Thaindian News

By Afzal Bhat

Srinagar, April 18 (AN): The charm of enjoying a good time in Kashmir valley is being further enhanced for the tourists arriving here with the beautification of the historic Gupkar Road here.

Gupkar Road, just four to fivekilometers from Srinagar city, is one of the most beautiful thoroughfares flanked by forests, mountains and the Dal Lake. It has always been a thrilling experience for tourists to drive or take long strolls along this road.

Originally built in 1925, the facelift being offered to the Guptkar Road is bound to lend a fillip to the tourism industry.

The State Government has taken some good measures like widening of the road, renovation of footpaths etcetera to restore its old glory in the wake of tourist season.

“Now the work is in progress to widen the road. This is a good initiative by the Government. It should be done because it (the road) is an attraction. Whenever tourists come to Srinagar, they come here. We feel good after seeing the road because it has beautiful background, it has forest behind it and has Dal Lake in front,” said Bhupinder Singh, a resident of Srinagar.

The State government’s initiative for the Gupkar road is receiving appreciation by all here.

“The government has taken the step to widen it. It is a good step because it brings convenience for tourists and locals to commute. It has Dal Lake in front,” said Ghulam Nabi Khandey, another local resident.

At the time of its inauguration of the Gupkar road, Maharaja Hari Singh was the ruler of Kashmir. During those days, the road was kept prohibited for vehicles as well as for ordinary people. But after 1947, this historical road has been opened for commoners.

The other attractions like the Maharaja’s palace, known as “Taaley Manzil” and other things are still under good conditions.

A lot of tourists flock to the spot because of its historical significance and it leads towards Shankarcharya temple and Mughal gardens of the valley such as Nishat, Shalimar, Harwan, and Chesmashahi. (ANI)