays a very secular attitude and an impressive cultural and religious diversity.

Tourism remains its major industry, and of course boosts the accompanying service sector. The Mughal Gardens laid in the city by various Mughal emperors are also a major attraction, as are the Chashma Shahi fountains and Pari Mahal Palace. The ancient Gulab Bhawan palace has now been turned into a uber luxury hotel, while the other major palace, the Sher Garhi palace, houses the state government’s various offices and functionaries.