Population 971,357
Altitude 1730 meters
Area 105 square kms
Languages Kashmiri and Urdu
Altitude 1730 meters
Area 105 square kms
Languages Kashmiri and Urdu
| Srinagar |
| Foreigner's Registration All foreigners must register at the Foreigners' Regional Registration Office: Senior Superintendent of Police (CID), Special Branch, Residency (Shervani) Road. Open: 10 AM to 4 PM |
| Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1730 m above sea level. The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River, which is called Vyath in Kashmir and is a tributary of the Indus. The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and deepening into the Wular Lake. The city is famous for its nine old bridges, connecting the two parts of the city. The name Srinagar is composed of two Sanskrit words, Sri (meaning abundance and wealth) and Nagar, which means a city. Thus, the word Srinagar signifies a place of wealth and abundance. Sri is also the name of a goddess Lakshmi of Hindus. Kalhana, the author of 'Rajtarangini’, states that Srinagri was founded by Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BC). The present city of Srinagar was founded by Pravarasena-II. Laltaditya Muktapida was the most illustrious ruler of Kashmir in the Hindu period, which ended in 1339 AD. King Zain-ul- Abidin (1420-70 AD), popularly known as ‘Budshah’, was a great patron of Sanskrit. Akbar captured Kashmir valley for the Mughals, who endowed Srinagar with beautiful mosques and gardens. The Sikhs overthrew the last Muslim ruler in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1819. In 1846 the Dogras secured the sovereignty of Kashmir from the British under the Treaty of Amrjtsar. The state of Jammu and Kashmir with became part of the Indian Union in 1947, with Srinagar as its capital. Banks and Internet Several banks in Srinagar will change money and travelers cheques. The HFDC bank has an ATM accapting foreign cards. There are several internet cafes in the city, most charging around Rs 30 an hour. |