When you are trying to create a list of places to visit in Kashmir, Srinagar definitely tops the list. As the capital of Kashmir, Srinagar is a fitting encapsulation of the beauty you can experience in the state. Located in the Kashmir valley on the banks of river Jhelum, Srinagar is close to what you would consider heaven on earth. Every year, thousands of tourists from different countries flock to Srinagar to experience the ethereal beauty of the Himalayas up close and personally.
How to reach Srinagar?
By Air: If you are coming to Srinagar by flight, you can easily take a flight to the Named Sheikh ul Alam Airport, which is the airport for Srinagar. As an international airport, it is well-connected to various parts of the world and especially to all the major cities in India. The airport is located just 15 km from the city centre of Srinagar. You can find public transport such as cabs outside the airport and get to the city quickly.
By Train: To get to Srinagar by train, you need to get down at the Jammu Tawi railway station. Even though it is almost 200 km away from Srinagar, you can easily find public transport like buses or cabs from outside the station to reach Srinagar. The Jammu Tawi station is well-connected to most parts of India, and you can get direct trains to Jammu Tawi from most parts of India.
By Road: If you want to reach Srinagar by road, you will find plenty of buses from different parts of the country. The best idea is to get on a bus from Delhi, but you can also find buses from other states such as Uttarakhand. If you reach Jammu & Kashmir, you can also avail of local JKSRTC buses that will get you to Srinagar easily.
Top 10 Srinagar places to visit & things to do
Given that this beautiful city is one giant tourist attraction, how can you pick the best places to visit in Srinagar to make your trip the most awesome it can be? Well, to ease your problems, here’s a guide to the ten must-visit Srinagar tourist places.
Dal Lake
Source: Pinterest
When you think of Srinagar, the prime tourist destination that comes to mind is Dal Lake. This beautiful lake in the heart of Srinagar is the perfect place to start your trip. The water of this lake is crystal clear, and it reflects the Pir Pangal mountains surrounding you. You can even live on this lake in houseboats, which is a unique experience that you must try when visiting Dal Lake in Srinagar. The magnificent Dal Lake is located just 7 km from the city centre of Srinagar.
Shikara Rides at Dal Lake
Source: Pinterest
Dal Lake is such an amazing spot among Srinagar places to visit; there is a lot you can do and experience before you have seen/done everything. Staying on houseboats on Dal Lake is an experience. However, you can also go on scenic Shikara rides on the lake. Among things to do in Srinagar, this is a must. The Shikharas that resemble the gondolas of Venice are the best way for you to do a quick tour of the lake and unabashedly take in its incredible natural beauty. The best time for you to go on these rides would be in the morning or close to sunset.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
Source: Pinterest
Located close to the mesmerising Dal lake, this beautiful garden is also a must-visit tourist spot in Srinagar. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the largest Tulip garden in Asia. If you can visit it here during the annual Tulip Festival, you will be absolutely astounded by the beauty of this garden.
The best part is this garden is located at the base of the Zabarwan mountains range, where you can see these beautiful flowers as long as your eyes can see during bloom. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is located close to Dal Lake and just 8 km from the city centre of Srinagar.
Shalimar Bagh
Source: Pinterest
There are three Mughal-era gardens located in Srinagar, the biggest of which is the Shalimar Bagh. A beautiful combination of natural beauty combined with human architecture, this garden is a fantastic tourist spot for both nature and history lovers. The beauty of this garden is such that it is considered the crown of Srinagar.
From beautiful greenery to waterfalls, fountains, and Chinar trees, there is a lot you can find in this garden. So make sure you visit them on your next trip to Srinagar. The Shalimar Bagh is located just 10 km from the city centre of Srinagar. You can conveniently travel to this tourist spot using public transport available from the city centre.
Nishat Bagh
Source: Pinterest
Nishat Bagh, also known popularly as the garden of pleasures, is the second-largest Mughal-era garden in Srinagar. This 11-terraced garden is well designed, featuring beautiful walkways and fountains. The tall Chinar trees on each side, and the central waterway creates the mesmerising look of these gardens, which were built sometime in the late 17th century.
You can learn a lot about ancient history when you visit these gardens, so make sure to add/put these gardens on your list of places to visit in Srinagar on your next trip. The Nishat Bagh is located close to the Shalimar Bagh and even closer to the city centre with a distance of only 9 km.
Chashme Shahi Bagh
Source: Pinterest
Completing the series with the third and final Mughal-era garden in Srinagar, the Chasme Shahi Bagh is a beautiful garden that was built over 300 years ago. Even though this garden is the smallest compared to the other two mentioned previously, the natural views you can find in these gardens are unparalleled. With dotted walkways, fountains, pools, and a variety of plants, there is no shortage of spectacles for you to enjoy in these gardens.
This garden also features a natural spring known as Rupa Bhawani, which is a unique natural phenomenon that you must see when you visit these gardens. The Chasme Shahi Bagh is the closest to you when you are travelling from the city centre of Srinagar as it is located just 8 km away. You can take a trip to all these three Mughal-era gardens on a day’s trip using local public transport.
Pari Mahal
Source: Pinterest
Located above the Chasme Shahi Bagh, the Pari Mahal is a magnificent palace with a long lineage of history. The palace, which once served as a Buddhist Monastery, was then promoted into an Astrology school by the eldest son of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Dara Shikoh.
This beautiful palace is surrounded by an equally beautiful and well-maintained garden. This is an impressive historical monument that has stood tall for hundreds of years and is sure to surprise and wonder you with its mesmerising beauty. The Pari Mahal is located just 7 km from the city centre of Srinagar.
Hari Parbat Fort
Source: Pinterest
The Hari Parbat Fort is an exceptional example of human architecture. Built on top of the Hari Parbat hill by the Durrani dynasty over 200 years ago, visiting this fort can be one of the highlights of your Srinagar trip. You can see an aerial view of the entire city of Srinagar from this fort.
You can also see the majestic Himalayas behind you, with the Sheen Myean peak of Gulmarg towering over you. It is an incredible viewpoint and tourist spot that you simply can not miss. The Hari Parbat Fort is located very close to the city centre of Srinagar at a distance of only 3 km from Srinagar.
Hazratbal Shrine
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The Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar is the holiest Islamic pilgrimage in Srinagar and Kashmir. This mosque is of great historical significance to Islam as it is said to house a single hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad. This mosque is located close to Dal lake, and you can experience a fantastic view of the Himalayas from this spot. The Hazratbal Shrine is a must-visit tourist destination in Srinagar and is located just 53 km from the city centre of Srinagar.
Wular Lake
Source: Pinterest
The Wular lake in Srinagar is the largest freshwater lake in India. It is an amazing place for animal lovers as hundreds of birds and animals can be seen close to the lake. Apart from the natural beauty of the Wular lake, you can also enjoy a lot of adventurous activities here, such as water skiing, boating, and other water sports.
Even though Dal lake gets most of the recognition as the premier lake to visit in Srinagar, Wular lake will also surprise you. So make sure you visit Wular lake on your next trip to Srinagar. Wular Lake is located at a distance of only 37 km from the city centre of Srinagar.
FAQs
When should you visit Srinagar?
The best time to visit Srinagar is during the summer months of April to October. You can experience the best of Srinagar during this time. You can view incredible tulip gardens spread across the area during this period. You can also visit in the winter months if you want to experience the harsh winters with lots of snowfall.
How long should your trip to Srinagar last?
Srinagar is good for long vacations. You won’t be able to enjoy much in Srinagar on a short weekend trip. So make sure you at least have 5-7 days on hand when you are visiting Srinagar. The city of Srinagar has a lot to offer, and you need time to enjoy and experience the beauty of Srinagar in all its glory.
Is it safe to go to Srinagar?
Yes, Srinagar is safe for you and your family. You can peacefully travel and stay in Srinagar and enjoy your trip.
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