Srinagar, the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is a place which dazzles anyone who sets their eyes upon it. Set within a picturesque location, Srinagar has got mesmerizing mountains and gardens, along with the highly famed Dal Lake. The climate of the region with its ever famous houseboats, make it the perfect location to unwind and relax. Let’s view some of the interesting locations to visit in Srinagar and the best time to carry out these activities.
Months | Conditions | Our Recommendation |
April to June | It’s the most famous time to visit, climate is lovely. The colourful festival of Tulip also takes place during April. | Popular Tourist Season |
October to March | The place is converted into a winter wonderland for all the snow lovers. Skiing is the most famous adventure sport during this time. | Ideal Time |
July to September | Monsoon is a little unfavourable time, most of the tourist avoid going to Srinagar. You will surely get some good deals and discounts as this being an off season. | Off Season |
March to June
The summer is when the region can be seen fully flourishing. With temperatures averaging 20 degrees during this time of the year, the tourist activity sees a surge. The famed Tulip festival is conducted during this time when the flowers are in full bloom. Moreover, the summer festivals of Baisakhi and Khir Bhawani are celebrated in a colourful and joyous manner to welcome the harvest of the year, making it a good time to know about the local culture and traditions of the place.
September to November
The region experiences scanty rainfall due to its demographic setting. The golden hue of the fall season, with the trees shedding their leaves is a sight to behold indeed! The houseboats and lakes have scenic vistas which attract visitors who keep visiting Srinagar during monsoon season.
December to March
The coldness in this region transforms it completely into a frozen zone. The snow-capped mountains, and the frozen waters deliver a chilling environment which makes it suitable for any snow related activity. The frozen Dal Lake is even used as a ground for the cricket matches which take place. Skiing is a popular sport during winter times, with enthusiastic competitions being conducted on the slopes of Gulmarg.
How to Reach
Srinagar is reachable by air through the international Srinagar Airport. There are regular flights to main cities like Delhi, Mumbai etc. which provide a good networking to various others parts of the country. The winters can experience flight cancellations due to extreme weather conditions with air travel not being advisable during this time of the year. Srinagar is easily accessible by road, with state buses being operational at low costs all around the year. The nearest railway stations are the Jammu Tawi, which is situated at a distance of 300 kilometers away from Srinagar.
Places to Visit
- Dal Lake
Known as ‘Srinagar’s Jewel’, this breathtaking spectacle amidst the majestic Himalayas, provide a perfect vista to the visitors. This region is a hub of many activities like angling, canoeing, boating etc. A visit to the Lake is incomplete without staying and experiencing the houseboats which daintily float in the waters.
- Shankaracharya Temple
A revered Hindu pilgrim site, this temple was built for Lord Shiva atop the Gopadari Hill. The spectacular architectural design of the place is another reason to fall in love with it. It is visited in good numbers by pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra.
- Mughal Gardens
Located near the Dal Lake, the Mughal Gardens is a collection of three gardens namely the Nishat Garden, Shalimar Bagh and the Chashme Shahi Garden. Constructed by the Mughal Empire in the Persian architectural style, these gardens have magnificent sublimity which cannot be replicated elsewhere.
- Sri Pratap Singh Museum
This museum is the place to visit in order to learn about the culture and ethnicity of the region. Once the palace of the rulers of Kashmir, this place houses a variety of artifacts like guns, swords, textile materials, artistic paintings etc. There are also many stuffed animals to look into in the museum.
- Nigeen Lake
Situated near the Dal Lake, the pristine water body, with its collection of trees like willow and poplar, is a popular tourist attraction. The stupendous view in the region and the deeper waters allow for an enjoyable swimming session.
Srinagar is a glorious place with mind-blowing beauty, which easily makes it the perfect heavenly dreamland to visit and enjoy.