18 Best Places to Visit in Srinagar: A Comprehensive Guide
The Jewel of Kashmir, Srinagar is a dream destination for people who want to indulge in breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage and unforgettable experiences. Located in the snow-covered Himalayas, this winter wonderland is laden with pristine lakes that shine and sparkle and lush gardens where you can divulge yourself in the perfect blend of greenery and serenity.
The city is also the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. This mighty king of the north has something to offer every kind of traveller, whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker. From majestic mosques to blooming gardens, you can experience different things, and if you know about the best places to visit in Srinagar, then your visit will be even better.
For those looking for a seamless travel experience and the best Srinagar travel agency, booking through a kashmirholidaypackage.co.in can be a great choice. A local agency ensures you get the best tour packages, hassle-free transport, and guided experiences to make the most of your time in this paradise.
Let’s get ready to know about the most amazing spots that you can visit in Srinagar and the different things that you can try.
What is the Famous Thing in Srinagar?
People on a trip to Srinagar are always looking for the most famous places in the city. Well, Srinagar is famous for Dal Lake. This majestic lake is known for its scenic beauty, floating gardens and traditional Shikara rides. Staying on a houseboat on the Dal Lake is an activity that draws people from different parts of the world.
Additionally, the city is also famous for its Mughal Gardens which allow people to take a peek into the striking gardens during the Mughal Era and reflect Persian-style landscaping. Apart from this, Srinagar is also home to some major religious sites like Hazratbal Shrine, Shankaracharya Temple, and the Jama Masjid. These places hold significant importance in the cultural heritage of the city. Srinagar is also renowned for Kashmiri handicrafts that you can buy like paper mache items, carpets and shawls. If you’re planning to explore the top destinations in Jammu & Kashmir, consider booking a complete Kashmir holiday package for a hassle-free experience.
Top Places to Visit in Srinagar
Wondering what are the best tourist places in Srinagar? Here are some of the top attractions that you can visit and enjoy in this paradise where you have the perfect blend of history and nature.
01
Dal Lake
A mirror shining, full of beauty, Dal Lake forms the heart of Srinagar. The Zabarwan Mountains encircle the lake filled with houseboats and shikaras. Taking a shikara ride through the colourful floating markets and entertaining vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal souvenirs will make for a special outing for the visitors.
02
Shankaracharya Temple
Located at the top of the Shankaracharya Hill, this temple is believed to be the oldest worshipping place in the Kashmir Valley. Along with its religious importance, the temple is also an architectural marvel which is 1100 feet above sea level. The view from the top of the Shankaracharya hill is truly breathtaking and will leave you mesmerised.
03
Jama Masjid
Just like Delhi, even Srinagar has its own Jama Masjod which is an ancient mosque built more than 600 years ago. The mosque was established by the then Kashmiri king Sultan Sikandar Shah Kashmiri Shahmiri. The serene mosque has a history that will also tell you about the conditions of the Kashmir Valley and the numerous ups and downs that it has faced over the years.
04
Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake, still in Srinagar, is the perfect place for those in search of a tranquil hideaway. Scenic views, wooden houseboats, and floating gardens will give you a memory to cherish. Shikara rides, birdwatching, or fishing across the lake present some relaxation opportunities and are considered some of the best things to do in Srinagar. The lake is often referred to as the ‘Jewel in the Ring’ and serves as the quieter alternative to Dal Lake.
05
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
Srinagar local sightseeing cannot be complete without visiting the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. Filled with varieties and varieties of tulips, this garden provides you with a feeling that will be etched in your mind forever. The sweet aroma of the tulips makes your visit even better.
06
Floating Market
One of the best experiences that you can have in Srinagar is visiting the Floating Market. The market is located on Dal Lake where farmers of the city sell fresh items on their boats and since the market operates in the early hours of the morning, it also become one of the top destinations for photography lovers.
07
Manasbal Lake
One of the main tourist spots in Srinagar is Manasbal Lake, a wonder created by nature, lying amidst the Baladar mountains in the east. The supreme lake is surrounded by the local villages of Jarokbal, Kondabal, and Ganderbal. Picture yourself gazing at mesmerizing views from the banks of the chilly lake, caressed by cool winds with faint sounds of murmurs and chirping birds.
08
Mughal Gardens
Srinagar is home to the Mughal Gardens designed by the Mughal emperors. These include:
- Shalimar Bagh: Built by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan, this garden is a blend of Persian and Mughal styles.
- Nishat Bagh: Known as the Garden of Bliss, it has cascading terraces and fountains, with fabulous views of Dal Lake.
- Chashme Shahi: This garden is a small garden famous for its natural spring.
Pari Mahal: A historical monument that has terraced gardens with a nice view of Srinagar.
09
Dachigam National Park
Are you interested in seeing different animals in their natural habitat? Well, the Dachigam National Park will provide you with the same experience as it is spread across an area of 141 sq. km. The place is 22km outside the main town of Srinagar but, visiting it is not at all a hassle. Once you reach the National Park, you will be able to see animals like the Kashmiri Stag and Himalayan black bear.
10
Hazratbal Shrine
Hazratbal Shrine is one of the religious sites of Srinagar. It is believed to possess a relic of the Prophet Muhammad. The structure, made of white marble, with Dal Lake in the background, makes it one of the most peaceful places in the city.
11
Shri Pratap Singh Museum
The museum holding an incredible collection of 80,000 objects is undoubtedly one of the top places to see in Srinagar due to its immense cultural significance of Kashmir and the north Indian region. It houses artefacts such as shawls and armoury from Tosh Khana, as well as excavated exhibits of the region.
12
Wular Lake
Getting its water from river Sutlej, Wular Lake is one of the best Srinagar tourist places. This place is also one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia and just like Dal Lake, people can also sail across the lake on a Shikara or a simple boat. The breathtaking beauty of this lake cannot be captured entirely in a photograph which is why visiting it is a must for travellers.
13
Hari Parbat Fort
Srinagar is also home to a majestic fort which overlooks the city. The Hari Parbat Fort is located on a hill that also has a gurudwara, mosque and temple. While the fort is not one of the most visited places in Srinagar, it is a nature’s abode and also holds cultural importance. The hill also stands as a paradigm of unity where different religious buildings prosper in the same vicinity.
14
Kheer Bhawani Temple
Another religious shrine located in the city is the Kheer Bhawani Temple which worshipes the Hindu goddess Ragnya Devi. The mysterious water spring located inside the temple is believed to change colours and attracts visitors who are eager to see this wonder of nature.
15
Burzahom Archaeological Site
A treasure for history enthusiasts, the place boasts of being as famous as any historical site deserving its name as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Burzahom Archaeological Site, which is very popular among travellers in Srinagar, is known for its cultural significance spanning four important periods: Neolithic-Phase 1 and 2, Megalithic, and early History.
16
Badamwari Garden
Badam Wari is one of the most famous tourist spots in Srinagar, especially for those travelling with kids and family. The possibility of witnessing the early blooming of trees in this garden is an excessive attraction for tourists and nature lovers alike. Within, the domed structure is covered on top, with flora and flowers alongside peaceful small water bodies to soothe visitors. It is situated in a prime spot, with the finest cottages in Srinagar nearby.
17
Char Chinar
If you are taking a Shikara ride, make sure that you ask your guide to steer your Shikara in the stunning region of Char Chinar. Char Chinar is a picturesque island that is present in the middle of Dal Lake and is entirely covered with Chinar trees, hence, the name of this island. The long chinar trees add more beauty to the vast expanse of sparkling water of Dal Lake and make for the perfect spot to click a selfie.
Shopping in Srinagar
What is better than shopping in this enchanting place? You can visit numerous places in Srinagar for shopping, and every market has its charm and appeal.
- Lal Chowk Market: Known for Kashmiri handicrafts, spices, and dry fruits.
- Polo View Market: A great place for buying authentic Kashmiri carpets, shawls, and souvenirs.
Are 2 Days Enough for Srinagar?
Now, if you do not have a lot of days to spare for your Srinagar visit then,
you have nothing to worry about. You can explore the city’s top attractions even on a short trip with well-planned transportation. By choosing the right cab service in Srinagar. You can make your trip easy and comfortable, allowing you to visit multiple locations without hassle.
you have nothing to worry about as here, we are going to present you with the perfect 2-day itinerary for Srinagar.
Day 1:
On the first day, you can start Srinagar sightseeing by visiting the Dal Lake and getting on a Shikara for a ride. After this, you can visit the mesmerising Mughal Gardens and pay your visit to the Shankaracharya Temple. An evening stroll in the Lal Chowk will make your day ideal.
Day 2:
We recommend starting the second day early and visiting the Floating Market on the Dal Lake. You can visit the Hazratbl Shrine, Pari Mahal and the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden to make your day perfect Lastly, depending on the time you have left, you can either take a trip to the Dachigam National Park or Wular Lake.
Are 3 Days Enough for Srinagar?
3 days in Srinagar are ideal for a more relaxed visit as it ensures that you have enough time to explore all the major places in Srinagar as well as the cities and towns that are near Kashmir. The beauty of Srinagar will leave you completely mesmerised in 3 days.
Day 1:
As soon as you visit Srinagar, you can spend the entire first day visiting Srinagar famous places like the Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens and the temples. To make sure that you have enough time to see all these places, you should start from one side and end your trip to the other side.
Day 2:
If you have explored all the places that you want to see in Srinagar, you can take a one-day trip to Gulmarg. The winter wonderland is very close to Srinagar and you can reach the hill station quickly and enjoy the different activities offered at Gulmarg. The winter season in Gulmarg is heaven for adventure seekers as they can try activities like Skiing, snowboarding and cable car rides.
Day 3
After coming back to Kashmir, you can also visit Sonmarg or Pahalgam if you are a nature lover. These places allow you to trek and visit numerous locations. The scenic and astonishing beauty of these places is also quiet and here, you can sit in peace and enjoy the sounds of nature. Alternatively, if you’re an adventure lover, you might go beyond Srinagar and do a Leh Ladakh Kargil Trip from Srinagar. With its breathtaking views of the Himalayan terrain, high-altitude passes, and historic locations like Kargil and Drass, this route is among the most exciting road trips.
Conclusion
Srinagar is one of the most beautiful locations nestled in Kashmir, the ‘Paradise on Earth’. This city is a blend of natural beauty, adventure and cultural heritage. Whether you have a day, 2-days or a week, you have plenty of places to visit and explore in the city.
From the magnificent Dal Lake to the historical Mughal Gardens and hidden gems like the Badamwari Garden, Srinagar also succeeds in capturing the attention of visitors. You need to plan an itinerary to the city based on your preferences and this allows you to have a memorable experience in this jewel.