Situated on the banks of River Jhelum and part of the spell-binding Kashmir, Srinagar is widely known for its enchanting natural beauty, lakes, and beautifully surrounding stunning Himalayan mountains. Houseboats and shikaras and the magnificence of Mughal architecture ring this city of sparkling lakes. The houses’ disorganized placement and dilapidated appearance add a strange appeal to the picture. It has a unique, quaint way of life that depicts a sweeping, fanciful journey across the mountains covered in snow. One can find an array of local sightseeing places to visit in Srinagar. Here is a list of things that you will never regret choosing from.
1. THE CAPTIVATING DAL LAKE
The “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”, Dal lake is one of Srinagar’s most visited and best lakes. It’s not just a lake but a place filled with memorable experiences for the admirers of nature and repose. With Shikaras to ride and houseboats to stay, the whole experience gets even better. Watching the sun setting into the calming waters of Nigeen Lake, which is a part of Dal Lake, sends your soul into a new dimension of ecstasy.
2. DREAMY HOUSEBOAT STAY
Ever stayed in a house that’s also a boat, or maybe call it a floating house? Dreamy! Right? Staying in one of those houses is a dreamlike and magical experience. Warm and cosy like a home and luxurious like a palace with all the basic facilities at your service, this floating house will make your stay remarkable, joyful and memorable. During the visit, don’t forget to grab a cup of traditional aromatic kehwa, and with every sip, watch your soul drenching into the calmness of lake waters.
3. EUPHORIC SHIKARA RIDE
Take a boat and dive into the vast serenity of the pristine Dal. Wake up early, take a ride and witness the beauty of rowing vegetable and flower markets or watch the gorgeous fiery sky and the lake while the sun sets. The calmness of the lake, the gentleness of the waves, and the awe-striking backdrop of the Zabarwan Mountains will send your soul swirling into delight. Wait! There’s more! The ride can also take you to Char Chinar, an island beautified by mighty and majestic Chinar trees.
4. A ROYAL WALK IN MUGHAL GARDENS
The perfectly terraced Mughal gardens are among Srinagar’s most splendid local sightseeing places. Decorated with canals, fountains, pools, and giant shade-providing Chinar trees, gardens like Nishat and Shalimar make your walk worthwhile. The garden layout at the lower elevation of the hill gives you a spectacular view of the mountains at the back and the lake at the front. What an impeccable sight for nature lovers!
5. THE TULIP GARDEN
Why do we like rainbows? Because they are colourful! Simple! How about visiting a garden perfectly lined with tulips of every freaking colour? Interesting. One of the most extensive local sightseeing gardens in Srinagar spread over 30 hectares of land in the foothills of the Zabarwan range with majestic Zabarwan hills in the background. The view is like an artistic painting that has turned into a reality. You see the picture and wish it existed for real. That’s how creative it is!
6. GO FOR A HEAVENLY ADVENTURE WITH PARAGLIDING
Are you looking for more exciting options for your trip? You can enjoy an electrifying tour of the valley while you are in Srinagar city. Starting from Astanmarg top, you can glide over the Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, Hari Parbat fort, Mahadev Peak and other renowned spots. Don’t worry if you know little about this adventure sport; the adventure clubs will provide the necessary equipment and training. Witness and admire the beauty of nature with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
7. JAMIA MASJID
Amidst the busy local bazaars of Nowhatta is the 600-year-old mosque in Srinagar. Built by Sultan Sikandar and later extended by his son Zain-ul-Abidin, the mosque exemplifies novel architecture with 378 wooden pillars. It is a tranquil place, and many people gather here on Fridays for weekly prayers. Watching Muslims prostrating lined in beautiful straight rows is genuinely a spellbinding sight—a perfect place to give solace to your soul and a must-visit picture in Srinagar.
8. SHANKARACHARYA TEMPLE
One of Srinagar’s oldest and most famous temples is almost 1000 feet above the historic Shankaracharya hill. This temple is of enormous significance from both religious and architectural points of view. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and hence attracts a large number of Hindu devotees. The top of the hill provides a mesmerizing view of the surroundings, including the Dal Lake, the dreamy houseboats on one side, and the snow peaked mountains and dense forests on the other.
9. MOUTH-WATERING CUISINE
When the view is excellent, the food must also be top-notch. Kashmir is known for its exquisite cuisine and flavorful delicacies. Don’t worry! You don’t have to go far! This heavenly-tasting food can be relished anywhere in Srinagar. The food’s intense colour, aroma and richness will leave an unforgettable taste in your memory for years. Visit Kashmir with your family, friends and loved ones and drown in the flavours that send your senses to Heaven and back.
10. SHOP UNIQUE HANDICRAFT/GIFT ITEMS
They say, “Shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist.” You can find various unique artistic items in Srinagar that perfectly satiate your shopping urge. You can purchase and take along beautiful memories of the trip. From traditional jewellery to silverware to woodwork items to decorative Paper Mache products to carpets to Pashmina shawls and blankets, everything is an example of artists’ intricate and magical work and the rich heritage of Kashmir.
11. HOT AIR BALLOON
How about enjoying a combo of thrill and tranquillity all at once? At Zabarwan Park in Srinagar, hot air balloon rides are now offered, allowing you to see stunning views of Dal Lake, Zabarwan Park, and Srinagar. Take your four favourite people and lull your souls into the skies with this 10-minute ride rising between 28 and 32 feet. So get your bags packed to the city of Srinagar to not miss out on this enticing ride.
12. PARI MAHAL
Hold on! The local sightseeing alternatives in Srinagar have not yet ended. Near Srinagar, above the lovely Chashme Shahi Gardens, is a seven-terraced garden called Pari Mahal. This historical site, which sits atop the Zabarwan Range and offers a view of Srinagar and the Dal Lake, is also known as the home of angels or the habitat of fairies. The numerous vibrant flower plantations and exotic fruit orchards are even more appealing.
13. YUSMARG
A less visited but incredibly cool hill station. Romantic, undisturbed, and peaceful are the words that define this place. The mere 47 km distance between Srinagar to Yusmarg should not stop you from missing out on this place. Trekking in this small hill station or spending some quiet, romantic time with your beloved, this mini Switzerland is a perfect place to steady your nerves.
14. BADAMWARI GARDENS
Nothing will soothe your eyes more than subtle shades of delicate flowers. Well known for its spectacular bloom of almond flowers, this charming garden is filled with colourfully blooming shrubs and foliage and sprawls over the hills of Koh-e-Maran. The colour of these pretty pink and white almond flowers signals the approach of spring. Located at the foothills of Hariparbat, this garden is undoubtedly a hidden piece of Heaven and a must-visit for lovers of bloom and spring.
15. HAZRATBAL MOSQUE
The dome-shaped mosque in Srinagar is one of the holiest and most visited mosques in Kashmir. She is known for housing the relic called Moi-e-Muqqadas, which is believed to be the holy and sacred hair of Prophet Muhammad’s beard. Every Friday, the masjid holds its weekly Friday prayers, and only the initial section of the mosque is open to women. The masjid faces Nishat Bagh and is located on the banks of Dal Lake, which only doubles the overall beauty of this religious site.
16. TAKE A WILDLIFE TOUR TO DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK.
A wildlife excursion to Dachigam National Park with an expert guide delivers a memorable experience in the gorgeous nature of India. A wildlife tour will allow you to see many creatures, including the Himalayan black bear, leopard, musk deer, and other bird species. The park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventurers because it is also home to unique medicinal plants and breathtaking vistas.
17. ENJOY BIRD WATCHING AT HOKERSAR WETLANDS
Hokersar Wetlands provide a tranquil retreat from the city and an opportunity to get close to nature and enjoy its beauty. Hokersar Wetlands is a must-see location, regardless of whether you enjoy birdwatching or are just searching for a peaceful outdoor experience. Due to the variety of migrating species, it is also a fantastic location for bird viewing.
18. COME ACROSS A FLOATING VEGETABLE & FRUIT MARKET
A well-known tourist attraction in Srinagar is Dal Lake. Tourists can buy flowers and vegetables grown on Dal lake at one of the numerous floating gardens, or “Rad” as they are known locally. The market comes alive before dawn breaks; thus, you must wake up during the wee hours to witness the lively scene.
So what are you waiting for? Stop procrastinating and get your customized Srinagar itinerary planned with us and watch yourself doing things you would otherwise never have imagined doing in a city. We wish you all the best for your tour!
