Srinagar – The Lake City

Srinagar – The Lake City

Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

	Overview of Dal Lake around Nehru Park

Kalhana, the author of 'Rajtarangini’, states that Srinagri was founded by Emperor Ashoka (3^rd Century 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. Laltaditya Muktapida was the most illustrious ruler of Kashmir in the Hindu period, which ended in 1339 AD. King Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-70 AD), popularly known as ‘Budshah’, was a great patron of Sanskrit. Akbar captured Kashmir valley for the Mughals, who endowed Srinagar with beautiful mosques and 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 Amrjtsar, and in 1947 the state of Jammu and 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 beauty of the valley that has attracted the Chinese, the Mughals and the British to it.

A view of Srinagar City - Polo view

Jama Masjid ,Srinagar

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

City Information

Area	105 sq kms
Altitude	1,730 m.
Temperature	Max	Min
Summer	29.5 C	10.6 C
Winter	7.3 C	-1.9 C
Rainfall	52.9 cms
Population	930136 (2001 Census)
Best Season	Throughout the year, though the winter months can be quite cold.
Clothing Spring and autumn	Light woollens.
Summer	Cotton/tropical
Winter	Heavy woollens
Languages	Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English.