Srinagar is one of the most enthralling and mesmerizing cities in the country.It is the summer capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.According to popular folklore and also mentioned in Kalahana’s Rajatarangini, “Kashmir Valley was a vast lake which was drained out by the venerable Kashyap Rishi and made habitable for humans.”

The Kashmir Valley is situated between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range which is around 135 kilometers long and 32 kilometers wide, with the beautiful River Jhelum flowing through it.The city of Srinagar was founded by King Pravarsena II around 2000 years ago.It was then a part of the Mauryan Empire which has the distinction of being the largest empire of the Indian Sub-Continent.

Buddhism was brought to the valley by Emperor Ashoka and thereafter Kashmir became a centre of Buddhist learning.The Hindu and Buddhist rule of the city lasted till the 14th century, when it was captured by the Muslim rulers including the Mughals.The Chinar Trees are the specialty of the Kashmir Valley and the Almond Trees planted in neat rows along the roadside give the city a beautiful look.

The walk along the banks of the River Jhelum leaves the visitor totally overwhelmed with the beauty of the place.There are nine old bridges on the river which join different parts of the city with one another.It is always a memorable experience roaming around the older parts of Srinagar.

Apart from the river and the gardens there are many more places which are a must see for the visitor coming to Srinagar.Srinagar is one of the most romantic cities in the world and a large number of people come here to spend some memorable time here.It is also a good vacation destination for families.Listed below are some of the major destinations of tourist significance:

Dal Lake: Dal Lake is one of the most significant places to be visited in Srinagar.It reflects the true Himalayan beauty.This is one of the most sought after lakes in the country.The main attraction of the Dal Lake is the Houseboat and the Floating Gardens.Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of nature by riding a Shikara which is the quintessential Kashmiri mode of transport on the lake.There is an island in the lake which is named as Char Chinar.Char in Hindi and Urdu means four and Chinar is the name of the Tree.If one can gather up the courage to visit Srinagar in the severe winter season, then there is no greater joy than skating on the frozen Dal Lake.Dal Lake has been shot in many a romantic Hindi film song, thereby making it a lovers’ paradise.

Mughal Gardens: There are three gardens which have been built by the Mughal Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan who had made Srinagar their summer resort.All these gardens are built according to the Mughal architectural style.The three gardens include:

– The Shalimar Bagh
– The Nishat Bagh
– The Chashm-e-shahi(The Royal Spring)

Hazratbal Shrine: The name Hazratbal literally means a Majestic Place.It is also called the Dargah Sharif.It is a Muslim Shrine located opposite the Nishat Bagh on the left bank of the Dal Lake and is considered to be the holiest Muslim shrine in Kashmir.Hazratbal contains the relic of Moi-e-Muqqadas, a hair from the head of the Prophet Mohammad.It is one of the most popular shrines in Srinagar, equally revered by Hindus and Muslims alike.

Apart from these places, there are numerous other temples and mosques which are worth visiting in Srinagar.One of the most important among them is the Shankaracharya Temple which is situated on a hill and gives a beautiful view of the city, dal lake and the surrounding area.

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Category: Travel
Keywords: Srinagar, Kashmir valley, heaven on earth, tourist attractions in Srinagar, Mughal gardens, dal lake