Located on the far east of the Dal Lake. The first two gardens, the Chashma Shahi (Royal Spring)and Pari Mahal are to the right of the famous Boulevard Road that circles the Dal Lake. A crystal spring bubbles out of a stone vase at Chashma Shahi. The two larger gardens, Nishat and Shalimar are located much farther down the Boulevard. This is Kashmir at its royal best with the beauty enhanced by the backdrop of lake and mountain and carefully sited for the best views of both.

Nishat Bagh is another lovely garden with its 12 terraces representing the 12 signs of the zodiac, which descend gradually and seem to almost merge into the lake. With its flowerbeds, trees, fountains, the Nishat presents a dramatic sight. It has an impressive plantation of huge Chinar trees on the highest terrace planted by perhaps the great Mughals themselves.

Shalimar Bagh has an air of seclusion and repose, and its rows of fountains and shaded trees seem to recede towards the snowcapped mountains. One of the attractions is the Black Pavilion, meant for the ladies of the court, set well to the back of the highest of its three terraces. It is more famous because of the celebrated romance between its builder, Emperor Jehangir and his queen Noorjahan.

Gulmarg (2730 m) - located 52 km southwest of Srinagar is this huge cup shaped meadow, ringed by pine forests, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells. The name means 'Meadow of Flowers' and in the spring it is just that. All round are the snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Nanda Parbat in one direction and Srinagar in another. Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green 18 hole Golf course which attracts sportsmen in the summer just as its ski runs make it India's premier skiing centre in the winter. Very popular with the tourists is the Gondola Project for a fun filled ride of a most unusual kind. Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift (cable car) ferries tourists right up to a height of 3090 m from 2690 m at the base, through pine-clad slopes

Situated at 9,000 kms. above sea level, Sonmarg is one of the smallest resorts in Kashmir, lying in the heart of a gorgeous valley carved by the river Sindh.. Also known as "Golden meadow", this place gets its name 'Son' meaning golden, from the bloom of yellow crocuses that fill this valley in the spring. It can be reached by roads, which runs through the picturesque Sind valley flanked on one side by the densely populated slopes and many varieties of alpine flowers.

A gushing river is the highlight of this meadow, flowing down from snowy heights into the dense woodlands of firs and silver birches. Glaciers pour down from this stream from the Himalayas on to the many camping sites in Sonmarg. A thick forest cover of sycamore, alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine, Sonamarg offers adventure in the form of treks, sledging, angling, alpine skiing and white water rafting.

Sonmarg, on the Srinagar-Leh highway is approximately 110 kms from Srinagar and the road to Sonmarg passes through the famous Jawahar tunnel. Buses and private taxis can be hired from Srinagar.