The name Srinagar comes from the combination of 2 words in Sanskrit, “Sri”, meaning ‘Lakshmi’ i.e. prosperity  and “Nagar”, meaning ‘city’. A section of chroniclers accounts for the view that the renowned Mauryan monarch, King Ashoka, founded this city, which then was situated near the Pandrethan village. The village was distanced at 5 km near current-day Srinagar’s northern side.

The weather in Srinagar is a little warm in summer from April to June and a bit cold from November to February. The heavy snowfalls can be relished during December and January. The natural beauty of Srinagar, the ice-covered hills, canyons, and green gardens made this place categorised as the world’s second most romantic destination. Switzerland is in the leading position.

The climate of Srinagar

The weather in Srinagar is mild and naturally warm and moderate. The rainfall is substantial, with drizzle even during the driest month. In Srinagar, the average yearly temperature is 11.8 °C or 53.3 °F. The downpour here is approximately 2853 mm or 112.3 inches per year.

On all fronts, the Himalayas surround Srinagar. Therefore, winters are cool, and Srinagar’s temperature at daytimes averages 2.5 °C (36.5 °F) and falls below the freezing temperature at night. Medium to heavy snowfall is experienced during winter, and icy roads and avalanches cause road blockage. 

Tourism of Srinagar

Famously referred to as “Heaven on Earth ”, Srinagar is known for the static houseboats and gondola-type boats- Shikaras in Dal Lake. Decorated with serene Dal Lake & Nigeen Lake, Srinagar is the ideal place for honeymoon and family vacations.

The tourists use Shikaras to visit places like the Floating Vegetable Market and the Mir Bahris – a neighbourhood of people who live on the lake itself. In addition, there are a lot of houseboats that provide a beautiful and unique stay experience on the lake. Srinagar also hosts some of India’s most exquisite gardens of the Mughal era. Some of these top gardens are Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden. It is also home to Asia’s biggest tulip garden.

Kashmiri cuisine, or Wazwan, is a must-try local dish in Srinagar rich with unique scented spices. The cuisine is famous across the globe. The Lal Chowk Market in Srinagar is popular for the Kashmiri shawls, apples, and dried fruits.

A few of the top sightseeing locations in Srinagar are:

•  Shikara Ride
• Dal Lake 
• Srinagar, Nishat Bagh
• Hazratbal Shrine 
• Mughal Gardens
• Shalimar Bagh

Culture of Srinagar

Srinagar accepts everyone, be it from any cultural background or any religion. Kashmiri Muslims (Sunni and Shia) constitute the majority population of Srinagar. The Kashmiri Pandits were amongst the initial habitants of Srinagar. Other ethnic settlers of Srinagar are Rajputs or Gurjars. Sikhs have also settled in Srinagar during the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

All the classic Indian festivals are celebrated in Srinagar, but apart from those that are celebrated countrywide, the other important festivals celebrated are – 

• Navroz is a festival observed by the Shia Muslims; it is a nine-day festival. During this festival, devotees visit friends and family, wear new clothes, and cook special foods. They also gather in Mosques to offer prayers, and then the devotees embrace each other to greet.

• Ramzan is one month when Muslims fast or observe ‘Roza’ from dawn till dusk in Kashmir and worldwide. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of the entire month of Ramzan.

• Urs Festival is observed in Kashmir all year round. It is held at the shrine or tombs of various saints marking it as their death anniversaries. 

• Baisakhi is a festival celebrated by the Sikh communities of Srinagar. This is a harvesting festival marking the anniversary of the Khalsa Panth foundation. This is a prominent foundation for the Sikh community.

• Ganga Ashtami is the day of performing Shraddha in the memory of your departed ancestors.

• Lohri is one of the festivals in Srinagar that is celebrated on the 13th of January every year. ‘Chajja’ is a unique dance form performed at night by the boys around a bonfire to celebrate Lohri. 

• Gurez Festival, celebrated in July every year, provides the platform for performing traditional folk songs and dances by the Gurez people.

• Kheer Bhawani Festival is a festival celebrated by the Hindu communities of Srinagar. The Kheer Bhawani Temple is the main centre of this festival, where the Hindu Goddess Ragnya Devi resides; this temple is located in Tulla Mulla, a small town. 

• Amarnathji Yatra, this festival or occasion is celebrated from June until August. The devotees from all around the country come to visit and enjoy the auspicious occasion at the Amarnathji Temple. 

Conclusion 

Srinagar is a city located in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir along the banks of the Jhelum river. The Himalayan mountains surround the city and thus have cold winters and freezing nights. The city has numerous sightseeing places and is a popular tourist destination. Some famous sights are Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Mughal Gardens, Shikara Ride, Shalimar Bagh, Hazratbal Shrine, etc.