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Nestling in the midst of the great peaks of the Karakoram, Zanskar, and Pir Panjal ranges and at a height of 1,730 metres, Srinagar is a truly beautiful city. The summer capital (May - October) of Jammu & Kashmir and the centre of the valley, Srinagar has been eulogised by travellers, poets, kings and saints alike for its scenic splendour and delightful ambience. The Jhelum River traverses the city and serves as a lifeline for its people. Travel to Srinagar, as the place is renowned for its enchanting lakes filled with houseboats and shikharas set amidst forested mountain slopes and is an ideal place for you to spend your holiday.

A floating post office? Yes, its the first in the country and you will find it on the Dal Lake. Besides selling stamps and doing the regular stuff post offices do, letters posted from here carry a special design, which have the picturesque sceneries of Dal Lake and Srinagar city and these pictures reach wherever these letters are posted hence promoting Kashmir as a tourist destination across the world. How's that for smart marketing?

Unfortunately, because of the tension prevailing in the area now, it may not be safe to travel here. Foreigners are at risk and in the recent years have been victims of kidnappings. It would be wise to check with your embassy regarding travel advisories and travel restrictions to the area. If you do go, stay within city limits and do not venture out during curfew hours.

Historically Speaking

Long before our times, a vast lake filled the land of Kashmir, with a fierce demon living in its waters. The sage Kashyap, acquiring divine powers, drained the lake of its water. Goddess Parvati (consort of Shiva) then crushed the demon to death with a huge mountain, which still stands in Srinagar. Thus goes the story of the creation of this city of breathtaking beauty. According to documented history, the great Mauryan king Ashoka (1st century BC) established the old city of Srinagar and named it Puranadhisthan (now Pandrethan). With the extension of Ashoka’s rule, Buddhism spread in the valley. After him, the Kushana Emperor Kanishka reinforced the spread of Buddhism.

The modern city of Srinagar was built upon the ruins of the capital cities of several kings, including Pravarasen, Lalitaditya, Jayapida and Avantivarman. Srinagar became the seat of government of the Dogras when Maharaja Gulab Singh became the ruler of Jammu & Kashmir. Over the years, the city saw upheavals and a process of change, from a royal retreat to the hotbed of political activity. In the last decade of the 20th century, Srinagar has been racked

by some of the worst incidents of violence and killing that the country has witnessed. Several thousand lives have been lost, the once overflowing hotels and streets lie empty, the magnificent Dal Lake is choked up and the people devastated. This human tragedy wrought by incessant conflict between India and Pakistan, has made hell out of what was once described as paradise on earth.

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