Srinagar

Located to the west of Jammu & Kashmir, along the shores of the serene Dal Lake and the Jhelum River, its decoratively carved houseboats and floating markets are what draw travellers to Srinagar. Still bearing a strong Mughal influence, be sure to visit the Hazratbal Mosque, home to an enshrined hair of the beard of the Prophet Muhammed, and the picturesque Nishat Bagh or ‘Garden of Gladness’. Renowned throughout the world for its intricate embroidery work, handwoven carpets, and the famous ‘pashmina’, J&K’s summer capital, Srinagar is best visited between April and October when much of India is scorching.