The summer capital of the J & K ‘Paradise on Earth’ attracts a huge number of tourists all through the year. It is surrounded by various Mughal gardens and several picturesque lakes apart from abundant nature. It is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is not just a mesmerizing sight but there are also several interesting things to do in Srinagar like a houseboat ride, Shikara ride, wildlife sanctuary, walk-in flower gardens, etc. Nestled in the valley of Kashmir, there are also historical museums to find antiques, and things as old as Neolithic and Megalithic eras.
Sightseeing places include historical monuments, mosques, and temples. The cuisine is also unique and yummy which you definitely must taste. It is situated on the scenic streams of the popular river with the Great Himalayas in the backdrop. The word ‘Sri’ means wealth and so the place means wealthy place. You can say that Srinagar is the fine gem in the crown of Kashmir.
History of Srinagar
The history of this great city goes back to 1182 BCE the name of Srinagar founded by King Ashoka. Later, King Pravaresana II made the city the capital for his rule during the sixth century CE and these are based on topographical findings. However, he called it Pravaresana. Moreover, the era of Neolithic and Megalithic shows in the findings about culture and this was at the Burzahom archaeological site. Until the Mughals entered in the late fourteenth century the region was under the rule of Buddhist and Hindu empires. Later, one of the last big Mughal emperors namely Aurangzeb died in the year 1707. After this, the Pushtun tribes filled the valley and till several decades there was the rule of the Durrani empire. However, in the early 1800s, Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed the place even signing a Treaty with the British. Then Gulab Singh was officially announced as the ruler of the region until India’s Independence Day.
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Culture of Srinagar
Srinagar has a rich cultural heritage, especially with influences from various places and regions. The culture of Srinagar comes from the mix of different rules, and regions, and is showcased in the art and craft, folk music and dance, cuisine, handloom production and handicrafts, dry fruits and spices, flower gardens and fruit orchids, etc. There are some staple foods such as lotus root, fish, rice chicken, and spinach. Their quality of saffron is one of the best in the world and is popular all over the world. The culturally skilled people also are popular traditionally for the beautiful Pashmina Shawls and Kashmiri embroidery. One of the most fascinating silks and honey in the whole world is found in Srinagar. They are also famous for the elaborate work on rugs, and carpets that are sold all over the country. This embroidery is found in many designer dresses and is sold as a specialty. This alone attracts a lot of visitors and tourists to shop here.
The people of Srinagar celebrate festivals like Kheer Bhawani Festival, Urs Festival, and Tulip Festival that are exclusive to this region apart from the famous religious festivals like Ramzan, Eid, etc. Another thing that Srinagar is culturally rich is the Sufi form of music. It helps spread spirituality and soul-satisfying music. There are also amazing dance forms especially the Roug and Hafiz Nagma styles.
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Best Time To Visit
Srinagar has some of the loveliest climate in the entire country. So, even summers are pleasant and autumns are splendid with great sights of lakes, valleys, meadows and flowers. However, if you would like to tour Srinagar for the gardens then it is best to visit Srinagar between April to October months. The climate is on the low side ranging from 14 °C to 28 °C which makes it the most pleasant climate to travel to this beautiful city. The lakes are filled with the flowers gathered especially on the Dal Lake or for the Shikara Rides. There is also a cultural festival celebrated during this time known as the Kheer Bhawani Festival. So, if you be here between these months you can also get to experience all of this celebration.
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How To Reach
The beautiful city of Srinagar has its own airport. The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport. Presently this is only having domestic flights to various parts of the country except for one Air India to Jeddah which is the international line. Also known as Sheikh ul Alam Airport the flights connect to Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, Chandigarh, and Jammu. The airlines include GoAir, Vistara, Air India, Jet Airways, SpiceJet and IndiGo. The most convenient airport would be New Delhi International Airport from where you can fly to Srinagar. The airport is only 11 kilometers from the main city. The nearest railway station is at Jammu which is less than 300 kilometers away. From the railway station or airport, travel to Srinagar by taxi or local bus.
Intercity buses ply to various cities from Srinagar.
Note: It would be good to know that as this is a snow-bound area in the winter months, there is a blanket of thick snow and air is covered by fog and there is very low visibility. Srinagar also receives a heavy snowfall during winter months. Hence, there can be more flight delays or changes in flight schedules. So, depending on the climatic conditions please plan the trip carefully and research the weather forecast.
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- Spot Wildlife Dachigam National Park: Best place to spot diverse species of Himalayas flora and fauna including Kashmir Stag, Red Deer, Hill Fox, Himalayan Weasel, and many birds. It is located 22 km from Srinagar.
- Bird Watching at Hokersar: Migratory birds including Eurasian Wigeon, Brahminy Duck, Mallard, Garganey, etc. especially during winter months in these wetlands.
- Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: View the picturesque mountains in the backdrop from these decked-up boats with flowers, and colors while taking a ride on beautiful Dal Lake.
- Skiing in Mt. Mahadev: It is part of the Zaberwan mountain range and local tours and adventure clubs organize ski and snowboarding at an elevation of 3966 meters in the Srinagar district.
- Visit Apple Orchards: Most of the apples are sent out to various parts of the country and distinct types of fresh apples are found here.
What To Eat & Where to Eat
Arabian Barbecue
Cafe de Linz
Stream Restaurant
Shamiana Restaurant
The Chinar, Lalit Grand Palace
Jade Dragon, Vivanta by Taj
What To Shop for in Srinagar
Dry Fruits, berries and Spices
Antique Silver Jewelry
Pashmina Shaws & Wool
Rugs & Carpets
Papier Mache Items
Top Attractions in Srinagar
- Chashme Shahi: This beautiful Mughal Garden dating back to 1632 transforms into the Royal Spring that gives a panoramic view of the Dal Lake, situated in the Zabarwarwan mountain ranges.
- Pari Mahal: Within 2 2-kilometer distance is the garden where Dara Shikoh read astrology and also died when his brother Aurangzeb killed him. It was a gift from Emperor Shah Jehan for his son.
- Gulab Bhawan: This elaborate rose garden is presently a hotel Lalit Grand Palace and also an open-air hotel underneath the huge Chinar trees providing a great view of Dal Lake.
- Boulevard Road market: It runs through the bustling street market and the Dal Lake on the other side providing views of mountains, water, houseboats, etc.
- Hazratbal Shrine: This Muslim shrine is located on the western bank of Dal Lake founded by Inayat Begum. It was built in the mid-1600s and provides a splendid view of the waters.
- Lakes of Srinagar: Dal Lake needs no introduction and is the joining point of 3 different lakes. You can see the offshoot lakes such as Nageen Lake and hiking is popular at Manasbal Lake.
- Shalimar Bagh: This is one of the oldest and most beautiful gardens meaning ‘Abode of Love’. It is built during the Pravasena II empire, the founder of Srinagar city.
- Crocus Sativus fields: This is an amazing place to visit as Saffron is a fine spice that grows exclusively in a few places and is said to have several medicinal properties.
- Dal Lake: Popularly called ‘Jewel in the crown of Kashmir’, the fascinating length and breadth of this lake will surprise you. Most of the tourist attractions of Srinagar help you see the lake.
- Shankaracharya Hill: This is a very high point that gives an amazing view of the surrounding place but there are many security restrictions and you cannot take a phone or camera there.
Srinagar Fairs & Festivals
- Kheer Bhawani Festival: It is celebrated in the town of Tulla Mulla at the Kheer Bhawani Temple of Goddess Ragnya Devi.
- Ziarat: Also known as Urs it is held at Saints’ tombs on their specific death anniversary and they don’t eat meat on this day.
- Baisakhi: This harvest festival is the remembrance of the foundation of Khalasa Panth observed by the Sikh communities.
- Lohri: The annual celebration falls on January 13th and people light a bonfire and guys perform Chajja, a special dance.
- Navroz: The Shia Muslims celebrate this in March / April and cook delicacies, visit each other, etc.
- Naureh Mavas: Observed in the northern suburbs of Srinagar, Vichar Nag, it is a gathering held on 15th day of fortnight of Chaitra Month.
- Gurez: It is a gathering to traditional folk dance and music performances by Gurez people held in July.
- Tulip Festival: The annual fair that is held this year from April 1st, 2020 to April 30, 2020 at Indra Gandhi Tulip Memorial. Timings: 10.30 am to 6.30 pm Location: Cheshma Shahi Road, Rainawari, Srinagar, J & K.
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Off-Beat Things To Do in Srinagar
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Srinagar is a place that has given inspiration to many – painters, poets, historians, and tourists. These are 5 off-beat things to do when you visit Srinagar.
A trip to Srinagar is incomplete without tasting the delicacies like Rogan Josh, Goshtabda, Yakhni, Rishta, Kababs, Tabak Maz, Lotus, Kanti, Burek, Hakh, Wazwan, Kahwa tea, Kashmiri Macchi, Danival Korme, Dum Aloo, Kashmiri Pulao, Chaman, Kanti, Sheermal, Nuts Naan, and Bagerkhani. Here are the top hotels in Srinagar.
Best Dish: Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka, and Kebabs
Cost For Two: INR 649
Timings: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Location: Main Road Bemina, Near Degree College, Srinagar, J & K
Best Dish: Gushtaba, Kashmiri Pulao, Seekh Kebab, and Tabak Maaz
Cost For Two: INR 400
Timings: 12 Noon to 10.30 PM
Location: Residency Road, Srinagar, J & K
Best Dish: Naan, Malai Kofta, and Chicken
Cost For Two: INR 800
Timings: 12 Noon to 11 PM
Location: Boulevard Road Dalgate, Srinagar J & K
Best Dish: Rogan Josh, Kebabs, and Gustaba
Cost For Two: INR 800
Timings: 12 Noon to 11 PM
Location: Boulevard Road Dalgate Opposite Ghat No. 2, Srinagar, J & K
Best Dish: Chicken cooked with Apricots, and Malai Tikka
Cost For Two: INR 1500
Timings: 12:30 PM to 3 PM, and 7:30 PM to 11 PM
Location: Gupkar Road, Srinagar J & K
Best Dish: Dimsums, and Lamb Fried Rice
Cost For Two: INR 1800
Timings: 12:30 PM to 3 PM, and 7:30 PM to 11 PM
Location: Kral Sangri, Brein, Srinagar, J & K.
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This is surely a great place to enjoy a quiet holiday or an adventurous activity but you can also go for shopping in Srinagar. However, before you shop till you drop you must know what to buy there. Some of the best places to buy is at the Kashmir Government Art Emporium for exquisite Kashmiri art & craft.
There are special Kagzi walnuts and burzil walnuts and also the wont walnuts found here at reasonable prices. However check out for various dry fruits and heavenly spices that are ample here such as figs, maize, apricots, pistachios, cranberries, and blueberries.
There are heaps of such silver and metal jewelry found here. Search for silverware with ornate carvings and items that you may not get anywhere else to decorate your homes as showpieces.
Kashmir is famous for these woolens but these days it is a very expensive affair with prices going upward from Rs. 10,000/-. It is made from mountain goat wool and gives back in value of the piece.
Heavily embroidered carpets are famous to buy here and the rugs are excessively warm. Some extravagant creations are made from pure silk and you can purchase one of such unique things.
These products are a bit more reasonable in price and you can choose a size that is easy to carry home from vases to figurines, a souvenir to keep memories.
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Several awe-inspiring attractions in Srinagar will mesmerize you and send a vibe of old-world charm. Here are the top attractions in Srinagar.
In addition to the common festivals that are celebrated around the nation, these are some important festivals specifically celebrated in Srinagar.
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