Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Considered the crown jewel of the region and the centrepiece of tourism, it lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus river.it is known for the world-famous, Dal and Anchar lakes, as well as Mughal Gardens, and numerous monuments. natural environment, gardens, waterfronts, the gondola-type rowboats called shikara, and houseboats. Also called a city of bridges with numerous bridges connecting the 2 parts of the city across Jhelum.
Lal Chowk is considered the centre of the town. According to documented history, the great Mauryan king Ashoka established the old city of Srinagar and named it Puranadhisthan (now Pandrethan) The extension of Ashoka’s rule, led to spread of Buddhism in the valley. Later Emperor Kanishka reinforced the spread of Buddhism. There are numerous places worth visiting in and around Srinagar.
Hokersar is a wetland situated near Srinagar, that is visited by thousands of migratory birds traversing between Siberia and other warmer regions in the world during winter season, making it a birdwatchers paradise. It is a nice place to see brahminy duck, tufted duck, gadwall, garganey, greylag goose, mallard, common merganser, and many more. the city experiences harsh winter when snow blankets the entire city and the Dal along with other water bodies freezes. Tourism is the most important contributor to the city’s economy.
Srinagar is also known globally for the magnificent Mughal gardens, laid by various Mughal emperor. These include ChashmaShahi (the royal fountains); PariMahal (the palace of the fairies); Nishat Bagh (the garden of spring);Shalimar Bagh; Naseem Bagh. Beautifully decorated wiater fountain and other ornate decorations these are must-visit for tourist visiting Kashmir. Also worth visiting is the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden is a botanical garden set up in 1969.
The city is famed for many iconic buildings such as the Sher Garhi Palace which houses administrative buildings of the state government,.Gulab Bhavan palace, now called Lalit Grand Palace hotel. Other building worth visiting include Hazratbal, and the Shankaracharya Temple, the Kheer Bhawani Temple, as well as Jama Masjid, Khanqah-e-Moula, Aali Masjid, Sharika Mata temple, Zeashta Devi Shrine, Shankaracharya temple, Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi, Pathar Masjid, All Saints Church, and Holy Family Catholic Church Well connected by rail, road and air it is home to numerous educational institutes that attract students from across India.
Srinagar is the staging point to visit Leh, Ladakh, kargil, Dras, Pahalgam, Dachigam National Park, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Baramulla. Srinagar, located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1730 m above sea level is often called Venice of the East, Its beautiful picturesque Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes lines of Chinar trees, has fascinated visitors for centuries. Tulip gardens are also a must visit place. The city is also a must-visit place for adventurous seekers interested in hiking, horse riding, mountain bikking paragliding and rafting.
Tourist visiting the city must buy souvenir like traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, paper-mache products, Kashmiri shawls, woollens, apples and dried fruits. Also, worth buying are carpet, silk products, silverware, copperware, leatherworking, and woodcarving. Kashmiri cuisine is famous all over the globe, or its taste especially non vegetarian dishes. So when visiting Srinagar, trying out the local dishes, known for their unique fragrant spices, is a must. Many restaurants sell these at reasonable prices. Besides houseboats there are numerous hotels, lodges and guesthouses that provide luxurious, mid range and budget accommodation to tourists. however, due to prevailing conditions of unrest, tourist must check about prevailing conditions before visiting the city
