Call. +91 9596998678 Email. info@lakshmilodge.com
Book Now

Major Attractions

Tourism in Srinagar

Popular Attractions

The summer capital, Srinagar draws a large number of nature lovers, family vacationers, and honeymoon couples with its many attractions. The scenic Dal Lake, the well-designed Mughal Gardens, and the sacred shrine of Hazratbal are some of the top attractions in Srinagar.

Major Attractions in and around Srinagar

Srinagar is clearly the heart of the Kashmir Valley. With the Himalayan Mountain Range forming a picturesque backdrop, the sparkling Dal Lake, and the rows of colorful houseboats and shikaras on it, Srinagar offers its visitors a visual treat. Some of the top popular tourist attractions & things to do in Srinagar are Mughal Gardens, Hari Parbat, Chashme Shahi Garden, and Pari Mahal.

There are various pilgrimage centers in Srinagar that are quite popular among both locals and tourists. Prominent among them are Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine, Hari Parbat, Jama Masjid, and Kheer Bhawani Temple. Besides having a wonderful time visiting these attractions in Srinagar, tourists can also enjoy shopping at Lal Chowk, Residency Road, Badshah Chowk, and the floating market in Dal Lake.

Shankaracharya Temple

The Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar, located on top of the Shankaracharya Hill, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest shrines in Kashmir. Also known as Jyesteshwara Temple, the temple is named after the great philosopher Shankaracharya who is believed to have visited Srinagar about ten centuries ago. The Shiva Linga he worshipped is located in the temple.

It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya attained spiritual enlightenment at this place and it was after this enlightenment that he went out and formed the four Hindu schools of Advaita, or the philosophy of non-dualism. The Shankaracharya temple sits on a solid rock and is constructed on a high octagonal platform that is approachable by a flight of around 243 steps. The top of the temple affords a sweeping view of the valley below.

The Shankaracharya Temple is mostly visited by pilgrims and tourists on their way to Amarnath Yatra. 

Dal Lake

Known to be “The Jewel of Srinagar”, Dal Lake spreads across an area of around 26 square kilometers. Popular as one of the most spellbinding places to see in Srinagar, this hillside lake flaunts colorful Shikaras, traditional wooden houseboats, and floating markets. Tourists visiting Dal Lake love to take a ride in the beautiful Shikaras, which are basically wooden boats decorated beautifully with canopies overhead.

They also enjoy shopping for authentic Kashmiri items from the floating market or lake market. These markets lay amidst the lake and sell a number of items like saffron and handicrafts. The houseboats on Dal Lake feature floral motifs and intricate carvings and offer breathtaking sights of the majestic lake. These boats are equipped with single rooms and luxury suites and offer comfortable accommodation to the visitors. During the winter season, the visitors also enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake.

Nishat Bagh

Located near the Dal Lake, Nishant Bagh happens to be an enchanting twelve terraced garden, packed with green trees, scented flowers, and beautiful fountains. Known to be the 2nd biggest Mughal garden, this garden was constructed by Noor Jahan’s elder brother, Asif Khan, in the year 1633.

With the majestic Zabarwan Mountains forming its backdrop, Nishant Bagh makes for one of the most scenic places to visit in Srinagar and attracts a huge number of photographers and couples. Strolling in the garden, the visitors can also catch a panoramic view of the beautiful Dal Lake.

Tulip Garden

Opened to the public in the year 2007, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was built with the aim of improving floriculture as well as tourism in the area. The initiative proved to be a huge success and in the year 2017, this beautiful garden had its name among the world’s 5 best tulip gardens.

This garden is blessed to have even the rarest of rare tulip varieties, including the “Queen of the Night”. The main highlight of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the enchanting annual festival, which is held in Spring, between the months of March and May.

Nigeen Lake

Lying on the eastern part of Srinagar, Nigeen Lake is considered to be a part of the beautiful Dal Lake but is separated from it by a narrow causeway. Also referred to as “The Jewel in the Ring, the name of this lake is inspired by the plethora of tall trees that surround the deep blue water body.

Making for a rejuvenating getaway from the chaotic and monotonous life, this popular lake is considered to be one of the most amusing tourist places in Srinagar. Propelling thrill and fun-seekers of all age groups, this enticing destination is suitable for various water activities including swimming, sailing, and water skiing. Right on the lake’s bank, you can find the Nigeen club, which has a tea pavilion and a bar for visitors.

Royal Springs Golf Course

The most scenic Golf course in a natural environment is created against the dramatic backdrop of Zabarvan mountains at Chashma Shahi, the Royal Springs. These springs were the source of soft sweet water, prized by the Mughal emperor Jehangir, around which he built an exquisite walled garden-the Chashma Shahi.

The legendary garden overlooks the Golf course which contains four Royal springs. Golf at Royal springs, Srinagar is a truly transcending experience for the golfer and nature lover alike.

Zeashta Devi Shrine

Zeshta’s origin relates to an important event that took place during the churning of the great ocean Kshirasagra. Devtas and Asuras both desirous of attaining morality were yearning for getting the nectar from Ksirasagara. At the same time, they were conscious that this nectar would become available to them only if Lord Shiva, who is the holder and controller of Ksirasagara, permitted them to churn it. So both the parties, with great reverence, adored, the Lord.

Pleased with their adoration and devotion, Lord Shiva agreed with the condition that whatever substance came out there would be shared by both Devtas and Asuras equally. Unaware of the nature of the substance that would come out after the churning of the ocean, they gladly accepted the condition.

Chashme Shahi

Popular all over the world for its mesmerizing natural spring, Chashme Shahi happens to be a section of the famous Mughal Gardens of Srinagar. Commissioned by Shah Jahan as a dedication to his son, Dara Sikoh, this stunning garden was constructed back in 1632 by the emperor’s governor, Ali Mardan. According to popular beliefs, this place was first discovered by Rupa Bhawani, Kashmir’s renowned female saint. The name of the site is thus inspired by the clan to which the saint belonged, that is the Sahib clan of Kashmiri Pandits.

Chashme Shahi features a well-manicured triple-terraced garden, showcasing Persian-style architecture. A two-story hut has been positioned atop the garden’s top terrace and this structure is considered the source of origin of the natural spring.

Hari Parbat

Known popularly for its rich religious and historical significance, Hari Parbat is a magnificent mountain overlooking Srinagar city. Counted among the top religious places to visit in Srinagar, this mountainous site is home to a plethora of beautiful shrines that are dedicated to several deities. Hari Parbat shelters Sharika Devi Temple which worships Goddess Jagdamba. In addition to this Hindu temple, the mountain also houses a gurdwara and a mosque, showcasing secularism in this region.

One of the major attractions of Hari Parbat is the majestic Hari Parbat Fort, which was constructed back in the nineteenth century under the Durrani Empire. At the present time, this place is a popular tourist destination attracting mainly spiritual seekers, history fanatics, and peace lovers all through the year.

Zero Bridge

Crossing River Jhelum in a seemingly North-South direction, the beautiful Zero Bridge connects Sonwar on the northern end to Rajbagh on the southern end. This bridge was originally built in the 1950s under Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, who was the Prime Minister at that time. Though this bridge was earlier used for crossing the Jhelum river, vehicular movement was banned on the Zero Bridge in the 1980s to protect the weakening wooden structure.

Zero Bridge was initially referred to as “Zorr” Bridge due to the reason that the structure was constructed by a deaf architect and in Kashmiri, “Zorr” implies “deaf”. The bridge manifests an impressive design and is considered to be one of the oldest and best tourist places in Srinagar to get a sneak peek into the state’s glorious cultural heritage. Zero Bridge is dotted with several food courts and kiosks that serve authentic Kashmiri delicacies to visitors.

Pari Mahal

Perched above the mesmerizing Chashme Shahi Gardens, Pari Mahal happens to be one of the most historical places to visit in Srinagar. Known for its stunning 6 terraced gardens built atop Zabarwan Mountains, the place presents extraordinary scenic beauty. The gardens are very well-maintained and are filled with umpteen varieties of exotic trees and colorful flora.

We find some interesting information about Pari Mahal in the Book, written by Mr. Bharat Wakhlu.

Kheer Bhavani

Kheer Bhawani, Ksheer Bhawani or the Ragnya Devi temple[a] is a Hindu temple situated at a distance of 25 kilometers (16 mi) north-east of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, in the village of Tulmul in Ganderbal. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kheer Bhavani constructed over a sacred spring. As is the custom with Hindu deities, the goddess has many names including Ragyna or Rajna, along with variations in honorifics such as devi, mata, or bhagavati.

The term kheer refers to a milk and rice pudding that is offered to propitiate the goddess. Kheer Bhawani is sometimes translated as ‘Milk Goddess’. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir, most of them who worship her as their protective patron deity Kuladevi.

Roop Lanka

Also referred to as Rupa Lank, Roop Lanka happens to be a beautiful island of the pristine Dal Lake in Srinagar. This mesmerizing island has been named after the magnificent Chinar trees that have been positioned at its 4 corners. Built by the brother of emperor Aurangzeb, Murad Baksh, today, this island is considered among the most scenic places to see in Srinagar.

The tourists generally travel to this island with the help of the colorful Shikaras in Dal Lake.

Dachigam National Park

Perched at a lofty elevation of around 1700 to 4300 meters, Dachigam National Park is spread across 141 square kilometers. The name “Dachigam” means “ten villages” in Kashmiri and the name is assigned in the loving memory of the 10 villages, which had been relocated for creating land for the park.

Dachigam National Park is home to the endangered Kashmiri Stag or Hangul, which happens to be the only Red Deer species found in the whole country. Other animals that can be spotted in the park include Snow Leopard, Red Fox, Musk Deer, Himalayan weasel, long-tailed marmot, blue magpie trotter, and yellow-throated marten. In addition to wildlife exploration, the park also offers its visitors the chance to enjoy trekking.

Nehru Botanical Garden

Established in the year 1969 in the memory of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Nehru Garden is a beautiful botanical garden spread across a huge area of 80 hectares. Lying on the slope of the Zabarwan Mountain, this well-planned garden is maintained and administered by the Indian Forest Department.

The entire garden has been categorized into 4 segments, namely Sporting Garden, Research Section Garden, Centre of Plant Introduction, and Botanical Garden. Known to be home to more than 1.5 lakhs ornamental plants, the entire garden looks amazingly stunning with umpteen varieties of plant species. There is also a well-constructed greenhouse sheltering a plethora of beautiful orchids in the middle of the garden. Known to offer a stress-busting environment, Nehru Garden attracts peace seekers, nature lovers, photo fanatics, and fitness freaks.

Check Availabity

1 Room , 1 Adult , 0 Children
Rooms
Adults
Childrens