Srinagar

District Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir (UT). It is situated in the centre of the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River and is surrounded by four districts and Ladakh UT. In the north it is flanked by Ladakh (UT) and Ganderbal in the South by Pulwama in the north-west by Budgam. The capital city of Srinagar is located 1585 meters above sea level. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits.
The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River, which is called Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and deepening in the Dal Lake. The city is famous for its nine old bridges, connecting the two parts of the city.

History and Heritage  
Srinagar was ruled by the Mauryan empire till around the 14th century and it was emperor Ashoka, who had introduced Buddhism to the valley of Kashmir. The Kushans believed to have controlled this region during the first century who ruled over this place from their stronghold in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Even King Vikramaditya from Ujjain, ruled over this place before transferring the reigns of control to a nomadic tribe called Huns during the 6th century. One of the most terrified rulers of the city was Mihirkula who belonged to this tribe.

After the 14th century, the city came under Mughal rule and was ruled by the Muslim Kings. This city was made the capital during the rule of Yusuf Shah Chak who was then tricked to death by Akbar who set up his dominion on the city post the fall of Yusuf Shah Chak. It was in the year 1707 that the Mughal dominion came to an end with the death of their last King, Aurangzeb and then Srinagar came under the reign of the Durrani Empire. This empire was the leader of the Pasthun tribe and they ruled on Srinagar for multiple decades. Raja Sukh Jiwan Mal was a soldier in the Afghan Durrani army who became governor and, later, the king (1754–1762) of Kashmir. It was in 1814 that the rule of Sikhs was established and Maharaja Ranjit Singh ruled over Kashmir. It was ruled by the Sikhs till the British Raj came into India. Till the year 1947 Srinagar was considered as a princely state in British India.

Geography and Climate
The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River, which is called Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and deepening in the Dal Lake. The city is famous for its nine old bridges, connecting the two parts of the city. Hokersar is a wetland situated near Srinagar. Thousands of migratory birds come to Hokersar from Siberia and other regions in the winter season. Migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia use wetlands in Kashmir as their transitory camps between September and October and again around spring. These wetlands play a vital role in sustaining a large population of wintering, staging and breeding birds. Hokersar is 14 km (8.7 mi) north of Srinagar, and is a world class wetland spread over 13.75 km2 (5.31 sq mi) including lake and marshy area. It is the most accessible and well-known of Kashmir’s wetlands which include Hygam, Shalibug and Mirgund. A record number of migratory birds have visited Hokersar in recent years. Birds found in Hokersar—Migratory ducks and geese which include brahminy duck, tufted duck, gadwall, garganey, greylag goose, mallard, common merganser, northern pintail, common pochard, ferruginous pochard, red-crested pochard, ruddy shelduck, northern shoveller, common teal, and Eurasian wigeon.
The climate of Srinagar is slightly continental, with cold winters and hot summers. The rains are moderate and are more abundant in spring.

The city is located in the extreme north-west of India, in the Jammu and Kashmir territory, at 34 degrees north latitude and 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) above sea level. The Jhelum, one of the five rivers of Punjab, heads towards Pakistan after passing through the city. On both sides of the valley where the city is located, there are mountains that exceed 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) and are perpetually covered with snow.
Unlike in the lowland areas of India, here, disturbances pass in winter and spring. In winter, snow and frost can occur. In January 1977 and January 1986, the temperature dropped to -9 °C (16 °F). In summer, rainfall can occur due to the Indian monsoon, which on average affects the city from June 22 to September 24. However, at this latitude the monsoon is intermittent, and there are also dry periods, in which it can sometimes be very hot.

Flora and Fauna
Srinagar is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The city's gardens are famous for their stunning array of flowers, including tulips, roses, and daffodils. The nearby Dachigam National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with species such as the Hangul deer, Himalayan black bear, and leopard calling it home.

Tourist Attractions
Here's a list of the tourist places in Srinagar mentioned in the information:
Chashma Shahi: Also called Chashma Shahi or the royal spring, known for its Mughal gardens.
Badamwari: Historic garden in Shahr-e-Khaas famous for early blooming flowers on almond trees.
Nigeen Lake: Mildly eutrophic lake located in Srinagar, offering serene boat rides.
Dal Lake: Iconic lake in Srinagar, known for its picturesque beauty and shikara rides.
Hari Parbat Fort: Also known as Kooh-e-Maran, an adventure and historic spot west of Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Dachigam National Park: Wildlife sanctuary located 22 km from Srinagar, covering 141 square kilometers.
Harwan Garden: Impressive tourist spot in Harwan Village, 19 km from Srinagar, featuring a canal and beautiful views.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: Previously known as Model Floriculture Center, the largest tulip garden in Asia.
Botanical Garden: Established in 1969, situated around the base of a hill overlooking Dal Lake.
Pari Mahal: Seven-terraced garden located atop the Zabarwan mountain range, offering panoramic views.

Activities to do in Srinagar
1. Trek To The Famous Points

This city is not all about gardens and temples, which makes it all the more worth visiting throughout the year. Apart from its adventure-fueling experiences like paragliding, skiing, and horse riding, trekking is one major thing to do in Srinagar for exploring the place like a local. You can trek through the lush green hills, and bask in the tranquil ambience of nature.

Most popular trekking spots in Srinagar: Shankaracharya Hill and Hari Parbat

2. Indulge In The Popular Local Cuisines

The Kashmiri cuisines are world-famous for its flavors and fusions, and why wouldn’t they be. A perfect amalgamation of spices, pepper, vegetables, and color, they rather look like a culinary art. So, treating your taste buds with the same is certainly a top thing to do in Srinagar. You can sample some of the local dishes at Mughal Darbar, Lhasa, Niramish, Alka Salka, and other such popular places.

Most popular Kashmiri cuisines: Rogan Josh, Kashmiri Pulao, Nadru Yakhni, Sewai, and more.

3. Shop Like A Local

Pashminas, papièr mâchè bangles, carved wooden boxes, embroidered scarves, wicker baskets, silver jewelry, spices, and Kashmiri carpets are some of the famous things to buy in Srinagar that make shopping here a must-experience for every traveler. Not just they make for a great buy, but also an incredible souvenir. So, you can visit any of the famous market ricketts or stores, and buy everything that your heart desires.

Best places to shop in Srinagar: Lal Chowk, Badshah Chowk, Residency Road, Polo View Market, and Raghunath Bazaar.

4. Stroll Through Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

One of the best things to do in Srinagar in April is to visit the famous Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden and take a romantic or peaceful stroll along the stunningly beautiful tulips. Much like the Keukenh of Gardens in Holland, this place will let you catch the most breathtaking glimpse of the city, which also makes it the paradise that it is.

Timings: Open on all the days from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 60 for adults and INR 25 for children
Location: Cheshma Shahi Road, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

How to Reach 

By Air: Named Sheikh ul Alam Airport (IATA code SXR) , Srinagar Airport is an international airport. This airport is well connected and airlines offer regular flights from Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. The airport is placed just 15 km away from the center of the city.

By Rail: To reach Srinagar by train, one has to reach either Banihal railway station. From the Srinagar Railway station, you can hire Cabs / taxis to reach this magnificent place.

By Road: Srinagar is the capital of the Jammu and Kashmir UT. The city is well connected with major cities like Delhi (876 km), Chandigarh (646 km), Leh (424 km) and Jammu (258 km).There is good Bus service and Cab service available.