Srinagar summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, city lies along bank of Jhelum river at an elevation of 5200 feet. Srinagar needs no introduction as a tourist attraction in India. Perched in between snowcapped mountains and pristine Jhelum flowing across city, it has left remarkable imprints on several hearts. Srinagar means “City of sun” , it has lofty forests and several wooden bridge to cross spanning Jhelum. Food, natural environment, gardens, culture, shikaras, lake and endless shopping list, Srinagar has a big bucket list to tick. It indeed is a small paradise on earth. 

HISTORY 

History of Jammu and Kashmir is not unknown to many. Srinagar was ruled by several kings and dynasties. Mughal ruled Srinagar until their last king Aurangzeb died. Afterwards it was ruled by  Durrani kings until in 1814 Sikh king Maharaj Ranjit came into ruling. When British Raj came to India it was considered as a princely states. After 1947 it became a part of India and region fell as disputed land between India and Pakistan. Since then it has been politicized by activists and separatist leading to several protests and strikes in the city. 

CULTURE 

Srinagar accommodates people from different religions and cultural background under same sky. Blend of kashmiri pandits and kashmiri muslims ( Shias nd Sunni ), Srinagar is altogether a different land on earth. Due to ruled by several kings their lineage has resided here harmoniously. Traditional outfit for men are skullcaps, salwar, churidar and gurgabi while women wear Phiran and salwar kameez. 

SRINAGAR CUISINE

Rice, Rishta, Seekh Kababs, Tabak Maz, Roganjosh, Yakhni, Kanti, Gushtaba, Burek, Hakh, Wazwan, Kahwa, Kabab, Kashmiri Macchi, Danival Korme, Lotus, Potatoes and Peas Fried, Dum-Aloo, Chaman, Kanti, Kashmiri Pulao, Bakery Items, Sheermal, Nuts-Filled Kashmiri Naan, Bagerkhani, Shahi-Tukda etc. You can’t get enough of Srinagar food in one plate. It has so many varieties in cuisines that every household daily is filled with delectable smell. There are several cafes running on shikaras, must try this food with a mesmerizing view. 

SHOPPING AND HANDICRAFTS 

Srinagar will definitely satiate shopaholics with abundant offers. Famous for pashmina, dry fruits, spices, paper mache products, carpets and walnut products. Few buzzing market from where you can shop. 
• LAL CHOWK: One of the oldest market is filled with tourists. You can shop clothes, woolens, silver jewellery and copper utensils. 
• POLO VIEW: It’s best place to pick souvenir, hand made products, paper mache and Knick knacks. 
• RESIDENCY ROAD: Residency road is famous for selling almost every special item but it’s visited for dry fruits and spices. 
• FLOATING MARKET: Only floating market in India, it’s a tourist attraction as boats sell vegetable, fruits and flowers. 
• BADSHAH CHOWK: The main attraction for this sprawling market is kashmiri design carpets. 

FOLK DANCES AND MUSIC

Kashmir is not only rich in nature it is a cultural harvest state as well. Folk dances and music are integral part of Srinagar. They are performed on several occasions and festivities. 
Kud dance, Dumhal dance, Rouf dance, Bhand Pather, Bachs Nagma, Bhand Jashan, Hafiza Dance and Wuegi-Nachun are few famous dance forms of Srinagar. From crop harvesting, weddings, state functions and even on national platform these performed with utter grace and fervour. 
Sufiana kalam and Chakri are sufi and soothing music which can make you swing in heaven. Known for its calmness and peace there are several musical nights organized in Srinagar. 

STAY IN SHIKARA 

A slice of heaven on earth Srinagar can be captivated by staying in a shikaran for a day. Indulge in this must tourist activity to entice your nature appraisal enthusiast. There are many guides and operators who can book a shikara for you on Dal lake and other water bodies in Srinagar. 

PLACES TO VISIT

• DAL LAKE: Defined as “The Jewel of Srinagar” Dal lake spread across area of 26 km. It is prime tourist sight in Srinagar. Lofty mountains, pristine water and floating colorful shikaras, it all makes it a spellbinding sight of nature. Floating market and cafes makes it more intriguing for tourists. 
• NISHAT BAGH: Located near Dal lake it is the second largest garden in Srinagar. Mughal architecture and water channels are a bliss to be sighted. It’s popularly known as “Garden of Bliss”. Talk chinar trees and sprawling lush green garden, divided in two halves, you can catch Dal lake and Zabarwan garden at the backdrop. 
• SHALIMAR BAGH: Popularly known as “ Crown of Srinagar” this is largest mughar garden. A major tourist attraction in city garden is filled with chinar trees and exquisite architecture makes it scintillating sight. It was built by Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan as a token of love. Trimmed garden, exemplary craftsmanship and scintillating dal lake view, it’s a sight to behold. 
• CHAR CHINAR: Char chinar is a small island in between Dal lake. Chinar trees stand tall on all four sides, it was constructed by Murad Baksh brother emperor of Aurangzeb. During your right to shikara you can explore this island. It also has two other islands which consist of chinar trees as it is Characteristic of Kashmir.
• INDIRA GANDHI MEMORIAL TULIP GARDEN: Indira Gandhi e memorial tulip garden is the largest tulip garden in Asia. initially known as Model Floriculture Garden, It is set right besides scintillating Dal lake. Tulip festival organized in the month from March to May  is the major attraction for tourists flocking all across world. It has 48 varieties of flowers. 
• WULAR LAKE: Largest freshwater lake in India, Wular lake is another unparalleled beauty in this slice of heaven. A major picnic spot for water activities like boating and skiing. Don’t miss dusk near this lake, sun setting and rays falling all across lake turning it’s water red. 
• CHASHME SHAHI: Mughal bestowed kashmir with several architectural monuments. Another garden known for its intricate architecture is Chashme Shahi. Centralized pool of water, aligned side passage and hues of flowers, it can be captured from March to November. 
• HAZRATBAL MOSQUE: Snow capped mountains, Pristine water of Dal lake and captivating white sacred shrine Hazratbal mosque, you should definitely capture it in a frame. Believed to be a sacred hair of prophet Mohammed hair, this place held a high devotion and most revered place of Muslims. 
• NIGEEN LAKE: If you are an ardent nature enthusiast don’t miss out on Nigeen lake. It is renowned for its scintillating view of pristine water and surreal mountains. It has amazing view for dawn and dusk. 
• BARAMULLA: A small town located near Srinagar, is gaining popularity among tourists for its unmatched beauty. Sprawling fields, landscaping Himalaya and gushing Jhelum river makes it a surreal place to bewilder you. Don’t miss to hone your photography skills. 
• PARI MAHAL: As name suggest fairies garden is an Islamic architectural beauty famous for its trimmed and planned gardens and fruit plantation. It is located near Chashme Shahi gardens and is believed to be abode of fairies. 
• YUSMARG: Srinagar can make you fall in love all over again. One such place is Yusmarg, a calmest place in Srinagar. Situated around 45 kilometers from city it is famous from trekking. Pristine Jhelum water and calming nature makes it a place for lovebirds. 
• BURZHAMA RUINS: An excavation site where several relics and fossils have been found. It is about 11 km from city centre, it has skeletons, dwelling pits, pottery and mudb brick houses. 
• SHANKARACHARYA TEMPLE: Perched on top of Shankaracharya hills, it’s one of the most revered temple of Hindus in Srinagar. It’s devoted to lord Shiva and is one the oldest hindu temple in town. It has tranquilizing and scintillating view of snow clad mountains of Par Pinjar lake. 
• SALIM ALI NATIONAL PARK: Indulge in some exploring fauna and flora species. Endanger species like mangrove and birds this is spread for around 12 km. 
Srinagar is a place which will keep calling you back. You will keep yearning to go back and not relinquish on this heaven of earth. 

HOW TO REACH 

• AIRPORT: Sheikh-Ul-Alam international airport in Srinagar is located just 11 km from city. Easiest and hassle free way to reach. 
• RAILWAY: Srinagar doesn’t have a functional junction. Hence nearest is Jammu railway station. You can take a train to baramulla or hire a cab from station.
• ROADS: Srinagar connects only via Jammu national highways 44. You can travel by car or bus via Jammu. But in rainy and Winter seasons road is blocked by landslides and snow. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT: 

April to October is the best time to visit this mesmerizing valley. 
• SUMMER: Temperature varies from  10°c to 25°c (welcoming climate) 
• RAIN: Temperature varies from 12°c to 15°c ( Not heavy rainfall) 
• WINTERS: Temperature varies from -4°c to 10°c ( SnowfLl and Unbearably cold)