Srinagar , is the capital of the northernmost state of the Jammu and Kashmir that is situated in Indian Kashmir. It is situated in Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. The city is famous for its lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. It is also the headquarters of Srinagar district.
Origin of name Etymologically Srinagar is composed of two Sanskrit words, namely, Sri (meaning abundance and wealth) and Nagar, which means a city. Thus, the word Srinagar signifies a place of wealth and abundance. Sri is also the name of a goddess Lakshmi of Hindus. A legend, as incorporated in Nila’s Nilmatapurana, states that the Kashmir valley was a vast lake. A Hindu sage named Kashyapa drained out the water, and there emerged the beautiful valley of Kashmir. The city was founded by the King Pravarasena II over 2,000 years ago, and the city of Srinagar has a long history, dating back at least to the 3rd century BC. The city was then a part of the Maurya Empire, one of the largest empires of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the Kashmir valley, and the adjoining regions around the city became a centre of Buddhism. In the 1st century, the region was under the control of Kushans and several rulers of this dynasty strengthened the Buddhist tradition. Vikramaditya (of Ujjain) and his successors probably ruled the regions just before the city fell to the control of the Huns in the 6th century, and Mihirkula was the most dreaded ruler of the city and the valley.
From the ferocious waters of Pahalgam to the serene pastures of Gulmarg, everything about Srinagar will give you goosebumps, no matter where you’re looking at. Once you visit Srinagar, the first thing you do is close your eyes and breathe in lungfuls of the clean, fresh mountain air. The second thing you do is hire a houseboat and pay a visit to Dal Lake. Hills surround the most famous tourist spot in all of Kashmir, Dal Lake, and as long as your sight takes you, you can see the mountains reflected in the water. Taking a Shikara ride on Dal Lake is also a must-do activity. Bedecked with colourful rugs and carpets, these gondola-type rowboats take tourists to see attractions like the Floating Vegetable Market, and the Mir Bahris – a lively community of people who live on the lake itself. You can also spend a night in one of the houseboats, and wake up to a magnificent sunrise that will take your breath away. Dal Lake also offers water sports such as kayaking and skiing, for those interested.
