Jammu and Kashmir in North India is the most beautiful part of the country. This region is called as the Paradise on the Earth because of its unmatched beauty. Jammu and Kashmir is one of the beautiful states of India. This state is also called the real paradise on earth because of its scenic beauty. This state has two capitals in terms of season. Srinagar is considered as the summer and Jammu is considered the winter capital of this state. As far as Sightseeing in Jammu and Kashmir is considered, there are a considerable number of places of tourist interest in Jammu and Kashmir. These places include the Lakes, Shrines and Monuments, Mughal Gardens, Hills, Valleys and many more. One can also visit Laddakh, Sonmarg and the place called Gulmarg. These places are sites of astounding natural beauty. There is one more place, Pahalgam which is beautified by Mother Nature by herself. Sightseeing in Srinagar is commonly done by taxi. Another way of seeing the city, especially the lake area, is by Shikara. There are also very famous and renowned pilgrimage centers in this state and these are visited by thousands of tourists every year. Some of the best places of Jammu and Kashmir are:
Hazratbal Mosque – This is very famous Mosque, located in a village of the same name on the banks of the Dal. This beautiful Mosque is built with white marble and its 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. Hazratbal is the only domed mosque in Srinagar.
Jama Masjid - The Jama Masjid at Nowhatta is one more important mosque in Srinagar. This beautiful mosque is built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars. This mosque was originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD. Mosque is a typical example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Shankaracharya Temple – This temple is situated on the top of the hills, known as Takht-I-Sulaiman in the south-east of Srinagar. This temple was constructed in 250BC. The philosopher Shankaracharya stayed at this place when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma. It overlooks the Valley and can be approached by a motorable road. A modern ceiling covers the inner sanctum and an inscription in Persian traces its origin to the reign of Emperor Shah Jehan.
Khanqah of Shah Hamadan – This is a beautiful and ancient mosque, situated on the banks of the river Jhelum, between the third and fourth bridge. It is the first mosque ever built in Srinagar. The original one was built in 1395. Shah-i-Hamdan, who came from Persia in the 13th century, was responsible for the spread of Islam in Kashmir. A mosque established by him at Shey (near Leh) attracts devotees from far and wide. The interiors are richly carved and painted.
Hari Parbat Fort & Temple of Sharika Devi - The Mughal emperor's fort crowns the top of Hari Parbat hill. Although the fort has destroyed but the ramparts are remaining. The remain of the fort is still impressive and the old apartments within the fort, even though in a state of ruin, still convey at least a little of the grandeur of the Mughals. This hill also considered sacred to the Hindus due to the presence of temple of Sharika. The wall around the hill was built by Akbar in 1592-98 AD. The hill is surrounded by almond orchards, which make a lovely sight during April when the trees blossom, heralding the advent of spring in Kashmir.
Makhdoom Sahib – There is one more pilgrimage place on the southern side of the Hari Parbat hill. This is the historic shrine of Makhdoom Sahib. This sacred and holy place is visited by thousands of people of all faiths.
Mughal Gardens – Jammu and Kashmir is very well known for its beautiful Mughal Gardens. These Gardens are rich with terraced lawns, cascading fountains and many different beautiful bright flowerbeds. There are three Mughal Gardens of this region Chashma Shahi, Nishat and Shalimar. Today these Mughal Gardens are very popular places for picnics and excursions.
Shalimar Bagh – This beautiful Garden was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Noor Jehan. Shalimar Bagh is 15 kms from the TRC. This Garden houses some beautiful lakes and shallow terraces. The garden is 539 m by 182 m and has four terraces, rising one above the other. The fourth terrace, by far the best, was once reserved for royal ladies.
Nishat Bagh – This beautiful Garden is situated on the banks of the Dal Lake. This garden is 11 km. away from TRC. From this garden, one can enjoy watching a magnificent view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range. Nishat was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Noor Jehan.
Chashma Shahi - Chashma Shahi is a tastefully laid garden in terraces. Chashma Shahi provides a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below and surrounding mountain ranges. The cool water of the spring is highly refreshing and digestive. The original garden was laid out by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD.