One of the most famous tourist attractions is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar. The city is full of snow-covered mountains, vibrant gardens, glimmering lakes, and natural beauty. Located on the banks of Jhelum, it is surrounded by scenic water bodies, providing picturesque views. Not to mention the snow-capped mountains that make the place look even more mesmerizing.
So if you are planning a trip to the North Indian state, going to Srinagar is a must. In fact, there are some places you cannot miss paying a visit to. For your convenience, we have handpicked some of the best ones that you can add to your Kashmir itinerary. Let’s get to it right away!
Pari Mahal
If you are looking for heaven on earth, the Pari Mahal is the place you should go. Not so popular among travellers, the palace offers gorgeous views of nature that you could not even have imagined. And the best part is that you can visit the place any time of the year. Located on the top of the Zabarwan Mountain range, the Pari Mahal consists of a terraced garden and a palace. Earlier used as a teaching center and an observatory for astronomy and astrology students, it is now one of the major tourist destinations in Kashmir.
Shankaracharya Temple
The perfect place for spiritual rejuvenation, Shankaracharya Temple is among the ideal Srinagar tourist spots. Currently, it is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India nationally. Also, it is popular among the Hindus due to its prominence in Amarnath Yatra. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come here during the Yatra.
The temple is located on the Shankaracharya Hilltop at a height of 335 meters. This makes it the perfect spot for a bird’s eye view of the Jhelum Valley and the city overall.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
The largest tulip garden in the continent, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, or Siraj Bagh, was opened for the purpose of boosting floriculture and tourism in the state. Home to nearly 15 lakh tulips of over 60 varieties, the garden is open from March to visitors. So if you are visiting during the spring season, the blooming tulips are a must-watch.
Other flowers that you can spot during your excursion to this seven-layered garden are hyacinths, ranunculus, and daffodils. Nonetheless, the dates for opening change every year so don’t forget to have a look at the travel advisory prior to adding the place to your Kashmir trip itinerary.
Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh is a garden built by the famous Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his queen Nur Jahan in 1619 and the romantic place has become a tourist spot for various couples. Among all the Mughal gardens in the city, Shalimar Bagh is the largest of them. It comprises three terraced regions, each of which used to serve different purposes. The outermost, ‘Diwan-i-Aam’ was open to the public. The central one, named ‘Diwan-i-Khas’ was for the emperor, and the uppermost one belonged to the women of the royal family.
The place used to be the emperor’s Royal Court and place of stay during the summer season. Presently, it is open to tourists from May to October with attractions like light and sound shows as well as Chini Khanas.
Wular Lake
Situated in the Bandipora District, Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the entire country. It is 10 km wide and 24 km long, spreading across an area of nearly 200 square km. Surrounded by enchanting hills, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in recent years.
The lake is home to exotic species of birds and draws water from the Jhelum River. The right way to experience this is through a boat ride on the lake, watching the beautiful sunset.
Nigeen or Nageen Lake
If you haven’t already heard of Nigeen Lake, now is the time. The lake is less crowded as compared to other lakes in Srinagar and is situated adjacent to Hari Parbat at an altitude of 1,582 meters. The willow and poplar trees surrounding the lake give it its name. So if you are looking to enjoy a shikara ride away from the world of chaos, Nageen Lake is where you should go.
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire state, which makes it a highly popular destination among visitors. Covering an area of 18 square kilometers, the lake is situated at an altitude of 1,583 meters, which is nearly the same as Nageen Lake.
If you visit Srinagar during winter, you will witness a frozen lake that has temperatures below -11 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, the lake reflects the clear blue sky on a bright sunny day during the summer season. You can also stay on a houseboat on the lake to get the ideal experience of the on-lake lifestyle of Kashmiris. Not to mention purchasing souvenirs from the floating market while going out for a shikara ride.
Yusmarg
Merely 50 kilometres away from Srinagar, Yusmarg is a place you must go to when in the state. Perfect for a rejuvenating experience, the district is away from the world of chaos. For the same reason, it yet remains to be unexplored by several tourists. Imagine yourself walking past the welcoming ponies, on lush green meadows, surrounded by snow-covered hills. What could be more refreshing than being in such a place? Moreover, it is less than an hour’s drive from Srinagar, which means all you need to do is add the place to your Kashmir itinerary for a day. After watching the beautiful sunset, you can drive back to the summer capital for a cosy stay.
The Final Verdict
Srinagar is full of tourist attractions, which is why people come to visit the summer capital throughout the year. From pristine lakes to snow-capped mountains to the exotic tulip garden, the city has got a lot to offer. So during your visit, we recommend you visit the places mentioned in this blog. We promise you will gain an unforgettable experience.
