Baramulla

The city of Baramulla, from which the district derives its name, was founded by Raja Bhimsina in 2306 BC. The city held the position of a gate-way to the valley as it was located on the route to the Valley from Muzaffarabad, now in POK, and Rawalpindi, now in Pakistan. 

As such, a number of prominent visitors have been to Baramulla. These include the famous Chinese visitor Heiun T’Sang and Moorcraft, the British historian. Mughal Emperors had special fascination for Baramulla. Being the gateway of the valley, it was a halting station for them during their visits to the Valley. In 1586 AD, Emperor Akbar who entered the Valley via Pakhil spent a few days at Baramulla and according to “Tareekh-e-Hassan” the city during Akbar’s stay, had been decorated like a bride. Jahangir also stayed at Baramulla during his visit to Kashmir in 1620 AD. 

In the 15th century, Baramulla became important to Muslims, as the famous Muslim saint Syed Janbaz Wali, who visited the valley along with his companions in 1421 AD, chose Baramulla as the centre of his mission, and after his death he was buried there. His shrine attracts pilgrims from all over the Valley. In 1620 AD, the sixth Sikh Guru Shri Hargobind visited the city. Baramulla thus became an abode of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Sikhs living in harmony and contributing to a rich composite culture. 

It was the oldest and the most important town in the north of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and the ‘Gateway of Kashmir Valley’ by Rawalpindi-Murree-Muzaffarabad-Baramulla Road until 27 October 1947. It became a part of the Union of India when the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947. 

History and Heritage  
According to some accounts the city of Baramulla was founded by Raja Bhimsina in 2306 B.C. A number of visitors have traveled to Baramulla, including Xuanzang from China and a British historian named Moorcraft. Additionally, Mughal emperors were fascinated by baramulla. In 1508 A.D., Emperor Akbar, who entered the valley via Pakhil, spent several days at Baramulla. According to Tarikh-e-Hassan, the city was decorated during Akbar's stay. Emperor Jahangir stayed at Baramulla during his visit to Kashmir in 1620.

From the beginning, Baramulla has had religious importance. Hindu Teertha and Buddhist Vihara (monasteries) made the city sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. During the 15th century, it became important to Muslims as well. Syed Janbaz Wali, who visited the valley with his companions in 1421, chose Baramulla as the center of his mission and was later buried there. His shrine attracts pilgrims from throughout the valley.

In 1620, the sixth Sikh Guru, Shri Hargobind, visited the city. In Baramulla Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Sikhs lived in harmony and contributed to its culture.

Baramulla was the oldest and most-important town in northern Kashmir and Jammu (princely state) and Kashmir Valley (by the Rawalpindi-Murree-Muzaffarabad-Baramulla Road) until 27 October 1947. It was ceded to India when the Maharajah signed the instrument of accession on 26 October 1947. The city is the headquarters of the Baramulla district.

Geography and Climate
Baramulla is on the Jhelum River, at its highest point. Baramulla tehsil is stretched from Village Khushalpora in the east to village Boniyar in the west. The old town is on the north bank of the river, and the new town is on the south bank. They are connected by five bridges, including a suspension bridge connecting Gulnar Park and Dewan Bagh. Five more bridges are being built or are planned. A bridge will connect the Khanpora and Drangbal areas of the city.
The old town is densely populated and smaller than the new town. Government offices, hospitals, the bus station and most other facilities are in the new town. The Baramulla railway station is on the eastern end of the new town, on the river. Beyond the old town, the river divides into two channels at Khadanyar (near police headquarters), forming an island known as Eco Park.

Baramulla is located at 34.2° N 74.34° E . It has an average elevation of 1,593 meters (5,226 feet).
Baramulla, located in Jammu and Kashmir, experiences a temperate climate characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm summers. According to climate data from 1971 to 1986, the mean daily maximum temperature ranges from 7.0°C (44.6°F) in January to 30.1°C (86.2°F) in July, while the mean daily minimum temperature ranges from -2°C (28°F) in January to 18.1°C (64.6°F) in July. The average precipitation is highest in March with 121 mm (4.8 inches) and lowest in October with 28 mm (1.1 inches). The region receives precipitation on an average of 75.6 days per year, with the highest number of rainy days in March (10.2 days) and the lowest in October (2.8 days).

Flora and Fauna
Baramulla is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, thanks to its lush greenery and pristine natural habitats. The town is surrounded by dense forests of pine, fir, and deodar trees, which are home to various species of birds and animals, including the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and pheasants.

Tourist Attractions
Here's a list of the tourist places in Baramulla mentioned in the information:
Parihaspora: Parihaspora is an ancient town near Baramulla, known for its rich history and archaeological significance. It is home to several archaeological sites dating back to the 8th century, including the ruins of a Buddhist monastery and a Hindu temple complex. Parihaspora is a place of historical importance and offers visitors a glimpse into the region's ancient past.
Gulmarg: Gulmarg, meaning the "Meadow of Flowers," is a picturesque town located 60 km from Srinagar. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with lush green meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Gulmarg is a popular destination for tourists, offering activities such as skiing, trekking, and golfing. The town is also home to the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Ziarat of Baba Reshi: The Ziarat of Baba Reshi is a revered shrine located near Baramulla, close to the Alpather Lake. The shrine is dedicated to Baba Reshi, a Sufi saint who is believed to have lived in the 15th century. The Ziarat is a place of pilgrimage for people of all faiths and is known for its peaceful and spiritual ambiance. The shrine is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Wular Lake: Wular Lake is the second-largest freshwater lake in Asia, located at the foothills of the Haramuk Mountain range. The lake is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Wular Lake is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 60 species of migratory birds visiting the lake every year. The lake is also an important source of livelihood for the local fishing community, who rely on its waters for fishing and other activities.

Activities to do in Baramulla
Here is a list of activities to do in Baramulla:
1. Trekking to the famous flower valley
2. Celebrating festivals
3. Horse riding
4. Skiing
5. Hiking
6. Water activities
7. Photography of natural beauty and hill regions
8.Adventure camps for adventure enthusiasts
9.Camping packages
10.Exploring the ancient village of Parihaspora

How to Reach 

By Air: The nearest International airport is Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport (60 Km).

By Rail: The nearest railways stations that approach to Baramulla are Baramulla railway station, Kanispora

By Road: To reach this place from Jammu, buses are available at Jammu bus stand. To reach this place from Srinagar buses and cabs are available from Lal Chowk bus stand and also from Tourist Reception Center Srinagar.