Srinagar - श्रीनगर

'Paradise on Earth'. Srinagar is the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar bears the hallmark of the Mughals. It's a city full of intriguing alleyways and curious buildings. It offers the spectacular sights of the lovely lakes and the houseboats on them. The dry fruits and the traditional Kashmiri handicrafts are the other major attractions of the hill resort. From times immemorial, Srinagar was called the 'Paradise on Earth'. 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 Jhelum River.

Scenic Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir state sprawls elegantly on both sides of the river Jhelum. According to Kalahana, the author of 'Rajatarangini', this city of lakes and gardens was originally named as Srinagari and was founded by emperor Ashoka (3rd century BC). The present town was established by pravarasena II and finds mention in the travelogues of Hiuen Tsang. Persian influence over the city's art and culture was introduced by the Afghan Badshah, Zain-Abidin (1420-70). But, most of the city's formal beauty and its fine mosques are a result of the patrinage procided by the Mughal rulers. Srinagar was the summer resort of the Mughals, who built gorgeous gardens with fountains, waterways, pavillions and terraces places between groves of chinar and willow.