Dating back to the 3rd century BC. founded by Emperor Ashoka, Srinagar grew on both the banks of the river Jhelum in the heart of the Kashmir valley. It is the state capital and lies 900 Kms of the river north of Delhi. The Dal Lake is its waterfront. Between the Lake and the mountain ranges are the Mughal Gardens; Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chasm-e-Shahi.

On the western shore of the dal, opposite Nishat Bagh stands Hazrat abl, a monument which houses a holy relie of the prophet. A great festival is held here annually. The oldest and largest of mosques of Kashmir are also in Srinagar. Shah Hamdan Masjid, a wooden structure with fine paper mach workmanship on its walls and ceilings.

Jamia Masjid, another wooden mosque in indo-Saracenic is the largest. Built in 1400 by Sultan Sikander.

In the heart of the city, rises the 304 mts high Shankaracharya Hill, also known as the throne of kind Solomon, it offers a panoramic view of the city, the valley and the Pir Panjal range. On the northeastern side is Hari Prabhat, another sacred mount which has a fortification built by emperor Akbar in1952, surrounded by a fragrant almond orchards. A Durga temple stands nearby at Chareswari.