Best Places To Visit In Srinagar: The Summer Capital Of Jammu And Kashmir
Just imagine! You are sitting by the Jhelum River, putting your legs in the cold water, enjoying the picturesque view before your eyes. I think you can guess which place I am talking about. Yes, it is none other than the “Summer Capital” of Kashmir, Srinagar.
It is one of the most stunning places in the world. Covered with lush green pine trees and serene lakes, this place has a lot to offer. Be it with your friends, family, or partner, Kashmir is not going to disappoint you.
With different temples, mosques, and wildlife reserves, Srinagar is a perfect spot for a vacation to rejuvenate yourself. So, if you are looking for the best places to visit in Srinagar, you have to scan a bit. The climate also remains pleasant all through the year, and the average temperature ranges from 0-3 degrees.
Best Places to Visit in Srinagar
Summer is the ideal time to visit Srinagar. The crystalline air makes it a perfect time to go out for sightseeing and attracts tourists from all over the time. Also, Srinagar is like a winter wonderland during the winters.
The snow-capped mountains and the falling snowflakes are going to capture your heart and soul. So, when you are on your trip to Kashmir, there are some places that you cannot miss. Here are some of the best places to visit in Srinagar whenever you visit.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Srinagar whenever you visit.
Dal Lake
Who doesn’t know about Dal Lake? It is the second-largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir. The crystal clear water of the lake creates a mirror-like effect reflecting the Pir Panjal range. And while you are there, you should definitely not miss a colorful shikara ride.
The shikaras and houseboats are the main attraction of the lake. This is one of the favourite shooting spots for filmmakers as well. The serene surroundings give them a feeling of being in love.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
This is the largest tulip garden there is in Asia. This is right at the foot of the Zabarwan mountain range located in Srinagar. Formerly, this garden was known as the Model Floriculture Centre, overlooking the beautiful Dal Lake.
Every year, they organize a Tulip Festival around March to May, which is one of the highlights of the garden and attracts tourists from all over the world. The exquisite garden has various kinds of flowers like roses, daffodils, and hyacinths and has 48 different varieties of Tulips.
Shalimar Bagh
Srinagar has three different Mughal gardens, and Shalimar Bagh is the largest among the three. Now, this park has been made public and is also popular as the “crown of Srinagar.” The main highlight here is the chinar trees.
The garden was built back in 1619 by Jahangir, the Mughal emperor. It was like a summer for him and Nur Jahan, his wife. This garden covers an area of 31 hectares and is blended with natural allure, and the man-made architecture shows the brilliant craftsmanship of the Mughals.
Shankaracharya Temple
This beautiful temple is located on top of the Sankaracharya hill. Lord Shiva is worshipped here, and it is one of Kahmir’s oldest temples. Shankaracharya Temple is also popular as the Jyesteshwara Temple.
It is said that the great philosopher Shankaracharya visited this temple, and the Shiva Linga that he worshipped is still the one people are worshipping to date. It is believed that this is the place where he attained enlightenment.
This temple sits on a rock, and to reach there, you have to climb 243 steps. However, after you reach the top, the view you get will wear off the tiredness.
Nishat Bagh
This twelve-terraced garden is also situated near Dal Lake. Among those three Mughal gardens situated in Srinagar, this is the second largest. Nishant Bagh is popular as the “Garden of Bliss.”
This garden has numerous fountains, and the central water channel formed during the Mughal period is still working, and the place is surrounded by Chinar trees. This beautiful garden was built by Asif Khan back in 1633, Nur Jehan’s elder brother.
The Zabarwan Mountains form a beautiful backdrop to the garden, and it is one of the most serene places that you can visit. This place attracts a large number of couples and photographers.
Wular Lake
This infamous lake is the largest freshwater lake in India. It is the home of numerous species of birds and will provide you with an unparalleled experience. This is also a boating place and offers a lot of water sports.
You can just relax by the lake or have a picnic on the banks. Or if you are an enthusiast for water sports, you can try water skiing.
Hazratbal Shrine
The Hazratbal Shrine is one of the holiest shrines for Muslims. It has Moi-e-Muqqadas, a relic, and is the sacred hair of Muhammad’s beard, the Prophet. This mosque is located on the bank of the Dal Lake and faces Nishat Bagh.
The mesmerizing view of the lake, along with the surrounding mountains. Tourists from all over the world visit this place for tranquility and peace. It is believed that the descendant of Prophet Muhammad, Syed Abdullah, brought the relic to India.
Many devotees and tourists visit this shrine during special occasions to witness the peaceful environment which resonates with the beautiful silvery-white touch of this shrine.
Chasme Shahi
As I mentioned, there are three Mughal gardens in Srinagar, and Chasme Shahi is one of those. It is located in the Zabarwan range and has a great view of the Dal Lake. It is also popular as Chashma-i-Shahi.
Built back in 1632 AD by Ali Marda Kha as per the orders of Shah Jahan. He order this monument for Dara Shikoh, his eldest son. This place is famous for its natural spring. However, the monument stays open for tourists from Match to November.
The garden features a well-groomed triple-terraced garden, and it showcases the beauty of Persian-style architecture. At the top, there is a two-story hut, and this piece is believed to be the origin of this natural spring.
Hari Parbat
This mountain range looks over the entire city of Srinagar. There is a famed fort popular by the same name, and there are various Muslim and Hindu Shrines. And you will even find a Gurudwara here.
The park was open for tourist visits back in 2014. However, now you can have a picnic here. The fort is covered with different water bodies and mountains.
Avantiput Temple
Situated by the banks of the Jhelum River, this temple is in the Pulwama district of Srinagar. This temple is around 500 years old and popular for its grand architecture along with intricate carvings.
Avantiput Temple is also known as Awantiswami Temple. However, now this place is in ruins and adds to the cultural heritage ad rich history of the place.
Doodhpathri
This is one of those lesser-known hill stations and is among the less explored parts of Srinagar. Doodhpathri is located in the Budgam district of Srinagar. This is about 43 kilometers from the center of the city, and that makes it accessible.
The place is filled with pastures, green meadows, waterfalls, and creeks and covers a huge area. Even though not many people know about this place, it is gaining popularity as it is a natural retreat for the people.
Aru Valley
Who dosen’t know about Aru Valley? This infamous place offers incredible charm and beauty and is among the exquisite places in Srinagar. This place is known to attract a lot of tourists and adventure enthusiasts.
This place is known for the amazing adventure activities it offers, and they are included in almost every Kashmir tour package.
Baramulla
This famous tourist destination is very close to Srinagar, and the actual charm of the place lies in its raw beauty. Covered by the Himalayas from all sides the River Jhelum flowing by the place makes it an enchanting place to visit. The scenic landscape adds to the beauty of the place.
Jamia Masjid
This 600-year-old mosque in Srinagar is situated near the Nowhatta area between the local bazaars. This tranquil monument is popular for the unique architecture it holds. However, the actual highlight of the place is the 378 wooden Deodar pillars. To have the entire experience and see the place in its full glory, you should visit it on a Friday.
Lal Chowk
Lal Chowk is the heart of Srinagar City, and the market has witnessed various different historical moments over time. It saw the unfurling of the national flag in 1948 by Jawaharlal Nehru, the former Prime Minister.
It also witnessed the attack in 1992 on Murali Manohar Joshi, the BJP president, by the Pakistani militants.
Wrapping up!
The peak time to visit this place is during the month of April, May, and June. During this time, the weather remains pleasant and moderate, ranging from 10 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius.
The months of July, August, and September present cool and windy weather. So depending on what you want to experience, plan your trip, and Srinagar is not going to disappoint you.
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