The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is undoubtedly a tourist attraction spot in India that everyone should visit once in a lifetime. A dream destination for many, Srinagar resembles a canvas of an artist filled with natural beauty, glistening lakes, colourful gardens, snow-clad mountains and warm-hearted people. The city, situated on the banks of Jhelum, Srinagar is surrounded by picturesque lakes, offering magical views all around.
Dal Lake
The most picturesque lake in the foreground of an urban city, surrounded by cloud-clad Pir Panjal ranges, Dal Lake has been one of the top tourist places in Srinagar over the years. A large stretch of water covering an area of 18 square kilometres, elevated at 1,583 metres, Dal Lake is the second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir.
Popular for being the ‘Jewel in the crown of Kashmir,’ Dal Lake resembles two totally different looks in two different seasons, summer and winter. In summer, on a bright sunny day, witnessing the reflection of the clear sky on the water, whereas, witnessing a frozen lake when the temperature reaches -11 degrees centigrade in winter – the beauty of Dal Lake on any day in any season, is indeed enthralling and praiseworthy.
Nigeen Lake for a Peaceful Shikara Ride!
A mildly eutrophic lake, connected to the Dal Lake by a narrow strait, Nigeen or Nageen Lake is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar. Comparatively less crowded than Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake is located adjacent to a hillock, called Hari Parbat at an elevation of 1,582 metres.
The welcoming poplar and willow trees standing in a line encompassing the beautiful lake, referred to as ‘nageena,’ which gives the lake its name. A quiet atmosphere amidst serene nature, Nigeen Lake has been on the list of travellers who want to enjoy a Shikara ride away from a crowd, in a relaxing way.
Wular Lake, The Largest Freshwater Lake!
The largest freshwater lake in India, located in the Bandipora District, embraced by majestic hills, Wular Lake has been famed as one of the best tourist attractions in Srinagar. It spreads across an area of 200 square kilometres covering a width of ten kilometres and a length of 24 kilometres.
The quaint lake has an island in the middle, which was constructed by King Zainul-Abi-Din, presently home to exotic birds, a paradise for ornithologists. The lake draws water from the Jhelum River and contributes a large portion to the fish production and livelihoods of people living on the banks. Watching a stunning sunset while having a boat ride on the lake and talking to a native fisherwoman – is all you can experience in Wular.
Shalimar Bagh, The ‘Crown of Srinagar’!
A garden built by an emperor for his queen, Shalimar Bagh has been a top honeymoon destination over the years. An architecture, flaunting the Islamic Garden layout, known as Persian gardens, Shalimar Bagh is the largest among all Mughal gardens in Srinagar. It features three terraced areas, which used to be treated for different purposes. The uppermost area was for the women of the royal family and the central one, called ‘Diwan-i-Khas’ was for the emperor. ‘Diwan-i-Aam’ was the outer portion of the garden, which was open to the public.
Shalimar Bagh was built in 1619 by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan. It used to be their Royal Court and residence during the summer. The highlights of the garden are Chini Khanas, which are placed behind the waterfalls and decorated with flowers, offering an amazing visual effect. The place remains open throughout the week except for Friday and during the peak tourist season, from May to October, the authority arranges a light and sound show in the evenings.
Hari Parbat, A Signature of Secularism!
A hillock, not so far from the centre of Srinagar city, surrounded by lush greenery, home to three shrines belonging to three different religions, Hari Parbat represents secularism for what our country is famed across the world. The hill has a fort on the top of it, a part of which was first built by Emperor Akbar, who planned to shift his capital to Hari Parbat but failed to do so. Later, Atta Mohammad Khan, the Afghan governor completed the whole fort.
On the southern slope, the fort has two famous Muslim shrines of Akhund Mullah Shah and Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and on the western slope, there is a Shakti Temple, dedicated to Goddess Jagdamba. There is also a Gurdwara on the southern side of the outer wall. One of the unexplored places in Srinagar Hari Parbat is indeed an amazing place to get amused by the views of the city from the top.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, A Bouquet of Colours!
One of the top places to visit in Srinagar in summer, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the largest tulip garden in Asia. Previously known as Siraj Bagh, the garden was opened in 2007 owing to boost tourism and floriculture in Kashmir. Home to around 15 Lakh tulips in more than 60 varieties, the garden opens in spring every year (around March) and attracts lakhs of visitors all over the country.
The tulip garden is located on sloping ground at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountain range, overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake. It is built in a terraced manner consisting of seven layers. Apart from the main attraction, tulips, people can also enjoy other flowers like daffodils, ranunculus and hyacinths. However, the date of the opening may change every year, so it is recommended to check the website and news before going to visit the garden.
Shankaracharya Temple, A Peaceful Place Away Crowds!
The oldest Hindu temple in Kashmir, Shankaracharya Temple is a top tourist destination in Srinagar. As legend has it, Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya stayed in the temple in the 8th century while he visited Kashmir Valley and since then, it has become a popular Hindu pilgrimage. The temple is now protected nationally under the Archaeological Survey of India.
The temple is also famous among the Hindus as it remains an important part of the Amarnath Yatra. Thousands of pilgrims visit this Shivalaya while having their Amarnath Yatra. It is located at a height of 335 metres at the top of Shankaracharya hill, on the Zabarwan Mountain range. The bird’s eye view of Srinagar City and Jhelum valley from the temple are other attractions of the place.
Pari Mahal, An Epitome of Nature!
One of the best places to explore in Srinagar, Pari Mahal resembles heaven on earth. Yet unexplored by many, the place offers stunning views of nature that one can expect in a Srinagar Kashmir sightseeing tour. An all-year-round destination in Srinagar, Pari Mahal can be easily reached from any part of the city.
The mahal was built in the mid-17th century by Dara Shikoh, son of Shah Jahan to be used as a summer retreat. It is situated at the top of the Zabarwan Mountain range comprising a palace and a terraced garden, which is home to a variety of plants. The building was once converted into an observatory and teaching centre for astrology and astronomy students, now treated as one of the best sightseeing places in Srinagar.
Dachigam National Park, The Residence of Kashmir Stag!
One of the best places to visit in Srinagar in winter, Dachigam National Park is home to a rich collection of flora and fauna found in Jammu and Kashmir. The name ‘Dachigam’ stands for ‘ten villages,’ which were relocated due to its formation owing to the supply of clean drinking water to Srinagar City. Later in 1981, the area, spreading across 141 square kilometres, was declared a national park.
The impressive views of the unspoiled forests and natural beauty surrounding the park attract flocks of tourists throughout the year. People also visit this park for the collection of Kashmir stag (hangul), the endangered species of red deer found in India. Apart from hangul, the park also gives shelter to two varieties of leopards, musk deer, Himalayan black beer and various exotic Himalayan birds like golden eagles, bearded vultures, crimson togo pan and koklass pheasant.
Hazratbal Mosque, A 17th-Century Architectural Marvel!
Popularly known as Dargah Sharif, Hazratbal Mosque is one of the must see places in Srinagar. The only domed architecture with a mix of Kashmiri and Islam styles, Hazratbal Mosque is situated on the western (left) bank of Dal Lake along with the snow-clad Himalayas in the background. An anecdote of history, respect and serenity, the mosque can be reached by road or by shikara through Dal Lake.
The building was originally a garden and Ishrat Mahal, built in 1623 by Sadiq Khan, who was Shah Jahan’s subedar. Later, it turned into a place for offering prayers following the orders from Shah Jahan. The mosque holds religious importance as it is home to a sacred relic, Moi-e-Muqaddas, a hair of Prophet Muhammad’s beard. The place attracts thousands of pilgrims on special festivals when the relics are displayed.
Yusmarg, A Place From The Postcard!
On the outskirts of Srinagar, some 50 kilometres away from the city, there is a stunning place called Yusmarg in the Budgam District, that looks exactly like a picture on a postcard. A place for a digital detox, for rejuvenating yourself away from the hustle and bustle of cities, Yusmarg is such a place that does not see many tourist footfalls.
In the native language, the name of the place is derived from two words, where Yus means Jesus and marg means meadows. As legend has it, Jesus once passed through the meadows. With the undulating stretch of grassland, scattering flowers along the pathways overlooking the snow-capped hills and the ponies wandering here and there – Yusmarg is a perfect definition of a place that refreshes one’s soul and mind.
Shri Pratap Singh Museum
Originally established in 1898 to house the artefacts from Jammu, Kashmir, Baltistan and Gilgit, the museum boasts of an impressive assortment of precious antiques and artefacts from the state’s regal history. Travel back in time at the 121-year-old lone standing Museum of Kashmir. Find exhibits like weaponry, precious coins and ceramics, dating back to the beginning of human civilisation.
Lal Chowk and Polo View, Shopaholics’ Heaven!
Two perfect spots to splurge on everything that’s essentially Kashmiri and very affordable. The handicrafts here are a must-buy. Pick authentic souvenirs, fabrics, carpets, brassware, dry fruits, paper mache products, walnut wood products and other handicrafts from here.