Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is one of India’s most enchanting destinations — often called “Paradise on Earth”. With its snow-clad mountains, lush valleys, shimmering lakes, and Mughal-era gardens, Srinagar offers a unique mix of natural beauty, culture, and history.
Whether you’re gliding across Dal Lake in a shikara, strolling through terraced Mughal gardens, exploring bustling bazaars, or venturing into the surrounding valleys like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, Srinagar has something for everyone. This guide covers the best places to see, culture and crafts, food, nightlife, local life, and nearby excursions to help you make the most of your visit.
Main Places to Visit in Srinagar
1. Dal Lake & Nigeen Lake
Dal Lake is the heart of Srinagar — famous for its shikara rides, houseboats, and floating markets. Early mornings are magical, when vendors row across the lake selling flowers, vegetables, and handicrafts.
👉 Experience Dal Lake’s charm on Travellingcamera.
For a quieter alternative, Nigeen Lake offers serene houseboat stays away from the crowds.
2. Mughal Gardens
Srinagar’s Mughal gardens are UNESCO-recognized and reflect Persian aesthetics combined with Kashmiri landscaping.
-
Shalimar Bagh: Built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor Jahan.
-
Nishat Bagh: Overlooking Dal Lake with terraced lawns and cascading fountains.
-
Chashme Shahi: Famous for its natural spring.
👉 Check Travellingcamera’s photo-story on Nishat and Shalimar Gardens.
3. Shankaracharya Hill & Temple
Offering panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is perched atop Shankaracharya Hill.
4. Hazratbal Shrine
Located on the northern shores of Dal Lake, Hazratbal Mosque is Kashmir’s most revered Muslim shrine, believed to house a relic of Prophet Muhammad. Its white marble structure with Dal Lake as the backdrop is stunning.
5. Old City & Jama Masjid
The old quarters of Srinagar, with wooden lattice houses and bustling bazaars, are full of character. The 14th-century Jama Masjid, with its Indo-Saracenic architecture and 378 wooden pillars, is a must-see.
👉 Explore Srinagar’s local streets through Travellingcamera’s lens.
6. Tulip Garden (Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden)
Every spring (March–April), Asia’s largest tulip garden comes alive with over a million tulips in bloom. The festival draws visitors from across the world.
👉 Travellingcamera’s coverage of Srinagar’s Tulip Festival.
7. Pari Mahal
A 17th-century terraced garden with Islamic architecture, once an observatory, overlooking Dal Lake — best visited at sunset.
Excursions Around Srinagar
Srinagar also serves as the perfect base for some of Kashmir’s most breathtaking day trips and short excursions.
-
Gulmarg (50 km): Known for skiing, golf, and the Gulmarg Gondola — one of the world’s highest cable cars.
-
Pahalgam (90 km): Famous for the Lidder River, meadows, and as the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra.
-
Sonamarg (80 km): The “Meadow of Gold,” ideal for trekking, fishing, and exploring glaciers.
Art, Craft & Shopping in Srinagar
Srinagar is a paradise for handicraft lovers, offering exquisite Kashmiri artistry:
-
Pashmina Shawls & Stoles: World-renowned for their softness.
-
Carpets: Hand-knotted Kashmiri carpets with intricate patterns.
-
Papier-Mâché: Decorated with bright colors and motifs.
-
Walnut Wood Carvings: Furniture and décor pieces carved with fine detail.
👉 Travellingcamera’s exploration of Kashmir crafts & shopping.
For local shopping, head to Lal Chowk and Polo View Market.
Culture & Music in Srinagar
Kashmiri culture is a blend of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian influences.
-
Music & Dance: Sufi and folk music (Rouf, Chakri) are an integral part of Kashmiri life.
-
Festivals:
-
Tulip Festival (April).
-
Navroz (Persian New Year).
-
Eid and Shivratri (locally called Herath).
-
👉 Travellingcamera’s Kashmir cultural photo series.
Food in Srinagar
Kashmiri cuisine is rich, aromatic, and unforgettable.
-
Wazwan: A multi-course royal feast featuring dishes like Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Yakhni, and Tabak Maaz.
-
Kahwa: Traditional green tea infused with saffron, almonds, and spices.
-
Street Food: Seekh kebabs, harissa (in winter), and nadru (lotus stem) fritters.
👉 Read Travellingcamera’s feature on Kashmiri food experiences.
Nightlife in Srinagar
Unlike Delhi or Chandigarh, nightlife in Srinagar is subdued — evenings are spent on houseboats, at lakeside cafés, or in hotels with cultural shows. The charm lies in quiet starry nights over Dal Lake rather than nightclubs.
👉 For comparison, see Travellingcamera’s Chandigarh nightlife guide.
Local Life in Srinagar
Srinagar’s rhythm is tied to its natural environment.
-
Morning Scenes: Floating vegetable market on Dal Lake.
-
Daily Life: Strolling along the Boulevard Road, sipping kahwa, or visiting local shrines.
-
Craftspersons: Artisans weaving carpets and embroidering shawls in old city workshops.
👉 Travellingcamera’s street captures from Srinagar.
Practical Travel Tips for Srinagar
-
Best Time to Visit:
-
March–May: Tulip season and pleasant spring weather.
-
June–September: Cool summers with lush greenery.
-
December–February: Snowy landscapes (especially in Gulmarg).
-
-
Getting There:
-
By Air: Srinagar Airport (well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh).
-
By Road: National Highway 44 from Jammu (be prepared for mountain roads).
-
-
Getting Around:
-
Shikaras and houseboats for Dal/Nigeen Lakes.
-
Taxis for excursions.
-
Auto-rickshaws within the city.
-
-
Stay Options:
-
Luxury: Lalit Grand Palace, Vivanta by Taj Dal View.
-
Mid-range: Houseboats on Dal Lake, boutique hotels.
-
Budget: Guesthouses in old city and homestays.
-
Why Visit Srinagar?
Srinagar is not just a city — it’s an experience. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, crafts, and culinary delights, it lives up to its reputation as the crown jewel of Kashmir. Whether you’re gliding through Dal Lake, wandering Mughal gardens, shopping for pashminas, or venturing into nearby valleys, Srinagar offers moments that stay with you forever.
👉 Extend your journey: Check Travellingcamera’s Kashmir series here.
Comments