Top 10 Tourist Places in Srinagar
Tourist Places in Srinagar
Srinagar is the largest city and the winter capital of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Jhelum River, the Indus tributary, and the Dal and Anchar lakes are nearby located in Kashmir Valley. The city is highly recognized for its natural surroundings, parks, waterfronts, and especially houseboats. Dry fruits and native Kashmiri crafts, such as Kashmir shawls, are also well-known there.
With a population of above a million, it is also the most northern city in India, the 32nd most populous city overall, and, following Kathmandu, the second-largest metropolitan area in the Himalayas.
1. Dal Lake
The Dal Lake, known as the “Jewel of Srinagar,” is nearly a visual representation of the city and is linked with a trip there. The snow-covered peaks of such Pir Panjal mountains are reflected inside the shiny Dal Lake as the vibrant shikaras (gondolas) glide by. Its biggest draws are the houseboats and shikaras.
The floating market, or Raad, on Srinagar’s Dal Lake, is equally well-known. Vendors there own Shikaras and aren’t afraid to approach guests with their cutest handicrafts, saffron, food, and even ice creams in tow. Numerous tourists enjoy ice skating just on frozen Dal Lake during the winter.
The Hazratbal Shrine, Chashme Shahi, Hari Parbat, Island of Char Chinar, Shankaracharya Temple, Nagin Lake, and Mazar-e-Shura Cemetery are a few of the significant landmarks in and surrounding Dal Lake.
2. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
The largest tulip garden in Asia is located near Srinagar at the base of the Zabarwan mountain range. In addition to the 48 different tulip varieties, the Tulip Garden also has roses, daffodils, hyacinths, and iris. The main event that draws visitors from all over the world is the Tulip Festival that is held here.
The seven terraces that make up the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden were constructed in a sloping ground style.
3. The Shankaracharya Temple
One of the oldest temples in Kashmir is the Lord Shiva-dedicated Shankaracharya Temple of Srinagar, which is situated atop the Shankaracharya Hill. The temple, which is also called Jyesteshwara Temple, is named after the famous philosopher Shankaracharya, who is thought to have travelled to Srinagar around ten centuries ago. The temple has the Shiva Linga that he revered.
At this location, Adi Shankaracharya is thought to have attained spiritual enlightenment. Following this enlightenment, he is said to have founded the 4 Hindu schools of Advaita, or even the philosophy of non-dualism. A grand sight of the valley is available from the temple’s summit.
Most visitors and pilgrims stop at the Shankaracharya Temple in route to the Amarnath Yatra.
4. Shalimar Bagh
The largest of Srinagar’s three Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh is a gorgeously designed Mughal Garden. This spotless site was constructed in 1619 under the Mughal emperor Jahangir for their cherished wife Nur Jahan and sits above Dal Lake’s shimmering waters. This “Crown of Srinagar” is currently a public park with this designation.
Highlights include the chinar trees and the chini khanas, or arched nooks, hidden behind waterfalls. The word “Shalimar,” which also goes by the names Faiz Baksh & Farah Baksh, is a Sanskrit expression that means “Abode of Love.” Shalimar Garden is a serene fusion of natural beauty and man-made structures, generously strewn with well-kept plants and elegant architecture. The Mughal Garden, which showcases the exceptional horticultural craftsmanship of the Mughals, is quite well-liked by tourists from all around the world.
5. Shikara ride
The soothing and unforgettable Shikara rides are the main attraction in Srinagar for tourists. Traveling over the picturesque Dal Lake with the beautiful, snow-capped Himalayas serve as your backdrop is a delightful and unmatched experience in and of itself.
From Nehru Park, one of the circuits offers shikara rides past Hazratbal, Nagin, Rainawari, and back.
6. Char Chinar
In Srinagar’s Dal Lake, there is an island called Char Chinar that is encircled on all 4 sides by Chinar trees. It was built by Murad Baksh, a brother of Emperor Aurangzeb, and is also referred to as Char Chinari and Rupa Lank.
7. Nishat Bagh
Near Srinagar’s renowned Dal Lake is the 12-terraced garden known as the Nishat Bagh. The “Garden of Bliss” is a beautiful Mughal water channel with multiple fountains that are flanked by towering Chinar trees.
Although the Persian gardens served as inspiration for Nishat Bagh’s layout, Kashmir Valley’s particular topography and water features were used in the landscaping instead. The garden is divided into two parts by a stream of still water, so each level of such garden is designated by a high embankment that is home to a unique array of colorful flowers.
8. Pari Mahal
Near Srinagar, above the lovely Chashme Shahi Gardens, is the seven-terraced garden known as Pari Mahal. The mahal is thought to have formerly been a Buddhist monastery. It then functioned as prince Dara Shikoh’s astrology school. The Pari Mahal’s building is of a typical Islamic style, and the accompanying gardens are unusually well kept.
9. Chashme Shahi
Another of the 3 Mughal gardens of Srinagar, Chashme Shahi is situated in the Zabarwan mountain and boasts a view of Dal Lake. The beautiful spring called Rupa Bhawani in Chashme Shahi Garden is well-known. It is still accessible to travelers from March to November.
Chashme Shahi, which translates to “The Royal Spring,” is a terraced park featuring paths, vibrant flora, and water features. It is constructed around a freshwater fountain that has been discovered by famed Kashmiri saint Rupa Bhawani.
10. Hari Parbat Fort
Hari Parbat is the name of the beautiful mountain that dominates Srinagar. Atta Mohammad Khan, the Afghan governor at the time, built this fort during the 1700s. However, in the late 1500s, during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar, construction on this fort was first begun. However, this fortification was abandoned in the middle of construction.
