Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. The city is known for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like Kashmir shawls and also dried fruits. It is the northernmost city of India to have over one million people, the 32nd most populous city in the country, and the second largest city located in the Himalayas, after Kathmandu.
Srinagar was ruled by the Mauryan empire till around the 14th century and it was emperor Ashoka, who had introduced Buddhism to the valley of Kashmir. The Kushans believed to have controlled this region during the first century who ruled over this place from their stronghold at Pakistan and Afghanistan. Even King Vikramaditya from Ujjain, ruled over this place before transferring the reigns of control to a nomaid tribe named Huns during the 6th century. One of the most terrified rulers of the city was Mihirkula who belonged to this tribe.
After the 14th century, the city came under the Mughal rule and was ruled by the Muslim Kings. This city was made the capital during the rule of Yusuf Shah Chak who was then tricked to death by Akbar who set up his dominion on the city post the fall of Yusuf Shah Chak. It was in the year 1707 that the Mughal dominion came to en end with the death of their last King, Aurangzeb and then Srinagar came under the reign of the Durrani Empire. This empire was the leader of the Pasthun tribe and they ruled on Srinagar for multiple decades. Raja Sukh Jiwan Mal was a soldier in the Afghan Durrani army who became governor and, later, the king (1754–1762) of Kashmir. It was in 1814 that the rule of Sikhs was established and Maharaja Ranjit Singh ruled over Kashmir. It was ruled by the Sikhs till the British Raj came into India. Till the year 1947 Srinagar was considered as a princely state in the British India.
Known for its natural beauty – Kashmir is referred as the “Paradise on Earth”. Sringar is the entry point from which you explore the other beautiful locations of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonmarg.
Top 10 Tourist attractions to see in Srinagar
- Dal Lake
- Nigeen lake
- Mughal Gardens
- Shalimar Bagh
- Chashme Shahi
- Nishat Bagh
- Dachigam National Park
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Hazratbal Mosque
- Floating Market