Google Map Of Srinagar

Introduction

Srinagar is the summer capital of the Indian administered Jammu & Kashmir. It is the largest city in the Kashmir region and one of the biggest cities in India without Hindu majority. The city lies on the bank of the Jhelum River in Kashmir Valley.  Srinagar is located on both sides of the river which passes through the city and the two parts are connected by bridges. The city is also famous for its nine old bridges. Hokersar, situated 14 km north of Srinagar is a wetland where thousands of migratory birds come from Siberia and Central Asia during winter season. Srinagar has an attractive scenic beauty.

Due to its high elevation & northern position, Srinagar has a humid subtropical climate which is much cooler compared to rest of India. Srinagar valley is surrounded all sides by Himalayas. Summers are warm with maximum and minimum temperature 29.5°C and 10.6°C while winters are cool with temperature usually below freezing point at night. During winter entire district is covered by snow due to which Srinagar is cut off from rest of India. The average rainfall is around 710 millimeters annually. Srinagar weather is also has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter. Spring season from March to early May is the wettest while autumn season from September to late November is the driest.

Srinagar city has a population of 894,940, as per the census of 2001. More than 97% of the population is made up of Muslims with 2% Hindus and 1% others.

The city of Srinagar has a long history dating back at least to the 3rd century BC when the city was part of Maurya Empire. Buddhism was introduced by Ashoka to the valley. Srinagar was ruled by both Hindus and Buddhist independently in the past. The Mughal rule was established by Akbar in Srinagar and Kashmir valley. Srinagar is called real paradise on earth and known for its serene lakes and beautiful boathouses called shikaras

Muslims make up the majority population in Srinagar. The overall population density is 99/km2 . The main languages spoken are Urdu, Kashmiri and Hindi.

Culture

Srinagar has rich cultural heritage. There are many holy religious places for worship in Srinagar like Jama Masjid, Hazratbal Shrine, Kheer Bhawani, Hari Parbat and Shankaracharya Temple.

The major population of the city is Muslims so predominant religion of the valley is Islam. In addition to this Hinduism and Buddhism also constitute part of the religion. Hindus consists of Kashmiri Pandits and Gujjars.

Srinagar is famous for Kashmiri cuisines for example Dum Aloo, Chaman, Seek Kababs, Rogan josh, etc

Many festivals are celebrated in Srinagar like Urs(Ziarats) a distinctive festival celebrated by both Muslims and Hindus, Navroz festival in the month of March or April by Shia Muslims, Kheer Bhawani festival is the main festival of Hindus solemnized at the Kheer Bhawani temple, Eid ul-Fitr is also a popular Muslim festival, Ramzan festival in Srinagar is celebrated by both Muslim people and Kashmiri Pandits.