Places to see in Srinagar

The quaint and the quintessentional summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This is one of the most beautiful places in India and to use the word beautiful is not adequate to contain or explain in the true earnest the beauty that this place is enriched with. Some much so that poetry is often inadequate to explain the serenity and the feel of this place. Located in the eastern part of the valley. The region of Srinagar was a stronghold of the Mauryan Empire who ruled most of the city’s history. Every direction and place in this town has something to offer the visiting tourist and hence the places to see are many and for your convenience we have listed the place to see in Srinagar-



Dal Lake- The Dal Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the world sprawling about 8 km long and 4 km wide. This is also one of the most important tourist’s destinations for those visiting the city of Srinagar.   However over the years the measure of the lake has been shorten because of the cultivation of lotus.  This is also one of the most pristine and picturesque ecologies in Srinagar. The main attraction of the Dal Lake is invariably the colorful houseboats that are the lake and can be hired by tourists. There are also shikaras that can be hired along with the houseboats. The ambience in and around the lake is peaceful and even though it is frequented by tourists during the season there is still maintains the quiet and passive and ambience. If you are intending to hire a houseboat then it is advisable to follow the rates that are mentioned on the Information desk and the board that are displayed near the lake. There are shops selling souvenirs and as such tourists can also pick up one souvenir.  A ride through the Dal can also be referred to as ride through the lake of paradise this is the best possible expression for the same.

Wular Lake- The name Wular refers to a Sanskrit that means turbulence. This lake is one of the largest fresh water sources in the country and at the same time in Asia.  The peculiar feature of this lake is that the lake has been formed through tectonic reaction and as such is regarded as one of the best. The most exciting and complete experience of the lake is the boating facilities. There is also choice for fishing as the lake is also the main source of fishing for the locals residing in the region.  There are also a varied species of fishes available in the region.

Hazratbal Shrine- The Shrine of Hazratbal is one of the most revered and sacrosanct Muslims shrines in the city of Srinagar and is also a must visit for tourists to the valley city. The mosque welcomes tourists and pilgrims alike and exudes an ambience of prayer and spirituality that is most characteristic. The mosque against the backdrop of the peaks is also embellished with nature. Form the Holy shrine one can also get a glimpse of the Dal Lake that is towards the western side of the mosque.  This shrine signifies the love and the respect that the Muslim faithful had for the prophets. The white marble structure made of pure marble glimmers in the light of the sun.  The shrine dates back to the 17th century however the present façade of the temple was completed in 1971.  The shrine also houses the sacred relics of the prophet Muhammad.  The fervor and the devotion with which tourists and pilgrims visit is awe inspiring. The love and dedication truly asserts the greatness and  holy of this holy and sacred place of worship.

Jama Masjid- This is also one of the notable and at the same revered places of worship in the valley.  Situated in Nohawatta which form a part of the old city the Jama Masjid was built around the year 1400. The mosque is an important example of Indo-Sarascenic Style of architecture. The shrine is surrounded by lawns and as such also has a well manicured garden that greets pilgrims and visitors alike.  The mosques several times in the past have been subjected to fires and the elements and have been reconstructed over and over again. The remnant of the Jama Masjid however is the wooden pillar that are a wonderful feature of this serene and sacrosanct  place of worship.

Khanqah-e- Molla- While the other shrines in the region are known for reverence and distinctive style of architecture, this mosque is one the most ancient and the oldest shrines in the city. Situated in the older part of Srinagar the shrine is also known as Shan-e- Hamdan.

Shankaryacharya Temple- Located in the Gopdari Hills of Srinagar and at an elevation of 1100 feet this is one of the most revered temples in the valley.  The temple is dedicated to the great philosopher and evangelist Sri Adi Shankaracharya The temple is a classic example of one of the first temples that were built in the region. In the early and the kings of the region patronized the temples in early years and the charge of the services and prayers were reserved the right Brahmins of Arya Varta. Over the temples were named by various names and as such the present name of the Adi Shankaracharya who visited the temple and lodged on the top- of the hill in the sheds of the Brahmins. In the recent past was consecrated installed the white marble statue of Adi Shankaria just near the temple. The temple is also one of the revered Hindu shrine. The journey to the place is dong on pony and horseback.

Khir Bhawani Temple- Located amidst the beautiful Chinar trees and rippling rivers, lies the Khir Bhawani Temple is the abode of Goddess Ragnya Devi. The idol is kept in a white marble temple. According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Rama worshipped Ragnya Devi during his exile and after the exile was over he shifted her abode to Shadipora from where it was shifted here according to the wish of Ragnya Devi. There is a beautiful spring located near the temple.

Chatti Padshahi- This is one of the most famous and revered Sikh Place of worship in the valley. Situated in the Rainwari area of Srinagar this Gurudwara is said to be built around the time that when the sixth Spiritual Guru of the Sikhs Guru Hara Govind visited the whole valley and founded this place of worship. Situated on the southern gate of Hari Parbat Fort this is an important Gurudwara of the Sikh community. There is also a number of Sikh Gurudwara in Jammu and Kashmir but devotees mostly visit Chatti Padshahi.

Pari Mahal- Pari Mahal is found in the ruins of the lake side and is undoubtedly one of the best and the most quaint locations in the city of Srinagar.  The Fairies abode as it is called is a seven terraced gardens, the ruins bear the resemblance of distinctive architectural style of the Muslim architecture. This is one of the most silent and hence and ideal place to spend a nice place to spent some time in peace and quiet.

Shalimar garden- The Shalimar Bagh is the celebrated royal garden of Kashmir. The name Shalimar ("abode of love") can be traced back to the name of the structure built by Pravarsena II in the 6th century CE, when the garden was a Hindu sacred site. The Emperor Jahangir was so fascinated with the garden that he called it "one of the sights of Kashmir."

Nishant Baug- Located near the banks of the Dal Lake the Nishant Baug is one of the most picturesque and poignant places to visit in Srinagar. Set with the background of the mighty and imposing mountains and at the same time offering a view of the Dal lake Nishant Baug is certainly a garden of bliss, that offers the same serenity and silence that one feels when getting real close to nature.

“If there is any place on earth that resembles  paradise or the wonders of heaven it is surely “

These line often used in advertisement worthily puts forward and articulated the greatness of this city in the valley.