We guarantee you that Srinagar will capture your heart as soon as you get there! This city is pure magic. Dal Lake is stunning - we mean it, drinking kahwa tea from a shikara boat at sunset will be mind-blowing. The Mughal Gardens are not just beautiful parks - they're serene oases with mountain backgrounds that will leave your jaw dropping.
The old town has these amazing wooden structures that seem out of another time. And the cuisine? My goodness! You haven't lived until you've had real wazwan.
Don't confine yourself to the tourist places - walk around the local bazaars, talk to the artisans, and soak up the hum of ordinary life. If you can, pop over to Gulmarg or Pahalgam for a different atmosphere.
Take a look at our Kashmir Tour Packages to experience all the great things to do in Srinagar without missing the actual heart of this lovely city!
Top Places to Visit in Srinagar: The Pearl of Kashmir
1. Dal Lake: The Heart of Srinagar
When talking about Srinagar tourist places, Dal Lake always comes first. This big lake isn't just water – it's a whole little world and one of the top tourist attractions in Srinagar.
You haven't seen Srinagar until you've taken a shikara ride on Dal Lake. These colorful wooden boats with soft cushions and covers are the best way to see the lake. The boatmen know all the lake stories and will point out cool spots as you float along.
Try to go at sunset – watching the sun go down behind the mountains as the water turns golden is just amazing.
Think about this: you're sitting on a bright wooden boat, mountains showing in the clear water around you, with floating gardens where locals grow veggies, passing by. That's what makes Dal Lake so special!
- Best For: Family, Couples, Solo Travellers, Friends
- How to Reach: Dal Lake is centrally located in Srinagar, which is accessible by car or local transport from any part of the city.
- Best Time to Visit: Visit during the early hours of the morning and spend some time in the evening.
Suggested Read: Kashmir Spring Packages
2. Shankaracharya Temple: Spiritual Heights
Sitting on top of a hill, the Shankaracharya temple is one of the important places to visit in Srinagar for both religious folks and those looking for great views. Dating back to 200 BC, the temple is for Lord Shiva and was visited by the great Hindu teacher Adi Shankaracharya.
You need to climb about 240 steps to reach the temple, but it's worth it! From the top, you can see all of Srinagar, Dal Lake, and all the mountains around. It's extra pretty at sunrise when the first light hits the snowy peaks.
While the temple is pretty small, the old stone building has lived through hundreds of years of history. It shows how rich and mixed Kashmir's culture is.
- Best For: Spiritual Visitors, History seekers, adventure lovers
- How to Reach: The temple is about 7 km from Srinagar city centre, which is accessible by car or taxi.
- Time to Visit: April to October, when the weather is pleasant.
3. Mughal Gardens: Royal Beauty
The Mughal kings knew the best spots! They loved Kashmir's beauty so much that they built amazing gardens here that are still famous tourist attractions in Srinagar hundreds of years later.
These gardens have stepped lawns, flowing fountains, colorful flowers, and stunning mountain views in the background.
- Best For: Picnics, Historical Exploration
- How to Reach: Located within 10-12 km from the city centre, you can easily reach there by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- Time to Visit: Visit during the early hours in morning. Moreover, do enjoy the evening time at the lakeside.
4. Nishat Bagh: Garden of Joy
Built in 1633, Nishat Bagh is the second largest Mughal garden in the valley. With 12 levels for the 12 zodiac signs, this garden gives you great views of Dal Lake and the mountains.
Visit in the morning when it's less crowded, so you can enjoy the quiet and the light playing on the fountains. Sit under one of the big chinar trees and just relax – you'll see why they called it the "Garden of Joy.”
- Best For: Garden enthusiasts, photographers
- How to Reach: This garden is located about 11 km from Srinagar’s city centre, easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- Time to Visit: Visit in the early morning
5. Shalimar Bagh: Love Garden
Emperor Jahangir built Shalimar Bagh in 1619 as a gift for his wife Nur Jahan. It's a bit bigger than Nishat, with three rising levels and a water channel down the middle with fountains along the way.
In spring, the garden fills with colorful tulips and cherry blossoms, making it one of the best places to visit in Srinagar during flower season. Don't miss the evening light show during busy season – it makes the garden look magical.
- Best For: History and nature lovers, photographers
- How to Reach: Situated about 16 km from Srinagar, it can be reached by taxi or bus.
- Time to Visit: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
6. Chashme Shahi: The Royal Spring
The smallest of the main Mughal gardens, Chashme Shahi, makes up for its size with charm and history. Built around a natural spring with water said to have healing powers, this garden was a favorite of Emperor Shah Jahan.
Even today, people line up to drink from the spring. The garden has pretty flowers, fountains, and some of the oldest chinar trees in the valley. It's more private than the bigger gardens and shows the amazing attention to detail in these royal gardens.
- Best For: Nature lovers, wellness enthusiasts
- How to Reach: Located about 9 km from the city centre, it’s easily reachable by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- Time to Visit: April to October, when the garden is lush and the flowers are in full bloom.
7. Houseboats on Dal Lake: Floating Hotels
Want an even better Dal Lake experience? Stay in one of the famous houseboats! These aren't just simple boats – they're floating hotels with beautiful wood carvings, soft rugs, and all the comforts you need.
Each houseboat in Srinagar has its own story, and many have been in the same family for generations. Having breakfast on the deck while watching the lake come alive in the morning light is something you'll never forget.
8. Hazratbal Shrine: White Marvel
With its bright white marble shining in Dal Lake, Hazratbal Shrine is not just one of the most important religious places but also one of the most beautiful Srinagar tourist places. Unlike the fancy mosques you might see elsewhere, Hazratbal is simple, pretty, and peaceful.
The shrine holds what believers say is a hair of the Prophet Muhammad. On special religious days, this relic is shown to the public, bringing thousands of visitors from all over.
Even if you're not religious, the shrine's beautiful building and calm feeling make it worth visiting. The big grounds are perfect for quiet thinking, and the views of Dal Lake from here are lovely. Remember to dress properly and take off your shoes before going in.
- Best For: Spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts
- How to Reach: Located about 7 km from the city centre, it’s easily accessible by taxi or local transport.
- Time to Visit: You can visit at any time of the day.
9. Jamia Masjid: Architectural Wonder
The big Jamia Masjid, with its special mix of Indian and Islamic styles, is one of Kashmir's most important religious buildings. First built in 1400 and rebuilt several times, the mosque can hold thousands of people praying in its huge open area.
What makes this mosque special are the 378 wooden pillars, each made from a single deodar tree. The quiet courtyard gives you a break from the busy old city around it.
- Best For: Architecture lovers, history buffs, and peace seekers in the heart of Srinagar.
- How to Reach: Take a cab or auto from Lal Chowk (approx. 5 km) or hop on a local bus to Nowhatta in Old Srinagar.
- Best Time to Visit: March to October for pleasant weather and clear views of the mosque’s grandeur.
10. Khanqah of Shah Hamadan: Wooden Marvel
Maybe the most unique building in the Old City is the Khanqah of Shah Hamadan, a wooden mosque unlike any other religious building you've probably seen. Built without using a single nail and decorated with detailed paper art, this shrine honors the Persian holy man who brought Islam to Kashmir.
The building's unique look, with its pagoda-like roof and beautiful woodwork inside, makes it one of the top tourist attractions in Srinagar for people who love buildings.
- Best For: Spiritual seekers and architecture lovers exploring Kashmiri Islamic art.
- How to Reach: Take a taxi or auto from Srinagar city center; it's about 4 km from the main bus stand.
- Best Time to Visit: April to October for pleasant weather and vibrant surroundings.
11. Pari Mahal: Fairy Palace Views
Hidden away on the Zabarwan mountain range, looking over Dal Lake, Pari Mahal or "The Palace of Fairies" is one of the more unusual places to visit in Srinagar. First built as a Buddhist monastery, it was later turned into a star-watching place and school by Dara Shikoh, the oldest son of Shah Jahan.
Today, the stepped garden and the remains of the seven-level building give you amazing views of Dal Lake and the city below. It's less crowded than other Srinagar tourist places, giving you space to walk around and imagine what this place was like long ago.
- Best For: History seekers, nature lovers
- How to Reach: It’s about 12 km from Srinagar and is easily accessible via taxi or auto-rickshaw.
- Time to Visit: March to November for the best weather and garden blooms.
12. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: Spring Colors
If you visit Srinagar in early spring (usually late March to April), don't miss the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden – Asia's biggest tulip garden. At the foot of the Zabarwan range with views of Dal Lake, this garden bursts with color when over 1.5 million tulips of 64 types bloom all at once.
The yearly Tulip Festival held here is one of the biggest events in Srinagar, bringing thousands of visitors. Besides tulips, the garden also has daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers, all with snow-covered mountains behind them.
- Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, couples, and tourists seeking vibrant floral views.
- How to reach: You can reach the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden by flying to Srinagar Airport and taking a 40-minute cab ride to the garden.
- Time to visit: Late March to mid-April during the Tulip Festival when the blooms are in full swing.
13. Floating Vegetable Markets: Early Morning Magic
For a truly special experience, wake up before dawn and go to Dal Lake's floating vegetable market. This old-style market, where farmers sell fresh food from their boats, has been running for hundreds of years and shows you local life that most tourists miss.
The market starts around 5:00 AM when dozens of wooden boats full of fresh veggies, flowers, and sometimes handmade goods gather in one corner of Dal Lake. Watching sellers paddle around, bargain, and trade goods entirely from boat to boat is fascinating.
You'll need to set up a shikara ride ahead of time to visit the market. Ask your boatman to pick you up before dawn, and don't forget your camera and some money if you want to buy anything.
14. Kashmir Government Arts Emporium
For a one-stop look at all major Kashmiri crafts, go to the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium. Here, you can see and buy real handmade items, including pashmina shawls, walnut wood carvings, silk carpets, and embroidery. The quality is guaranteed, though prices are fixed.
15. Papier-Mâché Workshops
Several small workshops in the old city welcome visitors to watch the detailed process of creating paper art items. From making the base out of wet paper to adding many layers of designs and colors, it's amazing to watch. The craftspeople usually love to explain the meaning behind traditional patterns like the chinar leaf, almond flower, and saffron.
Moving between the places to visit in Srinagar is pretty easy:
- Auto-rickshaws: Found all over the city, good for short rides. Always agree on a price before starting your trip.
- Taxis: More comfortable for longer distances or day trips. Your hotel can find reliable drivers who often know a lot about the area.
- Shikaras: Must-have for exploring Dal Lake. Rates are usually by the hour or for certain routes.
- Walking: The Old City is best seen on foot, though the streets can be confusing.
Conclusion: Why Srinagar Stays in Your Heart
There's something about Srinagar that stays with you long after you leave. Maybe it's the misty mornings on Dal Lake, the relaxed way of life, or the friendly Kashmiri people. Whatever it is, the famous tourist attractions in Srinagar show just a bit of what makes this city special.
Beyond the pretty views and old buildings, it's the small moments that make a trip to Srinagar unforgettable – drinking kahwa tea as the sun sets, talking with a carpet maker about designs passed down through families, or just watching kids play cricket with ancient trees in the background.
The best places to visit in Srinagar tell the story of a city where amazing nature meets rich culture, where different traditions have mixed over hundreds of years to create something uniquely Kashmiri. So pack your bags, bring your camera, and come with an open mind. Srinagar is waiting to show you its magic!
