About Srinagar

The surreal setting of Srinagar makes this summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir an outstanding natural retreat for tourists who want to have some snowy fun. The lush green meadows, snow clad mountains, the colourful tulip and saffron gardens on the banks of River Jhelum comprise a living paradise on earth. For long time, this city served as a backdrop to many Bollywood movies, for its divine beauty. Now, this city is back in action as a prime tourist destination attracting tourists during summers as well as winters. Here tourists can enjoy the blissful Shikara ride and spot the floating gardens in the iconic setting of Dal Lake, stroll in the fabulous gardens and even enjoy the best hiking, mountain biking, river rafting opportunities in the country.

Gardens of Srinagar
One of the prime city tour attractions, the gardens in Srinagar have every possible ingredient to make this destination a surreal retreat. Laid out carefully as the chosen piece de resistance by the mighty Mughals, these glorious gardens also have a big contribution in popularizing the city as a tourist delight in the valley. Smallest among them is Chasme Shahi or the royal springs. A result of sparkling genius of the Mughals, this garden features lush manicured rows of roses, a royal spring and a Mughal pavilion. Initially planned out by Jahangir, this exotic garden was completed by Shah Jahan in 1632.

Nishat Bagh or the Garden of Joy or Delight is another terraced Mughal garden commissioned in 1633 by Asaf Khan, the brother of Empress Nur Jahan. Located on the banks of the Dal Lake, this is undoubtedly the second largest garden in the Kashmir Valley. The floral blessing on this garden features rows of majestic Chinar Trees which were brought to the valley from Persia by the Mughals.
The largest Shalimar Bagh is the most famous Mughal garden in the valley. Laid out by Jahangir in 1619, the fourth Mughal ruler as a dedication for Nur Jahan, his consort, this garden is bestowed with wonderful beauty, stunning vistas of Chinar trees that can be viewed from three shallow terraces. Channeled by Dal Lake canal, this garden is also fitted with fountains, epitomizing the high point of Mughal horticulture.

Dal Lake
The iconic attraction of Srinagar city is undoubtedly Dal Lake. A lake made of many lakes. Nagin Lake, which by name is interpreted as a separate lake is divided from Dal by only a land bridge. These causeways are suited for walkers or cyclists who can observe the pristine setting of Dal Lake. Quoted most of the times as the Jewel in the crown of the valley, Dal Lake is overlooked by the Shridhara Mountain and offers a heavenly opportunity of cruising aboard the fully furnished houseboat or Shikara in the lake. Here tourists get to spot the floating gardens on boats, Char Chinar on an island in the lake and ultimately relax during boating in the exotic setting of Dal Lake.

Hazratbal Mosque
Located on the left bank of the Dal Lake, Hazratbal shrine is one of the most sacred Muslim pilgrimage destinations in Kashmir. This beautiful white marble shrine is specially revered amongst the Islam followers as the mosque enshrines a sacred hair relic of Prophet Mohammad which is displayed to the public on special occasion.

Tulip Garden
Another in the series of Srinagar gardens is Tulip Garden which is Asia's biggest space for cultivated tulips featuring more than 60 varieties of blooming tulip bulbs in a potpourri of assorted colours. These gardens open up the doors for tourists only for three weeks in April. To book a tour of Srinagar during Tulip Season, click here.

Harwan
Located 19 km from Srinagar, Harwan features another exotic array of famous garden in Kashmir. This is also a historical Buddhist featuring the remains of ancient ornamented brick pavements. It is believed that the great scholar Nagarjuna used to live here.

Jamia Masjid
Situated in the middle of Nowhatta, the old city, Jamia Masjid is an important mosque in Srinagar built by Sultan Sikandar Shah in 1388. This was later enlarged and extended by Zain-ul-Abidin in 1400 AD, having influences of Indo Saracenic architecture.

Shankaracharya Temple
Shankaracharya Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is a main Hindu shrine in Srinagar. Belonging to 11th century era, this shrine was visited by Sri Adishankaracharya and has ever since been associated with him.

• By Air – Through Srinagar Airport, tourists can venture inside this serene city.

• By Road – From Jammu, it takes 12 hours on road to reach Srinagar.

• By Railways – Udhampur Railway station is the closest station near Srinagar, providing connectivity to the city.

Climate of Srinagar – Serene Srinagar blooms at its best during April and October.

Pampore
13 km ahead of Srinagar is Pampore, the natural site where Karewas or lake beds are the only places in the world except Spain where saffron is cultivated.

Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park, located 22 km from Srinagar is a 141 sq km wide park known as a natural habitat of species including Hangul, the brown and black Himalayan bear, musk deer and fox besides a staggering mix of 150 birds as a part of the reserve.

Manasbal Lake (32 km)
Manasbal Lake in Jhelum valley is the deepest lake in Kashmir known for its deep clear water and pink lilies (only during July and August). It has some hot springs which never freeze, even in the coldest winters. The lake is also a preferred spot for birds which even earned this picturesque lake an epithet "supreme gem of all Kashmir lakes."

Gulmarg
The 'meadow of flowers' famous worldwide as Gulmarg is a pine fringed hill resort. Located 56 km away from Srinagar, this is an adventurers retreat where they can avail the opportunity of trekking, skiing (extreme winters), and even enjoy the game of golfing on the 18 hole highest natural golf course in the world. The alpine landscape offering breathtaking views are an added attraction of Gulmarg.

Wular Lake
Wular, 60 km away from Srinagar is the largest natural freshwater lake in India. The incredible setting of this lake is known for its rich bird population and fishes as well. Tourists can enjoy boating, water sports and water ski in this lake.

Sonmarg
The 'meadow of gold' or Sonmarg is known for its snow capped hills, jagged glaciers and still lakes. Located 83 km away from Srinagar, this hill station also accommodates trout and mahseer fishes in the pristine lakes.

Pahalgam
Pahalgam, 96 km away from Srinagar is ideally placed at the confluence of Lidder and Sheshnag River. The valley is covered with thick pine and fir and offers numerous trekking options in the alpine meadows. This hill station also forms the base for Amarnath cave pilgrimage.