© istock/ bluesky85
© istock/ bluesky85

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A day in stunning Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir

5 minutes to read

Travel Tips For Srinagar

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Staying at home for a long period has pushed us all to think of future vacations with more zest than ever. Although that seems unlikely in the coming months, it is never too early to make plans for the upcoming vacation to a dream destination. One such place is the alluringly beautiful Srinagar, the largest city of Jammu and Kashmir in the northernmost part of India. The city is nestled in the stunning Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, and when you set your foot in this beautiful place, it will take your breath away. Srinagar often feels like a place that does not exist in time, and thus, here is a list of places you must visit while spending a day in Srinagar

Dal Lake

© istock/ Syed Abbas Ali
© istock/ Syed Abbas Ali

A trip to Srinagar would be remiss without visiting Dal Lake. Lucky for us, though, it is almost impossible to miss. Sitting peacefully at the foothills of Mount Shridhara and set against the backdrop of the Pir Panjal mountain ranges, the 26 square kilometres area of the Dal Lake is a place where you can spend an entire day in itself. The glistening waters with the backdrop of the mountains are both peaceful and romantic. While there, do not forget to take a Shikara ride over the waters – the water is so clean that you will see flora and fauna below! If you want to make the trip extra special, go on a Shikara ride during sunset. Watching the sunset behind the mountains as the cool breeze from the lake ruffles your hair is an experience of a lifetime.

© istock/ FotoGraphik
© istock/ FotoGraphik

There is also a floating market on the Dal Lake that is wonderful to watch. You can shop there or watch the locals going about their normal routine. The market is a great place to pick up the famous hand-embroidered Kashmiri shawls, rugs, carpets and more. Once at Dal Lake, you will be able to see various picturesque houseboats on the water. If you are interested, you can stay in a gorgeous houseboat overnight, right in the lap of nature, literally! You can take a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake between 6 AM and 6 PM. 

Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
4V69+68 Srinagar

Shalimar Bagh

© istock/ Niladri Sikder
© istock/ Niladri Sikder

Built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan in Persian style, this beautiful garden has it all – a magnificent view, nature in full bloom and the soft trickling of water all around. It is a blissful and calming experience to go to Shalimar Bagh and take in the fresh air. Enjoy the beauty of the charming mountain roses, chinar trees and the water canal running right through the centre of the garden while forgetting all your worries and stress. Shalimar Bagh remains open for visitors from 10 AM to 6 PM. 

Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
4VX9+CR5, behind Shalimar garden, Srinagar, 190025

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

© istock/ Arambros
© istock/ Arambros

If you are in the mood for checking out how truly beautiful nature can be, then Srinagar is the right place to find that out. Covered by acre after acre of tulips in every direction you can look at, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden feels like a place straight out of a movie. It is the largest tulip garden in entire Asia! There are a variety of bright coloured flowers everywhere you look. Apart from the tulips, roses, hyacinths and daffodils also adorn this garden in the lap of the mountains. However, be aware that the tulips bloom only during March and April, so if you want to be left speechless, plan your trip accordingly! The garden remains open to visitors from 9 AM to 7 PM. 

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Tulip Garden Rd, Anchar, Srinagar, 190001

Pari Mahal

© istock/ saiko3p
© istock/ saiko3p

Literally translating to “abode of the fairies”, this seven-terraced garden on the Zabarwan mountain range provides a place from where you can look out on the beautiful Srinagar with its breathtaking lakes and bewitching mountains in all their glory. Built by Mughal prince Dara Shukoh in the 17th century, Pari Mahal is located only 13 km away from Srinagar. Traversing this distance is always worth it for the mesmerising view from the vantage point. You can visit Pari Mahal between 9:30 AM and 7:30 PM.

Pari Mahal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Pari Mahal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
3VJG+FVC, near Pari Mahal Parking, Srinagar, 190001

Hazratbal Masjid

© istock/ yoska87
© istock/ yoska87

Lastly, the Hazratbal Masjid is a must-visit when you are in Srinagar. Located on the shores of Dal Lake, the shrine is a place where you will feel calm and relaxed. The marble structure will give you a wonderful view of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges, and you will also be greeted by hundreds of pigeons. This shrine houses a hair strand of Prophet Mohammed and is considered to be holiest shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. However, only men are allowed in the inner prayer hall, and women are allowed only in the outer hall. Additionally, women need to carry headscarves and wear clothes that cover knees and elbows. The Hazratbal Masjid remains open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. 

Hazratbal Masjid, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Hazratbal Masjid, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Hazratbal, near fire station, Hazaratbal, Srinagar, 190006

Things to eat

© istock/ yuliang11
© istock/ yuliang11

Although Srinagar and the Dal Lake are beautiful and majestic enough to quench your hunger, it would, however, be a gross injustice towards the wonderful Kashmiri cuisine that you can enjoy here.  Indulge in Modur Pulav (Kashmiri rice with dry fruits and nuts) and Rogan Josh (aromatic lamb curry cooked with alkanet flower or root and Kashmiri chillies) when in the city. If you are into more mild things, you must try out the Yakhni curry (lamb curry prepared with Kashmiri saffron, milk and fennel seeds). In between all the travel, if you want to try out some beverage to relieve the tiredness, then check out Kahwah, a traditional Kashmiri tea made with saffron, whole spices and almonds.

When and how to visit Srinagar

© istock/ MisoKniti
© istock/ MisoKniti

The best time to visit Srinagar would be the springtime, i.e., from April to October. During this time, the city is brimming with flowers, and nature is in its full bloom. It is not really cold either, but it is still chilly enough to be pleasant. Srinagar is well connected by rail and road. Srinagar domestic airport, Sheikh ul Alam Airport, is located around half an hour away from Srinagar city (11.5 km). Driving to Srinagar is also a great experience since the scenery is spellbinding. You can reach the city using the Srinagar-Leh highway (May to mid-November) and Manali-Leh highway (April to June). There are, however, no train stations in Srinagar. The nearest one is in Jammu, which is 290 km away.

© istock/ prabhjits
© istock/ prabhjits

Kashmir is known as "Heaven on Earth", and the reason is very much apparent when you are in Srinagar. Apart from the stunning surroundings, the people in Jammu and Kashmir are wonderful and warm too. Thus, if you are ready to witness what true beauty looks like, it is time to spend a day in Srinagar. You will fall in love, I promise!

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The author

Hitaishi Majumder

Hitaishi Majumder

Hey there! I am Hitaishi, a writer from Kolkata, India, and I am here to take you around different parts of my incredible country through my stories about Indian food, culture, history and much more!

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