Wicker Emporium
Summer Vacation In Srinagar
Srinagar, the summer seat of the government of the state of Jammu and Kashmir has long been one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. In part, this has had to do with the multi-layered character of the city and its several attractions. And in part, this is because Srinagar serves as the base for the numerous places of interest and immense natural beauty that lie within Kashmir – and for most places, this remains the access point. Up to India’s Independence in 1947, only the cream of the country traveled and holidayed in Kashmir. Then, within a few short years, there was a boom in tourism and this soon became the backbone of Srinagar’s economy and thousands of visitors thronged to the valley of which the Mughal Emperor, Jehangir is said to have remarked in the seventeenth century, “Agar Firdaus bar rue zameen ast, Hamin ast-o, hamin ast-o, hamin ast” – If there is a Paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here
Getting Around
Taxis, auto-rickshaws and buses are available for local transport. Like many old cities, the winding lanes and timber and brick houses of the heart of Srinagar can best be seen on foot. For both taxis and auto-rickshaws bargaining the fare is quite the norm. In this, try and get a benchmark rate for whatever trip you are taking from your hotel or a local person.
Tourist Traps in the City
In everyday dealing, the biggest hurdle is the amount of haggling that is often required. This could vary from auto-rickshaws or buying souvenirs or settling the price of a non-standard hotel room or a houseboat. But normally, it is all done very pleasantly. Srinagar has been in the center of militant activity for over two decades now, but things are much quieter and the place is considered quite safe – but basic precautions must be taken. There is a large presence of the army and para-military forces; occasional checks and road blocks do occur.
Local Custom
Dress very conservatively in public – even in your hotel dress conservatively in public areas. Follow any requirements in terms of clothing etc while visiting a religious place.
Shopping
The sheer range of goods and souvenirs available in Srinagar often makes just shopping worth the trip. One of the popular (if relatively expensive buys) is cashmere – pashmina – shawls. Some mixes are also available – like pashmina and silk, or pashmina and wool and pashmina and polyester, but are not quite the real thing. Hand-woven ones, compared to machine-made ones command a premium and normally have some irregularity in the weave. The Kashmir Shawl Emporium and the government run emporium are good places for these. Quality carpets in both wool and silk are another good buy. Cheaper scatter rugs, ‘namdahs’ have a coarser base and are covered with bright embroidery. Papier mache, jewelery, leather, local tweeds, wood carving (mostly in walnut), wicker products, saffron, dry-fruits are some of the other things that can be bought. The iconic images of the leaf of the chinar tree (platanus orientalis) and the paisley (which many believe to have had its origins in Kashmir) will be found numerous handicrafts.
Communications
STD booths are located all over the city. Internet cafes are also available. BSNL broadband is the primary service provider; you can browse the internet, send mails or upload photographs; you may be asked to show some identification document like a passport or driving license. All major GSM providers are there in Jammu – Idea, Airtel, Aircel, Vodafone and Idea among others; but only post-paid connections function throughout the state of Jammu and Kashmir – though pre-paid ones may soon be allowed.
Mobile phones with connections from outside the state do not function in Srinagar.
About the Author
Online news is an associate editor and give latest infomration on new happening in travel. Yatra.com offers cheap air tickets in india with cheap flights, holiday packages, honeymoon packages
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