Places To Visit In Srinagar Jammu And Kashmir

About Srinagar Jammu And Kashmir

Srinagar is the summer capital of J&K. The city is known for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts, and houseboats. Srinagar is known for its traditional handicrafts and dried fruits. The city name is the transformation of the Sanskrit name “Surya Nagar” which means ‘City of the Sun’.

Best Time To Visit:

                April to October.

How To Reach:  

                Road – NH 1A and NH 1D.

                Rail – Srinagar Railway Station.

                Air – Aerodome Airport.

Jammu Airport to Srinagar – 270 KM.

Jammu Railway Station to Srinagar – 272 KM.

Jammu Bus Station to Srinagar – 264 KM.

Address:

                Srinagar, Srinagar District, Jammu and Kashmir – 190001.

Places To Visit In Srinagar Jammu And Kashmir

1. Dal Lake Srinagar Jammu Kashmir

Dal is the Lake that is the most important lake amongst all the other lakes in Srinagar. The Lake covers an area of 18 sq. km and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 sq. km including its floating gardens.

Dal is the second largest lake in J&K and also known with different names like “Lake of Flowers”, “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”. This lake is also an important source for commercial operations in Fishing and water plant harvesting.

The main attractions of this lake are Islands, Boathouses and Floating Gardens. The largest group of houseboats lie along the edge of the lake near the lakeside avenue, towards Dal gate. There are 3 islands in the lake. Around the lake Mughal Garden is the most interesting and pleasant sight. The floating garden is known as ‘Rad’ in Kashmir, blossom with lotus flowers in July and August.  Tomatoes, cucumbers and melons are all grown amazingly well in these gardens.

To the delight of the visitors they can enjoy fascinating rides on traditional Kashmiri Houseboats and Shikaras. The Shikara ride can be an hour-long sightseeing session of the Dal a shopping-by-shikara expedition to handicraft shops within the lake area; or a whole-day trip featuring visits to major landmarks in Srinagar.

Best time to visit the lake is during the Sunrise and Sunset as the lake is soaked with the rays and is an amazing view. It is the best place for Photography.

How To Reach: Srinagar to Dal Lake – 9 KM.

Photography: Allowed.             

Dal Lake Srinagar Timings:

                6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

                (Sunrise to Sunset).

Dal Lake Srinagar Entry Fee:

                Free Entry.

Address:

                Dal Lake, Srinagar, J&K- 190025.

2. Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar

Shalimar Bagh is the largest Mughal gardens in Srinagar. It was built by Jahangir the Mughal Emperor to his wife Nur Jahan in 1619. The lush green and well-maintained Garden of Srinagar designed with terrace lawns, fountain pools and flower beds combined with mighty chinar trees and pavilions. The interior of Shalimar Bagh contains four terraces in which the top most terraces were originally reserved for the royal ladies and is considered to be the most beautiful section.

During autumn and spring season the picturesque surrounding of the ‘Bagh’ looks amazing as the Chinar trees change their colour from green to orange. Shalimar Bagh is also popular with different names- Shalamar Garden, Shalamar Bagh, Farah Baksh and Faiz Baksh etc.

Shalimar Bagh Timings:

                9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

                (Friday Holiday).

Photography:

                Allowed.

Shalimar Bagh Entry Fee:

                Rs. 10 per person.

Address:

                Chinar Chowk, Shalinar, Srinagar, J&K- 191121.

How To Reach:

                Srinagar to the Bagh – 16 KM.

3. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the Asia’s largest Tulip Garden. It is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan Range with an overview of Dal Lake. The garden covers about 30 hectares and is built on a sloping ground in a terraced fashion consisting of 7 terraces.

Apart from tulips, many other species of flowers – hyacinths, daffodils and ranunculus have been added as well.

Tulip festival is an annual celebration that aims to showcase the range of flowers in the garden as a part of tourism efforts by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It is organized during the onset of spring season in Kashmir valley.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Timings:

                7:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Entry Fee:

                Adults – Rs 50 per Person.

                Children – Rs 25 per Child.

Address:

Jammu and Kashmir, Cheshma Shahi Road, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001

How To Reach:

                Srinagar to the Garden – 11 KM.

4. Pari Mahal In Srinagar

Pari Mahal was laid in mid-seventeenth century by Dara Shikoh, Eldest son of Shah Jahan. It is also known as The Palace of Fairies. One can overlook the city of Srinagar and Dal Lake from this point.

Timings:

                9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

Entry Fee:

                Adult – Rs 10 per Person.

                Children – Rs 5 per Child.

How To Reach:

                Srinagar to Mahal – 14 KM.

Address:

                Pari Mahal, Srinagar, J&K 190001.

5. Nishat Bagh In Srinagar

While India is blessed to have a number of Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh is the prettiest of all. It is the creation of Asif Khan the brother of Nur Jahan in 1633. The bagh was spread across 15 acres and is the 2nd largest Mughal Garden. It is also popularly known as “Garden of Joy”.

The garden consists of 9 terraces out of which the second is considered to be the most attractive one. There are 2 main structures at the lower and the upper end of the garden. The entire garden is spread with flower beds, fountains and plethora of chinar and cypress trees.

Timings:

                9:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

Entry Fee:

                Rs 10 per Person.

Address: Main road Nishat next to mughal garden Nishat Srinagar, J&K 191121.

How To Reach:

                Srinagar to Nishat Bagh – 15 KM

6. Shankaracharya Temple

Shankaracharya Temple is an ancient and famous temple and is situated on Gopadari Hill at the height of 1100 feet above the city level. The structure of the temple resembles the architectural style of ancient times. However, many additional changes are been made to the original structure.

The main shrine is in the shape of a circular chamber and provides a spectacular view of the valley. This temple is regarded as the oldest temple in the Kashmir.

The first work of renovation is considered to have taken place during the reign of Lalitaditya. When the temple got damaged in an earthquake, the second repairs were done by Zain-ul-Abideen, under the rule of Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din. The stone steps that lead to the main shrine, are known to be built by Maharaja Gulab Singh. In 1925, the facility of electricity was made possible at Shankracharya Temple.

Timings:

                8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fee:

                Free Entry

Address:

                Shankaracharya temple, Durgjan, Srinagar, J&K- 190001.

How To Reach:

                Srinagar to Temple – 11 KM.

7. Hari Parbat Fort

The Hari Parbat Fort is positioned on the western side of Dal Lake. It is one of the earliest forts of Jammu and Kashmir region that originated in the period of Mughal Emperors. This striking structure was designed and built by the Afghan Governor, Atta Mohammed Khan. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of Dal Lake and at the bottom are various structures from many religions.

Timings:

                9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Entry Fee:

                Rs 50 for Indians.

                Rs 100 for Foreigners.

Address:

                Hari Parbat fort, Dal lake, Srinagar, J&K – 190003.

How To Reach:  

                Srinagar to Fort – 5 KM.

8. Sri Pratap Singh Museum

The Pratap Singh Museum is home to ancient terracotta heads dating back to the 3rd century, found at the Buddhist site at Ushkur & molded terracotta plaques of the 4th & 5th century from Harwan

Timings:

                10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

                Wednesday  Holiday.

Entry Fee:

                Rs 10 per Indian.

                Rs 50 per Foreigner.

Address:

                SPS Museum, Lal Mandi, Srinagar, J&K- 190008

How To Reach:

                Srinagar to Museum– 4 KM.

9. Chashme Shahi

Chashme Shahi Garden is located at the foothills of Zabarwan Mountains in Srinagar. This garden is the smallest amongst 3 Mughal Gardens in the city. Shah Jahan got this garden laid under his supervision in 1632.

The main attraction of this garden is its natural spring of fresh water, which has mineral content. The garden is lushed with greenery and dotted with colourful flowers. Several fountains and waterfalls surround the verdant landscape of this garden.

Timings:

                8:00 AM to 7:15 PM.

                Friday Holiday.

Entry Fee:

                Rs 10 per person.

How To Reach:

                Srinagar to Chashme Shahi – 12 KM

Address

Chashme Shahi Garden, 7, Boulevard Rd, Chashme Shahi, Rainawari, Srinagar, J&K 190001.

10. Durga Nag Temple

Durga Nag is the best known temple for its Holy Spring. Hindu devotees perform traditional vedic rituals here. The area around the temple boasts a number of shops selling popular Kashmir Shawls, tops and handmade bags. 

During festivals people can have the view of temple decorations and view.

Timings:

                24 Hours.

Entry Fee:

                Free entry.

Address:

Durga Nag Temple, Dalgate Near Krishna Dhaba, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001

How to Reach:

                Srinagar to Temple – 5 KM.