Places To Visit In Srinagar

Dreaming of a surreal vacation? Head towards the exotic Srinagar located in Kashmir India, on the banks of river Jhelum. This enchanting place beautifully features its lofty snow-clad mountains, lush pastures, stunning structures, wondrous gardens and yes the pristine rivers too. The umpteen varieties of breathtaking places in Srinagar have something interesting and exciting things stored for everyone. So let's have a look at some idyllic places to cover on your next vacation-

Best 12 Places To Visit In Srinagar

1. Dal Lake

2. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

3. Salim Ali National Park

4. Kheer Bhawani Temple

5. Shalimar Bagh

6. Shankaracharya Temple

7. Nigeen Lake

8. Pari Mahal

9. Dachigam National Park

10. Nishant Bagh

11. Char Chinar

12. Wular Lake

1. Dal Lake

The second largest lake in the beautiful Jammu & Kashmir, Dal lake is one of the top attractions in Srinagar. Dal Lake is renowned for its floating market where vendors have Shikara and approach tourists for selling handicrafts, saffron, and edibles. Enjoy a Shikara ride and experience shopping in the Dal lake which includes several shops located right amid the lake.

Best time to visit - May to November

Things to do - Enjoy your stay at the houseboats that will surely give you an unmatchable experience.

2. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was built with the motto of improving floriculture as well as tourism in the area. The major highlight of this garden is the annual festival, held in Spring between March and May. One may find the rarest of rare tulip varieties including the Queen of the Night, roses, daffodils, hyacinths, and iris. This tulip garden is set in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range in Srinagar.

Best time to Visit - March to May

Timings - 7 am to 7:30 pm

Entry fee - INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children

3. Salim Ali National Park

Salim Ali National Park is located in the beautiful Srinagar and is home to pretty mangrove, and shrubbery habitat for numerous endangered animals and birds. Officially named in commemoration of ornithologist Salim Ali in the year 1986, this national park is spread across an expanse of 9kms. The Salim National Park is among the two national parks of Jammu and Kashmir- Dachigam National park and Kishtwar national park. 

Timings - 9 am to 5 pm

Entry Fee -  INR 10 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners

Best time - April- November

4. Kheer Bhawani Temple

Kheer Bhawani Temple is located in the Tul Mulla village near Srinagar and is devoted to the Hindu goddess Bhavani- an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Originally named Bhavani mandir, this temple eventually came to be known as Kheer Bhavai due to the rice pudding offered as prasad here. Kheer Bhawani temple is built over a holy water spring in between tall Chinar trees. One can find a holy spring flowing from the western end of this temple.

Timings - 6 am to 8 pm

5. Shalimar Bagh

Largest of the three Mughal gardens in Srinagar, Shalimar Bagh, the other two being Nishant Bagh and Chashme Shahi, this breathtaking attraction was built in the year 1619 by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife, Nur Jahan. It has a Persian garden layout of three terraces. Each terrace is comprised of a water fountain and pool the water supply in series. There are 410 fountains within the premises of Shalimar Bagh. The major highlight here is the Chini Khanas or arched niches placed behind waterfalls. Another prime highlight is the chinar trees.

Best time - April to October and November to March

Timings -  9 am to 7 pm from April to October and 10 am to 5 pm

during November to March

Entry fee - INR 10

6. Shankaracharya Temple

Beautifully located in Srinagar, Shankaracharya temple is nestled on the top of the Shankaracharya hill and is devoted to lord shiva. Also named Jyesteshwara temple, this temple is named after the great philosopher, Shankaracharya, who is believed to have visited Srinagar 10 centuries ago. The structure of the temple also has two small buildings that have been constructed for the sadhus who live here. the Shankaracharya temple is majorly visited by pilgrims and tourists on their way to Amarnath yatra.

Timings - 7 am to 8 pm

Best time to visit - May to September

7. Nigeen Lake

Located in Srinagar, Nigeen Lake is one of the major attractions in Srinagar. This lake is located next to Dal lake. One can find several houseboats here that accommodate guests. This lake is hugely visited for various water activities like swimming, sailing, and water skiing. Visit the Nigeen club located right on the lake’s bank, which has a tea pavilion and a bar for visitors.

Best time - June to August

Timings - 7 am to 8 pm

8. Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal is one of the most exotic historical places to visit in beautiful Srinagar, renowned for its gorgeous six terraced gardens built atop the Zabarwan mountains. The gardens are well-maintained and have umpteen varieties of trees and rich flora. Pari Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s eldest son- Dara Shikoh. The stunning architecture of Pari Mahal represents the conventional Islamic architectural style.

Entry fee - INR 20

Timings - 9:30 am to 7:30 pm except for Friday

Best time – April to September

9. Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park is one of the most exotic national parks in Srinagar and is home to the endangered Kashmiri Stag that is happen to be the only red deer species found in India. This national park is spread across 141 sq km and is perched at a lofty elevation of 1700 to 4300m. Visit this national park and spot wild animals like- Snow leopard, Red Fox, Musk deer, Himalayan Weasel, Long-Tailed marmot, Blue Magpie trotter and Yellow-throated marten. One can even indulge in trekking here.

Best time - April to October

Timings - 8 am to 6 pm

10. Nishant Bagh

Beautifully located near Dal Lake, Nishant Bagh is a fascinating twelve terraced garden and beautifully flaunts its green trees, scented flowers, and fabulous fountains. Nishant Bagh is known to be the second biggest Mughal garden, constructed by Noor Jahan’s elder brother Asif khan in the year 1633. Capture the majestic Zabarwan mountains in the backdrop that truly makes Nishant Bagh one of the most picturesque places to visit in Srinagar. Just stroll in the garden and catch a panoramic view of the serene Dal Lake.

Best time - March to June

Entry fee - INR 10 per person

Timings - 9 am to 10:30 pm

11. Char Chinar

A marvellous island, of the gorgeous Dal Lake, Char Chinar is one of the idyllic places in Srinagar and is also referred to as Rupa Lank. This place has been named after the Chinar trees, positioned at its 4 corners. This place is considered to be one of the most scenic places in Srinagar. The tourists can reach this enchanting place with the help of Shikaras in Dal lake.

Timings - 6 am to 6 pm

Best time - April to October

Price - INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children

12. Wular Lake

Head towards this pristine beauty, Wular Lake for a surreal experience. Due to its scintillating and tranquil water, it offers the travellers to indulge in several water activities including boating and water skiing. Apart from enjoying fun-filled water activities enjoy evening strolls around the lake. If you are a birdwatcher, then Wular lake is a haven for you as one gets a chance to spot many terrestrial birds including the Himalayan Woodpecker, Golden Oriole, Barn Swallow, Himalayan Monal, Koklass pheasant, Alpine Swift and many more others too.

Best time - June to August