Paradise on Earth “Srinagar”
Srinagar, popularly known as “Heaven on Earth,” is located on the banks of the Jhelum River in the union state of Jammu & Kashmir. On Dal Lake, Srinagar is visited for its immobile houseboats and gondola-style rowboats known as Shikararas.
Shikaras are used by tourists to take a tour to sights such as the Floating Vegetable Market and the Mir Bahris, a vibrant community of people who live on the lake. There are many houseboats on the lake that offer a wonderful and unique stay experience. Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden are among India’s most beautiful Mughal-era gardens, with Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden being the most popular one.
Srinagar places to visit
Dal Lake
The Dal Lake, Srinagar’s jewel, is almost a visual definition of the town and is compulsory with a visit to Srinagar. It is Jammu & Kashmir’s second-largest lake, measuring 15 kilometers in length. While the colorful Shikaras (gondolas) glide around, the mirror-like Dal Lake reflects the snow-dusted peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains. Its main attractions are houseboats and Shikaras.
The floating market (known as Raad) on Srinagar’s Dal Lake is highly popular, with sellers having their own Shikaras approaching tourists with their most charming handicrafts, saffron, foodstuffs, and even ice-creams in tow. During the winter, ice skating on the frozen Dal Lake attracts most of the visitors.
Time required to visit the site- 2 to 3 hours
Shalimar Bagh
The largest of Srinagar’s three Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh is a beautifully put out Mughal garden (the other two being Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi). The Mughal emperor Jahangir created this beautiful attraction for his adored wife Nur Jahan in 1619, and it overlooks the Dal Lake’s glistening waters. It is now a public park and is also referred to as Srinagar’s “crown.”
The highlights here include the chini khanas, arched nooks set behind waterfalls, and the chinar trees. The phrase ‘Shalimar’ is a Sanskrit word that means ‘Abode of Love.’ It is also known as Faiz Baksh and Farah Baksh. Shalimar Garden is a lush oasis with well-kept plants and stunning architecture.
Timings to visit the site:
April to October 09:00am to 07:00pm
November to March 10:00am to 05:00pm
Time required to visit the site- 1 to 2 hours
Entry fees- Rs10
Shikara Rides
The soothing and unforgettable Shikara rides are the main reason why one should take a tour of Srinagar. Taking a boat ride across the picturesque Dal Lake, with the majestic slow-moving Himalayas in the background, is a memorable experience.
Shikara rides depart from Nehru Park and travel through Hazratbal, Nagin, Rainawari, and then return back.
Time required for the boat ride- 2 to 3 hours
Cost of Shikara Ride- Rs500 to 700 per hour
Nishat Bagh
Near Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake is located the Nishat Bagh, a 12-tiered park. Nishat Bagh is Kashmir’s second-largest Mughal garden, after Shalimar Bagh. It includes a magnificent Mughal center water channel with numerous fountains, which is bordered by tall Chinar trees and is known as the “Garden of Bliss.” Asif Khan, Nur Jehan’s older brother, developed and completed Nishat Bagh in 1633.
Timings to visit the site- 09:00am to 07:00pm
Time required to visit the site- 2 to 3 years
Entry fees- Rs10
Chashme Shahi
One of Srinagar’s three Mughal gardens is Chashme Shahi, which is located in the Zabarwan hill overlooking the Dal Lake. It was erected for Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s eldest son Dara Shikoh in 1632 AD by Ali Marda Khan on Shah Jahan’s orders and is also known as Chashma-i-Shahi. Rupa Bhawani is a well-known natural spring in Chashme Shahi Garden. It is open to the public from March to November.
The tiered environment of Chashme Shahi, which means “Royal Spring,” features walkways, colorful plants, and water ponds. The Mughal architecture is superb in the Chashme Shahi garden, which is influenced by Persian gardens.
Time required to visit the site- 1 to 2hours
Timings to visit the site- March- November (08:00 am to 07:15 pm)
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is Asia’s largest tulip garden, located in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range. It was once known as the Model Floriculture Center, and it currently overlooks the lovely Dal Lake. Roses, daffodils, hyacinths, and iris are among the 48 varieties of tulips at the Tulip Garden. The Tulip Festival, which is held here, is a highlight that attracts tourists from all over the world.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is separated into seven stages and is built on sloping soil. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir organizes the Tulip Festival, which takes place every year at the start of the spring season (between March and May).
Time required to visit the site- 1 to 2 hours
Timings to visit the site- 09:00am to 07:00pm
Entry fees- For Adults Rs50, For Children Rs25
Shankaracharya Temple
One of Kashmir’s oldest sanctuaries is the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on top of the Shankaracharya Hill. The temple, also known as Jyesteshwara Temple, is dedicated to Shankaracharya, a prominent philosopher who is supposed to have visited Srinagar some 10 centuries ago. The Shiva Linga, which he adored, may be found at the temple.
Timings to visit the site- 07:00am to 08:00pm
Time required to visit the site- 2 to 3 hours
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Where to stay in srinagar?
- Hotel Basera Residency
- R S Resort
- Fortune Heaven Resort
- Jamal Resorts
- Imperial Resorts
Do visit this fascinating site and make amazing memories!!!!!
Image Source: Google