Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the most picturesque and breathtaking destinations in India. Known for its serene lakes, lush gardens, and stunning mountain views, this city offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. If you’re planning a trip to Srinagar, here are some best places to visit in Srinagar to add to your itinerary.
Nestled amidst the majestic hills, Srinagar stands tall as the second-largest metropolitan area in the Himalayan region. As the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, this charming city boasts of a wide range of standardized hotels and comfortable accommodations to ensure a memorable stay for its visitors. Whether you travel by road, rail, or air, Srinagar offers seamless connectivity and accessibility, making it one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most sought-after tourist destinations.
Being a jewel of the Kashmir Valley, it is a city that exudes a sense of timelessness and serenity. As you wander through its narrow alleyways and bustling markets, you’ll be greeted with the sweet fragrance of saffron and the gentle sound of the Jhelum river flowing by. So plan your trip and get ready to explore the amazing places to visit in Srinagar.
Best Places To Visit In Srinagar
Srinagar’s rich cultural heritage is evident in its splendid architecture, ornate shrines, and colorful gardens that have been carefully nurtured for centuries. Whether you’re exploring the winding streets of the old town, taking a tranquil shikhara ride on the Dal Lake, or savoring the delectable flavors of Kashmiri cuisine, Srinagar is a destination that promises to enchant and delight you at every turn. Srinagar is also called the Land of gardens and lakes due to its beautiful and must-visit places. On talking about best places to visit in Srinagar. The first position was always for the…
1. Dal Lake
Covering an area of about eighteen square kilometers with its beautiful floating gardens, a floating market, houseboats, shikhara boats, and its shore, which are visible from many Mughal gardens, clear a point why this lake is known as the “jewel in the crown of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Here you can enjoy the Shikara ride costing around 3000, which is five to six times overpriced and can be negotiable after bargaining; afterward, you may enjoy Meena bazaar (floating market), and finally, the houseboat which is charging differently according to their services varying from 500 to 5000/- or more. These things and each other make Dal lake one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.
2. Hari Parbat Fort
Lying on the west of Dal lake, Hari Parbat fort is a Mughal fort built by Afghan governor Atta Mohammed Khan in the 18th century. It is also known as Kooh-i-Maran and is one of the most important historical landmarks in the region. The Hari Parbat fort is located on the top of the Hari Parbat hill in Srinagar in Kashmir, providing a fantastic view of the city and its beautiful surroundings.
The fort is surrounded by a wall with a circumference of 1.6 km and several bastions and gateways. The fort is also home to several shrines, including the famous shrine of Makhdoom Sahib, Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi. The architecture of this fort is so beautifully designed that visitors visit this place throughout the year, making it one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.
3. Shankaracharya Temple
There is no one who doesn’t know about the famous philosopher and saint Adi Shankaracharya. He was a philosopher and saint who built many famous temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the famous philosopher and saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century. On the day of Shivratri, many Kashmiri Pandits visit the temple to worship Lord Shiva. Shankaracharya temple is one of the oldest temples in Srinagar, historically and traditionally.
It is also known as Jyeshteshwara Temple and is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar. This beautiful temple is located at a height of 1,000 feet, offering a jaw-dropping view of the beautiful surroundings. The temple is made with stones and marble, showing India’s rich ancient architecture. Remember that cell phones and photography are prohibited inside the temple, and remove their shoes before entering the temple premises.
4. Nishat Bagh
Nishat Bagh is one of the most beautiful Mughal gardens located on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Mughal Emperor Jahangir built this beautiful garden in the 16th century. Spread over 12.5 acres, this garden is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar and offers visitors beautiful fountains, cascading terraces, and colorful flowers.
Built-in the Mughal style of architecture, it is designed so perfectly that it provides a breathtaking view of the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop. This garden houses several rare species of plants and trees and has fruit trees, including apples, cherries, and apricot. So, if you are planning a visit to Srinagar, do not miss the chance to visit this beautiful garden.
5. Pari mahal
Pari Mahal, also known as the “Palace of Fairies,” is a historical monument situated on the top of the Zabarwan mountain range overlooking Srinagar. The palace was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh as a gift for his tutor Mulla Shah. Originally it was built as a Buddhist monastery and later converted into a palace by Dara Shikoh. The palace is made of stone and has seven terraces, pavilions, and fountains.
It symbolizes the golden period of the Mughal Era and a perfect combination of Islamic and Buddhist architecture. This palace is a perfect tourist destination to spend some time amidst the beauty of nature also you can, relax here and enjoy the breathtaking view of Srinagar and the surrounding mountains. Its eye-catching surroundings and fascinating history make it one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.
6. Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden located in the heart of Srinagar, Kashmir. Built by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in the early 17th century, the garden is a testimony to the Mughal love for nature and architecture. Spread over an area of 31 acres; the garden is a perfect example of the Persian-style garden design.
The garden is famous for its terraced lawns, fountains, and pavilions. The garden is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you are in Srinagar then you must not miss this beautiful place. You must also visit this glorious place which holds a high position in the list of best places to visit in Srinagar.
Main highlights of Shalimar Bagh
- It is connected to Dal lake through a channel in the northeast.
- Beautiful Chinnar trees surround it.
- 24 rupees are charged per person
- There is also an artificial canal flowing through the garden.
7. Tulip garden
It is wholly known as Indira Gandhi Memorial Garden, which is the largest tulip garden in Asia it is situated in the same range where the Pari Mahal is located. Although it remains open the whole year, the garden awakes in the month of April when the Tulip festival is celebrated. You must have this unique experience in your lifetime by visiting this best tourist spot in Srinagar.
- 50 INR is charged per adult
- 25 INR is the fee per child
8. Dachigam National Park
Located around 22 kilometers away from Srinagar, but it will really worth visiting this place which is situated on the eastern side of Dal lake. It was declared a national park in 1981. You will find a vast amount of flora and fauna in this 141 square kilometer national, and this will be completely a new experience if you visit this Tourist spot of Srinagar.
9. Chashme Shahi
It is one of the Mughal gardens built in 1632 as a gift for prince Dara Shikoh. It was built by Governor Ali Mardan Khan. This establishment attracts 100000 visitors to its beauty and scenic views. If you are a nature lover, having an eye view of this Chashme Shahi is suggested.
10. Badamwari
Last but not least, It is a park completely covered with Almond trees which spread its beauty in their flowering season. It is spread over an area of 300 canals which can also be referred to as a historical garden that existed before the 14th century, and it can be said that you will not find such kind of beauty anywhere else in the world, which you find in this spot, and this is enough to count it as the best place to visit in Srinagar.
How To Reach Srinagar
Srinagar lies in the Kashmir valley, which is 866 kilometers from Delhi. As discussed earlier, Srinagar is well connected with 3 major means of transportation, which are by road, by train, and by air, making Srinagar one of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.
By Road
You may easily find a bus from every major portion of the country as Srinagar is well connected with highways, and JKSRTC (Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Road Transport Corporation) also provides both AC and Non AC bus services to connect you with your city by road.
By Train
Srinagar is connected by railways but it doesn’t have any direct services from major cities therefore you have to change your train from Jammu railway station which is well connected with almost every major city and also with the national capital.
By Air
Yes Srinagar has its own airport, which is known as Sheikh ul-Alam International airport, which is the main international gateway to Srinagar.
Best Time To Visit Srinagar
Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir due to its flowery beauty of nature. But we can say that you will enjoy this city, no matter which month is going on, which is the actual reason of why Srinagar is one of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.
It is your choice which weather you choose, as you may enjoy the snowfall experience and ice activities, which are performed only when the temperature remains low. Still, on the other hand, you may enjoy the tulip festival of the tulip garden, which is celebrated in the month of April, and also the Shikara ride of Dal lake, which is not performed in winter due to the frozen lake.
Therefore both seasons have their own values but is preferred that you must see the tulip festival and other flora of the city, which is only possible between the months of April to October.
Now that you are clear about different routes and which season should be chosen for your trip, we are excited to tell you about the best places to visit in Srinagar.