Capital
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir stands
on Dal Lake and the river Jhelum. This ancient city was founded by Emperor
Asoka when his daughter Charumati took a fancy to Dal Lake during a
pilgrimage to the area. The present city was established in the
sixth century by the King Raja Pravarsen II.
Srinagar,
the capital (the city of Saraswati - the goddess of learning) is an ancient
city. Founded by Asoka (272-232 B.C), it was then called Pravarapura, after king
Pravarsena. Srinagar was a great seat of learning in those days, throbbing with
life, and bristling with commerce. It was also called Shrinagri - the
city of wealth and beauty. Situated in the centre of the valley, Srinagar, the
summer capital of the state, is the most populous city, covering an area of
about 28.5 sq km. The river Jhelum, flanked by the Dal lake and intersected by
canals, runs through the city and lends an idyllic charm to it. Hence, the city
has been called the "Venice of the East". The mountains and lakes are complemented by luxuriant orchards dotted with
majestic chinar trees, providing so many breathtaking spectacles.
Anantnag (also called Islamabad) is another ancient town of Kashmir, about 64
km to the north of Srinagar. It is an exotic town full of springs and streams
run in every other compound. Some of these are sulphurous springs, which have
curative qualities.
Other major towns are Baramulla and
Sopore, both situated on the Jhelum after
the river enters the Wular lake and emerges from it.
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