The Jammu and Kashmir’s Summer capital more than 2000
years old in the heart of Kashmir valley spreads out on both
side of river Jehlum. Srinagar has been called the “Venice
of the Orient”
The quaint charm of Houseboats of Dal Lake, Nageen Lake and
Naseem Lake in Srinagar to stay is a MUST .The Houseboats are
having two Bed rooms, three bed rooms and four bed rooms with
attached bath, with dining and Sitting room also with
Sun-deck. Each houseboat is having the attendant who can
also serve the food. Explore lapping journeys on a Shikara
in the lakes, past floating gardens.
It is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and
Kashmir in India, and is situated in the valley of Kashmir. The city lies
on both banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus River. The
city is famous for its lakes and houseboats floating over them. It is also
known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is 876
km north of Delhi. The headquarters of the Srinagar District are situated
in the city.
The weather of Srinagar may be generally described
as alpine. The city has mild summers during the months of April-June, and
cold winters of November-February. The city generally gets heavy snowfall
from December to February.
The city is located on both the sides of the river Jhelum, which is called
Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the city and meandering through
the valley, moves onward and deepens in the Wular Lake. The city is famous
for its nine old bridges, connecting the two parts of the city.
Srinagar is the most pivotal centre of the economy of the Kashmir Valley,
and it has remained a tourist destination for centuries. The valley has
attracted rulers from the plains of India for centuries, and they traveled
to the valley and the city to avoid hot summers of the Indo-Gangetic
plains. The city remained on the itinerary of the Mughal ruling elite, and
several Mughal emperors and their consorts had visited the city, and
several Mughal gardens in and around the city indicate their close
association with Srinagar.
With the colonization of India by the Europeans, particularly the British,
the ruling elite as well as the rich Indians used to visit the city and
the nearby locations during summers to avoid heat of the plains; and
during winters to enjoy the snowfall.
The hinterland of Srinagar is the most populous part of the Kashmir
valley, and crops like wheat and paddy are cultivated for local
consumption. Orchids produce a number of fruits, particularly apples.
Another significant segment of the economy include handicrafts, weaving of
woolen shawls and dress materials, and woodcarving. Srinagar and the
surrounding areas serve as collecting points from where fruits and
handicraft products are taken to several parts of the Indian subcontinent.
Tourism is the most significant segment of the
city's economy. The city of Srinagar has been serving as a gateway to some
of the most scenic and beautiful places of the Indian subcontinent. For
decades, tourism has been contributing massively to the economy of the
city for last several decades, but it has been adversely affected on
account of insurgent activities by certain elements.
Srinagar is well known for its lakes. Dal Lake with
its houseboats is famous all over the world. Srinagar is a small and
beautiful city with a wonderful climate in the summer. Just outside the
city are found the beautiful Shalimar Gardens created by Jehangir, the
Mughal emperor, in 1619.
Houseboats were introduced accidentally to Kashmir: members of the Indian
Civil Service serving in the plains who vacationed in Kashmir were not
permitted to build permanent homes because of the then Maharaja's
suspicion of a British presence in Srinagar. They thus chose to live in
houseboats. The first such, named Victory, was designed by Mr. M.T.
Kenhard in 1888. There are now about five hundred on the Lake.
Srinagar has several gardens which are part of the several such gardens
laid by the Mughal Emperors across the Indian subcontinent, and which are
known as Mughal Gardens. The Mughal Gardens located in Srinagar and its
close vicinity include Chasma Shahi (the Royal Fountains); Pari Mahal
palace of the fairies); Nishat Bagh (the garden of spring); Shalimar Bagh;
and the Nasim Bagh.