“Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin ast, hamin ast.”
Meaning: If there is ever a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here.
Emperor Jahangir uttered these words upon seeing Kashmir, and they perfectly capture the beauty of this paradise. Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a world-famous tourist destination in India. Known as the city of wealth and abundance, it is a sought-after honeymoon destination famed for houseboats, lakes, and gardens.
A trip to Srinagar includes exploring Kashmiri wooden mosques, historic gardens, indulgent houseboats, and sampling ethnic cuisines. The unique landscape, style, and charm rightly earn it the title of ‘Paradise on Earth’.
Do not miss a soothing houseboat ride on Dal Lake or a Shikhara cruise to witness floating vegetable and flower markets—truly a jewel in the crown of Kashmir.
Main Travel Attractions of Srinagar
Dal Lake
This enchanting lake rests at the foot of Shridhar Mountain. Gondola-type Shikhara boats offer a serene experience amidst floating markets, a unique floating post office, and picturesque landscapes.
Nishat Bagh
Situated on the banks of Dal Lake, built by Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan in 1633, it is one of the largest Mughal gardens in the region. The garden features rare flowers, fountains, and sprawling lawns.
Naseem Bagh
Known as the Garden of the Breezes, this historic garden was laid out by Emperor Akbar in 1586 on the bank of River Jhelum. Camping is also popular here.
Shalimar Bagh
The largest and most famous Mughal garden in Kashmir, built in 1619 by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan. Designed in Persian style, it has been restored multiple times over the last 400 years.
Chashme Shahi
Also called the Royal Spring, it is a small Mughal garden laid out by Jahangir with Iranian architectural influence. The spring is believed to have medicinal properties.
Pari Mahal
Known as the House of Fairies, this seven-terraced garden sits atop the Zabarwan Range, built on the remains of a Buddhist monastery. It offers breathtaking views of Srinagar.
Shankaracharya Temple
Perched atop Takht-i-Suleiman Hill, this 11th-century Lord Shiva temple is made of ancient grey stone and accessed via a flight of stairs.
Jama Masjid
Built in 1388 by Sultan Sikandar Shah and Zain-ul-Abidin, this mosque is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture with 370 pillars, each carved from a single deodar trunk.
Nagin Lake
A serene lake near Dal Lake, known as the 'Jewel in the Ring of Srinagar', with two connected lakes and multiple Shikharas. It is less crowded and cleaner than Dal Lake.
Hazratbal Mosque
A prominent Muslim pilgrimage site in Kashmir, the mosque overlooks a scenic lake and mountains and houses a sacred hair of Prophet Mohammad, displayed on special occasions.
Excursions from Srinagar
Nearby attractions include Awantipora (29 km), Gulmarg (57 km), Sonamarg (80 km), and Pahalgam (95 km).
Shopping in Srinagar
Srinagar’s bazaars offer indigenous items including carpets, pashmina shawls, wooden crafts, and Paper Mache artwork. Popular shopping spots include Polo View, Badshah Chowk, and Lal Chowk.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal visiting season is April to October. The Gurez Festival in July showcases ethnic folk dances and is a unique time to experience the region.
How to Reach
By Air: Srinagar Airport receives flights from Delhi and Mumbai.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Udhampur, 60 km away.
By Road: Taxis and privately-owned coaches are available from Jammu Tawi.
Experience the breathtaking landscapes with Srinagar Travel and explore the paradise on earth with your loved ones. Truly unforgettable!
