If you are looking for the best tourist place in Srinagar, congrats, you are at the right place! Srinagar is indeed one of the best tourist spots in India. It has got several tourist places that can make you feel wow! Eager to know about these places? Well, explore the article further and get to know about them!
How To Reach Srinagar?
Are you wondering how to reach Srinagar? Well, Srinagar is a city that is well-connected by road, and rail, and you can also prefer taking flights if you are from the south. Here are the details on how to reach Srinagar by train, by road, and by air from various cities.
| Mode of Transport | Delhi to Srinagar | Mumbai to Srinagar | Hyderabad to Srinagar | Chennai to Srinagar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By Train | Jammu Tawi Station, then taxi/bus | Train to Jammu Tawi, then taxi/bus | Train to Jammu Tawi, then taxi/bus | Train to New Delhi, change for Jammu Tawi, then taxi/bus |
| By Road | ~876 km, ~18 hours | ~2,200 km, ~40 hours | ~2,370 km, ~44 hours | ~2,900 km, ~50 hours |
| By Air | ~1.5 hours flight | ~3 hours flight | ~5 hours flight | ~5-7 hours flight (usually with stopover) |
Here are the train details from various cities:
| City | Train Name | Train Number | Departure Station & Time | Arrival Station & Time | Notes |
| Delhi | New Delhi Darbhanga Special fare Special | 04476 | New Delhi (NDLS) – 03:30 PM | Sopore (SXZM) – 10:27 AM | Sopore is approx. 44 KM from Srinagar |
| Chennai | Chennai Central to Sh Mata V Devi Katra | 16031 | Chennai Central | Sh Mata V Devi Katra | Take another train from Sangaldan to Srinagar |
As there are no direct trains from Mumbai and Hyderbad, you need to take a train to Delhi and then switch over the train that leads to Srinagar.
Best Tourist Place In Srinagar: All You Need To Know!
1. Dal Lake
Want to visit the “Srinagar’s Jewel”? Then Dal Lake is the best place in Srinagar that you must visit! Dal Lake is the second most iconic urban lake in J&K known for its scenic beauty and vibrant houseboats. It covers an area of 21.1 square kilometers, with floating gardens, which are known as “Rad” in Kashmiri. This garden is famous for the lotus flowers that bloom in July and August!
Things To Do At Dal Lake
- Stay on a houseboat: Enjoy the unique thrill of living on a traditional houseboat, with scenery changing throughout the day and offering comfort.
- Shikara Rides: Take a colorful Shikara ride across the lake and enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayan backdrop.
- Floating Market: Visit the floating market in the morning for a lively exchange of boats selling flowers, fruits, and handicrafts.
- Sunset Watching: Witness a spectacular sunset from the lake, as the water becomes a blanket of purple and gold.
- Fishing: Try your hand at fishing with the locals, and you may catch some of the different species of fish found in the lake.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Distance from Srinagar | Approximately 10 kilometers from the city center |
| How to Reach | Taxi or self-drive via M A Road and Hazratbal Road, around 15 to 20 minutes drive |
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2. Shankaracharya Hill Temple
Shankaracharya Mountain Temple is a famous tourist spot in Srinagar that attracts a lot of religious people. This temple is dedicated to Shiva and is considered to be the oldest temple in Kashmir, that dates back to 200 B.C. The temple is located about 1,000 feet above the valley and offers a beautiful view of the city. You can have a good time climbing up the mountain to visit the temple!
Things To Do At Shankaracharya Hill Temple
- Climb the Hill: Climb the 250 steps to the temple for a complete spiritual journey.
- Enjoy the view: From the top, there is an aerial view of the entire Srinagar including the famous Dal Lake.
- Temple Tour: Explore the ancient Shankaracharya temple revered for its architecture and spiritual significance.
- Photography: Take pictures of the beauty of the temple and the surrounding landscape.
- Nature Walk: Take a scenic walk up Shankaracharya Hill, and enjoy lush greenery and colorful wildflowers.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Durgjan, Srinagar |
| Distance from Srinagar | About 8 km from Srinagar Bus Station |
| How to Reach | Regular buses or taxis from the city center, followed by a climb of 250 steps |
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3. Nigeen Lake
Nijin Lake is also a part of Dal Lake, which is a peaceful place to relax and have a quiet time. This lake is surrounded by lush groves of willows and poplars, which is popularly known as the “Jewel of the Ring”. It is a gently eutrophic lake, that has high levels of nutrients which has led to a diverse ecosystem. This has made it the best tourist place in Srinagar!
Things To Do At Nigeen Lake
- Shikara Ride: Immerse yourself in the tranquil waters of Nijin Lake in a traditional Shikara boat.
- Watching sunrises and sunsets: Witness spectacular sunrises or sunsets from the edge of the lake.
- Swimming: A refreshing swim in the clear waters of the lake1.
- Water skiing: For thrill-seekers, water skiing is a popular activity on Lake Nijin.
- Boating: Enjoy the serene beauty of the lake and its surroundings by boating.
- Visit the Nijin Club: Relax in the Nijin Club tea room or have a drink at the bar.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Distance from Srinagar | Approximately 7 km from Srinagar Bus Station |
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4. Sonamarg
Sonamarg is popularly known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, as it is the best tourist place in Srinagar, with a beautiful and scenic environment in the Valley of Kashmir. Sonamarg has great historical importance as it was an important station on the ancient Silk Road linking Kashmir and Tibet. Moreover, this place has a chill climate, with beautiful wildflowers that cover the ground in summer!
Things To Do At Sonamarg
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Hill station in the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Distance from Srinagar | 80 kilometers northeast |
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5. Mughal Gardens
If you are a nature lover, then you will admit that this is the best tourist place in Srinagar! The Mughal Gardens are the magnificent glory of horticulture and architecture, that has become a prominent tourist spot in Srinagar! They are proof that showcases the Mughal’s efforts to create an earthly paradise. You can get to see a variety of trees, plants, flowers, etc. in the gardens and create beautiful memories!
Things To Do At Mughal Gardens
- Walk Through the Gardens: Take a walk and enjoy the beautiful views of lawns, flower beds, and terraces.
- Visit Sheesh Mahal: Explore the two-storey pavilion with stained glass windows and mirrors showcasing grand Mughal architecture.
- Relax at Baradari: Sit in the rectangular pavilion with 12 tables and enjoy panoramic views of the gardens.
- View Mughal Paintings: Explore Mughal paintings that depict scenes from the Mughal court and life and give a glimpse of history.
- Enjoy Dal Lake: Enjoy the panoramic views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the gardens, vibrant flowers, and architectural details as a lasting memory of your visit.
| Detail | Mughal Gardens Information |
| Location | Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Distance from Srinagar | About 12 kilometers from the city center |
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6. Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is not only a sightseeing spot, but also a strategic corridor that connects the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. It is situated on the 244 Anantnag-Kokernag-Kishtwar section of the National Highway. This place is allocated at an elevation of 12,500 feet above sea level and is a haven for cowboys and peaceful tourists. You can have a ‘360 degree view’ of Sinthan Top at the mountain, which I think has made it the best tourist place in Srinagar!
Things To Do At Sinthan Top
- Scenic drives: Drive through the snaking and mountainous roads for a thrilling journey to Synthan Top.
- Climbing: The area is emerging as a popular destination for mountain enthusiasts.
- Travel: Find beautiful trails and participate in travel activities.
- Skiing: In winter, Synthon Top offers skiing opportunities so that you can have adventurous activities here.
- Photography: Take stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Mountain pass in the Kishtwar district of Chenab Valley, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Distance from Srinagar | Approximately 130 km |
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7. Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal is a rich heritage of Kashmir that acts as a testament to the historical and architectural depth of the region. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan’s eldest son Dara Shikoh in the mid-17th century. It is the best tourist place in Srinagar to explore the ancient architecture and have a peaceful time!
Things To Do At Pari Mahal
- Explore the Seven Terrace Park: Pari Mahal is famous for its beautiful seven-terrace gardens offering views of the city and Dal Lake
- Astronomy and Astrology: Visit the observatory and library, which were historically used to teach astronomy and astrology.
- Relax in nature: Enjoy a few moments in the evening in a peaceful setting and manicured garden.
- Visit nearby attractions: Pari Mahal is near other tourist spots like Chashmeshahi, Tulip Garden, and Botanical Garden, which you can add to your itinerary
- Enjoy the local flora: The gardens are in full bloom with a variety of flowers, offering a peaceful experience and a chance to witness the local flora in its natural habitat.
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Palace of Fairies, Zabarwan mountain range, overlooking Dal Lake and the city of Srinagar |
| Distance from Srinagar | About 11 kilometers |
| How to Reach | Drive or take a taxi/auto-rickshaw from the city center, near Ghat No. 23 on Boulevard road |
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Click here to know about tourist places in Kashmir: https://merastyles.com/top-7-tourist-places-in-kashmir/
Click here to know about tourist places in Ladakh: https://sprucestyles.com/tourist-attractions-in-ladakh/
