Srinagar is one of the country’s most fascinating and enchanting cities. It serves as the state of Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital. According to popular legend and Kalahana’s Rajatarangini, “Kashmir Valley was a large lake that was drained and rendered livable for people by the venerable Kashyap Rishi.”
Between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range, the Kashmir Valley is about 135 kilometres long and 32 kilometres broad, with the lovely River Jhelum running through it.
Srinagar was created roughly 2000 years ago by King Pravarsena II.
It was once a part of the Mauryan Empire, the greatest empire in the Indian Subcontinent. Emperor Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the valley, and Kashmir soon became a centre of Buddhist scholarship. The city was ruled by Hindus and Buddhists until the 14th century, when it was taken by Muslim kings, especially the Mughals.
The Chinar Tree is a Kashmir Valley speciality, and the Almond Trees arranged in perfect rows along the roadway give the city a lovely appearance.The stroll along the banks of the River Jhelum leaves the visitor completely taken aback by the area’s grandeur.On the river, there are nine historic bridges that connect various areas of the city.
It’s always a great experience to wander through Srinagar’s older districts.
Apart from the river and the gardens, there are several more attractions that a tourist to Srinagar must see. Srinagar is one of the world’s most romantic cities, and a big number of tourists visit to spend some unforgettable time. Additionally, it is an excellent family holiday spot.
The following are some of the most popular tourist destinations:
Dal Lake: Dal Lake is a must-see attraction in Srinagar.It embodies authentic Himalayan beauty. This is one of the country’s most sought-after lakes.The Dal Lake’s primary attractions are the Houseboat and Floating Gardens. Visitors may also experience nature’s splendour while riding in a Shikara, the characteristic Kashmiri form of conveyance on the lake. In the lake, there is an island known as Char Chinar.Char signifies four in Hindi and Urdu, while Chinar is the name of the Tree.
If one can have the courage to visit Srinagar during the harsh winter season, nothing beats skating on the ice Dal Lake. Dal Lake has been featured in several romantic Hindi cinema songs, transforming it into a lovers’ haven.
Mughal Gardens: Three gardens were constructed by Mughal Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, who used Srinagar as a summer retreat.All of these gardens are designed in the Mughal style.
The three gardens are as follows:
• The Shalimar Bagh (Palace of Shalimar)
• The Nishat Bagh (Palace of Nishat)
• The Shahi Chashma (The Royal Spring)
Hazratbal Shrine: The term Hazratbal means Majestic Place in Arabic. Additionally, it is referred to as the Dargah Sharif. It is a Muslim shrine situated on the left bank of the Dal Lake, near the Nishat Bagh. It is widely regarded as the holiest Muslim shrine in Kashmir. Hazratbal is home to the relic of Moi-e-Muqqadas, a hair from the Prophet Mohammad’s head. It is one of Srinagar’s most prominent shrines, worshipped equally by Hindus and Muslims.
Apart from these, Srinagar has a plethora of other temples and mosques worth seeing. Among the most significant of them is the Shankaracharya Temple, which is perched on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the city, dal lake, and surrounding area.
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