Srinagar
Srinagar
History of Srinagar
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.
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.
The Land of Lakes and Gardens, as Srinagar is popularly dubbed, abounds in tourist attractions that lure even the most discerning traveler to this magical land. No destination is quite as romantic as Srinagar, no setting as spectacular as Srinagar, rightly termed the “Pride of Kashmir valley”. Explore the numerous tourist attractions in Srinagar, which throw up several delightful surprises that will remain etched on your memory forever.
