About Srinagar

Srinagar, at an elevation of 1730 meters, is famous for its canals, houseboats, and Mughal garden & the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. It's a city full of intriguing alleyways and curious buildings & a place where it's easy to spend a few hours simply wandering along the old streets near the Jhelum River. Srinagar is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful valley of Kashmir. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts & dry fruits & is rightly called the Pride of the Kashmir Valley.

Srinagar's lakes are the reason why the city receives so many tourists. Not just an expanse of water, the lakes are filled with houseboats, villages, narrow water canals, lotus and vegetable gardens, and houses and shops. Life on the lakes, as witnessed from the confines of a Shikara, is unique. It is possible to book a Shikara for the whole day and sightsee Nishat Garden, Nasim Bagh, Hazratbal Mosque, Pathar Masjid, and Shah Hamdan's Shrine, having a picnic lunch on the boat.

Tourist Attractions In Srinagar : 18

1: Dal Lake

Over 15 km around, Dal Lake is Srinagar's jewel, a vast, mirror-flat sheet of water reflecting the carved wooden balconies of the houseboats and the misty peaks of the Pir Panjal Mountain range. It's a colorful spectacle but expects plenty of attention from souvenir vendors. You can hire a Shikara from any boat station along the lakeshore. Spread over a straggling 26 sq. km, it is the most photogenic stretch of this instance of paradise on earth and undoubtedly also the most sought-after of attractions. The Dal Lake consists of four main char chinars in the middle of the lake. The lake is part of a natural wetland & the beautiful floating gardens, also known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, that blossom with lotus flowers during the month of July and August.

2: Baisaran

Often dubbed as ‘Mini Switzerland’ because of its long dark meadows resembling the ones in Switzerland, Baisaran is an eye-catching meadow 5 km away from Pahalgam. The dense pine forest that gives the green carpet look to the meadow provides a contrasting hue to the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. Baisaran is also an ideal campsite for trekkers who want to move further up to Tullian Lake. Accessible through ponies from Pahalgam, this off-beaten track of Jammu and Kashmir tourism offers panoramic sights of the town and Lidder Valley.

3: Chandanwadi

Chandanwadi is a rocky and verdant mountain valley, about 16 kilometers from Pahalgam at 9500 feet above sea level. This stretch between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi is half the route to Amarnath Yatra & Pahalgam is the base camp for the Yatra. River Lidder flows all along this trail between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi. It’s a lovely trek or drive between the two places & surrounded by lush green conifers and meadows interspersed with patches of rock with a sparkling gushing river meandering through all the terrains. The journey is only half as beautiful as the Valley of Chandanwadi & is famous for camping.

4: Panchtarni

At Panchtarni, Lord Shivji left the five elements behind (earth, water, air, fire, and sky) which make living beings. He is the Lord of these elements. Panchtarni is a beautiful place at the feet of Mount Bhairav. A river splits into five parts upon reaching Panchtarni, and it's believed that all five rivers originated from Lord Shiva's hair. Nights at Panchtarni are cold due to harsh winds. Some travelers are also affected by a deficiency of oxygen. Some may get the feeling of nausea. Ponies are available at Panchtarni & there is a good number of tented camp accommodations available here.

5: Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag lake is one of the most ancient places of pilgrimage for the Hindus, as it lies on the track of Amarnath cave. It freezes during winter & is inaccessible during this season due to heavy snowfall & surrounded by lush green meadows and mountains covered by snow. Sheshnag Lake is one of the famous tourist destinations in Kashmir Valley & is the melting point of snow and streams coming down from mountain tops. Sheshnag Lake is 120 kilometers east of Srinagar and 23 km from Pahalgam. Amarnath cave is situated 20 kilometers north of this lake. The best time to visit the lake is from June to September.

6: Tulian Lake

Tulian Lake, at an elevation of 3353 meters above sea level, is a beautiful & scenic spot among the several icons of Jammu and Kashmir tourism. Though there are several tourist places to visit in Pahalgam, the allure of this water body is unmatched. The lake lies amidst the Zanskar and Pir Panjal Mountain ranges and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Mainly covered with snow, the Tulian Lake expedition is an ideal way to experience the charm of Kashmir valley. Travelers can either access this tourist site from Pahalgam, about 16 km to Tulian Lake, or trek down its location from Baisaran.

7: Betab Valley

Earlier known as Hajan Valley or Hagoon, Betaab Valley got its name after the blockbuster Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ was shot there in 1983. A combination of picturesque surroundings, the valley falls on the way to Amarnath Temple Yatra and is one of the three angelic valleys of Pahalgam. Encircled by mountains featuring deodar and pine forests, Betaab Valley is a perfect gateway to enjoy the heavenly pleasure of Mother Nature. The sights of coloring beds of flowers amid the lush walnut and willow vistas make the entire panorama quite stunning, casting a spell of magic on this land of eternal beauty. Being a precious jewel of Jammu and Kashmir tourism, Betaab Valley is among a handful of Pahalgam tourist places that must visit.

8: Aru Valley

Overlooking the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan Range, Aru Valley is a pristine scenic village in the Trans-Himalaya, about 12 km from Pahalgam. A clear blue canopy over the head, misty surroundings, whispers of the native pines and conifer forests, and beautiful meadows create a captivating diorama for travelers thronging the place. Though the village is the smallest hill station in the state, still its breathtaking beauty & activities like trekking, hiking, and horse riding make it one of the most popular tourist places in Pahalgam. Aru Valley is an excellent choice for leisure seekers and adventure lovers & enriches the glory of Jammu and Kashmir tourism by being the starting point of trekking expeditions to Kolahoi Glacier and Sonmarg.

9: Horse Riding

Horse riding in Kashmir is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful countryside and mountain passes of Kashmir. Kashmir is famously known as paradise personified on earth, dressed with beautiful landscapes that hold stretches of snow-surmounted mountain peaks. Adding to the charm are the crystal azure blue lakes responsible for enhancing Kashmir adventure tourism and Adventure Sports. Adventure tourism is also on the rise, with numerous lakes offering activities in Kashmir like angling, boat rides, and water surfing & adventure Sports like Skiing, Mountaineering, Mountain Biking/Cycling, & Para Gliding, Bird Watching, Horse Riding, & Golfing.

10: Lidderwat Valley

Lidderwat Valley is in Pahalgam, next to Kolahoi in Kashmir. This trek takes you through a lush valley floor, with most of the trail running rough forested slopes fed by the gushing river, and up into a landscape of alpine meadows and breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas all around. At the Kolahoi glacier, the trekker can catch a glimpse of the Kolahoi Peak and see the source of the Lidder River.

11: Kolahoi Glacier

Located just beneath the Kolahoi Mountain and above the Lidder Valley, Kolahoi Glacier is a hanging five-kilometers-long glacier. Trekking up to the Kolahoi Glacier is a 4-day activity that provides the trekkers an ample amount of scenic beauty and freshness to stay interested. The path is full of lush green mountain vegetation and green meadows. Roaring river Lidder, thick and dense conifer forests with ice-cold garrulous brooks are all there to make the trek to the glacier all the more memorable.

12: Mamleshwar Temple

Mamleshwar is an ancient temple that probably dates back to 400 AD & is just a mile away from Pahalgam town. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and stands across the Kolahoi stream upward the mountain & according to legend, this is a temple where Lord Ganesha was a doorkeeper & not allow anyone to enter the temple without his permission. Tourists from across the world throng the temple during their holidays in Pahalgam.

13: Shikargarh Wildlife Reserve

Shikargarh is a wildlife reserve in the market of Pahalgam & one could easily reach it by horse & it is a picnic spot to enjoy with family and friends.

14: Tarsar Lake

Nestled at an elevation of 3795 meters, Tarsar Lake is an eye-catching alpine oligotrophic water body located mainly in the Aru valley of the Anantnag district. It measures 2 km in length and around 0.8 km in width and has an almond shape. Due to its awe-inspiring surrounding beauty, Tarsar Lake is one of the most beautiful tourist places to visit in Pahalgam. Travelers can access the lake from Srinagar through a motorable road via Pahalgam and Aru Valley.

15: Sonamarg

Sonamarg or Sonmarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above sea level, literally means Meadow of Gold & the picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonamarg. Sonamarg, a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow-covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and is situated just before the Zojii La pass. Located 87 km from Srinagar, the place is renowned for trekking and hiking trails. Sonamarg is the base camp for many trekking expeditions. The major treks passing through various mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Kishansar has their base at Sonamarg.

16: Mughal Gardens

Shalimar Bagh is the Mughal garden in India located northeast of Dal Lake near Srinagar city, along with another famous lake garden Nishat Bagh. The Bagh has the Dal Lake in the background & considered to be very beautiful during the autumn and spring seasons. Nishat Bagh is one of the most beautiful terraced Mughal gardens located at the side of the famous Dal Lake near Srinagar. The Garden of Gladness or Nishat Bagh is the second largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley, located on the bank of the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains at the back & offers a magnificent view Pir Panjal mountain range. The Chashme Shahi is one of the beautiful Mughal gardens built around a spring in the Zabarwan Range. A freshwater spring, terraces, water pool, and a large fountain make it the most charming of the gardens near Srinagar along the banks of the Dal Lake. Verinag Garden lies at the entry point of Kashmir Valley in the summer capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir and is also the first tourist spot of Kashmir Valley.

17: Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal is a beautiful seven terraced garden over-looking city of Srinagar at the top of the Zabarwan mountain range in Srinagar. The garden is the property of the Srinagar government and is also known as the World's Beautiful High Altitude Paramilitary Camp. Pari Mahal belongs to the Mughal period & hence its architecture portrays the Islamic architecture that was one of the patronages during the rule of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

18: Polo View Market

Polo View Market is known to be one of the best markets in Srinagar, especially for those looking forward to purchasing some beautiful and authentic souvenirs. Laden with shops selling Pashmina items such as the jamawars, intricately carved wooden jewelry boxes, and walnut-wood items, the place is a must-visit for all. Tourists can shop from a range of paper-made products in varied colors, sizes, colors & forms. So right from the best of Kashmiri show pieces, vases, statues, and Christmas decorations, everything is available here.

How To Reach Srinagar

Air: - Srinagar Airport has regular domestic flights to Leh, Jammu, Chandigarh and Delhi and occasional international flights.

Rail: - Srinagar is a station on the 119 kms long Kashmir railway that started in October 2009 and connects Baramulla to Srinagar, Anantnag and Qazigund. The railway track also connects to Banihal through a newly constructed 11 km long Banihal tunnel (Jawahar tunnel), and subsequently to the Indian railway network after a few years.

Road: - The city is served by many highways, including National Highway 1A and National Highway 1D.

Getting Around: - Whilst popular since the 7th century, water transport is now mainly confined to Dal Lake, where shikaras are used for local transport and tourism. Inter city state bus services are also available there. Other options are full hire taxis, shared taxis, mini-buses and auto-rickshaws.

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Srinagar)

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir in India, is known for its exquisite Kashmiri cuisine. Here are some famous traditional dishes and places to eat in Srinagar:

1. Rogan Josh:

- Specialty: A rich and aromatic lamb curry made with a blend of spices, yogurt, and saffron.

- Where to Try: Visit Mughal Darbar and Ahdoos for authentic Rogan Josh.

2. Gushtaba:

- Specialty: Soft meatballs simmered in a flavorful yogurt-based gravy, often served with steamed rice.

- Where to Try: Head to Shamyana Restaurant or Mughal Darbar for Gushtaba.

3. Kashmiri Pulao:

- Specialty: A fragrant rice dish cooked with saffron, dry fruits, and vegetables.

- Where to Try: Sample Kashmiri Pulao at places like Shamyana Restaurant and Mughal Darbar.

4. Dum Aloo:

- Specialty: Baby potatoes cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy.

- Where to Try: Enjoy Dum Aloo at Shamyana Restaurant and Mughal Darbar.

5. Kashmiri Wazwan:

- Specialty: A traditional multi-course meal that includes dishes like Rista (meatballs), Seekh Kebabs, and Tabakh Maaz (fried lamb ribs).

- Where to Try: Special occasions, weddings, and some traditional restaurants offer Kashmiri Wazwan.

6. Chai and Kulcha:

- Specialty: Enjoy a cup of Kashmiri Kahwa (saffron tea) with freshly baked kulcha (bread).

- Where to Try: Tea stalls and local bakeries are great for chai and kulcha.

7. Yakhni:

- Specialty: A yogurt-based mutton or chicken curry flavored with aromatic spices.

- Where to Try: Yakhni is available at many local restaurants and dhabas.

8. Shami Kebabs:

- Specialty: Minced meat patties mixed with lentils and spices, shallow-fried to perfection.

- Where to Try: Visit Shamyana Restaurant for delectable Shami Kebabs.

9. Girda and Noon Chai:

- Specialty: Girda is a type of bread, and Noon Chai is a pink, salty tea made with baking soda.

- Where to Try: Local bakeries and tea stalls serve Girda and Noon Chai.

10. Ahdoos:

- Specialty: A well-known eatery famous for its Kashmiri Wazwan and other traditional dishes.

Srinagar's cuisine beautifully reflects the flavors of the Kashmir Valley. These dishes and eateries offer a delicious glimpse into the city's rich and diverse food culture. Enjoy your culinary journey in Srinagar!

Weather & Quick Info Of Srinagar

Srinagar is a mesmerizing tourist destination perfect for nature lovers & adventure seekers.

The best months to visit are from April to October.

The ideal time required to explore Srinagar is 3-4 days.

Srinagar has many nearby tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Anantnag & many more.

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