Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies on the banks of the river Jhelum and is surrounded by beautiful lakes like Dal, Nagin and Anchar, whose sparkling waters reflect the sun's rays. The colourful houseboats that ply on the picturesque Dal Lake against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountains make Srinagar a dream destination for every traveller.

The summer season from April to September is ideal for sightseeing and the peak tourist season with a maximum temperature of 30 C and a minimum temperature well below 14 C. It is an excellent time to visit the lakes and beautiful gardens when Srinagar's natural beauty is at its peak. Winter, on the other hand, is extremely cold, with heavy rains causing road closures and disrupting road and air links with the rest of the country.

Srinagar is a popular tourist destination. Summers are great for visiting the lakes and beautiful gardens, and the natural beauty is at its best at this time of year. Winters, on the other hand, are extremely cold and icy and not suitable for a holiday. Heavy snowfall in winter causes roadblocks and disrupts road and air links with the rest of the country.

This city of nearly one million people is best known among tourists for its houseboats, which offer picturesque views of the Dal, Anchar and Nageen lakes. The most perfect image of a shikara is the florist's shikara in which he transports flowers for sale. The city has several other magnificent attractions to offer, which have been reopened to visitors in recent years after being inaccessible for a long time. Chief among these are two of the most revered mosques, the Jamia Masjid deep in the heart of the atmospheric old town and the Hazratbal by the lake. Another important Islamic place of worship is the Sufi shrine Makhdoom Sahib, located halfway up the inaccessible fort.

The most important Hindu temple is the Shankaracharya Mandir, perched on a hill overlooking the Dal Lake. Secular attractions in the city include the interesting Sri Pratap Singh Museum and the Mughal pleasure gardens surrounding the lake, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. The views of the lake, the magnificent sunsets, the floating markets, the lush greenery, the authentic Kashmiri cuisine and the hospitable locals are just some of the reasons why tourists from all over the world flock to this 'paradise on earth'. Buy the famous pashmina shawls and Kashmiri handicrafts and enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities like skiing, trekking, white water rafting, paragliding, camping and kayaking. Nubra Valley

The Nubra Valley lies between Tibet and Kashmir, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. The valley is mainly a part of the Ladakh Valley. It is known for its diverse natural beauty, ranging from a rugged hilly landscape to a lush green valley. The valley is often referred to as the orchard of Ladakh. It was originally known as Ldumra, which means "valley of flowers".

The valley is an aura and offers a picturesque and breathtaking sight. The valley transforms into a lunar landscape in every season, covered with snow in winter, a velvety lush green ambience in summer and flickering orange in autumn. The place is a must-see for anyone who wants to admire the beauty of nature. Sham Valley

Sham Valley is one of the easiest and most popular trekking destinations around Leh. As you come across the tiny hamlets on the way, you will get a complete glimpse of Ladakhi village life. The Sham Valley is also known as the "Apricot Valley" as it is the home of the apricot blossom, which blooms in this valley only at the best of times

This walk is suitable for beginners and families and passes through a beautiful and tranquil setting of small mountains, streams, shady pastures and barley fields. Walkers come into contact with the villagers and learn about their timeless customs. You can explore the villages along the way.

The landscape offers photographers some natural clicks. You can do this trek to get accustomed to Indo-Tibetan life, their cuisine, rituals, festivals and hospitality. The trek takes you through Tibetan monasteries where you can pause and find peace. The small Tibetan hamlets are surrounded by bare hills to keep away from the shackles of hard life