The summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India is famous for beautiful scenery and cheap buys, and here are some Srinagar (Pauri Gahwal) shopping areas.

Lal Chowk

The Lal Chowk and the Polo View in Srinagar is the best place for art lovers to go. Here, you can find Indian art at its finest, with some of the youngest and most promising artists showcased in these galleries. Indian art, in itself, is very different from a lot of the mainstream art in the world today. Kashmiri art is more distinguished that many other art forms, shaped by the ongoing conflict that remains in the background of Kashmir today. Browse through the traditional Kashmiri paintings that are not so different from the ones found back in the olden days, and admire the artistry and skill of the painters, sculptors or wood carvers as they capture a piece of Kashmiri culture. Those looking for something a little more modern will not be left out here – the new wave of art has caught on in Srinagar, and many of the pieces showcase the creativity and vibrancy of the young generation with hope in their hearts for a good future.

Gulmarg

The famous ski resort and skiing area is popular among tourists for its rolling white slopes and the view of the majestic Mount Everest in the background during the winter season. Shopping is not left out in such a highly tourist populated area, and this is the cheapest place to pick up souvenirs to bring home. Postcards and key rings are popular and common, but those looking for something a little more exotic can bring home little handicrafts – particularly those with papier mache that the Kashmiri people are so proud of. Woven bracelets and bookmarks are popular among the ladies, and can be purchased at the gift shop located at the Gulmarg.

Markets

Markets are everywhere in Srinagar, particular during the warmer days of winter. With fresh produce and color everywhere, the markets are not to be missed by any visitor to this region. Take in the sights and smells of an outdoor market – stalls lined alongside a muddy road, with people trudging across the area looking for a bargain. The markets are the best places to taste some of the Kashmiri food, and the sweets here come very highly recommended. The water markets are good places for tourists to venture, with hawkers floating around the river in their little boats. Bargaining is encouraged here, and the price of goods can go down to as low as 10 percent of the asked price.