Srinagar, being the most populous district of the state, is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.  The capital is shifted to Jammu city in the winter season. Srinagar is the largest city of the state. The famous Dal lake is located in Sri Nagar, which is a favorite destination of tourists. According to the census of 2011 it is the second most populous district of the state after Jammu. Lying on the banks of River Jhelum,  a tributary of the Indus, it is one of the largest cities in India wit Hindus forming minority community. The city is generally well-known for its gardens, lakes, houseboats, traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. It is also the administrative headquarters of Srinagar district.

Jhelum river is known as Vyath in Kashmir. The city is located on both the sides of the river. The river passes through the city and roves through the valley, finally converging in the Wular Lake. The two parts of the city on either sides of the river are connected by the famous nine old bridges. Hokersar, a wetland, is situated  14 kilometers north to the city of Srinagar, spreading over an area of 13.75 square kilometers. It is a favorite destination for thousands of migratory birds coming from Siberia and other regions in winters. Migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia use wetlands in Kashmir as their passing camps between the months of September and October and in spring season. These wetlands play an important role in supporting a large population of wintering, staging and breeding birds. Hygam, Shalibug and Mirgund are some of the other well-known wetlands in the region.

Srinagar History

The Treaty of Lahore was signed between the Sikh rulers and the British in Lahore in the year 1846. It provided the British de-facto authority over the Kashmir Valley. The Britishers made Gulab Singh the independent and sovereign ruler of the region. Srinagar became and remained part of his kingdom till 1947 as one of the many princely states in British India. Sher Garhi Palace was the main Srinagar residence of the king.

Post-independence, after the partition, certain tribes from mountainous regions of western Kashmir, with the Pushtun tribal entered the Kashmir valley to capture it. It was conspired by Pakistan.  India replied by sending in troops to the Kashmir valley. The Pushtuns were able to capture most of the parts of Srinagar. But they could not acquire Srinagar Airport. This allowed India to lift heavy  weapons and supplies by air and were ultimately able to control the city and its adjoining areas. The Pushtuns were pushed back. In the year 1947, Raja Hari Singh signed an agreement with the Government of India which ensured legal and binding accession of Kashmir to India under certain preconditions.

After signing of the agreement, defence of the city was strengthened further against more attacks. By now, the matter was sent to the United Nations. It imposed a cease fire under its authority. The successive events accounted for the division of the state, one being administered by India and the other by Pakistan. Heavy military troops are deployed in the city due to serious political unrest. There are frequent clashes between the Kashmiri separatists and the Indian military forces.   The most recent politically motivated tensions occurred in 2008 and 2010.

Srinagar Climate

Srinagar has a humid subtropical climate. The weather is relatively much more cooler than the rest of the parts of India. It is due to its moderately high elevation and northerly position. The valley is surrounded by Himalayas on all sides. The average temperature rises up to 10 degree Celsius during winters. The temperature remains below zero Degree Cesius in the month of January. Moderate to heavy snow fall is experienced in this season. The road connectivity of Sri Nagar with rest of India is cut off during this period. The average temperature during the summers is Summers 30.1 C. The weather is warm. The average annual rainfall is about 710 millimeters. Spring is the wettest season while autumn is the driest.

Srinagar Culture

Jammu and Kashmir is known for its multifaceted, multicolored and unique cultural flavor. Different cultural forms and heritage, geographical, demographically, ethical and social entities distinguish it from the rest of the country. All the three regions of the state, viz. Kashmir, Laddakh and Jammu possess diverse characteristics to form a distinct spectrum of diversity and diversions in the state. People practice various religions, speak many languages and follow diverse cultures. It gives a perfect glimpse of Unity in Diversity.  Kashmir is renowned for its art and architecture, fair and festivals, rites and rituals, seer and saints, languages and mountains and many more for ages. Kashmir has been the highest learning centre of Sanskrit and Persian languages where early Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourished and developed. In addition it has also been acceptance point of commencement of Islam introducing its fold finest traditions of Persian civilization, tolerance, brotherhood and sacrifice.

Srinagar Tourism

Tourist places in Srinagar
Hazratbal Shirne
Shankaracharya Temple
Khanqah-e-Molla
Jama Masjid
Imambara Hassanabad Srinagar
Chatti Padshahi
Cheshma Shahi and Pari Mahal
Nishat Garden
Shalimar Garden
Dal Lake