History

Srinagar is the city for beauty and Romance. The meaning of the name is “ The city of abundance and Wealth” according to the Sanskrit language. King Pravarasen II founded Srinagar around 150 AD. Srinagar is located on river Jhelum’s Banks. it has a number of mesmerizing Lakes like Nagin, Anchar, and Dal. Their beautiful sight is a memory that you shall cherish forever. The snow covered mountains, houseboats sailing through the Dal lake Makes this destination quite a dream for travelers.

It attracts tourists from all over the world to come experience the summer greenery, stunning sight of snow covered mountains, Dal Lake and its Shikaras. If you are planning a trip toSrinagar then you must ensure a stay on the shikara that sails through the largest lake, Dal Lake.

It is not only famous for its beauty and romanticism but also is a significant pat of India’s Ancient History. Excavation carried out here has discovered the proof of ancient settlements which date back 5000 years. Srinagar Museum has an extravagant collection of artifacts that have exclusive historical importance.

How To Reach

By Air

Srinagar’s domestic airport links it with various significant cities of India like Mumbai, kolkata, Delhi, Shimla etc. international travelers take a flight from Delhi to Srinagar.

By Train

Jammu is around 290 kilometers away from Srinagar and has the closest railway station to Srinagar. Jammu railway station is connected with many cities of the country. You can choose to take any of the direct trains from Chennai, Delhi, Trivandrum, and Bangalore.

By Bus

There are many deluxe luxurious tourist buses that you can opt for. Srinagar is connected to various important cities via bus like Delhi which is 876 kilometers away, Phalgan which is 96 kilometers away, Chandigarh which is 630 kilometers away.

Places To Visit

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is situated 48 kilometers away from Srinagar. Many uncommon and dying out Species inhabit here. The chief species found here are musk deer, hangul, serow, leopard, brown bear, red fox and black bear. It also has good population of upland birds and pheasants. The species present here are both migratory and resident.

Hari Parbat Fort

Hari Parbat, a Mughal fort positioned at the Dal Lake’s western side , crowns  Hari Parbat Hill. It is the creation of an Afghan governor, Atta Mohammad Khan constructed in the 18th century.

Hazratbal Mosque

The Hazratbal Mosque is located on Dal Lake’s western banks. It is found in Srinagar District’s Hazratbal village in Jammu and Kashmir. It is the most significant Muslim shrine of this state and is made of white marble. It is Srinagar’s only domed mosque.

Pari Mahal

The location of Pari Mahal is right above the Chashma Shahi Gardens. It is around 10 kilometers away from Srinagar. The garden here resembles our concept of a fairy land with beautiful flowers and different kinds of fruits.

Shankaracharya Mandir

The Shankaracharya Mandir or Jyesteshwara temple is a temple that is built in dedication to Lord Shiva. This temple overlooks Srinagar from the top of Takt- e-suleiman hill. It is known to have been built in 200 B.C.E

Mughal Gardens

The Mughal Gardens are three in number , namely Chesmashahi, Shalimar, Nishat. these gardens are famous for excursions and picnics. these gardens were the Mughal’s paradise. Spring is the best time to be visiting this miniature paradise. These gardens have cascading fountains, terraced lawns, bright and beautiful flowerbeds. You can also view the sight of Dal Lake from here.

Weather And Best Time To Visit

Srinagar is either pleasant during the summers or extremely chilly during the winters. If receives very rare rainfalls. Summers stretch between April and September with 33°C as the maximum temperature and minimum temperature of 10°C. the winters stretch between October and March with temperature going lower than 0°C. Winters are marked by heavy snowfalls. If you are fond of scenic beauties and mountains dressed in snow then a winter visit is advised although summers are also excellent for planning a trip to Srinagar. An ideal trip should be planned between April to October.

Language And Culture

The most popular languages spoken here are Urdu, English and Kashmiri Srinagar’s famous performing traditions are

Bhand Pather

This is a folk theatrical blend of dance and play that projects a satirical style. It mostly depicts evils and social traditions and is performed in different cultural and social functions.

Chakri

This is the most well known type of Kashmiri folk music. It resembles the Chakra of Uttar Pradesh’s mountaineous regions. In the past the musical instrument that were use to project this style of music were Sarangi, Rabab and Garaha. But nowadays even harmonium is used.

Sufiana Music

Sufiana Music has its origins in Iran and its beginning belongs to the 15th Century. Eventually it has developed into a form of classical music in Kashmir and has mingled with various Indian Ragas.

Srinagar has the peculiarity of having versatile, variegated and only one of its kind cultural blend, making it different from the other states of the country. It is not only unique and different as far as its heritage and culture is concerned but also distinct demographically and geographically. There is diversity of language religion and culture that exists together peacefully.this signifies India’s unity amonst diversity. Srinagar has an endless account of inspirational history.

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Accommodation

JKTDC has a capacity of more than 1200 room all over srinagar.

Festivals and Activities

Navroz Festival

The Navroz festival is celebrated by the Shia Muslims by way way of merriment, feast and frolic in Srinagar. This celebration stretches for nine days. For Shia Muslims this festival is mandatory. During these 9 days they visit friends and relatives to wish them Navroz Mubarok. Dishes like Kababs, biriyani and phirni are prepared for the celebration.

Urs Festival

Urs festival is kashmiri festival celebrated on death anniversaries of prominent Islamic saints, every year. Apart from Muslims Sikhs and Hindus also participate in the celebration of this festival. Collective participation of people from various religious faiths is what makes this festival unique.

Ramzan Festival

Ramzan is the month for fasting. Islamic calendar’s ninth month is the month of Ramzan. The celebration of this festival includes regular visit to the mosques and reading of the Holy Kuran. In this month the followers of Islam fast through the day and eat after sundown.

Hotels

Apana Ghar Guest House

Address: Khayan Road, Srinagar,

Category: Guest House

Tariff Rate - Rs. 100/- To 400/-

Hotel Broadway

Address: Maulana Azad Road, Srinagar

Category: Hotels & Accommodation

The Broadway Hotel is a government-approved 5-Star Hotel.

Tariff range is Rs. 2800-3500.

Phone No : 2459001-4 Fax 2459004

Himgiri Guest House

Address: Raj Bagh, Srinagar

Category: Guest House

Tariff Rate - Rs. 100/- To 400/-

Dream Palace Guest House

Address: Khayan Road, Srinagar

Category: Guest House

Tariff Rate - Rs. 100/- To 400/-

Get Around

There are many private buses that are efficiently connected to various tourist spots.You can choose to travel in an Auto rickshaw or a bus or a taxi at your own discretion. You can also rent bikes if you are an enthusiast. Auto rickshaw is the most common mode of transport in Srinagar. Traveling around this city will need you to exercise your negotiating skills.

Get Out

Gulmarg

This is a meadow blessed with mesmerizing Nature’s Beauty. It has beautiful flowers that freshen you up immediately you set your eyes on them. It is the most stunning place in the Valley. Gulmarg is meant for romance and adventure. Trekking and sking from the high slopes can be quite a memorable experience.

Anantnag

It has a number of religious places and shrines to worship. It is also called “The Land of the Saints”. Kashmir enjoys respect and loyalty from people of different religions.

Yusmarg

Yusmarg lies in Jammu kashmir’s Badgam district. The pleasant drive through the grassy pastures and the sight of stunning hills dressed in ice is quite unforgettable.

Shopping

Shopaholic’s joy, Srinagar has many items that you can buy. Pashmina stoles and Shawls, beautifully designed Kashmiri hand crafted carpets, royal spices like saffron and products made out of carved wood that is from either Walnut wood or Paper Mache are the specialties of this region. If you want the original authenticity and fragrance of fresh saffron you can visit the saffron fields in Pampur which is around 13 kilometers away from Srinagar. It is slightly costly but it is definitely worth the price.

Location Map

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