03 Nov, 2022

Srinagar Tourism: 5 Best Things to Do

 

 

Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. The city is famous for its lakes, gardens, and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is a major tourist destination for both Indian and foreign tourists.

 

Every year, thousands of tourists visit Srinagar to enjoy its scenic beauty and pleasant weather. If you are planning to visit Srinagar, here are some things that you can do to make your trip more enjoyable.

 

Best Things to do in Srinagar

 

Srinagar is known for its scenic beauty, lakes, gardens, and houseboats. It is also a base for trekking in the Himalayas.



Some of the best things to do in Srinagar include:



1. Take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake: Dal Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Srinagar.

 

It is a large lake with houseboats and floating gardens. You can take a Shikara ride around the lake to enjoy the scenic views.



2. Visit Mughal Gardens: Srinagar has many beautiful Mughal gardens that are worth visiting.

 

The Shalimar BaghJama Masjid Srinagar, and Nishat Bagh are of the most popular ones. These gardens were built by the Mughal emperors and are known for their architecture and landscaping.



3. Go on a trekking expedition: Srinagar is an ideal base for trekking in the Himalayas. There are many treks of different levels that you can choose from depending on your fitness level and interest.

 

Some of the popular treks in Kashmir include Kokernag-Sonamarg Trek, Manasbal Lake Trek, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, etc.



4. Shop at local markets: Srinagar has many vibrant local markets where you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and other items.

 

The most famous market is the floating market on Dal Lake where you can find a wide variety of items.



5. Visit religious sites: Srinagar has many religious sites that are worth visiting.

 

These include the Hazratbal Shrine, Jama Masjid, Shankaracharya Temple, and Kheer Bhawani Temple.

 

Best Time to Visit Srinagar

 

The best time to visit Srinagar is in the summer, from June to August. The weather is warm and sunny, and the influx of tourists means that there are plenty of activities and attractions open.

 

However, be aware that accommodation prices will be at their highest during this period. If you're looking to save money, consider visiting in the spring or autumn instead.

 

Srinagar is Famous For?

 

Srinagar is world-famous for its natural beauty, which is why it's often referred to as the "Venice of the East." The city is located in the Kashmir Valley and is surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains, making it a popular destination for both Indian and international tourists.

 

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Srinagar include Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Shankaracharya Hill.

 

Jammu to Srinagar distance

 

The distance from Jammu to Srinagar is approximately 9 hours by road. The route takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in India, including the Pir Panjal Mountain range and the Vale of Kashmir.

 

You will also pass by several important historical and religious sites, such as the Hindu pilgrimage town of Vaishno Devi and the Muslim shrines of Hazratbal and Jamia Masjid.

 

Srinagar weather

 

The weather in Srinagar is pleasant for most part of the year. Summers are cool with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.

 

July and August witness a little more rainfall than the other months.

 

The ideal time to visit Srinagar is from mid-April to mid-October when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold.

 

Lakes in Srinagar

 

Srinagar is home to many beautiful lakes, which are a big part of what makes the city so special. Here are some of the most popular lakes in Srinagar:

 



Dal Lake: Dal Lake is one of the most iconic and popular lakes in Srinagar. It is situated in the heart of the city and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, hotels, and restaurants. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake or simply enjoy the views from one of the many terraces overlooking it.



Nagin Lake: Nagin Lake is another popular lake in Srinagar, located just south of Dal Lake. It is smaller than Dal Lake but no less beautiful, with its own unique charm.

 

 Visitors can explore the numerous islands dotting the lake or take a leisurely stroll around its perimeter.



Anchar Lake: Anchar Lake is a serene and peaceful spot located just outside of Srinagar city center. It is surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can go for long walks or hikes in the surrounding area, or simply relax by the lake and take in nature's beauty.

 

Activities to do in Srinagar

 

Assuming you would like a list of activities:



1. Take a Shikara ride


2. Shop at the floating markets


3. Visit the Mughal Gardens


4. Tour the Old City


5. Hike through Nagin Lake

 

How to reach Srinagar

 

Srinagar is the summer capital of Indian-administered Kashmir. It is located in the Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes, and houseboats. It is also a popular tourist destination.



The best way to reach Srinagar is by air. The Srinagar International Airport is located at a distance of 15 km from the city center. There are regular flights to Srinagar from all major cities in India.



By road, Srinagar is well connected to all parts of India via the National Highway 1A. Taxis and buses ply regularly on this route. The journey from Delhi to Srinagar takes about 15 hours by road.



The nearest railway station to Srinagar is Jammu Tawi, located at a distance of about 290 km from the city. There are several trains that operate between Jammu and Srinagar, but the journey time can be quite long as the rail line passes through some mountainous terrain.

 

Best Places to visit in Srinagar

 

If you are planning to visit Srinagar, then you must check out the following places:



1. Dal Lake: One of the most popular tourist attractions in Srinagar, Dal Lake is a must-visit! You can take a boat ride or just enjoy the scenic views. There are also several floating markets where you can buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.



2. Mughal Gardens: The Mughal Gardens are a group of gardens built by the Mughal rulers. They are beautiful and serene, perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. Don’t miss the famous Nishat Bagh, which is one of the largest gardens in Srinagar.



3. Shankaracharya Hill: For stunning views of the city and the valley below, head to Shankaracharya Hill. On a clear day, you can even see the snow-capped mountains in the distance! There is also an ancient temple at the top of the hill dedicated to Lord Shiva.



4. Hazratbal Mosque: This mosque is one of the most important religious sites in Srinagar as it houses a relic of Prophet Muhammad. The mosque is located on the banks of Dal Lake and is worth visiting for its architectural beauty too.



5. Gulmarg: Located just a short drive from Srinagar, Gulmarg is a must-visit for all nature lovers! With its pristine meadows,