Places to Visit in Srinagar: The City of Mystical Gardens, Lakes, and Houseboats

The District of Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The magnificent city is nestled in the center of the Kashmir Valley, on the banks of the serene Jhelum river, and is encircled by 4 districts and Ladakh and is elevated 1585 meters above sea level. The city is also famous for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits. The city is nestled on both sides of the picturesque Jhelum River and is called Vyath by Kashmiri locals. The Jhelum River passes through the city and gets mixed with Dal Lake. This place is a first choice for couples and honeymooners due to the eye-pleasing green meadows and snow-capped mountains. If you are wondering about the top places to visit in Srinagar then keep on reading the information below.

Top 10 Places to See in Srinagar: The Hidden Jewels of Summer Capital

The district offers various places to explore with your loved ones such as Hokersar which is a wetland located near Srinagar. You can witness thousands of stunning migratory birds that migrate from Siberia and other regions in winter. These migratory birds from Siberia make Hokersar their transitory camps between September and October and again around spring. You can encounter greylag goose, red-crested pochard, Migratory ducks, and geese which include brahminy duck, tufted duck, gadwall, garganey, common pochard, ferruginous pochard, making this place haven for birdwatchers and ornithologist making it one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

1. Dal Lake: The Heart of Srinagar
2. Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden: A Symbol of Love
3. Nishat Bagh: A Memorable Garden with Outstanding Backdrop
4. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: World's One of the 5 Best Tulip Gardens
5. Nigeen Lake: A Mesmerizing View
6. Chashme Shahi: The Splendors of Mughals
7. Hari Parbat: Experiencing the Diversity of India
8. Aru Valley: Exploring through the Snow-Capped Mountains
9. Jamia Masjid: Appreciating the Magnificent Architecture
10. Betaab Valley: Inspired by Bollywood

1. Dal Lake: The Heart of Srinagar

The lake is known to be the lifeline of Srinagar, which spreads across an area of approx 26 square kilometers. The colorful Shikaras, traditional wooden houseboats, and floating market enhance the beauty of the lake making it one of Srinagar's famous places. Taking a ride in the attractive Shikaras is one of the most liked activities by tourists and Shikara is basically a wooden boat that is beautified with little canopies overhead. You can also shop for authentic Kashmiri items from the floating market of Dal Lake.

• Nearby airport: Gaggal airport
• Nearest railway station:  Srinagar Railway Station
• Best time to visit: May to November is the best time to visit Dal Lake when the pleasant climatic conditions make the tour comfortable
• Opening hours: The lake is open throughout the year
• Things to do: Photographing, Boat ride

2. Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden: A Symbol of Love

The largest garden is made with three eye-pleasing Mughal Gardens making it one of the most tranquil places to visit in Srinagar, Kashmir. The breathtaking garden was constructed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for his begum Queen Nur Jahan in 1619. The garden manifests the extraordinary craftsmanship of Mughal artisans, which overlooks the Dal Lake showcasing the surreal architecture. The whole premises of the garden is beautifully embellished with green meadows, and various colorful flowers and tall trees of walnuts and almonds enhance the beauty of this place.

• Location: Chinar Chowk, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191121
• Opening hours: 9:30 am–6:30 pm
• Best time to visit: February and March
• Things to do:  Sightseeing, Photographing

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3. Nishat Bagh: A Memorable Garden with Outstanding Backdrop

The twelve-terrace garden is packed with scented flowers, tall trees, and charming fountains, which is known to be the 2nd biggest Mugal garden. The garden was constructed by Queen Nur Jahan's elder brother Asif Khan in 1633. Encounter the majestic views of the Zabarwan mountains in the backdrop. You can take a stroll in the garden and catch a glimpse of panoramic views of beautiful Dal Lake. The garden is usually flocked with couples and photographers to catch the views of the eye-pleasing serenity of the garden.

• Location: Main road Nishat next to Mughal garden nishat Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir, 191121
• Opening hours: From 9 AM to 10.30 PM, on all days of the week
• Best Time to Visit: March to June

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4. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: World's One of the 5 Best Tulip Gardens

The garden was made with the aim of flourishing tourism in Srinagar in 2007 and the initiative proved to be a big hit in 2017 as the garden made its own name as one of the top five Tulip gardens in the world. You can locate some rarest of rare Tulips including “Queen of the Night '', the main highlight of the garden is the annual festival which is held in spring between the month of March and May which makes it one of the top places to visit in Srinagar in 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
• Best Time to Visit: March, April, and May

5. Nigeen Lake: A Mesmerizing View

The lake lies in the eastern part of Srinagar and is considered a part of the mystical Dal Lake which is separated by a narrow causeway the name of the lake is inspired by the plethora of tall trees that surround the blue lake hence it is referred to as Nageena which means “The Jewel in the Ring”. Giving a perfect chance to escape from your monotonous life, the famous lake is one of the must-go places for Srinagar's local sightseeing.

• Location:  Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir, India
• How to reach: The lake is 22 Kms from Sheikh ul Alam International Airport Srinagar, 19.5 Kms from Srinagar Railway Station, and 8 km from Lal Chowk Srinagar
• Best time to visit: June to August
• Things to do: Photographing, exploring the club near the lake

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6. Chashme Shahi: The Splendors of Mughals

The place is popular all around the world for its marvelous natural springs, Chashme Shahi is a famous section of the Mughal Gardens. Emperor Shah Jahan dedicated this wonder to his son named Dara Sikoh. The stunning wonder was made in 1632 by the emperor’s governor, Ali Mardan. According to popular ancient stories, the site was first discovered by Rupa Bhawani, Kashmir’s renowned female saint, and the name of the garden was inspired by the clan from which the saint belonged.

• Location: 7, Boulevard Rd, Chashma Shahi, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
• Opening hours: From Monday to Saturday - 8 AM to 7.15 PM, On Sunday - 2 AM to 9 PM.
• Best time to visit: is October to June.
• Things to do: Photographing, sightseeing, nature walks

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7. Hari Parbat: Experiencing the Diversity of India

Hari Parbat is a magnificent mountain that overlooks the city of Srinagar. The mountain has its own historical and religious significance. The mountain is home to several religious sites dedicated to various deities. The Hari Parbat is an abode to Sharika Devi Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Jagdamba. You can also find a Gurdwara and a Mosque with the Temple showcasing the diversity of India. The major attraction of this mountain is Hari Parbat Fort, which was made in the nineteenth century under the Durrani Empire. Currently, this place is famous among spiritual seekers, history fanatics, and peace lovers making it one of the best places to see near Srinagar.

• 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
• Things to do: photographing, sightseeing

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8. Aru Valley: Exploring through the Snow-Capped Mountains

The valley offers exquisite views and the charm of marvelous mountains making it one of Srinagar's famous places. The valley offers a huge number of plethora fun making it one of the best places to explore for exciting and adventurous activities. You can enjoy participating in camping, fishing, and horse riding. The valley is also a starting point for popular treks including Sonamarg trek and Kolahoi Glacier and the valley also facilitates all trekkers of various expertise levels. Tourists can also enjoy skiing in the winter season in the valley.

• Location: Anantnag District, Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Best time to visit: July to September

9. Jamia Masjid: Appreciating the Magnificent Architecture

The Masjid lies in the central part of the city and was constructed in 1394 by Sultan Sikandar Shah Kashmiri Shahmiri, commanded by Said-ul-Auliya Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani’s son, Mir Mohammad Hamada. The magnificent architecture of the mosque depicts the Indo-Saracenic architectural style which also somehow resembles Buddhist pagodas. Apart from its eye-pleasing architecture, the mosque is also known as the largest mosque in Kashmir. The huge mosque premises can accommodate around 33,333 individuals at one time.

• Location: Nowhatta Kathi Darwaza Road, Nowhatta, Srinagar, 190003
• Things to do: sightseeing, offering prayers
• Opening hours: 3 PM to 7 PM, on all days of the week

10. Betaab Valley: Inspired by Bollywood

The breathtaking Betaab Valley has magnificent views, dancing streams, and snow-clad mountains. The name of this valley was inspired by a Bollywood movie that was filmed in this exotic location. The valley is surrounded by pine forests and deodar trees. Tourists can also admire the views of the serene Lidder River. The valley is usually flocked with couples, photographing lovers, and nature lovers who love spending time in this wonderland. Tourists visiting this location can also participate in exciting activities including horse riding, camping, and birdwatching. It is also an ideal trekking base for nearby mountains and people who are traveling with children can also enjoy the amusement park offered by the ballers where kids can enjoy some fun rides making it one of the most entertaining places to visit around Srinagar.

• Location: Near Pahalgam, Baramulla, Hajan, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
• Best time to visit: is October to June.
• Things to do: horse riding, photographing, camping, and birdwatching

Famously known as the Heaven on Earth, the beautiful valley is located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir nestled on the banks of the serene Jhelum River. The place has an abundance of tranquil Lakes, magnificent Mughal gardens, and picturesque orchards which can be witnessed with the best Srinagar vacation packages. The weather in this place is usually pleasant making it an ideal destination for honeymooners and couples. Tourists can enjoy sightseeing and lively festivals, and take a scenic ride in vibrant Shikaras through the serene lake. Srinagar offers breathtaking vistas to die for making it one of the ideal places to travel in India in the summer.

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