Srinagar is popularly reckoned as ‘Heaven on Earth, perched at an elevation of 1585 meters. It is located in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir situated on the banks of river Jhelum. This place is well known for stationary houseboats and gondola-type rowboats. It is endowed with beautiful tranquil lakes and lovely gardens. This place is an excellent destination for honeymoon and family holidays.
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With the sunlight reflecting on the peaks of the mountains in the backdrop and the serene waters of the lakes, it is a heaven on the earth. It has a lot of houseboats that provide a spectacular and unique stay experience on the lake. It is a land of some of India’s most pristine Mughal-age gardens.
It also abodes Asia’s largest tulip garden. Kashmiri cuisine or Wazwan is well known all over the world and is rich in unique aromatic spices. There are many incredible places to visit in Srinagar that will help to explore its history, culture, art, and lifestyle.
10 Places to Visit in Srinagar
- Dal Lake
- Shalimar Bagh Garden
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Nageen Lake
- Hazratbal Mosque
- Pari Mahal
- Tulip Garden
- Apple orchards
- Kheer Bhawani Temple
- Dachigam National Park
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is spread over an extensive area of 15 km, it is the second-largest lake in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. This picturesque Lake is synonymous with a visit to Srinagar and is almost a visual definition of the place. The Lake reflects the snow-dusted peaks of the majestic Pir Panjal mountains while the colourful shikaras float around. The houseboats and shikaras are the tourist attractions of Dal Lake since the Shikaras are a cultural symbol and can only be seen in Srinagar.
The captivating Shikara or the wooden boats that float on the splendid waters impart a panorama view of the lake that promenades the Mughal gardens. The colourful hues of nature and the sunrise and sunset views from the lake are incredible. It is indeed one of the famous tourist places in Srinagar.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
Major Attractions: Floating market
Things to Do: Photography
Shalimar Bagh Garden
Shalimar Bagh’s garden resembles the Persian style of architecture and is sprawled over an area of 31 acres. This pristine attraction was built in the vicinity of Dal Lake, it was constructed to please Queen Noor Jahan by Shehenshah Jahangir.
It is endowed with trees and a canal flowing through the garden covered with polished stones the garden is an exquisite beauty. It includes three terraces each showcasing different views of the garden. It is indeed one of the impeccable tourist places to visit in Srinagar.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Major Attractions: Chinar trees, Arched niches
Things to Do: Photography
Shankaracharya Temple
The Shankaracharya Temple is perched on top of the Shankaracharya Hill, is dedicated to the god Shiva, and is one of the oldest shrines in Srinagar. The temple is situated on an elevated octagonal platform and needs to be accessed via 243 steps. It is also famously known as Jyesteshwara Temple, the temple is named after the great philosopher Shankaracharya.
This place holds a major significance to the Buddhists as well. This place involves a little trekking for the devotees. The premises of the temple offer a picturesque view of the valley. It is indeed one of the incredible tourist places to visit in Srinagar.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Major Attractions: Octagonal platform
Things to Do: Photography
Nageen Lake
Nageen Lake is serene and tranquil and separated through a causeway from Dal Lake. The lake has clean blue placid waters with edges reflecting the trees and is reckoned for its exquisite waters and spectacular ambience.
It abodes a number of houseboats that accommodate guests, with shikaras ferrying them. With blue skies overhead and wrapped between the stunning mountains and streaming on the shikhara is one of the eclectic experiences of this place. It is one of the amazing places to visit in Srinagar to catch the sunrise and sunset views.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
Major Attractions: Shikaras
Things to Do: Photography, Swimming
Hazratbal Mosque
Hazratbal Mosque is popularly regarded as the sacred shrine in Srinagar. It is a place where a hair strand of Prophet Mohammed is preserved. It is also called ‘the relic’ or the Moi-e-Muqaddas. This place draws a large number of tourists and it boasts outstanding architecture.
It is adorned with a white marbled dome structure. The dome and minaret display resembles Mughal architecture, the shrine has an influence on Kashmiri architecture. It is indeed one of the eminent tourist places to visit in Srinagar.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
Major Attractions: Dome structure, Floating market
Things to Do: Photography
Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal is a seven-terraced garden situated above the pristine Chashme Shahi Gardens near Srinagar. It is famously known as the abode of fairies or the home of angels, the ancient monument perched on top of the Zabarwan range offers panorama views of the Dal Lake.
This place also has a great historical significance. It resembles the traditional Islamic type of architecture while the surrounding gardens are beautiful and well maintained. The main tourist attraction of Pari Mahal is the variety of colourful flowers and exotic fruit plantations. It is indeed one of the top tourist places in Srinagar.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Major Attractions: Seven-terraced garden
Things to Do: Photography
Tulip Garden
Tulip Garden is the largest of its kind in Asia, It includes about 60 variants of tulips. It was constructed with the aim to enhance the tourism of Srinagar. The full bloom of the tulips offers a magnificent views sprawl in about 12 hectares of area. It is endowed at the foothills of Zabarwan Range in Srinagar which serves the grandeur of the Dal Lake. It is indeed one of the popular tourist places in Srinagar.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
Major Attractions: Tulip’s flower
Things to Do: Photography, Tulip Festival
Apple orchards
Apple orchards are popularly known for their Kashmiri Apples, strolling through the red and green pathways that are adorned by the emerald carpeted meadows full of trees and coloured by the apples is an eclectic experience. The entire place serves the sweetest flavours to your taste buds. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Srinagar to capture the beautiful view in your memory forever.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
Major Attractions: Apples
Things to Do: Photography
Kheer Bhawani Temple
Kheer Bhawani Temple is located in Tul Mulla village in Srinagar, It is dedicated to Goddess Bhawani, the incarnation of Goddess. A temple is a holy place for the Kashmiri Pandits. It is popularly known as Kheer Bhawani due to the delicious rice pudding served as Prasad to diety.
It is endowed with chinar trees and the temple is adorned with smooth and gorgeous stones. There is also a holy water spring that is considered very auspicious. It is one of the impeccable tourist places to visit in Srinagar.
Best Time to Visit: May to November
Major Attractions: Holy water spring
Things to Do: Photography
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is located 22km away from the main town of Srinagar. It is perched at an elevation of 1700m to 4300m above sea level. It is nestled with a lush green environment, beautiful flora, and some of the rarest fauna. An amazing abundance of wildlife here makes it a natural treasure.
The park abodes many wildlife animals like Himalayan Grey Langur, Himalayan brown bear, Pygmy Owlets, and the Leopards. It is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar for exploring indigenous and exotic animals.
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Major Attractions: Himalayan Grey Langur
Things to Do: Photography
Srinagar, with the abundant greenery, scenic views, beautiful lakes, majestic hills, temples, wildlife, magnificent peaks, and every other tourist attraction is indeed a great place where you can spend a fantastic vacation. The list of best places to visit in Srinagar offers a spectacular amalgamation of nature and wildlife, where you can explore the greenery and view the beautiful scenery around you.
FAQ
What are the famous foods of Srinagar?
The sumptuous foods of Srinagar include Rogan Josh, Modur Pulav, Matschgand, Shab Daig, Haakh, Yakhni and Nader ti Gaad.
What is special in Srinagar?
Srinagar is popular well known for its gardens, lakes and houseboats. It is also famous for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits.