Srinagar, the largest city, is the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is in the Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River. The city is famous for its scenic beauty, natural environment, houseboats, waterfronts and gardens, and lakes, which are major tourist attractions. It is also known for its traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is also home to some of the most important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
History of Srinagar:
Some scholars translate its name “Srinagar” as “the city of Surya”, and others do it as “The city of Shri”,’ the Hindu goddess of wealth. Srinagar has a long and rich history. It was founded by the third Pandava King, Arjuna, who named it after his son, Srini. The city has been a centre of Buddhist learning and culture since the time of Emperor Ashoka and later became a stronghold of Hinduism under the rule of the Mughal Empire. In the 19th century, the city was conquered by the Sikh Empire and remained under Sikh rule until the arrival of the British in 1846. The British finally annexed the entire Kashmir Valley in 1857.
During British rule, Srinagar became an important administrative centre and a popular summer retreat for British officials. After the independence of India in 1947, Srinagar remained the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The city has witnessed several upheavals since then, including the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, and the Kargil War of 1999. Despite the turmoil, Srinagar remains an important cultural and economic centre of Kashmir.
How to Reach Srinagar?
Srinagar is the largest city and summer capital of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is well-connected to the rest of India by air, road, and rail. Here are some ways to reach Srinagar:
By Air: Srinagar has its own airport, the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara operate regular flights to Srinagar.
By Road: Srinagar is connected to major cities in North India by road. The National Highway 44, also known as the Srinagar-Jammu highway, connects Srinagar to Jammu, which is well-connected to other major cities like Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Srinagar is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is located about 290 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Srinagar.
Please note that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir can be unpredictable, so it is advisable to check the latest travel advisories before planning your trip.
Srinagar tourism:
Srinagar is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. The city is known for its picturesque setting, with the Jhelum River winding its way through the centre and the snow-capped Pir Panjal Mountains in the background.
Srinagar is also home to several important historical and cultural sites. The Mughal Gardens, for example, are a group of beautifully landscaped gardens that were built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in the early 17th century. Other notable attractions include the Hazratbal Mosque, the Shankaracharya Temple and the Gulmarg ski resort. With its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, Srinagar is an unforgettable place to visit.
Places Worth visiting places in Srinagar:
Srinagar has several tourist attractions, including the Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and the Wular Lake. The city is also home to several mosques, temples, and shrines, including the Hazratbal Mosque, the Shankaracharya Temple and the Jamia Masjid.
Dal Lake, Srinagar
The Dal Lake, spread over 15 km, is a lake in Srinagar. It is called the Jewel of Srinagar. The lake is also a popular tourist destination. It is the second-largest lake in the state, after Wular Lake. The lake is divided into four parts, each with its own distinct character. The lake is an important source of fresh water for the city of Srinagar and its surrounding areas. The Dal Lake is also a popular destination for water sports, such as boating and fishing.
Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar
Shalimar Bagh is one of the most beautiful gardens in Srinagar, Kashmir. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it in 1619 AD. The garden is spread over an area of 15 acres and is divided into four terraces. The largest one of the three Mughal gardens in Srinagar. The highest terrace is at the height of 40 feet from the ground level. The garden has several fountains, waterfalls, and ponds. The main attraction of the garden is the massive Shalimar Lake, which covers an area of 12 acres.
Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar
The Shankaracharya Temple, located in Srinagar on top of the Shankaracharya hill, is one of India’s most important religious sites. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shankaracharya, who is the founder of the Advaita Vedanta school of thought. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from all over the country visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the lord. Being atop a hill offers a stunning view of the city below. The temple complex also houses a museum, which contains a collection of artifacts and paintings related to the life and teachings of Lord Shankaracharya.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Srinagar
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is one of the most beautiful and largest tulip garden in Asia. It is spread over an area of more than 30 hectares and has more than 1.5 million tulips of different colors. The garden is named after the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, who loved flowers and gardening. The garden is open from April to May and is a popular tourist destination during this time. The Tulip Festival held here is the highlight that attracts tourists worldwide.
Char Chinar, Srinagar
The Chinar trees of Srinagar have been a source of beauty and inspiration for centuries. These stately trees, with their distinctive leaves and branches, are a sight to behold. The Chinar tree is native to the Kashmir Valley and has been integral to the region’s culture and history. These trees are known for their strength and resilience and have been a symbol of hope and defiance in the face of adversity. The Chinar trees of Srinagar are a living testimony to the strength and resilience of the people of Kashmir. In the face of difficulties and challenges, these trees stand tall and proud, a reminder of the hope and determination of the people of this region.
Pari Mahal, Srinagar
Pari Mahal Srinagar is a beautiful and serene place that is perfect for a day out. It’s also called the abode of fairies or the home of angels. The Mahal was built in the 17th century by Prince Dara Shikoh and was later used as an observatory by the Mughal rulers. The Mahal offers stunning views of the Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains and is a great place to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Srinagar. The main attraction of Pari Mahal is the numerous colorful flowers and exotic fruit plantations.
Nigeen Lake, Srinagar
Nageen Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Srinagar. It is situated in the heart of the city and is surrounded by willow and poplar trees. The lake is fed by the waters of the Jhelum River and is home to various fish. Visitors to the lake can take a boat ride or enjoy the scenic views.
Shopping in Srinagar
Srinagar is known for its traditional handicrafts, particularly Pashmina shawls, papier-mâché items, carpets, and rugs. Here are some of the popular places to shop in Srinagar:
- Lal Chowk – a bustling market in the heart of Srinagar, known for its wide range of shops selling clothes, jewelry, and handicrafts.
- Badshah Chowk – another popular market in Srinagar, known for its handicrafts and woolen shawls.
- Residency Road – a well-known shopping destination in Srinagar, offering a range of shops selling clothing, electronics, and handicrafts.
- Polo View Market – a popular market near the city center, known for its Kashmiri handicrafts, Pashmina shawls, and dry fruits.
- Floating Market – located on the Dal Lake, this market is known for its floating shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and jewelry.
- Zaina Kadal Market – a market located in the old city, known for its traditional wooden handicrafts, including intricately carved furniture and household items.
- Kashmir Government Arts Emporium – a government-run emporium that showcases and sells a range of traditional handicrafts from Kashmir.
- Meena Bazaar – a market known for its traditional Kashmiri jewelry and clothing.
These are some of the popular shopping destinations in Srinagar, offering a wide range of traditional handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry. Please note that bargaining is a common practice in most markets in Srinagar.
Schools And Colleges in Srinagar:
Srinagar is home to several prestigious schools and colleges, offering education in a range of subjects and fields. Here are some of the well-known schools and colleges in Srinagar:
Schools:
- Burn Hall School
- Delhi Public School, Srinagar
- Tyndale Biscoe School
- Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School
- Mallinson Girls School
- Sri Pratap Higher Secondary School
- Green Valley Educational Institute
- Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports
Colleges:
- University of Kashmir
- Government College for Women, M.A. Road
- Amar Singh College
- Sri Pratap College
- Islamia College of Science and Commerce
- Women’s College, Maulana Azad Road
- SP College
- Government Degree College Bemina
- Degree College Ganderbal
These are some of the prominent schools and colleges in Srinagar. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are several other educational institutions in Srinagar that offer quality education.
Restaurants And Hotels in Srinagar:
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its scenic beauty and local cuisine. Here are some of the popular restaurants and hotels in Srinagar:
Restaurants:
- Mughal Darbar – a popular restaurant serving Kashmiri cuisine, including the famous Wazwan
- Ahdoos – an iconic restaurant known for its Kashmiri tea and local cuisine
- Shamyana Restaurant – a restaurant offering Indian and Chinese cuisine
- Lhasa Restaurant – a restaurant serving Tibetan and Chinese cuisine
- Stream Restaurant – a restaurant offering Indian and Chinese cuisine
- Kehwa Cafe – a cafe serving Kashmiri tea and snacks
- Alka Salka – a restaurant serving Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine
Hotels:
- The Lalit Grand Palace – a luxury hotel set in a 100-year-old palace with stunning views of the Dal Lake
- Taj Vivanta – a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, overlooking the Dal Lake
The Mascot Houseboats – traditional houseboats located on the Dal Lake, offering a unique and tranquil experience - The Orchard Retreat and Spa – a luxury resort located in the scenic Gupkar Road area
Four Points by Sheraton Srinagar – a modern hotel located in the city center
Hotel Silver Star – a budget hotel located in the center of the city
These are some of the popular restaurants and hotels in Srinagar. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are several other restaurants and hotels in Srinagar that offer quality food and accommodation.
Conclusion:
Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the most beautiful places in India, situated in the valley of the Kashmiri Himalayas and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The city has a rich history and was once the capital of the Kashmiri kingdom. There are many historical monuments and buildings in Srinagar, including the Mughal gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to many traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, such as carpet-weaving and woodcarving. Srinagar is the perfect place to visit for those who love nature and want to experience the rich culture and history of Kashmir.