What do we say about this place? The views of this place are enough to say about itself where you will find the fresh air with clear sky. Who is the person who does not like to live freely? But at this place, you love to lock yourself in its beauty. The mesmerizing Dal Lake kissed by the mighty mountains of the Himalayas seems so dreamy - guys here is the most romantic destination Srinagar which is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated in the heart of Kashmir Valley, Srinagar is a destination that matches your imagination and is a place filled with countless delightful experiences of glorious Dal Lake, aesthetically showing Mughal gardens and the magical Shikara Ride.

But have you ever thought about why Srinagar is called the summer capital and Jammu the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir? So, we dive deep into the magnificence of Srinagar with this article as this is something that you should know about the importance of this place and all its reasons to be there on your bucket list when you look for booking Jammu Kashmir Tour Packages.
Why is Srinagar the Summer Capital of Jammu and Kashmir?
Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most beautiful parts of India because of its diverse topography, extreme climatic variations and cultural diversification that make this place so unique but its uniqueness not only ends here this union territory has two different capitals. Jammu which is the winter capital and Srinagar which is the summer capital. Jammu remains warm to extremely hot in Summer whereas Srinagar enjoys a pleasant moderate climate during the same period. This utter difference in weather is the main reason why Srinagar has traditionally served as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
This summer capital has some historical significance also during the rule of the Dogra dynasty in the 19th century, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulab Singh acknowledged the need for seasonal capital because of extreme heat in Jammu to extreme cold in Kashmir which made the governance difficult in both the seasons so the Maharaja ji decided to make Jammu the winter capital and Srinagar the summer capital of the place.
In April, government offices, such as the high court, civil secretariat, and other key institutions, move from Jammu to Srinagar, where they stay until October. Although new improvements attempt to reduce its logistical obstacles, this biannual shift, known as the Darbar Move, has been a tradition for more than 150 years.
Pleasures of Srinagar
A trip to Srinagar especially in summer is the cherry on the cake which will offer you a mixture of adventure, nature and cultural experiences that will give you a lot of memories with the must explore pleasure of the place which you can include in your Srinagar Tour Package.
1. The Soul of Srinagar – Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake
Srinagar the synonym of the iconic Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. These lakes are not only one of the beautiful attractions of Srinagar but also the most important lifeline of the city.
Dal Lake: Known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir,” it gives an extraordinary experience with its houseboats and shikaras which are the traditional wooden boats of the place. If you like, you can sip a cup of saffron-filled Kahwa (a traditional drink of Kashmir) as the sun rises over the lake and it is a moment of pure magic.
Nigeen Lake: This is the ideal location for travellers seeking a quiet holiday as this place is less crowded with houseboats and shikhara rides which suits the visitors who just want to enjoy the spectacular scenery. A carefully designed Kashmir Tour Package guarantees you will not miss any of these peaceful moments of tranquillity.
2. The Magnificent Mughal Gardens – A Living Heritage
The Mughal emperors who were enchanted with the tranquility of Kashmir erected beautiful gardens here that still enchant the visiting tourists. The most famous are the Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh (Garden of Bliss) and Chashmashahi (Royal Spring) in Srinagar. These gardens are designed in Mughal architecture style by arranged in Persian style architecture symbol Mughal architecture known as magnificent fountains and colourful flowerbeds. This is the Nishat Bagh with the Zabarwan Range in the background, overlooking Dal Lake. Meanwhile, Shalimar Bagh is a complex Emperor Jahangir built for his favourite wife Nur Jahan, which tells a tale of love through its exquisite pavilions and terraces.
3. Shankaracharya Temple and Hazratbal Shrine – Spiritual Serenity
The beauty of Srinagar is not confined only to nature but also has vast spiritual significance. The Shankaracharya Temple which is situated on top of Shankaracharya hill is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A short hike to the temple offers visitors a panoramic view of the city and Dal Lake. Another place of high respectful place for lovers of Islamic heritage is the Hazratbal Shrine which is a mosque that is located on the northern banks of Dal Lake.
4. The Floating Market – A Unique Shopping Experience
Can you imagine doing a "farmers' market” in a boat floating on water? Srinagar is where India’s only floating market which is a bustling bazaar held on the surface of Dal Lake every morning, can be found. Farmers and vendors are sitting inside their shikaras, selling everything from fruits and vegetables to handmade Kashmiri shawls and saffron. This quirky market is one of the recommended places to visit in Kashmir for those travellers for whom contemplating the local life of Kashmiris is a must. Kashmir Tour with shikara ride in the floating market can be booked to witness this beautiful wonder at dawn.
5. Kashmiri Cuisine – A Delicious Delight
No visit to Srinagar can be complete without sampling Kashmiri cuisine. The flavours of Kashmir await, from the traditional Wazwan feast to everyday fare like Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Yakhni rich and mutton. Kahwa Kashmir’s signature tea which is flavoured with saffron, cardamom and almonds is a must. And what better way to conclude a hearty meal than with Shufta and Phirni for those with a sweet tooth Cooking experience is considered one of the popular associations within
Jammu Kashmir Tour Packages where travellers can taste the original Kashmiri dishes in a traditional setting.
6. Handicrafts and Pashmina – The Art of Srinagar
Srinagar is a shopper's paradise. Pashmina shawls (with intricate designs) and hand-knotted carpets, famous worldwide for their craftsmanship, are also widely produced in Kashmir. Lal Chowk and Polo View Market are busy shopping centres where visitors can purchase tawdry items such as walnut wood carvings, papier-mache artefacts and Kashmiri silk. If you have the right Srinagar Tour Package, you will not miss anything, even in shopping, and get the best possible offers.
Conclusion
Srinagar (the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir) is not just a travel destination but an experience to cherish for a lifetime. From stunning Dal Lake to colourful Mughal gardens and soulful spirituality to lip-smacking Kashmiri cuisine, Srinagar is indeed a heaven on earth. Regardless of whether you pick a Jammu kashmir Tour Package, every second of this amazing city would be cherished. Thus, hurry up and get your bags packed, as the beauty of Srinagar will take away your soul.