Picturesque Srinagar, set in the heart of Kashmir valley at
an altitude of 1,730 meters above the sea level is the summer capital of Jammu
& Kashmir state. This charming city of lakes and gardens also known as The Venice of the East, sprawls elegantly on both sides of river Jhelum, which is
crossed by seven bridges. The idyllic Dal and Nagin Lakes, linked by a network
of backwaters further enhances the beauty of Srinagar.
According to Kalahana, the author of ‘Rajatarangini’, the
city was originally named as Srinagar and founded by emperor Ashoka (3rd
century B.C.).The present town was established by Prabarasens II and finds
mention in the travelogues of Hiuen Tsang, the famous Chinese Traveler who in 631 A.D visited Srinagar. Lalitaditya Mukhtapida was the most illustrious
ruler of the Hindu period which ended in 1339.
Persian influence over the city’s art and culture was introduced by the Afghan Badshsh, Zain-ul-abidin (1420-70). But, most of the city’s formal beauty and fine mosques are a result of the patronage provided by the Mughal rulers.
Srinagar was the summer resort of the Mughals, who built gorgeous gardens with fountains,waterways, pavilions and terraces placed between groves of Chinar and Willow.
Persian influence over the city’s art and culture was introduced by the Afghan Badshsh, Zain-ul-abidin (1420-70). But, most of the city’s formal beauty and fine mosques are a result of the patronage provided by the Mughal rulers.
Srinagar was the summer resort of the Mughals, who built gorgeous gardens with fountains,waterways, pavilions and terraces placed between groves of Chinar and Willow.
For more information on Srinagar check out the post - 21 things to do in Srinagar.
