Srīnagar, India
Region: Jammu and Kashmir
Geographic Coordinates: 34.090000, 74.790000
Temperature Range: -5.0°C to 30.0°C (23°F to 86°F)
Climate: Cold winters and mild summers with significant precipitation throughout the year.
Population: 1180570
Language: Kashmiri
Srinagar is the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated in the heart of Kashmir Valley, On the banks of Jhelum River, Surrounded by mountains and forests. The city is renowned for its natural beauty, Serene lakes, Mughal gardens, Handicrafts and hospitality. One of Srinagar’s top attractions is Dal Lake covering an area of 26 square kilometers. It is a popular tourist spot with houseboats offering modern amenities like bedrooms and kitchens.
Mughal Gardens are another must-visit attraction built during Emperor Jahangir’s reign featuring terraced lawns adorned with fountains and chinar trees providing shade to visitors. Srinagar boasts many historic landmarks such as Jama Masjid built-in 1394 AD with intricate carvings on wooden pillars and brickwork designs on walls. The city offers traditional handicrafts like Pashmina shawls, Kani shawl or Jamawar shawl (carpets made up of silk or woolen threads), Copperware items like samovars (tea urns), Trays etc., Papier-mache products like boxes decorated with intricate designs using natural colors & woodcarvings depicting scenes from nature or mythology.
In terms of cuisine too Srinagar has much to offer – one can savor authentic Kashmiri dishes such as Rogan Josh (spicy lamb dish), Gushtaba (meatballs in yogurt gravy), Dum Aloo (potatoes cooked in spicy gravy) & Kahwa (traditional Kashmiri tea). Srinagar captures the essence of Kashmir – natural beauty, Rich history & culture reflected through traditional handicrafts & delectable cuisine making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience India’s best.
- Dal Lake
- Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi)
- Hazratbal Shrine
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Pari Mahal
- Wular Lake
- Jama Masjid Mosque
- Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden (only open in April-May)
- Dachigam National Park
- Hari Parbat Fort
- Tourism
- Handicrafts
- Agriculture (including saffron cultivation)
- Horticulture (fruit production)
- Service sector (including healthcare and education)
- The city was founded by King Pravarasena II in the 3rd century BC.
- The Mauryan emperor Ashoka visited the city in the 3rd century BC and built several Buddhist stupas and monasteries.
- The Mughal emperor Akbar annexed Kashmir in 1586 and made Srīnagar his summer capital.
- Jahangir, Akbar’s son, also spent several summers in Srīnagar and built many gardens, including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh.
- In the late 18th century, the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani invaded Kashmir and sacked Srīnagar.
- In 1846, after the First Anglo-Sikh War, Kashmir was sold by the British to Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu for a sum of Rs 75 lakh, making it a princely state under British suzerainty.
- Mahatma Gandhi visited Srīnagar in July-August 1947 to mediate between Hindus and Muslims during Partition but had to leave due to deteriorating law-and-order situation.
- Sheikh Abdullah became prime minister of Jammu & Kashmir after its accession to India in October-November 1947; he remained a prominent political figure until his death in September 1982.
- The Indian Army fought two wars against Pakistan over Kashmir – first in 1947-48 (which ended with ceasefire) and secondly in Kargil sector (1999).
- Several Bollywood films have been shot on location at various places around Srīnagar including Roja (1992), Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), Haider (2014).
- Dal Lake is a picturesque lake located in Srinagar that is famous for its natural beauty and houseboats.
- Mughal Gardens are a collection of gardens constructed by Mughal emperors, including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashma Shahi.
- Shankaracharya Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated on a hilltop that offers stunning views of Srinagar.
- Hazratbal Shrine is a revered Muslim shrine that houses a sacred relic believed to be the hair of Prophet Muhammad.
- Pari Mahal is an historical monument constructed during the Mughal era that now serves as a public park and garden.
- Hari Parbat Fort is an ancient fort perched atop a hill overlooking Srinagar with rich history and breathtaking views.
- Wular Lake, located near Bandipora district in Jammu & Kashmir, is India’s largest freshwater lake.
- Jamia Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir valley situated at Nowhatta area.
- Shankaracharya Hill- It’s also known as Takht-e-Suleiman or Throne Of Solomon which attracts both Hindus & Muslims visitors alike.
- Pather Masjid: Located near Kathi Darwaza area which was built during Emperor Shah Jahan’s period.
- Jammu and Kashmir cricket team: The J&K cricket team is one of the oldest and most successful sports teams in Srinagar. It was established in 1959 and has won several domestic tournaments over the years.
- Real Kashmir FC: Real Kashmir FC is a relatively new football club that was founded in 2016. Despite its short history, the club has already made a name for itself by winning several local tournaments.
- Shaheen Sports Club: Shaheen Sports Club is another popular football club based in Srinagar. It was founded in 1987 and has produced many talented players over the years.
- Young Star Cricket Club: Young Star Cricket Club is a local cricket team that was established in 1995. Although it hasn’t achieved much success at the national level, it remains an important part of Srinagar’s sporting culture.
- J&K Bank Football Team: The J&K Bank football team is one of the most successful clubs from Srinagar, having won numerous domestic titles since its inception in 1938.
Overall, sports play an important role in Srinagar’s cultural fabric with many young people aspiring to join these teams and make their mark on the national stage.
- Tulip Festival – A popular festival held in April showcasing the beauty of tulips in the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
- Shikara Festival – A unique festival that celebrates the traditional Kashmiri boat, Shikara, with music and dance performances.
- Kashmir International Film Festival – A film festival that takes place in June, showcasing films from around the world.
- Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Nooruddin Wali – An annual religious event held in September to honor a revered Sufi saint.
- Harvest Festival (Baisakhi) – Celebrated in April by Sikh community with traditional food and music.
- Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha – Two major Islamic festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm across Srīnagar.
- Navreh – The Kashmir New Year is celebrated on 1st Chaitra (March-April) according to Hindu calendar.
- Jashn-e-Chiragan – This festival is celebrated on 13th Rajab every year at Hazratbal Shrine where thousands of people gather to witness a special illumination ceremony of mosque’s dome & minarets.
- Ladakh Hemis Festival- It is one of the most famous festivals organized annually for two days during June-July period commemorating Guru Padmasambhava’s birth anniversary.
- Amaranth Yatra- It is an annual pilgrimage journey undertaken by thousands of devotees every year during July-August period to visit Holy Amarnath Cave situated at an altitude of 3888 meters above sea level.
Kashmiri Dishes:
- Rogan josh – a spicy lamb dish
- Gushtaba – meatballs in yogurt gravy
- Kashmiri pulao – a rice dish with saffron and dry fruits
- Dum aloo – potatoes cooked in yogurt gravy
Popular Restaurants in Srinagar, India:
- Mughal Darbar – known for its Kashmiri cuisine
- Ahdoos Restaurant – known for its traditional Kashmiri dishes and bakery items
- Shamyana Restaurant – known for its Indian and Chinese cuisine
- Lhasa Restaurant- serves Tibetan food
- Stream Restaurant- serves Indian, Chinese and Continental food
- Mughal Gardens – Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.
- Dal Lake – boating, shikara rides, and houseboat stays.
- Shankaracharya Hill – trekking and sightseeing.
- Pari Mahal – historic garden and palace complex.
- Dachigam National Park – wildlife sanctuary with trekking trails.
- Hazratbal Shrine – religious site for Muslims.
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden – seasonal flower garden.
- Badamwari Garden – almond orchard with a scenic view of the city.
- Nehru Park- picnic spot with a children’s play area.
- Wular Lake- bird watching, fishing and water sports activities like kayaking.
Note: Some of these parks/activities may have limited access or be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions or other reasons, so it is important to check before visiting them.
