"...Srinagar inspite of its internal squalor is one of the most picturesque places in the world. The hill of ancient Gopadari, which latter came to be known by Shankarachrya Hill after Adi Shankaracharya visited Srinagar in 9th Century AD, rises abruptly to a height of 1100 feet. At the base of this hill feature is the famous Gukar road, which once housed Buddhist Monasteries and lands. Hariparbat ridge, with the fort of Akbar surmounting it, form an appropriate frame to the scenery, and beyond these near hills the great mountains seem to tower over the city as one passes up the river highway. The very absence of order in the location of the houses and their tumbled—down appearance add a peculiar charm to the scenery, and Srinagar possess at once the attraction of a city full of life and a city of ruins."