Srinagar, often referred to as Heaven on Earth, is a timeless destination that beckons tourists from around the world. Located in Jammu and Kashmir, India, Srinagar is known for its serene lakes, lush gardens, and Mughal-era architecture. Dal Lake, especially, has made it one of the dream honeymoon destinations for couples.
Established along the banks of the River Jhelum, Srinagar holds immense importance in the history and culture of India. It has been under the control of various dynasties, including the Mughals and the Sikhs. And it has been a centre of trade throughout its history.
Stationary houseboats on the Dal Lake and the classic shikaras (gondola-type rowboats) are highlights of Srinagar, India tourism. The city has captivated tourists with its timeless beauty and serene environment. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year. And the air carries whispers of willow and the fragrance of blooming gardens.
Srinagar welcomes tourists with a charm that feels both gentle and enduring. Adventure seekers can explore offbeat tourist places near Srinagar, cultural enthusiasts can enjoy immersive Kashmiri experiences, and families can find peaceful moments to relax. From Mughal-era gardens to mist-covered valleys, Srinagar tourist places urge you to slow down.
To experience the beauty, culture and flavours of this jewel of Kashmir, explore our comprehensive Srinagar Tour packages. We design immersive itineraries while taking care of everything from comfortable stays and smooth transportation to guided tours and local insights. We also partner with the top car rental companies in Srinagar, ensuring you enjoy a hassle-free journey throughout your trip. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch.
History of Srinagar
Srinagar was founded in the 6th century by King Pravarasena. And it has seen many other rulers over the centuries. Hindu dynasties first made it a capital, followed by the Sultans, who introduced Islamic architecture and culture. The valley region remained a significant cultural and trading hub for centuries. The Mughal emperors later transformed Srinagar into their summer retreat.
The Mughal emperors, particularly Jahangir and Shah Jahan, fell in love with Srinagar. They built magnificent gardens across the region, which are among the top Srinagar tourist places. That era made this place synonymous with beauty and tranquillity.
In 1846, Srinagar came under the Dogra rule. This period saw the city expand rapidly, with tourism flourishing as British officers and Indian elites discovered its charm. Houseboats became iconic, and Srinagar grew into a hub of shawl weaving and other Kashmiri handicrafts. Tourism in Srinagar now is acclaimed for its breathtaking landscapes and natural splendour.
Places to Visit in Srinagar
Srinagar tourist places are a captivating blend of natural wonders, spiritual heritage, and Mughal-era elegance. From tranquil landscapes to timeless architectural beauty, every part of the city highlights its unique charm. This beautiful balance of Srinagar’s beauty and tradition makes it a truly remarkable destination to explore.
Dal Lake is one of the famous tourist places in Srinagar. A shikara ride through the lake, especially during sunset, is a must-have experience. It offers a serene view of shikaras, houseboats and floating gardens against the backdrop of mountains. Make sure to stop by the picturesque island of Char Chinar in the middle of Dal Lake.
The Mughal gardens are also among the best tourist places in Srinagar, Kashmir. Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are must-visit. These terraced gardens, with cascading fountains and vibrant flower beds, showcase the finest examples of Mughal horticulture. The Pari Mahal (Palace of Fairies) is another stunning Mughal garden located in Srinagar. It’s a seven-terraced garden built atop the Zabarwan mountain range.
Then, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden presents a breathtaking display of colours. It’s Asia's largest tulip garden, showcasing millions of tulips in bloom during the spring season. And if you’re visiting Srinagar around September-October, you can see lush apple orchards. The peak Srinagar tourism season, however, is from April to June.
Nature lovers will also love a visit to Nigeen Lake, often called the quieter sibling of Dal Lake. This lake offers peaceful surroundings and pristine waters perfect for relaxation. The fort on Hari Parbat nearby is another popular tourist spot in Srinagar.
Among the spiritual tourist places of Srinagar, the Jamia Masjid is a must-visit. It’s one of the oldest and largest mosques in Kashmir. Its intricate architecture and serene ambiance provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The Shah-e-Hamdan mosque, the Hazratbal shrine and the Rozabal shrine are a few other Srinagar local tourist places worth visiting.
Along with those, the Shankaracharya Temple is one of the popular Srinagar city tourist places. It's an ancient stone temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, perched atop Shankaracharya Hill. From the top, you can get panoramic views of the entire city. Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara, the largest gurdwara in the Kashmir valley, also contributes to Srinagar's spiritual heritage.
Other Activities and Experiences
Tourism in Srinagar is much more than just its notable tourist attractions. The region offers several activities, ranging from leisure and relaxation to thrilling adventures. The valley has a spectrum of experiences for everyone to enjoy.
One of the famed experiences in Srinagar is staying in a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake. Living within wooden interiors in tranquil water has a charm of its own. A visit to the floating vegetable market at dawn also feels surreal. Other water sports available during Jammu Kashmir Srinagar tourism on Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake are kayaking, canoeing and water skiing.
Adventure seekers can embark on light treks through the surrounding mountains. Nature walks in the Zabarwan hills, or Dachigam National Park, offer an escape into Srinagar’s serene landscapes. They offer a glimpse of Kashmir's untouched beauty. Cultural enthusiasts can go on a walking tour through the historic old city, exploring artisan workshops.
Day trips to tourist places around Srinagar are also available with various packages. Gulmarg (52 km), Sonmarg (80 km), and Pahalgam (90 km) are some of the top tourist places near Srinagar. Doodhpathri (42 km) and Yusmarg (47 km) are other hidden gems nearby. A trip to Wular Lake (60 km), one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, also makes for a refreshing day-long excursion.
Apart from exploring tourist places in Srinagar, you can also enjoy some shopping. The bustling bazaars of Srinagar offer a range of handicraft items, including Pashmina shawls, hand-knotted carpets, and papier-mache artefacts. Visiting local markets provides an opportunity to try dishes from Kashmiri cuisine, such as Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Kahwa (traditional tea).
How to Reach Srinagar
Here are the ways to reach Srinagar and explore popular tourist places around –
By Air: Srinagar Airport serves as the primary airport for J&K Tourism, located around 11 km from the city centre. Several operators have regular flights from major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. From the airport, you can hire a taxi from the top car rental companies in Srinagar for a comfortable trip.
By Train: Although the city has a newly-built operational railway station, Jammu Tawi (250 km) is the nearest major railhead to Srinagar. It has regular trains from Delhi, Udhampur, Kolkata and other major cities. Local transportation mediums for Srinagar are buses, rental cabs and taxis. Within the city, auto-rickshaws and cycles are also available.
By Road: Srinagar is connected to the rest of India by a scenic highway. State-run buses and private coaches, AC or non-AC, run from many nearby cities. You can also take a cab/taxi or self-drive to enjoy a scenic trip with mountain views. Amritsar is 410 km away, Chandigarh is 530 km, and Delhi is 790 km.
Srinagar welcomes you with sweeping views of Dal Lake and the comforting warmth of traditional Kahwa. Whether you're visiting Srinagar for adventure or relaxation, Srinagar Tour packages cater to all needs. We offer customised itineraries that cover all the top tourist places in Srinagar, Kashmir and beyond. Fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with our travel experts.
