Shahr-i-Khaas
The
largest and the most populated city of Srinagar
, popularly known as
Down-town
has unparalleled beauty.
Shahr-i-Khaas
is the most populated with 47 percent of the total population of Srinagar city. A large area of the city is situated on the banks of river Jhelum. The area situated on the north side of the city-center, Lal Chowk, is considered as downtown.
Shahr-i-Khaas place holds great significance in the history of Kashmir. Many ancient heritage buildings and mosques including some shrines are present here. They reflect the elegance of old and beautiful designs and architecture. Many monuments including Jamia Masjid, Khankha-i-Moula, Dastageer Sahib, and Tomb of Maharaj Gunj have been built by the rulers of Kashmir.
If you are planning to visit Kashmir, a tour of the Shahr-i-Khaas must be on your list. Your cab under the
package with Duke Kashmir Travels
will take you around the city and will always help you to explore more of Kashmir. The city is famous for its old monuments and buildings, the best Harrisa to taste, the elegant Khatamband, Tilla work, crewel work, and of course the street food outside the shrines include masala roti, Nadir Monji, Halwi ti paraath, Kashur Aanchar, and many more.
The shrine of Dastageer Sahib is located in the Khaniyar area of downtown. This shrine is dedicated to a Sufi saint named, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani. The interior of the shrine reflects the lavish and attractive architecture of Kashmir.
Jamia Masjid is situated in the heart of Shahr-e-Khaas, in the middle of Nowhatta. The beautiful and elegant masjid is inspired by Chinar, as it contains 370 pillars of Chinar logs. The masjid is so peaceful and cool that one feels the safest and chilled out inside the mosque.
Nowhatta area
is also known for its beautiful crewel-work, the workers and the artisans craft the crewel rugs and curtains so beautifully that catch the attraction of everyone. You will also find some shops of silversmiths that make beautiful pieces of silver jewelry and showpieces that add more beauty to the lanes of downtown.
The famous Harrisa of Aali Kadal is so famous all over the city, you cannot leave this place without tasting it. The artisans of Tilla work in Khankah are worth praising, as they design the most beautiful dresses for women.
After that, the markets of Zaina Kadal is flooded with dried vegetables, also known as Hokh-Syunn. People all over the valley are fond of Hokh-Syunn that includes dried turnips, dried tomatoes, dried bottle-guards, dried chilies, and much more.
The market of Maharaj Gunj is famous for the wholesalers. If you want to buy anything in bulk this could be the perfect place for shopping.
One more thing that you would notice in Down-town are the bridges, although newly constructed bridges have taken place of the old wooded bridges, they maintain the elegance of the old city.
This place is perfect for the traditionalists, who love to explore the beauty of old monuments architecture.
How to reach:-
from the Srinagar Internatioanal Airport, it will take you almost 30 minutes to reach Shahr-i-Khaas.
If traveling from Jammu, this route will take you almost 8 hours, that is a distance of amost 268 km.