|
Srinagar (The Lake City)
| Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level spread on
both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the
salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year. Kalhan, the author of “
Rajtarangini”, states that Srinagar was founded by Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BC). |
|
| The present city of Srinagar was founded by Pravarasena-II, and Hiuen Tsang, Who visited Kashmir in 631 AD, found it at the
same site as it is today. Laltaditya Muktapida was the most illustrious ruler of Kashmir in the Hindu period, which ended in 1339
AD. King Zain-ul Abidin (1420 – 70 AD), popularly known as ‘Budshah’, was a great patron of Sanskrit. Akbar
capured Kashmir valley for the Mughals, who endowed Srinagar with beautiful mosques and gardens. |
The Sikhs overthrew the last Muslim ruler in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1819. In 1846 the Dogras secured
the sovereignty of Kashmir from the British under the Treaty of Amritsar, and in 1947 the state of Jammu and Kashmir with
Srinagar as its capital, became part of the Indian Union. Today Srinagar is a resort for the tourist who can experience, at
first hand, the peculiar beauty of the valley that has attracted the Chinese, the Mughals and the British to it.
Its waterways with their own quaint lifestyle, the unique Houseboat, the blossoming gardens, water sports activities,
shopping for lovingly hand-crafted souvenirs and the nearby resorts make it a cherished spot among those looking for
a memorable holiday
|
City Information
| Area |
105 sq kms |
| Altitude |
1,730 m. |
| Temperature |
| |
Max |
Min |
| Summer |
29.5 C |
10.6 C |
| Winter |
7.3 C |
-1.9 C |
|
| Rainfall |
52.9 cms |
| Population |
6,06, 002 (1981 Census), now about 10 lakhs. |
| Best Season |
Throughout the year, though the winter months can be quite cold. |
| Clothing Spring and autumn |
Light woolens.
| Summer |
Cotton/tropical |
| Winter |
Heay woolens |
|
| Languages |
Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English. |
|
|