Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. The city is known for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts, and houseboats.
Srinagar is clearly the heart of Kashmir Valley. With the Himalayan Mountain Range forming a picturesque backdrop, the sparkling Dal Lake, and the rows of colorful houseboats and shikaras on it, Srinagar offers its visitors a visual treat. Some of the top popular tourist attractions & things to do in Srinagar are Mughal Gardens, Hari Parbat, Chashme Shahi Garden, and Pari Mahal.
There are various pilgrimage centers in Srinagar that are quite popular among both locals and tourists. Prominent among them are Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine, Hari Parbat, Jama Masjid, and Kheer Bhawani Temple. Besides having a wonderful time visiting these attractions in Srinagar, tourists can also enjoy shopping at Lal Chowk, Residency Road, Badshah Chowk, and the floating market in Dal Lake.
About Dal Lake Known to be “The Jewel of Srinagar”, Dal Lake spreads across an area of around 26 square kilometers. Popular as one of the most spellbinding places to see in Srinagar, this hillside lake flaunts colorful Shikaras, traditional wooden houseboats, and floating markets. Tourists visiting Dal Lake love to take a ride in the beautiful Shikaras, which are basically wooden boats decorated beautifully with canopies overhead.
They also enjoy shopping for authentic Kashmiri items from the floating market or lake market. These markets lay amidst the lake and sell a number of items like saffron and handicrafts. The houseboats on Dal Lake feature floral motifs and intricate carvings and offer breathtaking sights of the majestic lake. These boats are equipped with single rooms and luxury suites and offer comfortable accommodation to the visitors. During the winter season, the visitors also enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
Timings: Anytime.
Best Time to Visit: May to November.
About Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden
Forming the largest garden of the 3 breathtaking Mughal Gardens, the amazingly laid out Shalimar Bagh makes for one of the most sublime places to see in Srinagar. According to history, this stunning garden was constructed by Jahangir back in the year 1619 for his beautiful wife Noor Jahan.
Manifesting the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Mughal horticulturists, this garden overlooks the mesmerizing Dal Lake and showcases a surreal architecture. Shalimar Bagh presents an exquisite amalgamation of artificial structures and natural marvels. The whole premise of the garden has been beautifully carpeted with green grass. The garden has umpteen varieties of colorful flowers as well as tall trees of walnuts and almonds.
Location: Chinar chowk, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191121.
Timings: From 9.30 AM to 6.30 PM, on all days of the week.
Price: INR 10 per person.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-February to Mid-April and September-October.
About Nishat Bagh
Located near the Dal Lake, Nishant Bagh happens to be an enchanting twelve terraced garden, packed with green trees, scented flowers, and beautiful fountains. Known to be the 2nd biggest Mughal garden, this garden was constructed by Noor Jahan’s elder brother, Asif Khan, in the year 1633.
With the majestic Zabarwan Mountains forming its backdrop, Nishant Bagh makes for one of the most scenic places to visit in Srinagar and attracts a huge number of photographers and couples. Strolling in the garden, the visitors can also catch a panoramic view of the beautiful Dal Lake.
Location: Main road Nishat next to mughal garden nishat Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir, 191121.
Timings: From 9 AM to 10.30 PM, on all days of the week.
Price: INR 10 per person.
Best Time to Visit: March to June.
About Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
Opened for public in the year 2007, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was built with the aim of improving floriculture as well as tourism in the area. The initiative proved to be a huge success and in the year 2017, this beautiful garden had its name among the world’s 5 best tulip gardens.
This garden is blessed to have even the rarest of rare tulip varieties, including the “Queen of the Night”. The main highlight of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the enchanting annual festival, which is held in Spring, between the months of March and May.
Location: Jammu and Kashmir, Cheshma Shahi Road, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Timings: From 7 AM to 7.30 PM, on all days of the week.
Price: INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children.
Best Time to Visit: March, April, and May.
About Nigeen Lake
Lying on the eastern part of Srinagar, Nigeen Lake is considered to be a part of the beautiful Dal Lake, but is separated from it by a narrow causeway. Also referred to as “The Jewel in the Ring, the name of this lake is inspired by the plethora of tall trees that surround the deep blue waterbody.
Making for a rejuvenating getaway from the chaotic and monotonous life, this popular lake is considered to be one of the most amusing tourist places in Srinagar. Propelling thrill and fun seekers of all age groups, this enticing destination is suitable for various water activities including swimming, sailing, water skiing. Right on the lake’s bank, you can find the Nigeen club, which has a tea pavilion and a bar for the visitors.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Timings: 7 AM to 8 PM, on all days of the week.
Best Time to Visit: June to August.
About Chashme Shahi
Popular all over the world for its mesmerizing natural spring, Chashme Shahi happens to be a section of the famous Mughal Gardens of Srinagar. Commissioned by Shah Jahan as a dedication to his son, Dara Sikoh, this stunning garden was constructed back in 1632 by the emperor’s governor, Ali Mardan. According to popular beliefs, this place was first discovered by Rupa Bhawani, Kashmir’s renowned female saint. The name of the site is thus inspired from the clan to which the saint belonged, that is the Sahib clan of Kashmiri Pandits.
Chashme Shahi features a well-manicured triple-terraced garden, showcasing the Persian style architecture. A two storey hut has been positioned atop the garden’s top terrace and this structure is considered as the source of origin of the natural spring.
Location: 7, Boulevard Rd, Chashma Shahi, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Timings: From Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 7.15 PM, On Sunday – 2 AM to 9 PM.
Price: INR 10 per person.
Best Time to Visit: October to June.
About Hari Parbat
Known popularly for its rich religious and historical significance, Hari Parbat is a magnificent mountain overlooking Srinagar city. Counted among the top religious places to visit in Srinagar, this mountainous site is home to a plethora of beautiful shrines that are dedicated to several deities. Hari Parbat shelters Sharika Devi Temple that worships Goddess Jagdamba. In addition to this Hindu temple, the mountain also houses a gurdwara and a mosque, showcasing secularism in this region.
One of the major attractions of Hari Parbat is the majestic Hari Parbat fort, which was constructed back in the nineteenth century under the Durrani Empire. At the present time, this place is a popular tourist destination attracting mainly spiritual seekers, history fanatics, and peace lovers all through the year.
Location: Nohata, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190003.
Timings: From 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM, on all days of the week.
Best Time to Visit: March and April.
About Jamia Masjid
Lying in the central part of the city, Jamia Masjid happens to be one of the most ancient places to visit in Srinagar. This majestic mosque was constructed back in the year 1394 by Sultan Sikandar Shah Kashmiri Shahmiri, under the commands of Said-ul-Auliya Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani’s son, Mir Mohammad Hamadani. The construction of the shrine was extended in the later period by Zain-ul-Abidin, the son of Sultan Sikandar.
The mosque’s architecture resembles the Indo-Saracenic architectural style and also showcases certain similarities to the traditional Buddhist pagodas. In addition to its rich historical significance, Jamia Masjid is even famous as Kashmir’s largest mosque. The place has the ability to accommodate around 33,333 individuals at one time.
Location: Nowhatta Kathi Darwaza Road, Nowhatta, Srinagar, 190003.
Timings: From 3 PM to 7 PM, on all days of the week.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
About Zero Bridge
Crossing River Jhelum in a seemingly North-South direction, the beautiful Zero Bridge connects Sonwar on the northern end to Rajbagh on the southern end. This bridge was originally built in the 1950s under Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, who was the Prime Minister at that time. Though this bridge was earlier used for crossing the Jhelum river, vehicular movement was banned on the Zero Bridge in the 1980s in order to protect the weakening wooden structure.
Zero Bridge was initially referred to as “Zorr” Bridge due to the reason that the structure was constructed by a deaf architect and in Kashmiri, “Zorr” implies “deaf”. The bridge manifests an impressive design and is considered to be one of the oldest and best tourist places of Srinagar to get a sneak peek into the state’s glorious cultural heritage. Zero Bridge is dotted with a number of food courts and kiosks that serve authentic Kashmiri delicacies to the visitors.
Location: Zero Bridge, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190008.
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
About Dastgeer Sahib
Considered to be one of the oldest spiritual places to visit in Srinagar, Dastgeer Sahib happens to be a 200 years old sufi shrine. According to popular beliefs, the shrine was constructed by the philanthropist Mir Husain Qadri back in the year 1845.
The building was expanded by Khwaja Sanaullah Shawl in 1877. Covered with a conventional Khatamband ceiling featuring multiple crystal chandeliers and surrounded by interior walls adorned with papier mache finishing, the surreal features of this shrine hardly had any parallels. However, Dastgeer Sahib was damaged badly in an ugly fire incident that took place in the year 2012. At the present day, the shrine is restored back to its original state and has attractive relics of Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jelani.
Location: Khaniyar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190003.
Timings: From 5.30 AM to 7.30 PM, on all days of the week.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
About Pari Mahal
Perched above the mesmerizing Chashme Shahi Gardens, Pari Mahal happens to be one of the most historical places to visit in Srinagar. Known for its stunning 6 terraced gardens built atop Zabarwan Mountains, the place presents extraordinary scenic beauty. The gardens are very well-maintained and are filled with umpteen varieties of exotic trees and colorful flora.
Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s eldest son, Dara Shikoh, the beautiful architecture of the Pari Mahal represents the conventional Islamic architectural style. According to popular beliefs, this palace once served as a Buddhist monastery. In the later period, the building was used as an astrology school for Dara Shikoh. At the present time, Pari Mahal is administered by the Archaeological Survey of India and happens to be a popular tourist destination of the country.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Timings: From 9.30 AM to 7.30 PM, on all days of the week, except on Friday.
Price: INR 20 per person.
Best Time to Visit: April to September.
About Pari Mahal
Perched above the mesmerizing Chashme Shahi Gardens, Pari Mahal happens to be one of the most historical places to visit in Srinagar. Known for its stunning 6 terraced gardens built atop Zabarwan Mountains, the place presents extraordinary scenic beauty. The gardens are very well-maintained and are filled with umpteen varieties of exotic trees and colorful flora.
Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s eldest son, Dara Shikoh, the beautiful architecture of the Pari Mahal represents the conventional Islamic architectural style. According to popular beliefs, this palace once served as a Buddhist monastery. In the later period, the building was used as an astrology school for Dara Shikoh. At the present time, Pari Mahal is administered by the Archaeological Survey of India and happens to be a popular tourist destination of the country.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Timings: From 9.30 AM to 7.30 PM, on all days of the week, except on Friday.
Price: INR 20 per person.
Best Time to Visit: April to September.
About Mughal Gardens
Presenting a combination of several wonderful gardens, the Mughal Gardens is counted among the brilliantly engineered places to see in Srinagar. Built by the Mughals, all these gardens feature the beautiful Persian architecture and are filled with lush grasses and colorful flowers. The site of these gardens and their planning was made by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir and hence, the place’s grandeur is dedicated to him.
The Mughal Gardens comprise a number of popular gardens including Nishant Bagh, Pari Mahal, Shalimar Bagh, Achabal Garden, Verinag Garden, and Chashme Shahi. The major attractions of these gardens are their spectacular fountains and pools that are enough to leave the visitors enchanted and awestruck.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Timings: From 9 AM to 7 PM, on all days of the week.
Price: INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children.
Best Time to Visit: October to June.
About Mughal Gardens
Presenting a combination of several wonderful gardens, the Mughal Gardens is counted among the brilliantly engineered places to see in Srinagar. Built by the Mughals, all these gardens feature the beautiful Persian architecture and are filled with lush grasses and colorful flowers. The site of these gardens and their planning was made by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir and hence, the place’s grandeur is dedicated to him.
The Mughal Gardens comprise a number of popular gardens including Nishant Bagh, Pari Mahal, Shalimar Bagh, Achabal Garden, Verinag Garden, and Chashme Shahi. The major attractions of these gardens are their spectacular fountains and pools that are enough to leave the visitors enchanted and awestruck.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Timings: From 9 AM to 7 PM, on all days of the week.
Price: INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children.
Best Time to Visit: October to June.
About Makhdoom
Nestled towards the southern part of the majestic Hari Parbat, Makhdoom Sahib happens to be a beautiful Islamic shrine, which is dedicated to the Sufi saint Makhdoom Sahib aka Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom aka Sultan-ul-Arifeen aka Mehboob-ul-Alam. Constructed using the traditional Mughal architectural design, the 2 storey shrine appears really elegant and impressive.
The mosque’s structure is supported by several pillars, which tend to add to the architectural brilliance of the building. Surrounded by scenic vistas on all sides, Makhdoom Sahib attracts spiritual seekers and peace lovers to seek blessings of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom and feel connected to the almighty in the calm and serene environment.
Location: Hari Parbat Hill, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Timings: From 10 AM to 5 PM, on all days of the week.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.