10 Best Places to Visit in Srinagar Kashmir: The Complete 2024 Guide.

It’s also known as the ‘city of lakes’ because of its presence of a plethora of lakes. There are so many best places to visit in Srinagar That you can’t even imagine. To witness the beauty of this “City of Lakes” plan your mesmerising trip with our Kashmir Travel packages.

Srinagar is a city in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an Indian-administered union territory. You can look for some good  hotels in Srinagar to make your journey more adorable. We are here to provide you with a complete Srinagar travel guide. You can also read 10 amazing things to do in Srinagar.

Kashmir Valley has undergone so many religious changes with the time from Hinduism to Buddhism to Islam. 

Best Places To Visit In Srinagar

Dal Lake

Dal Lake, the famous  jewel of Srinagar, and is not just a water body but the lifeblood of the city. Here is a complete guide for Dal lake. This amazing lake, has its ever-changing moods and picturesque houseboats, offers a glimpse into the local way of life. It is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar kashmir.

A shikara ride on Dal Lake is at the top among Srinagar attractions and isn’t just about sightseeing, it’s about immersing yourself in the heart of Kashmiri culture and natural beauty.

• 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 in morning and spend some time in evening.
• Shikara rides

A shikara ride on Dal Lake isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing yourself in the heart of Kashmiri culture and natural beauty. So, never miss this ride while exploring places to visit in Srinagar. 

Houseboats and floating markets

Houseboats and Floating Markets dot its expanse, providing a unique staying and sightseeing experience. The lake’s name, meaning ‘Jewel in the Ring’, perfectly encapsulates its essence.

 Nigeen Lake

The Nigeen lake visit for every tourist is a must encounter for the famous shikara rides. The rides aren’t just another boat experience. The shikara rides are one of the most tranquil and beautiful experiences to take home. Certainly, it will take you an inch closer giving you ample opportunities to praise the scenic beauty that surrounds the capital.

Nigeen Lake, is one of the Tourist Places to Visit in Srinagar which offers a soothing, less crowded atmosphere. It is well known for its water which is noticeable and surrounded by majestic willow and poplar trees, the lake offers an intimate experience of Srinagar’s natural beauty. You can enhance your experience by enjoying houseboats and shikaras. The lake’s name, meaning ‘Jewel in the Ring’, perfectly encapsulates its essence.

• Best For: Families, Couples, friends
• How to Reach: You can visit by road, as it’s about 19 km from Srinagar Railway Station.
• Time to Visit: Opt for an early morning or late evening 

Mughal Gardens

• 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.

Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden with a love story at its heart, built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan. This extensive garden is a blend of man-made structures and natural beauty, featuring terraced lawns, cascading fountains, and brightly coloured flower beds.

• 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

Nishat Bagh

Nishat Bagh, known as the “Garden of Joy,” is another splendid example of Mughal gardening prowess. Laid out in 12 terraces representing the zodiac signs, it’s a place where water, greenery, and the architectural genius of the Mughals converge, offering breathtaking views of the Dal Lake and the Pir Panjal mountain range making it among the best places to go in Srinagar.

• 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 to enjoy the tranquillity and soft light for photography.

Chashme Shahi, or the Royal Spring, is one of the smallest yet most charming Mughal gardens in Srinagar. It is one of the places to visit in Srinagar which you can’t afford to miss. Hunger can strike you anytime, but don’t worry, we have the solution for your hunger. Kashmir food is mouth watering and so delicious that tourists cant forget the taste, there are some tasty dishes in Kashmir which you can’t resist. Additionally, do check 13 best restaurants in Kashmir. Known for its medicinal spring water and stunning terraced lawns, this garden provides a tranquil escape with panoramic views of Dal Lake.

• 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.

Shankaracharya Temple

It is based at the top of a hill, Shankaracharya Temple is not just a place of worship but a standpoint offering panoramic views of Srinagar. This spiritual place is one of its own kind and the top places to visit in Srinagar. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which not only delivers spirituality but also provides natural beauty, which invites peace.

• 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.

The Hazratbal Mosque is not only a religious site but also a place of deep emotional resonance for many. It houses a relic believed to be the hair of the Prophet Muhammad, making it a revered spot among followers. As known as one of the places to visit in Srinagar, many momedians don’t miss this place while travelling to Srinagar

The mosque, with its stunning white marble facade, reflects serenely on the Dal Lake, offering a picturesque setting.

• 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 anytime of the day.

JAMA MASJID

The iconic Jama Masjid was built by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. But, many aren’t aware that the summer capital, Srinagar also has its very own Jama Masjid and must be in your kitty of places to visit in Srinagar Kashmir. 

It was built more than six hundred years ago, the Jama Masjid was commissioned by Sultan Sikandar in 1394 and completed in 1402. 

The Indo-Saracenic style of architecture is a vibrant combination of the Indian and Mughal designs. The mosque has a total of 378 wooden pillars. The walls, roofs, and pillars of the Jama Masjid shows the vibrant and colourful artwork. 

Pari Mahal, also known as the best place to visit in Srinagar Kashmir, has a seven-terraced garden located at the top of Zabarwan mountain range. Earlier it was a Buddhist monastery, which was later converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, who was a Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s son.

• Best For: History seeker, 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.

Char Chinar

Char Chinar, located in the middle of Dal Lake on a small island, is named after the four majestic Chinar trees that stand on its corners. This tranquil spot is perfect for those looking to find peace amidst nature and take stunning photographs against the backdrop of the lake and mountains.

• Best For: Couples, photographers, eco-conscious travellers
• How to Reach: Accessible by shikara (traditional boat) from the shores of Dal Lake.
• Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography. Ideal for a quiet picnic; remember to carry your trash back with you to keep the area clean.

Places To Visit Near Srinagar

Day trip from Srinagar – This is a small village in the Himalayan highlands, which is based in the Pin Panjal range. Currently it is known as Gauri Marg, which was taken from the phrase “Gouri Marg,” which means “Devi Gauri’s Route”. 

It is one of the gorgeous gifts from nature and among top places to visit near Srinagar, which is located in the Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir. The place offers you the “ sukoon ke 2 pall” and will leave you in a zone where you can meet nature.

For every mountain lover, visiting Gulmarg at least once is a must. 

Here is a list of the most popular places to visit in Gulmarg :

Gondola Ride and Skiing 

An unavoided sight in Gulmarg, it is Asia’s most significant and tallest cable car project. Your entire tour to Gulmarg will be counted as 0, if it does not include a trip on the famous cable car.

Reaching to the top of the mountain for the most fantastic skiing experience in Gulmarg is an activity in the winter season which is loved by many travellers. It is a great place to go skiing. People from around the world including Western countries visit here to do skiing.

The Rani temple is very well-known for its presence in the old Hindi song “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” from the 1974 film Aap Ki Kasam.

Strawberry Valley

A journey to Strawberry Valley is an exciting experience, thanks to its perfect beauty, bright blue sky above, and lush green trees all along the way.

Since strawberries are perfectly ready to be picked in the summer months, thus this is the year’s peak season for strawberry farmers. 

Sonamarg is a Hill Station in Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg is a blend of two words “Sona” which means gold and “marg” which means path. The peaks of mountains appear to be golden when the sun rays during sunset hit them, which turns it slightly gold and looks very beautiful, hence making it a Meadow of Gold.

The place is attractive beyond our mind’s reach, and is also one of the best places to visit near Srinagar. 

During the winter when snow sets in, many visitors enjoy skiing, sledding, glacier trekking, and the like. 

It is surrounded by Himalayan peaks and mountain ranges for trekkers of all levels.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Sonmarg:

• Zero Point is a sightseeing destination in Sonmarg , where you can go skiing and snow biking.
• Zojila Pass, also known as Zoji La, is known as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. It is a 193 km long mountain pass in the Greater Himalayan Range. If you don’t fear heights this pass is a road that is meant for you.
• Fishing Point , You will see a beautiful Fishing point, wherein you can do fishing with the view of beautiful mountains.

• Baltal Its a place which is located at an elevation of 8,999 ft. It is the base camp for pilgrims on their onward journey to Amarnath Caves. It is a scenic gem, you can read more about the beauty of Baltal Valley.
•  Thajiwas Glacier- Based at an altitude of 9,186 feet is a striking silvery scene set against emerald meadows and a clear blue sky. In the summer, you can take a half-day hike to numerous waterfalls around this glacier. 

How To Reach Srinagar

Then don’t miss to enjoy the scenic beauty of Jammu, and take a 250 km road trip through the Jammu-Srinagar Highway. The average train duration from some of the major cities to Jammu is as follows-

Time taken to reach Srinagar by Train-

Mumbai to Jammu Tawi- 27 hrs

Delhi to Jammu Tawi- 9 hrs

Bangalore to Jammu Tawi- 52 hrs

Time taken to reach Srinagar by Road-

Mumbai to Srinagar-  2,185 km

Delhi to Srinagar-  822 km

Bangalore to Srinagar-  2,949 km

   Best  Places To Go Shopping In Srinagar

• Lal Chowk

 Address: Lal Chowk, Srinagar, Jammu and.  Kashmir

 Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Polo View Market

Address: Polo View, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.   

Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Badshah Chowk

  Address: Badshah Chowk, Srinagar

  Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Residency Road

 Address: Residency Road, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Zaina Kadal Market

Address: Zaina Kadal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Dastgir Sahib Market

Address: Dastgir Sahib, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Nishat Market

Address: Nishat, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

•  Hazratbal Market

Address: Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM 

• Boulevard Road

Address: Boulevard Road, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Conclusion

However, Srinagar’s story is not without its challenges. The place has some political issues and security concerns, if you know you know it . And this has impacted its tourism industry and the lives of residents. Many people live under threat.

If you give a farewell to Srinagar, don’t move out without carrying with you the memories of its breathtaking beauty and amazing hospitality. So, don’t just hold yourself and plan your next trip now, to unfold the amazing beauty and give yourself a time out break from the usual city life, and just sing  “Mera dil kahi dur in pahado me kho gaya”