Kashmir's most well known city, Srinagar, stands by the clear waters of the Dal Lake, and the rushing Jhelum. Srinagar is called the city of lakes, which has facinated tourist's from centuries, with its beautiful picturesque Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and the grandeur of Mughal architectural. Srinagar is abounded by the beauty of Himalayas and nature.
Situated on the bank of Jhelum, Srinagar is a treasure trove of beauty and it will be a pleasure for many travellers to explore the bounteous beauty of the city. The major beauty of this city are its waterfalls and gardens which were made by the Mughal emperors. Snow capped mountains, chinar trees and beautiful valleys give a spectacular view to the city.
Tourist attractions in Srinagar
The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also referred to as being a heaven on earth. There are a number of tourist places in and around Srinagar.
We recommend following Popular Sightseeing spots in Srinagar:
Dal Lake : Dal Lake is famous not only for its beauty but also for its vibrance. The lake is connected to number of lakes . Dal Lake is well known for its Shikaras or houseboats. Dal Lake is the largest lake of Srinagar and host number of houseboats followed by the Nageen and Jhelum. The lake also offers facilities for kayaking, angling and water surfing.
Nagin Lake : This small and beautiful blue lake is known also known as the “Jewel in the Ring” which is generally considered as a separate lake is divided from Dal lake only by a causeway. The causeways are mostly suitable for walkers and bicycles only so they make a very pleasant way of seeing the lake without having to worry about traffic or Shikaras.
Mughal Gardens : Kashmir was one of the favorite haunt of Mughal emperors. Mughal Gardens are generally cool and refreshing. There are several well laid out gardens designed in Mughal Style. These gorgeous green gardens attracts tourists on a large scale for their numerous flowering plant species and water fountains running down its centre.
Shankaracharya Hill : Rising up behind the boulevard, beside Dal Lake, the hill was once known as Takht-i-Sulaiman, the throne of Solomon. The philosopher Shankaracharya stayed at this place when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive "Sanatan Dharma".
Hazratbal Mosque : The most important Muslim shrine of Kashmir, that commands the reverence of the people beyond measure, is undoubtedly the Hazratbal Shrine, which is situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. This unmatched reverence is anchored in the love and respect for the Prophet.
Shalimar Bagh : This garden was setup by Mughal emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan, in 1616.. Later the garden was extended by Shah Jahan.
Chashmashahi : Also known as Royal Spring, this garden was laid by emperor Shah Jahan in 1632.
It is the smallest of all the Mughal gardens at Srinagar. The garden is known for its natural spring, with its water having a property of digestion.
Kheer Bhawani Temple - 27 km from Srinagar, there exists a sacred spring at Tula Mula village, symbolising goddess Ragnya Devi. On the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May, devotees fast and gather here, offering milk and Kheer (A rice and milk preparation) to the sacred spring, hence the name 'Kheer Bhawani'. It is believed that on this day the goddess changes the colour of the spring water. What is fascinating about the spring is the fact that it turns black to warn of some danger at hand.
Attractions in Srinagar:
Dal Lake : It would be totally unfair, if you talk about Srinagar hill station and forget to mention the Dal Lake. Oozing over an area of 26 square kilometers, the Dal Lake is a jewel of Srinagar that never fails to mesmerize the onlookers. Enjoy a stay or a ride in the houseboat and watch the reflection of the sun’s glory in the crystal clear water. Mark these words, ‘a day spent amid the beauty of the Dal Lake is a day spent in heaven’.
Saffron Field : Located 12 kilometers from Srinagar is Pampore, a place where the prepossessing saffron fields are seen swaying delightfully by the touch of the breeze. The grandeur of these fields is too good to believe; however, while you see them right in front of your eyes, you are left with no choice but to get fascinated. There is a tradition to watch these fields in the moonlight, as while the white and pious rays of the moon gently kiss the saffron field, the view thus formed is magical.
Mughal Gardens : The Mughal Gardens are one of the best places to visit in Srinagar. Classified in three parts- Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Gardens and Chashm-e-shahi, these gardens have embraced the very essence of Mughal architectural brilliance. Be it the long stretched flower beds or the spurting fountains, sheer example of creativity can be seen in every nook and corner of the place. An icing to the cake is that these gardens are located at a distance of mere 13 kilometers from Srinagar.
Pari Mahal: While you travel to Srinagar, it is a must to visit the Pari Mahal. Standing gracefully above the Chashm-e-shahi Gardens, Pari Mahal or popularly known as the Quntilon is a wonderful model of ancient architecture. This edifice is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a spring right in the centre complemented by the fringe of pretty blossoms. It seems like the splendor of the entire hill station is cosseted here only.
Jamia Masjid : Located at Nowhatta, the Jamia Masjid is one of the most pious and serene destinations of the place. Due to various unavoidable reasons, this mosque was demolished and restored numerous times. The present day monument was constructed way back in 1674 and till date it is as strong as an ox. Further, the strength and majesty of this Masjid is clutched in its 370 wooden pillar; as it is said that each one of them was made with a single deodar trunk.
Accommodation
Srinagar being one of the most beautiful hill stations witnesses a great crowd every year. Considering this inflow of tourism, the respective authorities have established various resorts and hotels in Srinagar. These hotels are known for their state of the art infrastructure, best in class amenities and warm hospitality. Right from the time you check in, to the time you check out, these resorts make sure that you enjoy your holidays in Srinagar to the maximum.
Climate
The summers remain pleasant with maximum temperature up to 30° C, and the winters are popular for being bone chilling with maximum temperature 14°C and minimum can go even below 0°C. Further, the homecoming of winters is celebrated with heavy snow fall in Srinagar.
Best time to Visit
The best time to plan a Srinagar hill station tour is from April to October.
Getting there
By Air: Located in Srinagar is an international airport – The Sheikh ul Alam Airport, 15 kilometers from the main city. It is well- known and maintained airport; thus, all tourists can board a flight from the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chandigarh.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations to reach Srinagar are Jammu Tawi and Udhampur Railway Station. Arrive on any of these stations and from there hire a taxi.
By Road : Srinagar is well linked by road with the major cities like Jammu (258 km), Leh (424 km), Delhi (876 km), and Chandigarh (646 km). It is easy to avail bus or cab facilities to reach the respective hill station.
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