Situated on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the famous Indus River, the city of Srinagar is a heavenly abode on earth with numerous lakes and large expanses of green valleys spread throughout. The Jhelum River runs through the city and the valley, emptying in the Wular Lake. The city at
Founded by the King Pravarasena II over 2,000 years ago, Srinagar owes its name to two Sanskrit words, Sri (meaning profusion and wealth) and Nagar, (meaning a city). Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the city was formerly a part of the Mauryan Empire, which once happened to be one of the most important empires of India.

This region prospered quite well under the rule of the Kushans in the 1st century AD. During this period, it used to be an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. In the 6th century, however, it became a part of the kingdom of Vikramaditya, the ruler of Ujjain. Local Hindu rulers ruled it until the 14th century, when Muslims rulers invaded and captured it. With the downfall of the Mughal Empire the fortunes of the area swung dramatically. In 1814, it went to the Sikhs, when Ranjit Singh got the better of the Pathans.

However, ultimately the British defeated Ranjit Singh and in accordance with the treaty of Lahore in 1846, they appointed Gulab Singh as the autonomous ruler of Kashmir. Later, Hari Singh, the great grandson of Gulab Singh, united this huge state into India in 1948, when the Pathan intruders from Pakistan tried to capture this state.

Best Seasons, Climate, and Clothing
The climatic conditions in Srinagar are mostly alpine. Summers (April-June) are gentle and soothing while the winters (November-February) are icy cold. During December-February it is blessed with heavy snowfall. Srinagar is best visited during summers between the months of April and June. You will need to carry heavy woolens while traveling to Srinagar.

Tourist Attraction
Srinagar, the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is acclaimed to be one of the loveliest places in India, in terms of natural splendor. Set in the picturesque Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1730 meters, Srinagar is a tourist’s paradise and one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. The major tourist attractions in Srinagar include its beautiful rivers and lakes, with rows of charming houseboats floating on them, magnificent blossoming gardens, and lush green woods.

Dal Lake:
The most important tourist attraction in Srinagar, the Dal Lake has, within its periphery, four enormous water bodies, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, Gagribal and Nagin. The lake is not a flat, continuous mass of water, but an intricate labyrinth of waterways, that constitute a spectacular sight and an amazing locale to explore.

Wular Lake:
The largest freshwater lake in India, Wular Lake lies about 32 kms to the northwest of Srinagar city. The lake is surrounded by high mountains on the north and north-east of the valley, which augment the scenic charm of the region. .

Shankaracharya Temple:
Located on top of a hill known as ‘Takht-e-Suleiman’, this ancient temple stands at an altitude of about 1100 feet above the surface level of main Srinagar city. The sacred temple can be visited only through a trek to the top of the hills.

Khanqah-e-Molla:
Also called Shah-e-Hamdan, this shrine is believed to contain "the secret of Allah”. One of the oldest Muslim shrines located on the banks of the river Jhelum in Srinagar city, the Khanqah-e-Molla exhibits exemplary specimen of wood architecture.

How to Reach
Located at the foot of the mighty Himalayas, the magical city of Srinagar lures tourists from far and wide with its stunning locales, magnificent lakes, tumbling rivers and lush green meadows. This treasure trove of beauty is famous for its picturesque lakes -- Dal, Nagin and Anchal, and the spectacular houseboats floating on them. Before planning any tour to Srinagar, you must be well equipped with all relevant information about transportation and access in Srinagar.

By Air: The domestic airport in Srinagar is located at a distance of 14 kms from the city and operates regular flights to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Several private and state airlines operate flights for reaching Srinagar from these cities. Take a taxi from Srinagar airport to reach the city centre, or you may rent a car upon arrival.

By Rail: The nearest railway station from Srinagar is at Jammu Tawi, about 293 kms from the city. Jammu station has excellent rail connections with almost all major cities of India. Once you reach Jammu station, board a bus or hire a car / taxi to proceed on a 12-hr journey to Srinagar

By Road: An extensive network of roads and highways connects Srinagar with the major cities in Jammu and Kashmir and northern India. Some of these cities are Chandigarh (630 km), Delhi (876 km), Jammu (298 km), Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. The National Highway 1A connects Srinagar with the rest of the country. Private coaches and taxis can be hired from Jammu Tawi for transportation and access to Srinagar. The Jammu-Srinagar road runs through grand mountain passes, with lovely fields extending onto the sides and lined with soaring trees. The journey takes almost 12 hours and makes for a pleasant experience.

Local Transport: You have several options at hand for transportation within Srinagar. Move around Srinagar in state transport buses, hire taxis or auto rickshaws, or simply pedal your way down the flat lands of Srinagar. Nevertheless, the most unique way to explore the picturesque locales of this charming city is by traveling in any of the spectacular Shikaras (boats), floating along Srinagar’s lakes.