| FACTS &
FIGURES
Population : 725,000
Languages : Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and English
Best time for visit : April–June
STD Code : 0194
THE PRIDE OF
KASHMIR VALLEY
Srinagar is the summer capital of the
state of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful
valley of Kashmir. Srinagar is famous for its lakes
and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them.
It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts
and dry fruits
LOCATION
Srinagar is located in the western part
of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region
of India. It is located in the Kashmir valley. River
Jhelum passes through Srinagar city. Srinagar is 876
km north of Delhi. The weather in Srinagar is alpine.
Summers (April–June) are mild and winters are
cold (November–February). It experiences heavy
snowfall in December–February.
VISITING TIME
The best time to visit Srinagar is during
summers between April and June.
THE PAST
The history of the Kashmir valley has
been turbulent. In the 3rd century bc, it was a part
of the great Mauryan Empire. Later on, this region flourished
under the rule of the Kushans in the 1st century ad.
It was an important Buddhist center around this time.
In the 6th century, it was a part of the kingdom of
Vikramaditya, the ruler of Ujjain. Local Hindu rulers
ruled it until the 14th century, after which Muslims
invaded and ruled it. Srinagar was a part of the Mughal
Empire in the medieval period. However, with the decline
of the Mughal Empire and the rule of the Pathans, the
fortunes of the area gradually dwindled. In 1814, it
became a part of the Sikh empire, when Ranjit Singh
defeated the Pathans. However, the British defeated
Ranjit Singh and according to the treaty of Lahore in
1846, they installed Gulab Singh as the independent
ruler of Kashmir. The descendents of Gulab Singh ruled
Kashmir under the vigilance of the British till 1947.
Hari Singh, the great grandson of Gulab Singh, merged
this princely state into India in 1948, when Pathan
marauders from Pakistan tried to overrun this state.
TOURIST SPOTS
The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar
is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on
earth. The Mughal emperor Jahangir was so captivated
by the beauty of this valley that he exclaimed “Gar
firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin
asto” (If there is a heaven on earth, it’s
here, it’s here, it’s here). There are a
number of tourist places in and around Srinagar.
The Dal Lake is an important tourist attraction of
Srinagar. It is located on the eastern end of the city.
The Dal Lake comprises of a series of lakes, including
the Nagin Lake some 8 km from the city center. One can
enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding
Srinagar from this lake. Travelers can enjoy taking
a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or the Shikaras
to explore the intricate maze of waterways of this lake.
The other major attractions of Srinagar city are the
well laid out Mughal styled gardens. The Shalimar Bagh
and the Nishat Bagh are beautiful gardens located to
the far eastern side of the Dal Lake. One can take a
stroll amongst these green and attractive gardens and
enjoy the waterworks within them.
The temple of Shankaracharya is another important place
to visit in Srinagar. Jaluka, the son of emperor Ashoka,
built it in the 3rd century bc.
SITES NEARBY
There are number of interesting places
to visit near Srinagar. Most of these places are located
amongst picturesque settings of the mighty Himalayas.
Apart from natural beauty, they offer a number of adventure
activities to the traveler.
Gulmarg is 52 km southeast of Srinagar and is located
at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level. In summers,
the meadows of Gulmarg are laden with flowers. In winters,
the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg turn into a skiing
resort, which attracts the traveler seeking adventure
and thrill. It is a popular trekking destination and
boasts of the world’s highest golf course.
Sonamarg is 80 km northeast of Srinagar and is located
at an altitude of 2740 m. It is set in a valley amongst
glaciers and placid lakes. The flower-laden meadows,
panoramic view of the lofty snow-covered Himalayan peaks,
and a number of trekking and hiking trails have made
Sonamarg a popular tourist destination.
Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar and is located in
the quiet Liddar valley, at a height of 2130 m. It provides
an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking
and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual
pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
SHOPPING
Srinagar is famous for its traditional
Kashmiri handicrafts. Craft items from Srinagar make
good souvenirs. There are also a number of utilitarian
items of daily use. Woolen and silk carpets from Srinagar
are a specialty; they are not only known for their highly
intricate decorations and patterns, which show a strong
Islamic/Persian influence, they are also renowned for
their durability and subtle colors.
Chain-stitch carpets from Srinagar are also popular
craft items. Travelers can purchase exquisite papier-mâché
items such as boxes, vases, replicas of samovar (metal
container used for heating water for tea), houseboat
models, etc., in all shapes and having bright colors
and designs.
The handicrafts repertoire of Kashmir is incomplete
without woolen shawls and woodcarving. Travelers can
purchase richly embroidered woolen shawls in all colors
and intricate designs in Srinagar. Apart from regular
woolen shawls, one can also buy Pashmina shawls made
from the hair of ibex, which are highly valued shawls
made in Kashmir. As Kashmir is the only state in India
where walnut trees grow, craftsmen here create intricate
carvings on walnut wood to make items like tables, chairs,
stools, fruit bowls, partitions, etc., that have rich
floral and trellis patterns carved on them.
HOW TO REACH
Srinagar is well connected by air with
Delhi. There is a daily flight to Delhi via Jammu by
Indian airlines (Ph. 452328, 450257). There are weekly
flights operated by Indian Airlines for Leh from Srinagar.
Srinagar does not have a railway station and the nearest
railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is 305 km from Srinagar.
However, it is well connected by road to important places
like Chandigarh (630 km), Delhi (876 km), Jammu (298
km), Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. The
main bus station is at Lal Chowk, which is the city
center. Travelers can use auto-rickshaws and mini-buses
to move around the city.
DELICACIES
Kashmir is famous for its cuisine. Kashmiri
cuisine can be divided into Brahmin and Muslim styles.
While the former is restricted mainly to households,
most restaurants in Srinagar serve the latter. One can
savor the traditional wazwan, an elaborate meal consisting
of meat dishes, vegetables, rice, and dessert. Gushtaba
(meatballs made of mutton), badam pasand (meat with
almonds), and Kashmiri pulao with saffron are some of
the main Kashmiri dishes. The Kashmiri people are fond
of tea. A cup of kahwah, or green tea flavored with
spices, can be used to refresh a tired body.
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