Srinagar Overview

Srinagar - is the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley, on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits.

Etymologically Srinagar is composed of two Sanskrit words, sri (venerable) and nagar, which means “city”. One theory of the origin of the name is that a Pandava King Ashoka (not to be confused with the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka) built the city of Srinagari (Srinagar). Another theory is that Mauryan Emperor Ashoka founded the original city of Srinagar, then situated on the site of the present village of Pandrethan, 5 km to the north of the existing capital.

Private Coaches and taxis can be hired from Jammu Tawi to reach Srinagar. Srinagar is linked by the National Highway 1A to the rest of the country. J & K State Road Transport Corporation operates comfortable buses from Jammu. The Jammu – Srinagar road passes through majestic mountain passes, with fields stretching out to the sides and lined with towering trees. The journey takes about 12 hours and is a good tour in itself, though the highway is now fraught with militant attacks and Indian army operations. There is also a bus service from Srinagar to Kargil and Leh in summers.

Gulmarg - is one of Indiaa’s premier hill resorts. Historically a favourite haunt of emperor Jahangir, Gulmarg Today is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty – it also turns into India’s premier ski resort in winter. The famous shrine of Baba Reshi ,a highly revered kashmiri Sufi saint ,is another attraction of Gulmarg and is thronged by thousand of devotees all year around. The Gondola Cable car offers rides to the upland meadow of Kongdori and beyond to the top of Apharwat range to a height of 14000 ft for viewing the Himalays peaks in summer and for downhill skiing in winter.

Pahalgam - is situated at the confluence of the Sheshnag and the lidder streams. Once a humble shepherd’s village, it is now Kashmir’s premier summer resort, cool even during the height of summer. The resort is surrounded by many places of interest, the best being the upland meadow of Baisaran.hagan, on the way to chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for picnic. And Mamal, one of the eight tiny villages of Pahagam, has a 5th century shiva temple. Chandanwari 16 Kms from Pahalgam is the starting point for the annual Amarnathji Yatra held in Summer.the Amarnath cave, houses and ice stalagmite in the shape od a natural Shivling, which waxes and wanes with the Moon.

Mughal Gardens - Built in the era of the Mughal rulers of India, the Mughal Gardens is one of the splendid places in this city. Moving around in the garden, you will experience the magic of the Mughal style of architecture & design which is based on Koranic concepts of paradise such as the Charbaug. Due its magnificent charm, the garden lures the attention of a number of travelers from different corners of the world and makes a visit to Srinagar. One will find that the garden is a combination of three prominent gardens namely the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Gardens and Chashm-e-shahi.

Jama Masjid - The Jama Masjid at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city, is the other important mosque in Srinagar at which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers. Of imposing proportions, the mosque is built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars.

The hushed quiet of the mosque counterpoints the bustle of the old bazaars surrounding it. Originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD, and enlarged by his son, Zain-ul- Abidin, it is a typical example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt each time, the mosque, as it now stands, was repaired during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh.