A heavenly setting, a sylvan landscape, an unearthly serenity, an inimitable tranquility and a touch of Mother Nature in every aspect of its existence – yes, there can be only one such place on earth and that is Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the Kashmir valley and proudly stretches on both the banks of the river Jhelum, a tributary of Indus.

Known to the rest of India as “Paradise on Earth”, the most prized possession of Kashmir is the scintillating Hill resort of Srinagar. While Nature was distributing her variegated bounty, Srinagar probably had come last. Hence she has poured the remaining jewels of her cache in it. Embellished with lovely serene lakes, lush green Mughal gardens, an amiable weather, an arousing aroma of fresh apples, magnificent houseboats, meandering roads hemmed with towery Chinar trees, the vast expanses of snow waiting to be skied upon, and the idle shikara rides on an unruffled Dal Lake, Srinagar exhibits a fine assemblage of color, light, fragrance, beauty and luxury. Entirely safe for tourists and visitors from all over the world, Srinagar offers a promise of unlimited joy, adventure and beauty designed to please all senses.

History of Srinagar

Though originally found by King Asoka of the Mauryan Empire in the third century B.C., Srinagar has always been the bone of contention between generations of rulers. However, the present city owes its existence to Pravarasena II of 150 A.D. and eventually one can track down its reference even in the travelogues of Hiuen Tsang. Yet, Srinagar will forever be indebted to the lavish patronage bequeathed upon it by the Mughal rulers, like Akbar, who built magnificent gardens with fountains, waterways, and pavilions in between orchards of Chinar and Willow trees. Hence, some very appropriately say that if there is truly a heaven on earth, it is here.

Culture

Perhaps because of its unparallel beauty and attributes of the natural world, Srinagar has never been allowed to rest in peace by the admirers of beauty and power. Right from the third century, it has involuntarily passed on from the hands of one ruler to another, like the Kushans, the Huns, the Mughals, the Pashtun tribes and the Sikhs before it was incorporated as one of the princely states of independent India

Music of Srinagar

Srinagar carries with it a rich musical heritage. Being very close to the Central, Eastern and Southern Asia, a heavy influence of the music of these regions clearly reflect themselves in the music of Srinagar. Hence the singers here are in the habit making use of a variety of musical instruments and musical scales. Srinagar is rich in various forms of music, for instance Chakri (used to tell fairytales or lovestories) that invariably end in a Rouf or Wanwun(a traditional form of dance by the native girls) and Ladishah( songs sung with a distinct tone of mockery and ridicule for the present political, social and administrative setup of the state). However, the most acclaimed form of music that has flourished in Srinagar since the ancient times is the Sufiana Kalam that is usually sung with a hundred stringed instrument called Santoor.

Performing Arts

Srinagar is also a proud owner of a rich cache of performing arts. For instance, Bhand Pather is a classical folk theatre where a troop of artists comprising of usually ten to fifteen people dance in the tunes of a light music while subtly mocking the social evils. Apart from this there is also Rouf and Wanwun that are performed during a marriage. Another significant form of performing art is Hafiz Nagma, where a female dances to the tunes played by the males over various musical instruments.

Adventure Sports

Srinagar has a lot in store for the lovers of adventure sports. The legendary Dal lake of Srinagar often plays host to canoeing and water skiing championships. Water trekking, an adventure of a couple of days that involves going down the River Jhelum in a shikara to various other lakes, is also an exploratory sport. Dachigam National park and Pahalgam are paradise for tourists interested in fishing, hiking and trekking.

Playing Golf in the Circuit

Golfing requires a special mention here. Kashmir has a well developed golfing circuit. The Kashmir Golfing Club, with an elaborate system of bunkers and hazards, spread out amongst cedar and pine trees has been the venue of many a wrist wringing match. With the wind murmuring through the Chinar and Cypress trees, golfing in this “Paradise on Earth” is a never to be forgotten experience.

Skiing in Srinagar

Kashmir is a paradise for skiers. The winter is the best time for skiing when the slopes are enveloped in deep snow. In fact, the skiers are spoilt for choice in Kashmir. There are gentle slopes for the beginners as well as steep ones that cater to the daunting spirit of the specialists. Snow also appeals to those in the look out for simple fun and frolic. For instance, children can wring out the greatest pleasure from snow fights, snowmobile rides and sledging.

What to eat in Srinagar

Among the native delicacies, Goshtaba, Yakhni, Zafrani Rogan josh and Burek are famous. Wazwan, an array of dishes is also quite popular. Kahwa is a popular drink that serves to keep up the body heat during the winters.
Appetizers: Quite corresponding to the charm of the people here, the perky chats and the sweets and savories like “gulab jamun” and “jalebi”, are attractive to look at and absolutely scrumptious to taste.
Local Soft Drink: The freezing winters of Kashmir can only be fought with the help of a cup of Kahwa poured from a samovar. Kahwa is a mild green tea, flavored with cardamom, sugar, crushed almonds and occasionally with a few strips of saffron. It is the perfect rejuvenating drink that can restore warmth and comfort back in the body. Samovar, the copper vessel is also marked with a specialty, i.e., it has got a separate chamber at the bottom to accommodate burning coals so that the Kahwa is always kept brewing hot.
Dishes for the Main Course: Some of the mouth-watering native dishes that can be enjoyed in Srinagar are Goshtaba, Yakhni, Zafrani Rogan josh and Burek. Wazwan, an array of spicy non vegetarian dishes should not be given a miss while on a houseboat.
Multi-Cuisine: Multi cuisine restaurants are quite rampant in the streets of Srinagar. Like any other big city, Srinagar also offers provisions for international cuisines like American and Chinese. So, if you feel homesick for a cheese burger, you can easily grab one down the street.

What to Shop in Srinagar

Shopping in Srinagar calls for a lot of patience and prudence. This is because almost everything that one sets his eye upon is endearing and appears to be on the vogue.

• A Market on the Float
Apart from the standard shops of Kashmir made products, there exists in Srinagar a separate floating market. So a shikara ride can be useful both in terms of enjoying the sights as well as shopping for a few exquisite items.
• Saffron strands
are also a must buy from here
• Pashmina
with a feathery touch and ennobling warmth never go out of vogue. Apart from these woven carpets, wooden carvings, sozni, crewel and chain stitched souvenirs also appeal to the heart of a shopper
• Papier mache
Handicraft in fascinating hues done up with gold paint are also very famous.

Handicart of Srinagar

Along with a rich cache of scenic beauty, Srinagar also carries with itself an intricate and extensive heritage of handicraft and intricate art work.

• Emboidery
Embroidery done on shawls, saris, carpets, bed covers wooden work, kangri and many other items of home décor by women of Srinagar are renowned not only in India but the whole of Asia. Shawl based handcrafted salwar pieces are also in fashion.
• Bamboo works
Srinagar is also well known for amazingly carved bamboo baskets and trays that can be used to keep fruits and vegetables as well as can be used as a decorative item to adorn the houses.
• Scarves
With teachings of Koran engraved on them also complement the contemporary style of dressing. Srinagar made dolls are also a prized possession throught the world.