Srinagar Travel Guide - Places to Visit & Activities

Srinagar – A City Of Wealth and Abundance

Srinagar is the capital of the disputed State of Jammu and Kashmir and lies in that part of it, which is administered by India. Considered as the HQ of the Srinagar district and located in the Kashmir Valley, the Jhelum River – a tributary of Indus known as Vyath in Kashmir, passes through the city and crosses the valley.

Srinagar City View from Shankarcharya Temple

The name of the city comprises of two Sanskrit words namely, Sri meaning abundance, wealth, and a name of the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi and Nagar meaning a city. Thus, Srinagar is also known as the place of wealth and abundance.

According to a legend in Nila’s Nilmatapurana, in ancient times, the Kashmir valley was a gigantic lake. A Hindu sage, Kashyapa, drew off the water after which the beautiful Kashmir Valley came into the sight.

Srinagar is popular for its lakes, houseboats, and nine old bridges that link the two parts of the city located on each side of the Jhelum River. It is also famous for Kashmiri handworks, dry fruits, and apples.

Tourists’ Attractions

Dal Lake

Dal Lake

This is well known for houseboats currently 500 in numbers. The first houseboat was named Victory built in 1888.

Shikara Ride

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

This is a must take ride in the Dal Lake that takes you through the fountains, village, and other beautiful places. The village is a must see scene where there are locals residing and a floating vegetable market. This market is open only at sunrise.

Nagin Lake

Nagin Lake

This is another popular late in the city.

Shalimar Gardens

Shalimar Gardens

Created in 1619 by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, they spread their natural beauty in the outskirts of Srinagar, just in front of the Dal Lake.

Tulip Gardens

Tulip Garden, Srinagar

These gardens completely hold tulips of different colors and shades and were opened to public recently.

Chashme Shahi

Chashme Shahi Garden in Srinagar

This is the place of royal fountains in the Mughal gardens.

Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal, Srinagar

This is also known as the Palace of Fairies and is famous for its heartthrob view of the city.

Nishat Bagh

Nishat Bagh, Srinagar

This is located on the banks of the Dal Lake with a back view of Zabarwan Mountains. This is a must see place as it offers an eye-catching scene of the lake and snow-covered mountain range of Pir Panjal that is to the west of the Kashmir Valley. The brother of Noor Jahan created this garden in 1633 A.D.

Jama Masjid

This is one of the oldest mosques.

Hazratbal Mosque

Hazratbal Mosque, Srinagar

This is the beautiful white mosque, but the women are allowed only until the first part of the mosque. Adjacent to this mosque, is the market that offers a variety of good fresh food and different items fried in oil.

Shankaracharya Mandir

Shankaracharya Mandir, Srinagar

This is a Hindu temple of Lord Shiva on the top of the Suleiman hill where you can reach by a car or taxi. Cameras and mobiles are not allowed in the temple and you need to leave them in the vehicle before entering the temple. Further, any pack of cigarettes and alcohol must be given to the police personnel prior to climbing the hill, as these things are banned in the Hindu religion.

Hazrati Youza Asouph
This is also known as the tomb of Roza Bal and also obliquely referred to be the tomb of Jesus. Photography however, is not permitted here.

Adventure Sports

Canoeing and water skiing takes place in the Dal Lake. There is one more sport known as water trekking that is a 3-4 days trip along with the camping things across the Jhelum River to different lakes. The two other destinations for hikers and trekkers are Dachigam National Park (22 km) and Pahalgam (95 km).

Some Other Beautiful Places

• Nashim Bagh
• Khanqah Moulla
• Kheer Bhawani

Kheer Bhawani Mandir

• Bulbul Saheb, where shrine of Saint Sheikh Abdul Rehman is famous
• Hari Parbat, where shrine of Sufi Saint Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom is famous
• Zestha Devi Temple
• Pathar Masjid built by Noor Jahan

Excursions from Srinagar

• Pahalgam
• Amarnath Dham
• Sonamarg
• Verinag
• Doodhpathri
• Yousmarg
• Achabal
• Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gulmarg
• Kokernag
• Manasbal

Musical Arts

Bhand Pather

Here in, a group of 10 to 15 artists performs a conventional folk of play and dance in a satirical style with a light music.

Chakri

Traditional Rouf, Chakri

This is popular Kashmiri folk music.

Sufiana

This form of music from Iran introduced in the 15th century has comprised many Indian Ragas. Itself it has become a classical music of the valley. Instruments such as Sitar, Kashmiri Saz, Santoor, and Tabla are widely used.

Hafiz Nagma

This is a kind of dance accompanied by the Sufiana music. Here, the female dances on the vibrations of the music being played by the males.