SRINAGAR

• LOCATION : 876 Kilometres North of Delhi.
• ESTABLISHED BY : Praversena ­ II Over 2,000 Years Ago.
• POPULAR AS : Summer Capital of Jammu and Kashmir, City of Lakes and bridges.
• MAJOR ATTRACTIONS : Dal Lake, Houseboats, Mughal Gardens, Wazan (Kashmiri Cuisine), Sufi Shrines, Temples, Tulips, Adventure and list goes on.

Srinagar is positioned in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 meters above sea level, spread on both sides of the Jhelum River. The Dal Lake and NaginLake enhance its charming setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

Srinagar is the central to Kashmir valley. Valley’s commercial hub, Lal-chowk lies in its centre. The market of the Lal-Chowk keeps remains bustling round the year. It is a shopper’s paradise, where you can get literally anything. Unique Cashmere handicrafts, Carpet Shawls, Designed cloths and other typical Kashmiri articles are available here.

The only Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) is located just a km away from main Lal-chowk, near the famous Zero Bridge.

Kalhana, the author of 'Rajtarangini states that Srinagri was founded by Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century before BC). The present city of Srinagar was founded by Pravarasena-II, and Hiuen Tsang, who visited Kashmir in 631 AD, found it at the same site as it is today. LaltadityaMuktapida was the most illustrious leader of Kashmir in the Hindu period, which finished in 1339 AD. Great KingZain-ul-Abidin (1420-70 AD), popularly known as Budshah, The famous Tomb on river banks is also spelled as Badshah Tomb. Badshah was great patron of Sanskrit. Akbar captured Kashmir vale for the Mughals, who gifted city with beautiful mosques (Jamamasjid) and gardens (Mughal Gardens). The Sikhs overthrew the last Muslim ruler in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1819. In 1846 the Dogras secured the sovereignty of Kashmir from the British under the Treaty of Amritsar, and in 1947 the state of Jammu Kashmir with Srinagar as its capital, became part of the Indian Union.

Today Srinagar is a resort for the tourist who can experience, at first hand, the peculiar exquisiteness of the valley that has attracted the Chinese, the Mughals and the British too.

Its waterways with their own quaint lifestyle, the unique Houseboat, the blossoming gardens, water sports activities, shopping for lovingly hand-crafted souvenirs and the close at hand resorts make it a cherished spot among those looking for a memorable travel.

Srinagar is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the top tourist places in Kashmir. It is located in the centre of the Kashmir valley at 1585 metres above sea level. It is situated on the banks of river Jhelum. There are number of tourist attractions in the region including Mughal Gardens, Hills, Shrines, historical Mosques,temples, lakes, houseboats and handicrafts. Houseboats and leisure-rides in Shikaras(Flat-bottomed boats with a cloth canopy) add to the charm of the lakes.You must stay in the beautiful houseboats on the lakes to catch the true pleasure of yourcitytour. Equipped with advanced facilities and earnest hospitality, the houseboats are ideal dwelling for the tourists.Antique wooden mosques and other religious placesare some of the main luresof Srinagar sightseeing.

The major places for sightseeing are:

Places to visit in Srinagar

• Hazratbal Shirne
• Shankaracharya Temple
• Khanqah-e-Molla
• Jama Masjid
• Cheshma Shahi and Pari Mahal
• Nishat Garden
• Shalimar Garden
• Dal Lake
• Nagin Lake

Srinagar City Information

Temperature Summer Winter	Max        Min 29.5 C     10.6 C 7.3 C       1.9 C
Rainfall	52.9 cms
Best Season	Throughout the year
Clothing	Spring and autumn Light woolens
Population	930136 (2001 Census)
Languages	Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English