Srinagar

Country: India | State: Jammu & Kashmir

Top Places to Visit: Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden, Hazratbal Shrine

Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 Full Days

Nearest City to : Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Jammu, Kargil, Leh

Best Time to Visit : April to June & October to December

Overview

Known as ‘Heaven on Earth,’ Srinagar is located in the Jammu & Kashmir union territory on the banks of the Jhelum River. Srinagar is known for the stationary houseboats and colorful Shikararas on Dal Lake, as picturesque as the most stunning painting ever to be painted. Sringar ‘s main draw, Shikaras gondola type boats are used by tourists to see attractions such as the Floating Vegetable Market, and the Mir Bahris – a vibrant community of people living on the lake itself.

Srinagar is home to some of India’s most magnificent Mughal-age gardens, with Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden among its top attractions. Kashmiri cuisine is popular throughout the globe, and when it comes to Srinagar, it’s a must to try the local dishes, which are rich in special fragrant spices. Srinagar is also famous for the Kashmiri shawls, Cashmiri apples and dried fruits (almonds and walnuts) that can be purchased from the Lal Chowk market.

Best time to Visit Srinagar

Srinagar has an enjoyable climate and thus travelers love to visit the city throughout the year. The best time to visit Srinagar however is between April and October. People can admire the real beauty of this city during this period as the whole valley gets covered with blossoms.

How to Reach Srinagar

By Road – Srinagar is only accessible via the Srinagar-Leh road from early May to mid-November, and from April to June via the Manali-Leh highway. The drive to Srinagar is renowned for its enchanting views and the strategic importance it attaches to being close to the Control Line (LOC).

By Train – There are no railway stations in Srinagar which operate. Jammu is the nearest railroad station, 290 kilometers away. The railway station at Jammu is well connected to the Indian railway system.

By Air – The International Airport of Srinagar is well connected to major cities in and outside India.