Srinagar, meaning the ‘City of Shri’, is the second largest metropolitan area in the Himalayas. The city is located in the central part of the Kashmir Valley. Having a large population, Srinagar is the only city in the Kashmir Valley.
Srinagar city is believed to have been founded by the Gonanda Dynasty in the 6th century. The city has seen numerous reigns under rulers like the Mauryas, Mughals, Afghans, Dogras, and others. Srinagar sees its mention in several historical travel records like the chronicle of the Chinese traveler, Huein Tsang. The area has also been active in trade practices in the past.
Initially, the city was a religious center of Hindus and saw a shift towards Islam after the first Islamic ruler, Rinchana. In the 13th century CE, numerous Sufi preachers visited the valley and spread Sufism to every corner of the area. Today, shrines and mosques can be seen in every corner of the city, giving it the title of ‘City of Shrines’.
Srinagar famous places like Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, and Anchar Lake are the major water bodies of the city. Having many lakes in its lap, the city is sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’. The Jhelum River cuts through the Srinagar city, bisecting it into two halves. Numerous bridges connect the two halves of the city.
Dal Lake, being the largest lake in Srinagar, forms a major tourist attraction among Srinagar's famous places. The most famous and largest market in Srinagar, the Lal Chowk, forms the business hub of the city. There are many important religious spots in the city, namely Hazratbal Dargah, Jamia Masjid, Khanqa-I-Moulla, etc.
Some Srinagar famous places for tourists include Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, Nigeen Lake, Lal Chowk, Budshah Tomb, Botanical Garden, and Tulip Garden. The city’s only airport is the Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport. The closest railway station is Railway Station Nowgam.
Srinagar city hosts a wide variety of unique handicrafts, many of these being sold at international markets for their quality and intricateness. The renowned Pashmina Shawl and Kashmiri carpets need no introduction. Some other handicrafts of Kashmir include Tilla Sazi, Wickerwork, Paper Mache, Tram Bane (Copper utensils), and Sozni embroidery.
The Dachigam National Park, located on the outskirts of the city, is a protected area, especially for the endangered Kashmir Stag. The park connects with the alpine areas of Kashmir and hosts a rich flora and fauna. There are various clear water streams flowing down the park.
The Hokersar Wetland, a Ramsar protected site, forms an important ecological area in the outskirts of the city. Also called the Hokersar Bird Sanctuary, it serves as home to thousands of migratory bird species in the winter season. Common bird species like Mallard, Teal, Ruddy Shelduck, Little Grebe, and other species are often sighted.
● By flight: Board a flight from anywhere, dropping you at the Srinagar International Airport.
● By train: No train is available for direct access to Srinagar. You will have to take a train to Jammu and then reach Srinagar by road.
● By taxi: Take a shared taxi from Jammu and reach Srinagar via the Chenab Valley.
● By bus: Take a bus from Jammu and reach Srinagar via the Chenab Valley.
● By bike: Have an adventurous ride through the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
● Self-drive: Bring your vehicle via the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
● Take in the cityscape.
● Click lots of pictures.
● Soothe near the Jhelum River.
● Shikara ride in Dal Lake.
● Visit the trade center Lal Chowk.
● Explore the beauty of Srinagar.
● Hang out near the Jhelum River.
● Visit the Mughal Gardens.
● Shopping in Lal Chowk.
● Shikara ride in Dal Lake.
● Visit the Shankaracharya temple.
● Visit the old city.
● Have a visit to Jamia Masjid.
● Tour to Hazratbal Mosque.
● Taste street food.
● Sunny landscape and shining lakes.
● Fresh air and green parks.
● Pleasant temperature: 14°C-30°C
● Aromatic atmosphere.
● Blooming tulips in Asia’s largest tulip garden.
● Favorable temperature: 12°C-23°C
● Orange-hued landscape.
● Dramatic atmosphere.
● Warm temperature: 10°C-25°C
● Snow-filled surroundings.
● Romantic atmosphere.
● Cold temperature: -5°C-12°C
● Witness the charming colors of the city.
● Experience a Shikara ride on the famous Dal Lake.
● Experience local culture and traditions.
● Shop for local handicrafts at the trade center Lal Chowk.
● Roam in the narrow lanes of the old city.
● Have a spiritual tour of religious locations.
● Savor local Kashmiri cuisine.
● Bring adventure with hiking and paragliding.
● Take part in local celebrations.
● Dal Lake: Iconic houseboats, shikara rides, floating gardens.
● Shankaracharya Temple: Hilltop shrine, panoramic city views, spiritual ambiance.
● Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Nishat Bagh – Mughal splendor.
● Hazratbal Shrine: Sacred Muslim site, marble mosque, serene location.
● Pari Mahal: Ancient ruins, beautiful gardens, historical importance.
● Tulip Garden: Asia's largest tulip garden, vibrant blooms, spring attraction.
● Wular Lake: One of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, bird watching, boating.
● Jamia Masjid: Historic mosque, wooden architecture, peaceful atmosphere.
● Kheer Bhawani Temple: Sacred Hindu temple, peaceful retreat, spiritual significance.
● Chashme Shahi: Mughal garden, natural spring, majestic views.
● Hari Parbat: Fort and temple complex, historic significance, overlooking the city.
● Shikara Ride: Head on a tranquil boat journey in Dal Lake.
● Shopping: Shop for unique handicrafts and other local items.
● Hiking: Hike to Fakeer Gujri Village or Shankaracharya Temple.
● Cycling: Pedal along the refreshing shores of Dal Lake.
● Photography: Capture Srinagar's famous places with your camera.
● Explore Local Food: Taste delicious local Kashmiri cuisine.
● Heritage Tour: Take a tour of historic places.
● Houseboat Stay: Enjoy a night on the soothing waters of Dal Lake.
● Birding: Spot amazing bird species at Dal Lake and Hokersar Wetland.
● Paragliding: Experience panoramic views of the city from Astanmarg.
