Srinagar (Summer capital)

Srinagar famous as the city of the Dal Lake is also the capital of the state. Situated at 1730 meters above sea level, the uniqueness of this city is its lakes and the houseboats and shikaras swinging on the water. The origin of Srinagar is said to be Srinagari founded by Emperor Ashok in the 3rd century B.C. The great Buddhist scholar from China also has written about Srinagar, as a beautiful city in the northernmost part of India.
A city of mixed cultures. The Hindus, the Muslims, and the Buddhist cultures co-existed peacefully in the valley. The British made their impact in the valley by building the houseboats that swing on the Dal Lake even today and are a major attraction of the tourists coming to Srinagar. These varied cultures have given birth to one unique culture which is Kashmiri. Srinagar takes pride in that culture.
The beauty of Srinagar is changing daily. In spring when the flowers are in full bloom the whole valley is a bed of flowers while in peak winters the white snow just shows the green pine treetops. As the leaves fall in autumn the whole of Srinagar wears a red-orange look which enhances its beauty.
The beautiful Mughal Gardens and long stretches of various lakes give the city a unique impact. Be it a ride in the Shikara, a stay at the houseboat, a visit to a temple or a mosque, the beautiful site of flowers beds, or ladies in Burkhas and men folk chatting over the Kahwa, Srinagar holds a beautiful surprise at every turn that leaves you enchanted.
Location: Situated in the northwestern part of this huge state, Srinagar has all the conducive elements to make it picture-perfect. Located in the heart of Kashmir valley and perched at the height of 1730, meters, Srinagar is surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas and nature.

Climate: Srinagar experiences all the climatic conditions. A beautiful spring and pleasant summer, a crisp autumn, and a chilly winter. Each weather comes with its own charm and is equally enjoyable.
Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, English

Long Distance Code: +91-194
Importance: The summer capital of the state and known as Paradise on Earth.
Area: 105 sq. km

Srinagar Attractions:
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in Kashmir built originally by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 A.D. Later it was added by his son. But the mosque was gutted down in fire not once but thrice and was rebuilt each time. But the massive original pillars made of pine wood were amazingly saved from fire and they still stand intact and look as good as new. The mosque is huge enough to accommodate 10,000 Namazis at one time.

Hari Parbat Fort
The Hari Parbat fort on top of the Sharika Hills is an ancient Hindu holy site. The wall around the hill along with almond orchards, which bloom in spring, was built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The fort above was added by the Afghan governor Atta Mohammad Khan in the 18th century. Today it is occupied by the Indian military.

The Dal Lake
The most famous lake in the town is the Dal Lake. It is not only famous for its slow flow of water but the beautiful shikaras those rows down the Lake virtually carry the whole town inside it. It is located centrally in the town and has many shikaras which give rides to the tourists on the lake. The floating garden and the market here are the prime attractions. Virtually a whole garden is seen floating with various kinds of flowers from roses to lilies and lotus to marigolds. Equally alluring is the market where one can buy almost everything. The attraction is that buying, selling, and bargaining is done while sitting in the boats and paddling by oars at the same time! The ride in these shikaras can be relaxing and tiring both at the same time
he Mughal Gardens
Srinagar has beautiful gardens. Gardens with step terraces, laden with flowers during spring and autumn, water fountains always sprinkling drops of water all around and the lush green surroundings with a carpet of soft grass and beautiful trees, including the Chinar. The sea gardens were actually developed by the Mughals who were attracted to this place during the long summers of the northern plains. They planted these gardens in a beautiful ambiance with great weather. The gardens brought the sweet smell of flowers and the chirping of birds. What different than this would the
Paradise be, they thought!
 The smallest of all the Mughal gardens but also the most beautiful of all is the Chesmeshahi. Built at a height above the city, it gives magnificent views. Equally stupendous is its layout with just three terraces in addition to a natural spring of water enclosed in a stone pavilion. The Nishat Garden encircles the Dal Lake and is along the road. It was built by Empress Noor Jehan's brother, Asaf Khan. Nishat Garden is the biggest of all. It has several terraces, a central water course, and a beautiful site between the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Hills. The majestic Shalimar Garden was planted by the emperor Jehangir himself. Jehangir is said to have loved Kashmir and Srinagar especially. The Shalimar Garden is full of beautiful Chinar trees and a series of water-flowing stone pavilions. The bright flower beds when in full bloom give an exotic touch to the pretty garden.
Hazaratbal Mosque
This beautiful mosque built recently stands on the old site and is the only one of its kind in the valley of Srinagar. The earlier mosque was supposed to be 600 years old. It is an elegant structure of white marble with a perfectly proportioned single dome façade and a single minaret. It is a typical Kashmiri architecture with a cone-shaped dome and overlapping terraces and the building is only compared to the magnificent Taj Mahal of Agra. The importance of this mosque lies in the single hair of the Great Prophet Mohammed that is enshrined here. It is open for public viewing only once a year in July for a few days.