Srinagar, located right in the middle of the beautiful Kashmir valley, is really a tourist delight. Being one of the most beautiful cities in India, the place is famous for its houseboat’s astounding scenic beauty, and it shows some of the best places to visit in Srinagar for wildlife and nature lovers. Therefore, depending on whether you might be fishing in its various lakes or strolling through the gardens, Srinagar will not disappoint. If you are planning a trip, let us provide insight into Srinagar sightseeing attractions and other places of interest around this paradise for tourists.
Table of Contents
List of the Best Places to Visit in Srinagar
1. Dal Lake
Undoubtedly, the highlight and certainly the epicenter of the Srinagar tour is Dal Lake, which is famous not only for its mirror-like waters but also for the captivating locations it’s surrounded with. Houseboats, a shikara basin, a decked garden, and beautiful wooden boat rides make the lake all the more vibrant. They include seeing how people living along the lake go about their business as well as being able to view unbelievable snow-capped hills.
- Location: Central Srinagar
- Timings: Open 24 hours (Shikara rides are available from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM).
- How to Reach: Dal Lake is well connected by road, as it is only 12 kilometers from the Srinagar Airport, and transport is easily available in the form of taxis and buses.
Whether you are on a honeymoon or a family vacation, Dal Lake is among the best places to go in Srinagar. Many of the Srinagar tour packages contain this marvelous site as one of the key points on the tours.
2. Mughal Gardens
The Mughal Gardens are a set of planned gardens laid on a descending slope with arbors, terraces, water channels, fountains and water jets, pavilions and galleries, parterre, lawns, and floral and foliar displays in the Persian tradition. There are three most popular gardens on the shores of Dal Lake: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.
- Location: Dal Lake, Srinagar
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (April to October), 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March)
- How to Reach: The gardens are about 15-20 km from Srinagar Airport, and it is easy to cover this distance by road transport.
The Mughal Gardens are one of the top tourist places to visit in Srinagar due to their historical importance and beautiful gardens. Their architectural planning and design show the aesthetic of an elite Mughal period.
3. Shankaracharya Temple
Located on Shankaracharya Hill, it is also known as the Shankaracharya Temple. Lord Shiva temple, perched on the Shankaracharya Hill, provides a bird’s eye view of Srinagar and Dal Lake. This ancient temple was constructed about 200 BC and is widely used as a pilgrimage Centre and an archaeological marvel.
- Location: Shankaracharya Hill, Srinagar
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- How to Reach: The temple is a distance of about 9 kilometers from the city center. People can book taxis or have their own cars drive to the parking lot and then walk up the hill.
That is why the tourists can take a rest and pray here, which is why the place is popular among tourists looking for calmness amid beautiful nature – it is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.
4. Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake is not as crowded as Dal Lake; Nigeen is much more beautiful and calm. This lake is best for people who need a quiet place, surrounded by willows and many polar trees. The tourists can live in houseboats, ride Shikaras, or find solace by the side of the clear water.
- Location: West of Dal Lake, Srinagar
- Timings: Open all day
- How to Reach: Nigeen Lake is about 8 km away from the downtown area of Srinagar and is accessible by road.
It is one of the most beautiful sites for tourists to visit in Srinagar for a romantic journey with their partner or searching for some piece. It is also secluded, which makes it among the best Srinagar tourist attractions.
5. Hazratbal Shrine
The Shrine known as the ‘Hazratbal Shrine’ on the Dal Lake shores on the north side of Srinagar is one of the prime religious tourist places in Srinagar. This white marble mosque contains an insignificant piece which is believed to contain one strand of hair of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Location: Hazratbal Road, Srinagar
- Timings: Open from sunrise to sunset
- How to Reach: It is situated 10 km away from the downtown area of Srinagar and can be reached by taxis and buses.
Due to its calm setting, religious importance, and stunning architecture, the Hazratbal Shrine is a must-see when visiting Srinagar tourist attractions.
6. Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal is a seven-storied garden designed by Mughal prince Dara Shikoh on a hilltop south of Dal Lake. It provides indeed a spectacular view of the valley with Persian-style architecture and full-grown trees in the garden.
- Location: Near Dal Lake, Srinagar
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- How to Reach: Pari Mahal is approximately 13 kilometers from Srinagar, and road transport can access it.
If you want to be perhaps the closest to history, then Pari Mahal is also one of the best places to visit in Srinagar. It is an excellent place for a photo shoot, mainly during the evening or sunset.
7. Tulip Garden
Tulip Garden is Asia’s most extensive garden dedicated to tulips, and it has a vast variety of flowers in various colors. Situated in the lower reaches of the Zabarwan Range, the garden is only spectacular during March and April, showing off its floral beauty.
- Location: Near Dal Lake, Srinagar
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (March –April)
- How to Reach: The garden is 17km from Srinagar city center, and one can easily get there by taxi or car.
The tulip garden is one of the most famous tourist destinations for people who love nature and photography in Shrinagar.
8. Jamia Masjid
Jamia Masjid is also situated in Srinagar, which was constructed in 1402 by Sultan Sikandar. It is that grand building located at the center of the new city, but it has roots in the old city and is known as Sadder Shahr. This mosque is built in Indo-Saracenic architecture with 378 wooden columns and is located between markets.
- Location: Nowhatta, Srinagar
- Timings: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- How to Reach: The mosque is only 12 km from the Srinagar airport, and you can easily reach it by bus, car, or taxi.
The Jamia Masjid is considered one of the chief tourist attractions in Srinagar, and you can see its history and culture.
9. Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is a wildlife reserve just outside Srinagar. It is gifted with the Hangul deer, Himalayan black bears, and leopards, to mention but a few, and is endowed with different plants and animals.
- Location: 22 km from Srinagar city center
- Timings: From 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Admission only by permission)
- How to Reach: The park can be accessed by taxis or cars from Srinagar.
Honeymooning couples and families who love to be amidst nature, Dachigam National Park is one of the most famous things to do in Srinagar with wildlife tours.
10. Char Chinar
It is an island in Dal Lake that became famous and popular for its four awesome chinar trees. Shikara can easily access this quiet setting with a fantastic lake view and mountains.
- Location: Dal Lake, Srinagar
- Timings: Open daily (Shikara rides tours operating from 6 AM to 7 PM).
- How to Reach: Accessible by Shikara ride from Dal Lake.
Char Chinar may be rated among the best places to visit in Srinagar since it provides solitude and a view of nature to visitors seeking it.
Srinagar Near by Tourist Places
1. Gulmarg
Sitting just 50 kilometers south of Srinagar, tucked between the Pir Panjal and the alpine ridge, Gulmarg translates to ‘the meadow of flowers’ and is an outdoor adventurer and nature lover’s dream. Being one of the most beautiful places to visit in and around Srinagar, locally called the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg has summer green meadows and snow-immersed vistas in winter. Those who love adventurous things will prefer skiing, snowboarding, and gondola rides, which are the Gondola rides world’s highest cable car. The sceneries of the huge encircling Himalayas and the solitude make Gulmarg an excellent place for tourists in Srinagar. Every Srinagar tour package has Gulmarg as a mandatory destination tourists cannot afford to miss.
2. Sonmarg
Sitting 2730 meters above sea level, Sonmarg is literally “Meadow of Gold,” located 80 km from Srinagar. Situated in the Ganderbal district, this place is a favorite for trekkers who are going to the Thajiwas Glacier or intending to do the Amarnath Yatra. Sonmarg is among the best places to visit in Srinagar and has natural and adventurous tourist destinations. Enhancing the beauty of the place, the Sindh River, which passes through Sonmarg, provides tourists with ample opportunity for trout fishing and river rafting. Sonmarg is an integral part of Srinagar tour packages, as it has irresistible, remarkable views.
3. Pahalgam
Located 90 Km away from Srinagar, Pahalgam, the picturesque Lidder Valley is a real piece of paradise. This captivating beauty of a hill station is one of the best tourist options in Srinagar for its calm, serene environment, pine trees, and river Lidder. Famous as the starting point of the Amarnath yatra, Pahalgam is also renowned for trekking, river rafting, and nature walk options. Aru and Baisaran valleys nearby enhance its beauty, which is why it is one of the famous tourist places away in Srinagar for nature lovers and adventurous people.
4. Betaab Valley
Popular as the shooting location of the Bollywood movie Betaab, it is truly named the Betaab Valley near Pahalgam. It boasts beautiful sights of fascinating green pastures, crystal clear water flowing streams, and snow-cuminated mountains, among the interesting places to visit in Srinagar. Situated at about 15 km from Pahalgam, the valley is excellent for picnicking, photography, occasional strolls, and bird-watching. With captivating views and the best nature’s silence, Betaab Valley is one of the most popular tourist places in Srinagar to visit if you want to find a piece of heaven.
5. Yusmarg
Yusmarg is one of the valley’s most beautiful places to visit, nestled in the high-altitude forests and meadow seventy kilometers away from Srinagar. It is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar, especially for those who would love to avoid the revelry of urban city life. Yusmarg has a fascinating view of the Doodhganga River and is famous for its trekking and horse-riding facilities. This beautiful location is generally a part of the Srinagar tour since the area is still unexplored and is surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility.
6. Aru Valley
About 12 km from the Pahalgam lies the Aru Valley, which has green meadows covered with snow, musical streams, and small wooden houses. Full of natural beauty and locals and renowned for its calmness, Aru Valley is perfect for trekking, fishing, and tracing the Alpine track. This certainly is one of the best tourist attractions in Srinagar for everybody who wants to find peace and some thrills. It is also the beginning of treks to Kolahoi Glacier for travelers and lovers of adventure worldwide.
7. Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri, or the “Valley of Milk,” is quite unheard of and lies 42 km from Srinagar. This valley of natural beauty is one of the Srinagar tourist attractions. It is gradually gaining popularity due to its unspoiled natural beauty, effectively complimented by the green meadows and the crystal clear streams. The picturesque Shaliganga River also passes through the valley. Doodhpathri is one of the most beautiful natural sights in the Kashmir valley, and you can lose yourself there. It is perfect for a day trip or for having a picnic.
8. Achabal
Achabal is 58 km from Srinagar and is famous for the Mughal garden Achabal Bagh here. This stunning garden was laid on elegant terraces and used to be a favorite paradise of the Mughals, with the fountains and the flower beds. Achabal is among the best places a visitor can tour within Srinagar due to the blend of historic sites and beautiful landscapes. The garden can be toured, and the breathtaking views of the mountains as visitors move around the garden offer both a historical and natural experience for visitors.
Conclusion:
Therefore, it is evident thatthe best places to visit in Srinagar and the neighboring places provide a unique combination of nature, history, and thrilling experiences. Pristine Dal Lake, ancient Mughal Gardens, and the scenic beauty of the two terrains Of Gulmarg and Sonmarg are well set to make your tour unforgettable. The most famous tourist attractions in Srinagar showcase the beauty of the countryside and let you experience the food and culture of the Kashmiris. Ensure any Kashmir tour package contains these attractions to get the best out of your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Srinagar
These are Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, and Pari Mahal.
The other tourist attractions in the area include Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Betaab Valley, etc.
A Srinagar tour package will provide the guests with a convenient tour itinerary, including visits to major tourist attractions and nearby locations.
The best travel period is from March to October; the weather is moderate and will be suitable for tourists.
To all those families seeking relaxation and nature’s beauty, there is no better place than Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Nigeen Lake.
