Our ongoing series in which we look at various Indian cities through the eyes of SpiceJet staffers eyes of SpiceJet staffers. This month, Tabasum Sofi, Security, Airport Services, holds forth on Srinagar
Connection to the city:
My association with Srinagar is very old, having been born and brought up here.
Best thing about Srinagar:
There is a sense of oneness here. Togetherness among family members is still deep-rooted. People of Kashmir are known for their warmth and hospitality. Even tourists are considered as part of the family. Apart from its cool climate, Srinagar is also one of the most scenic places in India, thanks to the tall mountains surrounding the valley and its world famous lakes.
Favourite eating place:
We Kashmiris are famous for our traditional cuisine (the multi-course wazwan; Tabak Maaz, prepared from lamb ribs; and harissa, a wintry, mutton dish). Shamyana restaurant is my favourite eating place. It is a foodie’s delight, located next to the picturesque Dal Lake on the stunning Boulevard Road which makes it all the more beautiful. Nobody serves the renowned wazwan like them. Their Wazwan Thali is one-of-a kind, with multiple varieties of non-veg served in the traditional way.
Local attractions:
Srinagar has rightly been called paradise on earth – it has the largest number of tourist attractions compared to any other place. The world famous Dal Lake is in the heart of the city and is known as Srinagar’s Jewel. Nigeen Lake, Nishat Garden and Shalimar Bagh are also worth visiting. Srinagar’s beauty cannot be described in words; one needs to visit the place to experience the magic in the air. There are a number of places worth visiting like Pari Mahal, Hari Parbat, Sri Pratap Singh Museum and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, among others.
Recommended places nearby:
I would suggest Pahalgam, just 86 km away, for its stunning scenery, fresh water streams, river rafting and para gliding. Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, 22 km away, is the home of the Hangul, or Kashmir Stag. Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Common Palm Civet, Jackal and Red Fox can also be spotted here.
Srinagar when compared to other cities:
I have stayed in other places like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. But Srinagar is different from all the other places as far as climate is concerned. You won’t find Srinagar’s lovely climate at any other place in India – that is the best part about my city.