Srinagar articulation is the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. It is located in Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a stream of the Indus. The city is famous for its lakes and houseboats. It is also known for conventional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. It is also the headquarters of Srinagar district.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 plenty. Sri is also the name of a goddess Lakshmi of Hindus. A legend, as included 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 attractive 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 neighboring 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 custom.
The Mughal Gardens. With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them – the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors’ conception of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions. The beauty of these gardens is at their best during spring but the Mughal structure of these gardens lends them a unique sense of beauty even when the flowers are not blossoming.
Nishat Bagh Located on the banks of the Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop this ‘garden of bliss’ commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands remote to the west of the valley. Nishat was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan.
Shalimar Bagh the Moghul garden in front of the Dal lake built by Emperor Jahangir.
Hazratbal Mosque the white mosque is breathtakingly attractive but be careful, as women can enter only the first part of the mosque.
Ziarati Hazrati Youza Asouph, in the Khanyar area, about 150 meters NW of Dastgir Saheb mosque & shrine. This grave, also known as Roza Bal, is believed by some to be the grave of Jesus (part of the larger theory that he survived the crucifixion and made his way to Kashmir where he lived until at least the age of 100). It has been made popular by recent books such as Jesus Lived in India by Holger Kersten among others. It’s down a little side road – ask around, appealing much anyone in the area can point you in the right way.
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