A Himachal getaway need not be limited to the state’s most popular hill station srinagar. Once you’re done exploring the state capital, venture out to discover some of the lesser-known but equally picturesque destinations in the area. Here are a few places that are ideal for a short getaway.
1. Dachigam National Reserve
Dachigam’s setting is one of the most picturesque in the country and the Park is home to a diverse set of Himalayan flora and fauna as well as the Hangul (Kashmir stag)—which is the most endangered species of red deer in the world. You might get lucky and see an elusive leopard. Sightings of the jackal, hill fox, Himalayan weasel and the wild boar are highly likely. A rich bird life means it makes sense to carry (or rent) a pair of binoculars: keep a lookout for yellow throated marten and long-tailed blue magpie.
1. Wular Lake
Wular Lake is one of the loveliest places in India where nature is at her bountiful best. Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir is a tourist’s paradise blessed with beautiful rivers and lakes, blossoming gardens, and verdant woods. The Wular Lake – acclaimed to be the largest freshwater lake in India and perhaps in Asia too – ranks prominent as one of the major tourist Arrractions in Srinagar.Lying about 32 km to the northwest of Srinagar City, Wular Lake is set amidst scenic locales, and the lake reflects the beauty of nature at her pristine best. Wular is encircled by high mountains on the north and north-east of the valley, which further add to the scenic charm of the locales.Wular Lake is about 16 km long and 10 km wide, spreading over an area of about 125 sq. km. Wular acts as a natural flood reservoir, drawing off excess water from the Jhelum River, which leaves the lake at Sopore. The lake changes character with every few miles of its course.
1. Hokersar
This wetland attracts thousands of migratory birds from Siberia and central Asia during the winter months. If you’re an ornithologist then this place is probably first on your agenda: an important natural refuge for rare birds that use it as a breeding ground, Hokersar hosts, among other winged visitors, the goose, brahminy duck, tufted duck, gadwall, garganey, mallard and the Eurasian wigeon.
1. Apple orchards
Eighty per cent of the apples supplied to the rest of the country, along with Bangladesh and Nepal come from right here in Srinagar. A majority of the state’s income is dependent on apple produce and sprawling orchards are a common sight here. Visit and stroll through one, and pick a few apples while you’re at it. There are many varieties grown, but the most popular and expensive is the Golden Apple.
1. Shikara Ride
Shikara boat rides offer breathtaking the water bodies of the Kashmir. The joy of smoothly gliding over the water with the crisp sound of the paddle indeed is a feeling to be imbibed. Dal & Nagin lakes offer joyous shikara boat rides in Srinagar city. While on a shikara boat, the view of Zabarwan hills is just thrilling and with rhythmic tossing of water waves with the boat making the experience of the boat ride a pure fascination. The flower and boutique vendors on the shikara boats make the voyage more charming. Sightseeing of Dal and Nagin lakes on a shikara ride makes the trip adventurous particularly the inside Dal lake boat rides. The joy is unlimited and experience unforgetable. There are several shikara boat ghats alongside the Dal lake banks of Boulevard road. There are main 3 ghats of Shikaraboat, besides other small ones, which include Dalgate, Nehru Park, Nagin Lake, Hazratbal, Gagribal.
Tulip Fields
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is Asia’s biggest tulip garden and attracts crowds mostly in April when the tulips are in full bloom. The long rows of blooming flowers are a breathtaking sight accentuated by the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. Spread over an area of about 12 hectares, this garden was conceived, conceptualized and created by ex Chief Minister of Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad, to boost floriculture tourism in the Valley.