The Kashmir valley is perhaps the single most famous part of the Indian Himalayas. . Kashmir is a seemingly impossible tourist cliché. Kashmir valley is part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir that rises in tiers from the plains to encompass mountainous terrain, high altitude valleys and plateaus. To the northeast lies the stark and eerily beautiful district of Ladakh. But to most people, Kashmir is the Valley itself, enclosed in a magnificent amphitheater of mountain ranges.

(Clumps of willows, bunches of chinar trees, broad reaches of the placid river glistening in the sunshine, with numerous boats gliding gracefully on its surface, little clusters of villages with the land gradually rising to the range of snowy mountains forms the culminating touch of beauty in every kashmir scene.)

Srinagar, the city of lakes, nestles in the heart of Kashmir valley and spreads on the both sides of the river Jhelum. Srinagar, the city of charming seasons, never fading in its compelling beauty throughout the year owes much of its fame to its varied faces of beauty. The landscape is full of colors. In the distance is the deep blue of foothills, with above them the pure white surface and serrated crest of lofty mountains still mantled in winter snow, upon which there is a perpetual play of sunshine chasing shadow. It is grit with mighty mountain ranges, many of the peaks which are higher than Mont blanc. These are the pearls which encircle the view of Srinagar. The city of tranquil lakes, fresh bracing air and scenic beauties.

The city was built about 960 AD and has been the hub of trade and commerce. Srinagar covers the area of 105 sq. km and is situated at the height of 1,730 meters.

Srinagar owes much of its beauty to its tranquil lakes. It was here, the Moughals with great love and care laid Srinagar's many water front gardens collectively known as Moughal Gardens. Houseboats on these placid lakes are novelty of Kashmir. Staying on these luxurious Houseboats is a unique experience of its kind in whole world.

Historical monuments, shrines, temples, bridges and towns gives a taste of its culture and tradition. Srinagar is full of old monuments and is a right place to see the diversity of religion in the form of old mosques, temples and other places of worship. Since centuries Srinagar has been a travelers delight to explore History, art and culture in one place.

The old city of Srinagar is a place to explore the centuries old architecture and bears the Hallmark of some of the rulers of Kashmir. With its almost medieval charm, the old city of Srinagar has sights, smells and sounds to enchant the most jaded traveler. Its labyrinthine roads and bustling bazaars are a photographer's delight. River Jhelum bisects the old city and the Seven bridges provide a picturesque scene. The older of these bridges, Zaina Kadal and Fateh Kadal, are extremely picturesque. Shah Hamdan mosque, Shankaracharya temple, Hazratbal Shrine, Rozabal, Pather Masjid and Zainul Abedin Tomb are some of the living religious and historical examples.

Srinagar is the commercial part of Kashmir and is also known as " shoppers paradise". Kashmiri arts and crafts are globally renowned. Kashmiri handmade silk carpets, handmade silks, embroideries, hand carved walnut wood furniture, Paper-machie, chain stitch rugs are some of the exquisite creations of Kashmiri artisan.

Nature has been profusely bountiful in endowing this vast, verdant valley, with many sparkling fresh water lakes, gushing books and streams, mineral water springs, and meadows and flowers of all forms and hues. Nature’s bounties have deeply influenced arts and crafts of Kashmir.