Introduction:

Srinagar, arguably a city that embodies romance and beauty is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir; perfectly placed in the center of the Kashmir Valley. Srinagar literally meaning 'the city of wealth & abundance' in Sanskrit. Situated on the banks of the river Jhelum, Srinagar is surrounded by beautiful lakes like Dal, Nagin and Anchar, whose glittering waters reflecting the rays of the sun is a sight to behold. Its vividly vibrant & beautiful houseboats sailing along the scenic Dal Lake against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan snow clad mountains makes Srinagar a dream destination for every traveler.

Photo Credit: sandeepachetan.com travel photography

Destination Facts:

Location: Jammu and Kashmir, District- Srinagar
Altitude : 1,585 m (5,200 ft)
Area: 294 sq km
Temperature: (Summer 14 to 30°C) & (Winter 0 to 15 °C)
Languages spoken: Hindi, Urdu and English.

Getting there:

Nearest Airports: Named Sheikh ul Alam Airport, Srinagar Airport is an international airport. This airport is well connected and airlines offer regular flights from Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. The airport is placed just 15 km away from the center of the city.
Main Railway Station: To reach Srinagar by train, one has to reach either Jammu Tawi or Udhampur railway station. The stations are well connected with different parts of India.
Main Bus Station or Road: Srinagar is the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The city is well connected with major cities like Delhi (876 km), Chandigarh (646 km), Leh (424 km) and Jammu (258 km).There is good Bus service and Cab service available.

Distance of a few Major Towns from Srinagar:

Gulmarg- 50 km, Pahalgam-86 km, Sonamarg -80 km.

Eating Around:

Famous for Meat cuisines.

Places of Tourist interest:

Mughal Gardens:
The Mughal Gardens With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors' concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions. The beauty of these gardens is at their best during spring but the Mughal structure of these gardens lends them a unique sense of beauty even when the flowers are not blossoming.

Hazratbal Mosque :
The Hazratbal Shrine is a Muslim shrine in Hazratbal, Srinagar. It contains a relic, the Moi-e-Muqqadas, believed by many Muslims of Kashmir to be a hair of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The name of the shrine comes from the Urdu word Hazrat, meaning respected, and the Kashmiri wordbal, meaning place. Thus it means the place which is given high regards and is respected among the people.The shrine is situated on the left bank of the Dal Lake, Srinagar and is considered to be Kashmir's holiest Muslim shrine.

Hazratbal Mosque

Jamia Masjid :
Jamia Masjid is a mosque in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. The Jamia Masjid of Srinagar is situated at Nowhatta, in the middle of the old city. The attractions of the Jamia Masjid of Srinagar, Kashmir include beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture, a magnificent courtyard and 370 wooden pillars. Another feature of the mosque is the peace and tranquility inside it, standing out against the hustle of the old bazaars around it. Thousands of Muslims assemble at the mosque every Friday to offer their prayers.

Shankaracharya Temple:
The Shankaracharya Temple also known as the Jyesteshwara temple or Pas-Pahar by Buddhists, is situated in the Zabarwan Mountain in Srinagar, Kashmir. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is on the summit of the same name at a height of 1,000 feet (300 m) above the plain and overlooks the city of Srinagar.

Hari Parbat :
Hari Parbat is a hill overlooking Srinagar, the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the site of a Durrani fort, built in 1808. It has the famous Shakti Temple on the western Slope and Muslim shrines of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah on the southern slope. On the southern side of the outer wall there is a Gurudwara, which commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind.

Hariparbat Fort

Dal Lake :
Dal Lake, The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel". The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

Getting around the destination:

Continues Bus and taxi facility is provided to get around the destinations in Srinagar.

Shopping Areas & Entertainment:

White embroidered bags shawls, kurtas, and other fabric related stuff. Kashmir Arts,

Best time to visit:

May to November is the best time to visit Srinagar as the climate is pleasant. During winter, it gets extremely cold.

Festivals:

Navroz festival is celebrated by the Shia Muslims in Srinagar amidst feast, frolic and merriment.
Ramzan is another popular festival that is celebrated here with great fervor.