by Vagatrip
Curious about the most amazing spots to visit in Srinagar? This heavenly city has breathtaking lakes, majestic mountains, and a lot more to offer. Here are a few top attractions that will captivate the hearts of nature and history enthusiasts, and make you understand why they adore its charm
Nigeen, a place with a long history in Kashmir, is well-known for its shikara rides and houseboat stays. It's a favorite destination, particularly for couples on their honeymoon, offering a range of romantic activities. The lake itself is beautiful, surrounded by historical buildings and natural attractions, making it a top priority for anyone visiting Kashmir.
Places to Stay:
Triump Houseboats
Fanstasia Houseboats
Hotel Der-Es-Salam
Royal Badyari Houseboats
Shabrose Hosueboats
Nigeen Lake is known for: The shikara ride and houseboat stay
Popular attractions around Nigeen Lake: Hazratbal Mosque, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Jama Masjid, and Pari Mahal
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Wular Lake, situated in the Bandipora district, is a magnificent freshwater lake in Asia that draws many tourists. It is fed by the Sutlej River and is located 65 km away from Srinagar. Travelers are captivated by its beauty as they glide across the lake on a shikara or a boat. For nature photography enthusiasts exploring Srinagar, Kashmir, it is a perfect destination that offers breathtaking views and countless opportunities for stunning photographs.
The lake is part of India's 26 wetlands and offers amazing natural views. It's one of the top destinations to visit in Kashmir. Although it looks peaceful, swimming in the lake is not recommended. Enjoy the beauty and marvel at it!Wular Lake is known for: Boating and relaxing retreat
Popular attractions around Wular Lake: Jamia Masjid, Manasbal, and Kheer Bhawani Temple
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Until now, Kashmir has successfully preserved its old-fashioned beauty. There are countless things to discover in the valley, and even the most passionate explorers haven't witnessed everything. One of the lesser-known destinations in Srinagar worth visiting is Chatpal, located in the Shangas district of South Kashmir.
This stunning place, which is 88 km away from Srinagar, is a favorite destination for people who love nature. It has beautiful mountains covered in greenery, and the rushing streams of rivers flow through the dense forests. You won't find anything more magical than this in the city.
Chatpal is known for: Apple and walnut trees
Popular attractions around Chatpal: Thimran Village, Mamleshwar Temple, Pahalgam Golf Course
Time duration: 1-2 hours
The beautiful Betaab Valley, situated just 15 km from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district, got its name from the popular Bollywood movie Betaab, starring Sunny Deol. This valley is known for its romantic weather, stunning location, and streams that flow through it, creating a picturesque setting. It is considered one of the top places to visit in Srinagar. With its perfect spots for picnics, tall trees often used for shooting movies, and abundant greenery, Betaab Valley is truly an outstanding destination in Srinagar.
Betaab Valley is known for: Magnificent views and carpeted greenery
Popular attractions around Betaab Valley: A stay in the wonderful hotels and cottages around the valley is highly recommended. Island Resort, Hotel Himalaya House, and Forest Hill Resort are a few of them.
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Kashmir's stunning colors flow through its expansive valleys. Located about 100 km away from the capital city, the Aru Valley in the Anantnag district is among the top tourist spots in Kashmir. It's an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and serves as the starting point for exciting activities like exploring the Kolahoi Glacier and embarking on the Sonamarg Trek.
Pahalgam, which is located just 12 km away from Aru Valley, is the closest town. It is considered one of the most wonderful places to explore in Srinagar because of its stunning snow-covered mountains and tall pine trees.
Aru Valley is known for: Hiking, skiing (in winters), horse riding, camping, and trekking
Popular attractions around Aru Valley: Chandanwari, Baisaran, and Betaab Valley
Time duration: 2-3 hours
The Mughals used to love gardening, and now it has become a stunning feature of the Kashmir Valley. The Mughal gardens in Kashmir are designed in the Persian style and are a delightful tourist spot. With the backdrop of Dal Lake, these gardens are one of the top attractions in Srinagar, offering beautiful scenery and historical monuments for visitors to enjoy.
The garden is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains full of lush green plants and beautiful flowers that are native to the area. It's a popular place to visit and is located near Dal Lake.
Mughal Gardens are known for: Shalimar & Nishat Bagh, deodar forest hills, and Tulip flowers
Location: Chinar chowk, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191121
Time duration: 1-2 hours
The name Dachigam means "10 small towns" and it covers a large area of 141 square kilometers. Dachigam National Park is located about 22 kilometers away from the main town of Srinagar. It's a great place to visit if you want to see and learn about the protected wildlife in the beautiful Kashmir valley.
Dachigam, a must-visit place in Srinagar, is famous for being home to the Kashmiri Stag, Himalayan black bear, and many other types of plants and animals.
Dachigam National Park is known for: Wildlife safari
Popular attractions around Dachigam National Park: Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Nokrek National Park, and Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Location: Mughal Garden, Near Harwan, Dachigam Rd, Jammu and Kashmir 191202
Time duration: 3-4 hours
Imagine a breathtaking sight: countless tulips in various vibrant colors, stretching row after row, with the majestic Zabarwan Hills serving as a stunning backdrop. It feels like you're in paradise, doesn't it? Well, that's precisely what you'll find in this garden! The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden offers views that will stay with you forever. To make it even more magical, the gentle breeze carries a delightful fragrance from the hundreds of tulips. This place is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Srinagar that you must not miss.
Places To Stay:
Vivanta Dal View
House Boat Young Holly Wood
Houseboat New Suzan
Golden Hopes Group Of Houseboats
Houseboat Altaf
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is known for: Picnicking, cycling
Popular attractions around Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: Hazratbal Mosque, Jama Masjid, Pari Mahal
Location: Jammu and Kashmir, Cheshma Shahi Road, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Time duration: 2-3 hours
Shankaracharya Temple, considered the oldest shrine in the Kashmir valley, is a famous tourist spot in Srinagar where you can experience the breathtaking beauty of nature. This magnificent temple is built on a hilltop, towering 1100 feet above sea level. The view from the temple's summit is absolutely captivating, particularly during the months of May to September.
Places to Stay:
New Bombay Heritage Group of Houseboats
Blooming Dale Hotel
Chicago Group Of Houseboats
Goonapalace Group of Houseboats
S Group of Houseboats
Shankaracharya Temple is known for: Persian scriptures inside the temple dating back to Shah Jahan’s ruling days
Location: Durgjan, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Hazratbal, located on the left side of Dal Lake, is a famous tourist spot in Srinagar. This mosque has been attracting visitors for almost 30 years and has managed to maintain its delightful old-world appeal. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in Srinagar!
The stunning beauty of the Hazratbal mosque, made of white marble, is truly mesmerizing to see in the city of Srinagar. The mosque is filled with many well-preserved features, such as its exquisite design and large dome. Without a visit to Hazratbal, no trip to Srinagar can be considered complete, as it is the only attraction with such a magnificent dome.
Places to Stay:
Mascot Housboats
Peacock Houseboats
Monarch Group of Houseboats
Fantasia Houseboats
Houseboat Inshallah
Popular attractions around Hazratbal Mosque: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Located just 30 km away from Srinagar, Awantipora is a must-visit tourist destination in the area! This place was once the capital city of Awantipora in ancient times and is well-known for its remarkable ruins, which display the beautiful architecture and artwork of the bygone era. Don't miss out on exploring this popular attraction in Srinagar!
Lalitaditya was the king who built the temple that exists in ruins today. This temple is a famous historical spot in Awantipora and considered one of the top places to visit in Srinagar.
Awantipora is known for: Rustic ruins from the ancient times
Popular attractions around Awantipora: Anantnag, Padgampora, and Martand Sun Temple
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Pari Mahal is a unique and beautiful historical building in Srinagar. It stands near the Chashme Shahi Gardens. The palace is built in the traditional Islamic style of architecture and has a captivating history, making it a significant landmark in the city.
It's famous for being the home of fairies because it has six beautiful gardens on the Zabarwan Hills. Not only does it offer history enthusiasts a look into the Mughal way of life, but it also attracts nature lovers with its stunning views and lovely gardens. The palace, along with these enchanting gardens, is truly a delightful sight for everyone!
Places to Stay:
House Boat Young Holly Wood
The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar
Houseboat New Suzan
Vivanta Dal View
Chicago Group Of Houseboats
Pari Mahal is known for: Terraced gardens, Mughal architecture
Popular attractions around Pari Mahal: Hazratbal Mosque, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Jama Masjid
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Time duration: 1-2 hours
One of the best places to go in Srinagar is definitely this lake that perfectly represents the town's beauty. You'll experience a breathtaking sight with vibrant green mountains as a backdrop and a clear reflection of the sky on the lake's surface, making it incredibly pure and serene in every way!
Places to Stay:
Lake Palace Group of Houseboats
Howrah Guest House
Blooming Dale Hotel
New Sea Palace Houseboats
Island Hotel
Dal Lake is known for: being the summer capital of Srinagar
Popular attractions around Dal Lake: Nishat garden, Mughal gardens, and Shalimar Bagh
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Time duration: 2 hours
If you want to enjoy a beautiful boat ride around a stunning island lake, remember to ask your boatman to go towards this direction. There is an enchanting island called Char Chinar located in the middle of Dal Lake, adorned with Chinar trees that enhance the beauty of the entire area. Besides being a popular tourist spot in Srinagar, it's also an ideal place to capture amazing selfies!
Chal Chinar is known for: Shah-e-Hamdan, Jama Masjid Mosque, and Pir Dastgir Sahib
Popular attractions around Char Chinar
Location: Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Time duration: 1-2 hours
One of the most special places to visit in Srinagar city is an old mosque that was built nearly 600 years ago by Sultan Sikandar Shah Kashmiri Shahmiri. This peaceful mosque has a fascinating history that runs alongside the many changes and challenges faced by this area, including elections and similar events.
Jama Masjid is known for: Peaceful atmosphere
Popular attractions around Jama Masjid: Kashmir Alpine Trek, Lal Chowk and Chapr Handicraft
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Nehru Garden in Srinagar, Kashmir, is a stunning botanical garden that offers breathtaking views and beautiful scenery with Dal Lake in the background. It's a must-visit place when exploring Srinagar. The peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a Sunday picnic with your family and friends. Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of this garden!
Places to Stay:
Houseboat Altaf
Goonapalace Group of Houseboats
Golden Hopes Group of Houseboats
Houseboat New Suzan
New Bombay Heritage Group of Houseboats
Nehru Garden is known for: 15,000 ornamental plants and oak varieties
Popular attractions around Nehru Garden: Chashma Shahi garden, Nelo Arts, and Tulip garden
Location: Cheshma Shahi, Muja Gund Ghat, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Time duration: 1-2 hours
This beautiful garden is situated on a higher area, making it the ideal spot to capture the breathtaking beauty of the city. Chashme Shahi is a well-known tourist attraction with peaceful waterfalls that will leave you in awe of the magnificent sights. Make sure to visit the stunning destinations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, which are among the most gorgeous places to see in Srinagar.
Places to Stay:
Vivanta Dal View
The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar
Houseboat New Suzan
Golden Hopes Group of Houseboats
Chicago Group of Houseboats
Chashme Shahi is known for: Gorgeous waterfalls, scenic beauty of the city
Popular attractions around Chashme Shahi: Pari Mahal, Zabarwan Park
Time duration: 2-3 hours
The Shalimar Bagh is a stunning garden situated on the edges of the city. It's considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the entire state. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir constructed it in 1619 as a special gift for his beloved wife, Nur Jahan. People from all around the globe visit this place to experience its enchanting beauty and amazing collection of plants. If you're planning to visit Srinagar, Kashmir and are looking for must-see places, make sure to include the Shalimar Bagh on your list!
Shalimar Bagh is known for: Mughal horticulture
Popular attractions around Shalimar Bagh: Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Hazratbal Shrine
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Challi Point, located in Srinagar, is a popular and fascinating spot. It's a small place with a breathtaking view of Dal Lake, making it a great destination for both tourists and locals. People can relish the stunning scenery while treating themselves to mouthwatering kebabs and corn from the charming little stalls found here.
Challi Point is known for: Stalls selling seekh kebabs and corn
Popular attractions around Challi Point: Dal Lake
Time duration: 1-2 hours
This place in Srinagar, dedicated to the Sufi saint Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. It is situated in the southern part of Hari Parbat and attracts countless pilgrims each year. You can come here to explore its beautiful architecture and experience the peaceful and blissful atmosphere that surrounds this popular attraction in the city.
Makhdoom Sahib Shrine is known for: Paying tribute to Saint Hamza Makhdoom
Popular attractions around Makhdoom Sahib Shrine: Raja Hari Singh Fort, Ancient Temple
Location: Makhdoom Sahib 7889678485 Kashmir Makhdoom Sahib, Jammu and Kashmir 190003
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Yusmarg in Srinagar is a truly amazing place to visit during the summer. It's situated in Badgam and is famous for its vast expanses of lush green meadows. Yusmarg is like a small paradise with breathtaking spots that photographers would love. You can leisurely walk amidst the valleys adorned with beautiful flowers, or simply sit by the Dudh Ganga river and enjoy its soothing melodies. If you're an adventure enthusiast, you'll be thrilled to know that there are numerous hiking and trekking trails both in Yusmarg and its nearby areas.
Yusmarg is known for: Alpine valleys, snow clad mountains
Popular attractions around Yusmarg: Nilnag lake,Doodhpathri
Time duration: 2-3 hours
Manasbal Lake is a popular tourist spot in Srinagar known for its breathtaking natural beauty. It is surrounded by the majestic Baladar mountains to the east and is accompanied by the charming villages of Jarokbal, Kondabal, and Ganderbal. When you visit, you'll be captivated by the stunning scenery, the serene and chilly lake, and the peaceful atmosphere with only the delightful chirping of birds filling the air. The lake is particularly renowned for its abundant lotus plants, which are harvested and sold by the local residents. Exploring Manasbal Lake is truly one of the most enjoyable activities you can engage in while in Srinagar.
Manasbal Lake is known for: Birdwatching, Shikara ride, Photography
Popular attractions around Manasbal Lake: Mughal Garden, Jharogabagh Fort, Apple Orchards, Wular Lake
Time duration: 2-3 hours
If you enjoy art, then you'll likely adore this place located in the Bahu Plaza Shopping Complex in Srinagar. Inside, you can discover a diverse collection of locally crafted handicrafts. They offer a wide selection of products showcasing Kashmiri culture, including home decor, clothing, shawls, and more. Alongside the excellent quality of the items, the emporium provides a tranquil atmosphere. Make a purchase here, and it will leave a lasting impression on you for years to come.
Kashmir Government Arts Emporium is known for: Handcrafted items
Popular attractions around Kashmir Government Arts Emporium: Lal Chowk, SPS Museum, Zero Bridge
Time duration: 1-2 hours
This place in Srinagar is known as a heritage museum and it's one of the best places to visit. It holds great cultural importance for Kashmir and the northern Indian region. The museum has an impressive collection of 80,000 objects, including shawls, weapons from Tosh Khana, and excavated items from Kashmir. Over time, they also added decorative household items and various everyday objects to the museum's collection.
Shri Pratap Singh Museum is known for: Housing Kashmiri heritage
Popular attractions around Shri Pratap Singh Museum: Lal Chowk, Shankaracharya Temple, Jamia Masjid Srinagar
Location: Lal Mandi, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190008
Time duration: 2-3 hours
In Srinagar, there's a hill that provides a stunning view of the city. On this hill, you'll discover a fort, a Hindu temple, a gurdwara, and mosques. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about popular places to visit in Srinagar, it's a place that reflects the beauty of nature and holds great cultural importance. The hill is a remarkable example of unity, as it showcases different religious buildings coexisting peacefully. If you're looking for unique accommodations in Srinagar, you can find excellent homestays near this hill.
Places to Stay:
Houseboat Altaf
New Bombay Heritage Group of Houseboats
Homestay Hari Parbat
Fantasia Houseboats
Monarch Group of Houseboats
Hari Parbat is known for: Housing multiple religious sites
Popular attractions around Hari Parbat: Chashma Shahi Garden, Nishat Garden, Jamia Masjid Srinagar
Time duration: 1-2 hours
The chowk, which means "red square" when translated literally, got its name from left-wing activists who were inspired by the Russian revolution. It holds the memories of the city's turbulent political past. Nowadays, it has transformed into a fantastic shopping hub in Srinagar, where you can find a wide range of goods. This lively marketplace offers everything you need, from shawls, fruits, and dry fruits to bedsheets, jewelry boxes, and beautiful home decor items.
Places to Stay:
Matchless Houseboats
Lee Heritage
Blooming Dale Hotel
Alamdar Guesthouse
Houseboat Altaf
Lal Chowk is known for: Authentic Kashmiri Merchandise
Popular attractions around Lal Chowk: Shah E Hamdan R.H Mosque, Pathar Masjid, Shankaracharya Temple
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Badam Wari is a beautiful garden in Srinagar, perfect for families and kids who are visiting as tourists. It is known for its early blooming trees, which add extra charm for both nature enthusiasts and tourists. The garden features a covered dome, lush vegetation with colorful flowers, and calming cascades that offer a soothing experience to visitors. Badam Wari is conveniently located in a prime area, with excellent cottages nearby, making it an ideal place to stay in Srinagar.
Badam Wari is known for: Leisure, picnic, strolling
Popular attractions around Badam Wari: Hari Parbat, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Nishat Garden
Time duration: 1-2 hours
The mosque, constructed by Nur Jahan in 1623, is located near the Jhelum River in the town of Nowhatta in Srinagar. It gets its name from its predominantly stone structure, which showcases the grandeur of Mughal architecture. The exquisite designs, structural patterns, and horizontal arches add beauty for tourists to admire. Unlike other mosques in Kashmir's valley, this one stands out as it doesn't have the usual pyramid-shaped roofs.
Pathar Mosque is known for: Understanding Mughal architecture
Popular attractions around Pathar Mosque: Shah E Hamdan R.H Mosque, Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Masjid Dastgeer Sahib
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Attention history enthusiasts! Prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure to a paradise of historical wonders—a place renowned worldwide and even granted the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the captivating city of Srinagar, the Burzahom Archaeological Site awaits your exploration. This beloved tourist hotspot offers a captivating glimpse into the cultural significance of four pivotal eras: Neolithic - Phase 1 and 2, Megalithic, and early History.
As you wander through this extraordinary site, you'll discover remnants that unveil the intriguing traces of prehistoric human activity in the beautiful state of Kashmir. Marvel at the numerous unearthed artifacts, including mesmerizing artworks, remarkable architectural structures, and intriguing inscriptions left behind by our early ancestors. It's high time to plan your visit to this remarkable destination and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of ancient history once again.
Burzahom Archaeological Site is known for: Learning early history and its significance
Popular attractions around Burzahom Archaeological Site: Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, Hari Parbat, Tiger Hill
Time duration: 1-2 hours
Baramulla, a charming small city in Srinagar, is considered one of the top places to visit. It offers breathtaking views thanks to its picturesque countryside. Surrounded by the magnificent Himalayan peaks, Baramulla is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts. The city is filled with tourist attractions, including the stunning Wular Lake and impressive stupas, which attract visitors from all across India. Moreover, it's known as the perfect spot for a delightful picnic in Srinagar.
Baramulla is known for: Natural views
Popular attractions around Baramulla: Khilanmarg, Gulmarg
Time duration: 1-2 hours
One of the top tourist spots in Srinagar is the Khanqah Of Shah Hamdan, located by the Jhelum river. The best time to visit is on the 6th day of Dul-Haj, which is the last month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. This day is significant as it marks the death anniversary of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, and you'll find many religious people gathering there.
Khanqah Of Shah Hamdan is known for: A religious visit
Popular attractions around Khanqah Of Shah Hamdan: Hazratbal Mosque, Dastgir Sahib, Taraboni Temple
Location: Zaina Kadal, Srinagar
Time duration: 1-2 hours
To get a panoramic view of Srinagar, you should visit Sinthan Top. It's a mountain pass located in the beautiful Pir Panjal mountain ranges. This place has become a popular tourist spot in Srinagar because of its peaceful and picturesque surroundings. Over time, more and more hikers and climbers have been coming to this area, which is helping to boost tourism there.
Sinthan Top is known for: Mesmerizing views
Popular attractions around Sinthan Top: Achabal, Dacksum, and Kokernag
Time duration: 1-2 hours
If you love Mughal architecture, make sure to visit Kathi Darwaza when you're in Srinagar. It's one of the best places to see there. Kathi Darwaza is the entrance gate to the famous Hari Parbat Fort. The walls of the gate have small writings in Mughal and Persian languages. It's clear that this gate enhances the beauty of the fort and makes it even more splendid.
Kathi Darwaza is known for: Mughal architecture
Popular attractions around Kathi Darwaza: Raja Hari Singh Fort, Makhdoom Sahib Shrine
Location: Srinagar 190003
Time duration: 1-2 hours
The Floating Vegetable Market in Srinagar is a very popular spot to visit. It's a place where you can buy fresh vegetables and fruits while floating on a shikara boat. It's not just a market, but also a fantastic place to explore and enjoy the scenery. If you're planning a trip to Srinagar, make sure not to miss this unique attraction. It attracts many tourists and is a paradise for photographers too.
Floating Vegetable Market is known for: Wholesale vegetables and food market
Popular attractions around Floating Vegetable Market: Dal Lake, Shalimar Garden
Location: Dal Lake, Karapura, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Time duration: 1-2 hours