Top 12 Tourist Best Places To Visit in Srinagar
Places To Visit in Srinagar -
Situated in Kashmir Valley on the bank of river Jhelum, Srinagar is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. Famous for its lush green pastures, beautiful gardens, serene lakes and shikara houseboats, it is a famous spot for a family holiday vacation in India.
Further, the city has a pleasant climate all throughout the year thus it is an ideal place for the summer vacation in India. Besides that, from the natural beauty to lots of adventure option everything is just perfect here. Also home to many ancient temples and wildlife reserve, Srinagar is an important part of Kashmir Tourism. So here is the list of top tourist places to visit in Srinagar that every tourist needs to explore at least once.
Best Time To Visit Srinagar - The beautiful tourist spot has soothing climate condition all around the year. So one can visit this place any time in the year as the average temperature remains between 0°C to 30°C. In addition, the summer season is the best time to enjoy sightseeing in Srinagar whereas the winter season is an ideal to enjoy snowfall. So plan your trip accordingly and enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating holiday vacation in Srinagar.
12 Most Famous Best Tourist Places To Visit in Srinagar & Things To Do -
1. Dal Lake -
Srinagar Tourism much famed for its stunning Dal Lake that's why we placed it on top position in the list of places to visit in Srinagar. Spread over an area of 26 sq km, it is widely known for its houseboats and Shikaras. Surrounded by lush green mountainscape and beautiful Mughal Gardens, the lake offers many picturesque views that leave every tourist awestruck. Further, the beautiful lake also called 'Jewel in the crown of Kashmir' or 'Jewel of Srinagar'. Apart from that, it is an ideal location for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, angling and Shikara boat riding. It also offers impeccable views of sunrise and sunset. Moreover, a worth visiting tourist destination in Srinagar and should not be missed.
2. Pari Mahal -
Located just next to Chashm-e-Shahi Gardens, Pari Mahal once was a Buddhist Monastery. It is an offbeat tourist place in Srinagar and also refers to the 'House of Fairies'. Built by Dara Shikoh who was the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it displays Islamic style of architecture. Further, it also features six terraced gardens on the top which offers it a glorious look. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and lush green hills in the backdrop, the site attracts Nature lovers in a large number. Instead of this, the site has great historical importance too thus it is a great place to be explored for all history buffs. Currently, it is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India as it also considered to be one of the significant historical monuments in India.
3. Char Chinar -
Char Chinar is another famous tourist attraction in Srinagar which is a small island located on Dal Lake. The island houses ancient Chinar Trees, hence it named so. Further, it can be only accessed by taking a Shikara boat ride at Dal Lake. Surrounded by beautiful snow-covered peaks, it is a perfect place to click photographs and selfies.
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4. Nishat Bagh -
Located on the bank of Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh among one of the top places to visit in Srinagar. The park offers an amazing view of gorgeous Dal Lake and snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain ranges. Constructed around 1633 AD by Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan who was the brother of Nur Jahan, it is the 2nd largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley. Further, this popular 12 terraced garden filled with flowerbeds, water fountains, lawns and various plants and all these characters makes it a popular picnic spot in Srinagar.
With beautiful Zabarwan Hills on the backdrop, the site looks more majestic and spectacular thus it attracts photogenic and nature lovers. In addition, the place is very popular among couples and families where they can spend some quality time in the lap of nature.
5. Shalimar Bagh -
For the nature lover and peace seeker, Shalimar Garden is another popular tourist spot in Srinagar that steal every tourist heart for its captivating natural beauty. It is the largest garden among all three Mughal Gardens in the Kashmir Valley. This four terrace garden gives you a glimpse of the Mughal style of architecture and craftsmanship. Further, the breathtaking natural beauty with a wide array of flowers makes it a worth visiting tourist place in Srinagar.
Built around 1619 AD by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in the memory of his loving wife Nur Jahan, it is also known as 'Abode of Love'. Due to its horticultural charm, the park attracts tourist from all around the World. It also houses many man-made structures that depict rich craftsmanship of the Mughal era. One can also enjoy the light and sound show that is organised here on a regular basis. Overall a must visit tourist attraction in all Srinagar tourist places which gives you a unique kind of vibe and charm.
6. Wular Lake -
Located in the Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir, Wular Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India thus it attracts a huge number of visitors around the year. Famous for its scenic lush greenery and breathtaking views, the lake is one of the magnificent places to visit in Srinagar for both nature lovers and photogenic people. Jhelum river is the main source of water of this lake and it also inhabited by various species of birds.
In addition, it is also listed as one of the 26 wetlands of India. Apart from that, the lake offers several adventure activities such as boating, water sports and water ski. Further, it is an ideal spot for birdwatching too as you spot various birds species such as short-toed eagle, blue rock pigeon, golden oriole, alpine swift and many more.
7. Hazratbal Mosque -
As the name suggests Hazratbal Mosque is one of the holiest places to visit in Srinagar for the Muslim community. Located on the bank of the famous Dal Lake, it is also known as Asar-e-Sharif, Dargah Sharif and Madinat-us-Sani. The mosque holds the relics of Prophet Muhammad thus it is a sacred site for the followers of Islam. Made up of white marble, it is a perfect fusion of Mughal and Kashmiri styles of architecture. Further, the Mosque offers a spectacular view of the lake and a huge mountain which is located in the backdrop. So being one of the most sacred Muslim pilgrimage sites in India, it is a worth visiting tourist place in Srinagar.
8. Shankaracharya Temple -
Dates back to 200 BC, Shankaracharya Temple is one of the oldest temples in Jammu and Kashmir which has high religious significance too. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is often known as Jyesteshwara Temple. Located at an altitude of 1100 feet above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of Pir Panjal mountain range. During the famous Amarnath Yatra, the temple visited by lots of devotees. So along with pilgrimage importance, it is a place where you can see nature at its best. It is also believed that a great saint Shankaracharya visited this site around 10th centuries ago to spread his philosophy of Vedanta. He also used to worship the Shiva Lingam, which is still found in the Inner Sanctum of the temple.
9. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden -
Situated in the foothills of Zabarwan Hills near Dal Lake, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is one of its kind in India. Further, this World famous garden houses around 60 variety of colourful Tulips which creates a mesmerising era. An annual Tulip Festival also organised at this site that continues for 7 days. During the festival time, the garden visited by lots of tourists. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar that must be included in your bucket list.
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10. Sinthan Top -
Located at an altitude of 12000 feet above sea level, Sinthan Top is one of the most preferred tourist places in Srinagar for scenic lovers and adventure seeker. Actually, it is a mountain pass which is located in Pir Panjal Mountain Ranges. The popular tourist spot is an ideal location for mountaineering, trekking and skiing hence visited by lots of adventure enthusiast all around the year. Further, it remains covered with a thick blanket of snow for most of the time, so the ideal time to visit this place is between April to October.
11.Chashme Shahi Bagh -
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.
12.Hari Parbat Fort -
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.
So, these are the most famous tourist places to visit in Srinagar that every tourist has to explore at least once. From enchanting lakes to beautiful gardens to historical monuments and temples, the site has something for everyone. So all the above mention tourist attractions in Srinagar makes it a great tourist spot in entire Jammu & Kashmir.
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.
FAQs
1.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.
2.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.
3.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.