The very term Srinagar, suggests the character of the city—the City Beautiful & Prosperous. The original city was founded by Asoka about 2,260 years ago. The present city was the making of King Pravarasena. The city has grown on the banks of the river Jhelum, spanned by nine bridges. On the edge of the city is the Dal Lake, 8 km. long and 4 km. wide. A novel experience awaiting the visitors is their opportunity to live in the houseboats, some of which are quite sophisticated with all the modern amenities. Apart from the Dal Lake, they are available in the river Jhelum and the Nagin Lake. Generally the houseboats have two living rooms and at least two bedrooms with attached bathrooms and decks for sunbathing. They are provided with hot and cold running water, electricity, crockery, household appliances and radio & TV sets. Each houseboat has a paddle boat for practical and free movement between the houseboat and the shore, and a kitchen-boat that also serves as the staff quarters.
A voyage along the river---the city opening up on both sides---is no less exciting. Some of the best showrooms of art objects, handicrafts and other products are situated on the river-bank. It takes about three days to see Srinagar and the significant spots around it in the following sequence: Dal Lake (a voyage through in a kind of canoe), Chashma Shahi, Nishat Bash, Shalimar Bagh, Harwan, Hari Parbat Fort, Hazratbal, Jami Masjid and Shankaracharya Temple.