Srinagar
India is a favorite holiday destination for many globetrotters because of its amazing geographical diversity. If you would like to select one destination in this country for spending your honeymoon or family holidays, then you can choose Srinagar in the Jammu and Kashmir state.
Blessed with so many stunning destinations to explore, Srinagar is the summer capital of this state. Each traveler to this destination admires its amazing lakes, beautiful and well-maintained gardens, and eye-catching regional handicrafts.
The backdrop of the Himalayan Mountain Range makes it a dazzling tourist spot in the country. This destination surprises each visitor with the hidden beauty of nature. The mind-blowing landscapes and picturesque terrain of this region make your holidays an unforgettable one.
Contact the travel experts of Colourful Indian Holidays if you need more information about Srinagar or to make your customized travel plans to this vacation destination.
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About Srinagar
Srinagar – the City of Wealth
With many beautiful tourist attractions, Srinagar signifies its meaning ‘the city of wealth’ pretty well. Rich in scenic green meadows and picturesque landscapes, this destination plays an important role for the tourism scene of Jammu and Kashmir.
Besides, the holy places and pilgrimage centers in Srinagar make it a popular destination among both holidaymakers and pilgrims. Another highlight of this holiday hideaway is that it can be visited throughout the year. Since it located on the banks of Jhelum River, the locales of this holiday destination are alluring and picturesque.
The beautiful gardens set up by different Mughal rulers enhance the beauty of this scenic place. This city is not only blessed with spectacular tourist attractions, but it has a lot of activities also to offer for the visitors to make their trip to Srinagar a memorable one.
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Tourist attractions in Srinagar
Located on the banks of the River Jhelum and in the picturesque valley of Kashmir, Srinagar is a paradise on earth. It is a hot spot for many honeymooners and romantic couples as it is a city famous for awe-inspiring lakes, stunning Mughal gardens, and traditional houseboats. There are many beautiful places to explore in this magnificent city. Come and explore the incredible tourist attractions of Srinagar with Colourful Indian Holidays!
Dal Lake – the Jewel in the crown of Kashmir
Dal Lake, the most distinctive landmark of the city of Srinagar is popularly known as the ‘Jewel in the crown of Kashmir’. This picturesque lake is the second largest lake in the Kashmir Valley spread over an area of around 26 square kilometers. The backdrop of the majestic Himalayas enhances the beauty of this lake.
Each visitor to Srinagar admires the unparallel natural charm and the panoramic surroundings of this lake. Dal Lake is a perfect getaway to experience the beauty of Srinagar. People who visit this area do not forget to embark on a thrilling shikara ride which gives you the opportunity to enjoy many beautiful sights.
Besides, it provides travelers an insight into the lifestyle and livelihood of the people in Srinagar. Several water sports activities are also arranged in this lake such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, angling, and water surfing to make the trip of travelers to Srinagar a pleasant one.
Gulmarg – the meadow of flower
Jammu and Kashmir is an astonishing state full of natural splendor, ideal for those who wish to explore the best form of nature. Gulmarg is one such beautiful place in Srinagar which is among the best summer resort in the state. People who visit the beautiful state do not leave without visiting this enchanting summer destination.
This mesmerizing tourist spot of exceptional natural beauty was a favorite place for Emperor Jahangir. The shrine of Baba Reshi, a famous Kashmiri Sufi saint, also adds the popularity of Gulmarg. Thousands of devotees visit this shrine throughout the year to seek blessings from Baba.
Make your trip to this summer resort more interesting by indulging a bit of Gondola Cable car ride. It is an amazing way to watch the majestic Himalayan Peaks if you visit Srinagar in summer. You can enjoy downhill skiing if you choose winter for your trip to this hot tourist destination.
Mughal Gardens – A wonderful collections of exquisite gardens
Every tourist to Srinagar certainly includes the mind-blowing Mughal Gardens in their travel itinerary. These are a wonderful collection of exquisitely built gardens during the Mughal era. It shall be a beautiful experience to explore those well-maintained gardens with your family or loved one.
A terraced approach and the Islamic architectural style make it a must-see attraction in Srinagar. The most prominent Mughal Gardens in this destination include the Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and the Chashm-e-Shahi and all of them reflect outstanding landscaping. Each traveler shall admire the assortment of colors of these gardens when the flowers are in full bloom.
You can get an idea about the artistic inclination of Mughal emperors of the bygone era by visiting these grand gardens in Srinagar. Mughal Gardens in this destination is a fine place to relax and spend time with your family, friends or loved one and to take great photographs.
Hazratbal Mosque – a sacred Muslim shrine
Another must-visit place in Srinagar is the Hazratbal Mosque which is a Muslim holy site. It is an important pilgrim destination for Muslims as they believed that it houses a relic, the Moi-e-Muqqadas. You can take a look at this relic if you visit Srinagar during religious ceremonies or occasions in this shrine. Many people visit this shrine on Fridays to be a part of the Friday prayers.
Another highlight of the Hazratbal Mosque is that it has a dome-shaped roof unlike the pagoda-like roof of the shrines and mosques in Srinagar. Since this shrine overlooking the Dal Lake on one side and the beautiful Nishat Bagh with majestic mountains on the others, you can enjoy spectacular views by visiting this tourist spot.
Sinthan Top- famous for amazing hilltop views
If you fond of watching panoramic views of the verdant green and surrounding hills of Srinagar, then enjoy them from the Sinthan Top. Even though it is a marvelous picnic spot, not many people know about this tourist attraction. Reaching this place is pretty easy with the arrival of a new highway that leads to this spectacular region straightaway.
Located at an altitude of around 2000 feet above sea level, you can watch the amazing snow-covered mountain peaks and serene surroundings from this place conveniently. Each visitor to Sinthan Top loves the idea of taking a walk around or captures some awesome pictures in their camera.
You will be mesmerized by the beauty of nature and get soaked in it especially if you watch the snow-capped mountain peaks for the first time. Watching the native flora of this region also makes your trip to the Sinthan Top interesting.
Pahalgam – the valley of shepherds
Jammu and Kashmir is a heaven on earth which fascinates travelers with its mind-blowing beauty of the Himalayas. Pahalgam is a must-visit destination in this state which is an alluring hill station surrounded by amazing vistas of the snow-clad mountains of Himalaya and thick pine backwoods. This breathtaking tourist spot is nestled at the confluence of the Lidder and Sheshnag streams at an altitude of about 7200 feet above sea level.
Also known as the valley of shepherds, Pahalgam offers many tourist attractions to visit such as the Baisaran Hills, Mamaleshwar Temple, Avantipur Temple, Pahalgam Golf Course, Kolahoi Glacier, Aru Village & Valley, Chandanwari and Tulian Lake. Try to visit these tourist attractions to make your journey to Pahalgam a memorable experience.
Pari Mahal – The Adobe of Fairies
Pari Mahal is a seven-terraced marvelous Mughal Garden in Srinagar with vibrant flowers and green landscapes worth visiting. The best time to visit this garden is during the months of spring when it is in full bloom. The literal meaning of Pari Mahal is the abode of fairies, and the colorful flowers in this garden make it a paradise on earth.
This stunning garden was built with the instructions of the eldest son of Shah Jahan, Dara Shikoh, who learned astronomy and astrology at his place. Pari Mahal has the usual Mughal-style arch with a dome through which visitors can enter this garden. You can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings from the top of this garden. Pari Mahal is also famous for the saffron cultivation that grows from September to October.
Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary – A mesmerizing natural beauty
Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife reserve situated a height of nearly 5500 feet to 14000 feet with uneven terrain ranging from cliffs, steep slopes and beautiful grasslands.
It is an excellent place to watch unique flora and fauna. One of the main attractions of the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kashmiri Stag (Hangul). You can also spot some other exotic species like musk deer, leopard cat, Jungle cat, long-tailed marmot, Himalayan brown bear, hill fox, and otter.
It is also a great place for bird watching where you can spot some beautiful bird species such as redstart, owlet, Cinnamon sparrow, vulture, golden oriole, black bulbul and wagtail.
With waterfalls, grasslands, pastures, and alpines, each visitor admires the breathtaking natural beauty of this wildlife reserve. Ensure to include the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary on the top of your to-do list on your holidays to Srinagar.
Nigeen Lake – A must-visit tourist spot in Srinagar
Spectacular valleys and snow-capped mountains give a unique character to the majestic tourist destination of Srinagar. Beautiful lakes are also a prime attraction of this enchanting vacation destination in Jammu and Kashmir.
Located west to the lovely Dal Lake near the Hari Parbat, this spectacular lake has the appearance of a jewel embedded in a ring. The renowned Hazratbal also lies near this lake. The lush green surroundings and the crystal clear water also make it popular tourist spot in Srinagar.
Travelers can enjoy boating in shikaras and houseboats at affordable rates in this lake. They can also try water activities like sailing and water skiing in Nigeen Lake. Plan a picnic to this lake with your family and friends to feel refreshed and revitalized.
Betaab valley – an ideal destination to enjoy adventure sports
Plan a trip to the Betaab Valley if you look for fun and adventure in Srinagar. The snow-covered mountains and enchanting valleys with dense green vegetation make it a majestic tourist destination in Srinagar.
Nestled between the Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain ranges, this picnic spot is also on the route to the Amarnath Temple Yatra. Travelers can indulge in many mind-blowing activities in this destination such as trekking, camping, cliff climbing, and mountain climbing to make their Srinagar holidays an unforgettable one.
People who can reach the top of the mountain peaks can watch breathtaking vistas of the valley. Betaab valley is a favorite spot for many nature lovers and adventure freaks. The Baisaran Lake and Tulian Lake are also must-visit places near this stunning tourist spot.
Harwan Gardens – A picturesque picnic spot
Harwan Gardens is a picturesque picnic spot located almost 15 kilometers away from Srinagar. A canal, Sarband, is flowing through the middle of this enchanting garden which bordered with stunning flowerbeds and beautiful chinar trees.
Unlike other gardens in Srinagar, the Harwan Garden does not have any canal fountains. Travelers love to take nature walks through its beautifully maintained grassy lawns. This garden is a good base to explore the renowned Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary.
The famous Mahadev Mountain is in its vicinity, and people take trekking from this garden to the mountain. Being a less popular tourist spot, visitors can spend some peaceful time in this garden.
Hari Parbat Fort – a beautiful monument near the Dal Lake
Nestled west of the beautiful Dal Lake, Hari Parbat Fort is a significant tourist spot in Srinagar. The surrounding walls of this fort were constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1590, but later an Afghan Governor named Atta Muhammad Khan constructed the fort in the 18th century.
The Archaeological Department of Jammu and Kashmir look after this beautiful monument and travelers need to take prior permission from them to visit this fort. People who visit the Hari Parbat Fort also prefer to explore the nearby tourist attractions such as the Sharika Devi Temple and the Lal Mandi Square.
Shankaracharya Hill and Temple – a renowned viewpoint
If you are looking for the pilgrim centers in Srinagar, then you must include the Shankaracharya Hill and Temple in your travel itinerary. This hill is an excellent viewpoint in this destination that gives majestic vistas of the Srinagar and the enchanting Dal Lake.
This small temple made up of gray stone is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be built by Raja Gopadatya in 371 BC, and it was known as Gopadari. The renowned Hindu philosopher, Shankaracharya supposed to stay in this temple and perhaps, for this reason, the name of it has changed to Shankaracharya Temple. Many Hindu pilgrims visit this temple to offer prayers and enjoy the beauty of the serene surroundings.
Jamia Masjid – A beautiful mosque with a peaceful ambiance
Commonly known as the Friday Mosque, the Jamia Masjid is a must-visit tourist attraction in Srinagar. Believed to be built in the 1400 AD, it is among the oldest mosques in this destination. Even if this mosque has been destroyed and reconstructed several times over the years, still it draws tourists with its charm.
The perfect blend of Indian and Muslim architectural style is the highlight of this shrine. A large prayer hall is the main attraction of this mosque which is supported by 370 pillars made up of deodar trunk. Although this mosque is in the midst of bustling markets, each visitor to this shrine would appreciate the tranquility inside it.
Badgam – A picturesque district near Srinagar with beautiful streams and mountain peaks
With majestic mountain peaks and beautiful water streams, Badgam is a beautiful picnic spot located almost 14 kilometers away from Srinagar. Several picturesque mountain peaks are located in this destination such as the Doodpather, Pehjan, Yousmarg, Sang-e-Safed or white rocks and Nakwaer Pal.
This marvelous destination is also blessed with many gorgeous water streams such as the Mount Tatakuti, Gandhak Nag, Pushkar Nag, Sut Haran, Sukh Nag, Nara Nag, and Nilnag. Tosamaidan and Khag are two beautiful attractions in the district of Badgam. Travelers to Srinagar love to explore the panoramic little villages nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas.
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden- famous for the 7-day Tulip festival
Your trip to Srinagar will not be completed without paying a visit to the elegant Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden. Located nearly 8 kilometers away from the Srinagar city, this beautiful garden is nestled near the banks of the Dal Lake on the panoramic peaks of the Zabarwan Mountains.
It is also in the vicinity of some of the renowned Mughal Gardens such as the Shalimar Garden, Chashm-e-Shahi Gardens, Nishat Garden. You can enjoy the beauty of more than 70 varieties of Tulips of different colors in this large garden of nearly 90 acres.
Many people visit this garden during the 7-days Tulip festival held annually. If you visit this picnic spot during the flowering season, you can see around 1.3 million tulip bulbs at a time. There is a fee to enter in this elegant tulip garden.
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Things to do in Srinagar
Srinagar is the pride of the valley of Kashmir where you can enjoy many interesting activities to make your holidays memorable. Located in the Himalayan region and surroundings by the majestic mountain ranges of the Pir Panjal and Zabarwan, this tourist destination is quite different from many beautiful capital cities in the country. Here are some of the best things that you can do during your holidays in Srinagar.
Enjoy Shikara rides
People who visit Srinagar do not forget to indulge in shikara rides in the lovely Dal Lake. The enchanting Zabarwan mountain ranges give a panoramic backdrop for this lake and travelers can enjoy marvelous vistas during their shikara rides.
It shall be spectacular to watch the elegant snow peaks that illuminate in the golden glow if you enjoy a shikara ride in the evening in the Dal Lake. Opt for the thrilling and relaxing shikara ride for an unparalleled and enjoyable experience in Srinagar.
Spend a night in a houseboat
Finding a luxurious or budget hotel in Srinagar is not a difficult task for a comfortable stay but many people prefer houseboats as the thrill of it cannot be explained in mere words. If you visit Srinagar for enjoying some relaxing holidays away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, then plan to spend a night in a houseboat on the tranquil Nagin Lake.
Each traveler to this destination loves to stay in a houseboat made up of Cedarwood and decorated in Kashmiri style. Most of these luxurious houseboats have decks that overlooking the gorgeous lake. Since most of them are run by local families, a houseboat stay is a fantastic way to get glimpses of their daily life.
Enjoy a walk around the stunning Dal Lake Promenade
Jammu and Kashmir is a favorite destination for many holidaymakers and honeymoon couples because of its astounding tourist attractions and exciting activities to indulge. The Dal Lake Promenade is one of the most attractive places in Srinagar to visit.
It is a 15 kilometers promenade which surrounds the shoreline. You can find tourist attractions along this promenade worth visiting. You can enjoy comfortable walking in the much-less-crowded areas of this promenade.
Watch the floating vegetable markets
The floating vegetable markets shall be a beautiful view for the visitors to Srinagar. It is common to see villagers sell fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables in the morning in a corner of the gorgeous Dal Lake in their shikaras. People who visit this destination ensure to watch these floating markets.
Visit apple orchards
Do not forget to visit an apple orchard if you visit Srinagar during the summer months. It is a must-visit attraction in this tourist destination especially if you travel with children. They love to explore the extensive orchard and pluck apples from the trees.
The apple orchards in Srinagar produce nearly 80% of apples to supply to the entire country and some neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh. May is the harvest month in Srinagar, and it is a great time to visit the apple orchards in this destination. You can buy many cases of fresh apples at affordable rates from these orchards to take home.
Enjoy shopping
If you are a lover for beautiful handicrafts, then Srinagar is a great place to buy such items. No one leaves this incredible destination without purchasing a Pashmina shawl. You can either visit the Lal Bazaar or any of the state-run shops around the Dal Boulevard to enjoy shopping at best rates.
Many travelers ensure to buy beautifully weaved carpets with amazing Mughal-era motifs from the markets in Srinagar. They can buy many classic things from the shops of Srinagar such as carved wooden boxes, silver jewelry, Pashmina shawls, embroidered scarves, beautiful Kashmiri carpets, and spices.
Most of the handicrafts items from Srinagar are excellent souvenirs. Some of the best places to shop in Srinagar include the Lal Chowk, Polo View Market, Raghunath Bazaar, Residency Road and Badshah Chowk.
Drive at the famous Boulevard Road
Travelers can find many interesting activities in Srinagar to make their trip an enjoyable experience. One of the most attractive sights of Srinagar is the Dal Lake. Surrounded by panoramic snow-covered mountains, it is quite a sight to watch.
The Boulevard Road is a famous street in this destination that stretched along the gorgeous Dal Lake. Each visitor admires the beautiful buildings, shops, and hotels on this street with the majestic mountains as the backdrop.
People who visit this destination enjoy either a drive or take a stroll down along the Boulevard Road if the weather is pleasant. It is an ideal picnic spot to experience beautiful sunsets or watch marvelous vistas of the lake while enjoying the cool breeze.
Relish popular local cuisines
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is famous for many delectable dishes, and you can make your trip a more exciting one by tasting its delectable dishes. Most of these dishes are popular for its fusions and flavors. Once you taste this state, you will realize that Kashmiri cuisine is a perfect combination of spices, color, and vegetables.
The culinary art of Srinagar is as impressive as it can treat the taste buds of each visitor in the most amazing way. Some of the must-try dishes during your holidays in Srinagar are the Rogan Josh, Sewai, Kashmiri Pulao and Nadru Yakhni.
Trekking to popular destinations
Srinagar is not just about elegant Mughal gardens and sacred temples. This destination is also famous for many adrenaline-rushing activities such as trekking, paragliding, horse riding, and skiing.
You can find many wonderful trekking destinations in Srinagar where you explore the beauty of the place like a local. Trekking through the lush green hills of Srinagar and bask in its serene and peaceful ambiance of nature shall be a breathtaking experience for each tourist.
Srinagar is a romantic tourist destination in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that offers many attractions and varied things to do. You should make it to the bucket list of hot places for your romantic holidays or family vacation.
With so many fantastic places to explore from its snow-capped mountains to saffron fields and its glacier-fed serene rivers to apple orchards, you can enjoy a magical vacation in Srinagar.
We, Colourful Indian Holidays, help you to plan your Srinagar holidays whether you seek a trip to this destination with your friends or family or look for exciting honeymoon packages.
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