Srinagar
Srinagar
:
The
northern most state of the Indian mainland is rightly called "Paradise
on Earth". The sparkling rivers, placid lakes, gorgeous gardens
and indescribable beauty of nature in the state of Jammu and Kashmir leave you
completely speechless. Home to the unparalleled virgin landscapes of Kashmir,
Leh and Ladakh, a travel and tourism experience to this joyous state is an
unmatchable experience that will leave you feeling cleansed and pure.
The City of Lakes, nestles in the heart of one of the loveliest
areas of the country, the Kashmir Valley. Srinagar spreads out on the both sides
of the river Jehlum. The Valley's beauty has enticed visitors from distant
lands. Srinagar bears hallmark of the Mughals, splendid formal gardens laid out
by the Mughal emperors for their enjoyment are beautifully maintained.
Houseboats on the lake - the British solution to the law that prevented them
from owning property, are an exciting alternative to the more traditional
hotels.
Srinagar
is also a take-off point for some of the Kashmir's hill stations and a base for
a variety of activities that range from trekking and mountaineering to fishing,
golf and skking.
History
of Srinagar :
Kalhana , the author of the Rajtarangini states that Srinagar was founded
by the Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BC). The present city of Srinagar was founded
by Pravarasena II and Hiuen Tsang who visited the capital in AD 631 found the
city at the same site as it is today. Lalitaditya (AD 649-736) was the most
illustrious ruler of the Hindu period, which ended in 1339. King Zain-ul-Abidin
(1421-72) who was popularly known as Badshah was a great patron of Sanskrit. His
was the period when the Kashmiri Persian literature occupied an almost exclusive
place. The King was great lover of Arts and Crafts and even brought Artisans
from Iran to introduce Carpet weaving, shawls and other exquisite handicrafts
for which Kashmir is renowned all over the world.
Akbar captured the valley for the Mughals who endowed Srinagar with
beautiful mosques and gardens. Srinagar with beautiful mosques and gardens. The
Sikhs overthrew the last Muslim ruler in the reign of maharaja Ranjit Singh in
1819. In 1846 the Dogras secured the sovereignty of Kashmir from the British
under the treaty of Amritsar, and in 1947 the State of Jammu and Kashmir became
part of the Indian Union.
Places of Interest :
The Dal Lake:
The Dal lake and river Jehlum is series of interconnected
lakes
and waterways make Srinagar a visula delight. The Lake is an intricate
maze of waterways and open streches of water.
They are delight to explore,
especially in the little roofed boats called the Shikara's. Within the lake are
two islands which are popular picnic spots. Sona Lank ( Golden Island) and Rupa
Lank (Silver Island) both are also known as Char Chinar because they each have
four chinar trees on them planted by the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
The Nagin Lake :
The "Jewel in the ring" is the Prettiest part of
Dal lake. 
Crystal Clear,
spring fed, away from the humdrum of busy life. The
lake is supposed to be the best lake in the whole of Kashmir. Enjoy the
beautiful view of mountains around the vale of Kashmir.Apart from its beauty and tranquility, Nagin Lake is
an ideal place for surf-riding, water skiing, swimming and boating. Beautiful
birds can be seen in and around Nagin lake and even from the houseboats as well.
Shalimar Garden (Abode of Love):
The splendid garden with fountains 
and
a water channel was laid out by Emperor Jehangir for his wife, Nur Jahan ( Light
of the World) in 1616and was extended in 1727 A.D by Shah Jehan, also known as "Abode of Love". During the Mughal
period the top-most of the four terraces were reserved for the Emperor and the
ladies of the court. A nightly 'Son et lumiere' (Light and Sound Show)
brings alive its royal past. (Currently the Show is Suspended by the
Authorities).
Nishat Bagh (Garden of
Pleasure):
The Nishat bagh has a superb view across the lake
to the Pir Panjal. 
It
was designed in 1633 by Asif Khan the brother of Nur Jahan. This "Garden of
Bliss" with ten terraces has many carefully laid out flower beds and
magnificent lawns and commands a magnificent view of the lake and snow capped
Pir Panjal Mountain range which stands far away to the west of the valley. The
trees here and all around Srinagar are the Celebrated Chinar, originally
imported from Persia. In late summer and fall these mighty Chinar trees turn a
gorgeous reddish-golden color.
Chashma
Shahi ( The Royal Spring):
Chashma Shahi is smallest of all the Moughal gardens at
Srinagar. 
The garden
was laid in 1632 by Shah Jahan and build by Dara Shikon. Is is famous for the
natural spring, the water has a property of high digestion . The people from
various visit to cherish the natural water. The garden is terraced with
fountains laid right through the middle. The garden is host to multiple kinds of
fruit and flower plants.
Shankaracharya
Temple :
It is located at 1100ft.above
surface level of the main city 
on the Shankaracharya hill, 
also
known as Takht-e-Suleiman. The shiva temple, as Kalhana belives, was constructed
by Raja Gopadatya in 371 B.C.and as such is the oldest shirne in Kashmir. Dogra
ruler,Maharaja Gulab Singh, constructed stone stairs upto the temple. In
1925,the temple was electrifed. The temple, besides a prominent religious place
of Hindus, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a
magnificient panoramic view of the Srinagar city.
Jamia Masjid :
It is one of the oldest and the
most spacious of all the mosques in Kashmir,
situated
in the heart of the city.The foundation of the mosque, an architectural wonder. This
impressive wooden mosque is notable for the 300 plus pillars supporting the
roof, each made of a single Deodar tree trunk. The present mosque, with its
green and peaceful inner courtyard, was rebuilt to the original design after a
fire in 1674. The Mosque has had a chequered history: first built by Sulan
Sikander in 1385, it was enlarged by Zain-ul-Abidin in 1402 and then destroyed
by fire in 1479. Rebuilt in 1503, it was destroyed by another fire during the
Jehangir's reign.
Shah
Hamdan Mosque :
The shrine of Shah-e-Hamdan or
Khanqah-e-Moulla is one of the oldest muslim shrines in Kashmir situated on the
bank of the river Jhelum in the old city. Originally built in 1395, the all
wooden mosque was destroyed by fire in 1479 and 1731.has fine Papier Machie work
on its walls and ceilings. The present Mosque is shaped like a cube with a
Pyramidal roof rising to a spire and has fine Paiper Machie work on its walls
and ceilings.
Hari Parbat Fort :
The fort was originally built between 1592-1598
during the rule of Emperor Akbar. The present constructed by the Afghan
Governer,Atta Mohammad Khan(1808-10),on the top of the Hari Parbat or
Koh-e-Maraan hill. The architecture of the Fort is similar to that of the forts
in Central Asia. It is clearly visible from the top of Shankaracharya Hill.
Hazratbal
Shrine :
The Hazratbal Shrine, which is
situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar 
and
is just at a walking distance from Nagin Lake. This unmatched
reverence is anchored in the love and respect for the Prophet
Mohammad (Peace be
upon him), whose Moi-e-Muqqadas, (the sacred hair or Holy Relic) is preserved
here. The shirne is known by many names including Hazratbal, Assar-e-Sharief,
Madinat-us-Sani, Dargah Sharief and Dargah. Sadiq Khan,laid out a garden here
and constructed a palacial building, Ishrat mahal or Pleasure House, in 1623.
The construction of the present marble structure was started by the Muslim Aquaf
Trust headed by Late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah (The Last Prime Minister of Jammu
& Kashmir) in 1968 and completed in 1979.The Moi-e-Muqqadas is displayed on
various occasions related with the life of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and his four holy
companions (R.A).
RozaBal
:
The Rozabal shrine is located in
Khanyar, Srinagar and believed by the locals to be the burial place of Jesus
Christ !
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