Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a city defined by its dramatic geography, rich history and vibrant cultural exchanges. Nestled in the Kashmir Valley along the banks of the Jhelum River, the city's origins date back to ancient times, with Buddhist and Mauryan influences shaping its early identity. During the medieval period, Srinagar flourished under the Kashmiri Sultanate and later the Mughals, credited with the building of notable monuments, religious buildings, and the beautification of its lakes and gardens. The arrival of Persian and Central Asian artisans enriched its artistic traditions—a legacy recognised in 2021 when UNESCO designated Srinagar a Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts. Later, despite successive Afghan, Sikh, Dogra and British interventions, Srinagar has preserved its distinct character in its arts, crafts, culture and social fabric.

This curation presents a journey through Srinagar’s many dimensions. A Historical Outline traces the journey of Srinagar from prehistoric times to the modern era, highlighting remnants of the past that still stand as silent storytellers. Shehr-e-Khas offers a poetic ode to the city's old quarters along the Jhelum, where architectural elements such as pinjrakari, zoon daeb and dajji dewari define its unique urban fabric, making it a living heritage.

The Mughal gardens, a hallmark of Srinagar’s landscape, come alive in Paradise in Bloom, while Life Around Dal captures the essence of the iconic lake as both a cultural and economic lifeline, home to houseboats and shikaras that float through time.

The city’s celebrated culinary traditions find space in Wazwan: A Culinary Legacy, which delves into the artistry of the wazas who craft elaborate wedding feasts. Baking with Baraka takes readers to the heart of kandur shops, where the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air. The legacy of Kashmiri saffron and the people of Pampore unfold in Kong Posh: Beyond the Crimson Stigma.

Srinagar’s rich artistic heritage echoes through its music and dance, explored in Echoes of the Valley, while From Hands to Heart and Stitches of Tradition celebrate the masterful weavers and embroiderers who define the city’s textile legacy. The Last Defenders brings forth the stories of artisans striving to keep the dying art forms alive.

Beyond traditions, Srinagar’s evolving modern identity is reflected in Srinagar’s Best-Kept Cafe Secrets, which explores the city’s thriving cafe culture. Tracing Modern Architectural Footprints highlights the architectural legacy of Achyut Kanvinde, Joseph Allen Stein and Raj Rewal Prasad, showcasing the city in a new light. This curation brings these stories together, inviting you to explore the city through its many layers.