The District is bounded in the east by Doda and Kishtwar while Kulgam falls on its west and Kargil on its north east.
Area – 76,140 hects, as per revenue papers
The District acquires the name from its main town, which had gained significance during Auranzeb’s time when his governor Islam Khan laid out a garden here for the Mughal Emperor and the place was named after him as “Islamabad”.
As a Wazarat head quarter, dating far back, Islamabad has been one of the administrative divisions since 1872. In 1892 Srinagar was even made part of Wazarat
Islamabad. After 1947 the nomenclature of “Wazarat” was changed and re-designatedas “District”. In 1951, Srinagar District was created as an independent entity carved out of Islamabad and Baramulla districts.
Srinagar-Jammu Highway, which is the main overland approach to the valley passes through the District after crossing the Pir Panjal mountain range. Islamabad is famous for its springs, health resorts and places of religious and historical importance. Islamabad has an abundance of springs which is locally called “Nag”. Verinag – 26 kms from Islamabad town emanating from the foothills of pine forests is the main source of the major river of the valley the “Jehlum”. Kokernag the well known sweet water spring with trout hatcheries, Achabal spring surrounded by beautiful garden laid out during the Mughal period, and Martand (Mattan) spring with religious significance are the places of tourist attraction. Situated at a height of 2195 meters above sea level, Pahalgam is the premier summer resort besides being the starting point for the pilgrims to Amarnath cave located at an altitude of 3963 meters above sea level. The majestic Martand temple situated at a distance of 5 Kms from Islamabad is one of the important archaeological sites of the country.
Agriculture is the mainstay of about 80% of population. On account of fertile lands, the District is known as “Granary of Kashmir”. The lower part of the District is flood prone. In the higher reaches there is dry and fresh fruit-culture. Breng area of the district enjoys the monopoly in the production of quality walnut while Shahabad is known for production of quality apple.
