John Ruskin said, “Mountains are the beginning and the end of all the natural beauty”, and the gorgeous landscape of Srinagar stands testimony to this. Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir; You can find houseboats, unique shikaras, expansive meadows, stunning gardens, magnificent lakes, gorgeous rivers and some of the most magnificent places to visit in Srinagar. The pristine snow, magnanimous mountains, hand-picked 5 Star Hotels in Srinagar make places to see in Srinagar even more joyous.
Before the magical sites enthral you, have a look at the fantastic handicrafts, pashmina shawls, colourful Kashmiri attire, dried fruits and saffron. Don’t forget to feast on local Kashmiri food at some of the best restaurants in Kashmir.
List of 7 Best Places To Visit In Srinagar
1. Dal Lake
No prizes for guessing Dal Lake tops the list of mesmerizing places to visit in Srinagar. The breathtaking views bang in the middle of the city envelope you at Dal Lake. You can opt for a ride in the handcrafted wooden houseboats or colourful shikaras and capture sights of the imperious Pir Panjal Mountain range and perfectly manicured lush Mughal gardens. The reflection of the orange-coloured sky falls on the waters of Dal Lake, creating a view leaving you spellbound.
2. Char Chinar
Char Chinar is an island situated in the middle of Dal Lake, that has made it to our list of breath-taking places to explore in Srinagar. You can take a shikara to get here and enjoy nature’s spectacular views here. The clear blue skies seamlessly blend with the lake’s deep blue waters and the enclosing mountains make you believe that you are in a gorgeous painting.
Also Read: Best Dishes To Have In Srinagar
3. Hazratbal Mosque
The Hazratbal shrine is one of the most divine mosques in Kashmir and is believed to house the hair of Prophet Muhammad. Architecturally too, this mosque is marvellous as it is stunningly sculpted out of white marble.
4. Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh is the perfect example of Persian Style architecture that you will see a lot of in Srinagar. This garden was built on the edges of Dal Lake in 1619 by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife, Noor Jahan. This is the largest among the three Mughal Gardens and is known for its unparalleled beauty owing to its exquisite architecture, gorgeous gardens and canals flowing through the midst of the garden. Its charming ambience can be attributed to polished stone pathways, vibrant flowers and an abundance of walnut and almond trees.
5. Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake often gets overshadowed by the popularity of the Dal Lake but offers an equally fantastic view that is more serene and less touristy. This lake is situated west of Dal Lake and is separated by a thin causeway. A Shikara ride amid the tranquil nature and wonderful willow and poplar trees makes the Nigeen lake experience quite magical and unique.
6. Gulmarg
Srinagar gives its visitors the opportunity to explore nature in its gorgeous form. Gulmarg is one such stunning place to visit in Srinagar and is an enchanting summer destination. This enthralling tourist spot boasts of extraordinary natural beauty and was one of Emperor Jehangir’s favourite places. Thousands of devotes visit the shrine of Baba Reshi, throughout the year to seek blessings from this Kashmiri saint.
7. Pari Mahal – The Adobe of Fairies
Pari Mahal is a seven-terraced marvel in Srinagar’s Mughal Garden. Undoubtedly a spectacular place to explore owing to its green landscapes and vibrant flowers. The ideal time to visit this garden is in spring when its beauty is in full bloom. The exact translation of Pari Mahal is the residence of fairies, and true to its name, this colourful natural beauty is a paradise on earth. You can revel in the panoramic views of the surroundings and be awestruck by the saffron cultivation that grows here in the months of September to October.
A great hotel only makes the city more enjoyable. Check out the LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar, which was designed and built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1910. It is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges and overlooks the picturesque Dal Lake and boasts impeccable hospitality. It even houses some of the best restaurants in Srinagar that bring together the best of the local Kashmiri cuisine and global culinary concepts all under one roof. Check out the Chinar, the Chinar Garden and the Dal bar for a delectable culinary experience.
