1: Dal Lake

Dal Lake is one of the Best Places to visit in Srinagar. Dal Lake is always ready to take tourists on a romantic and peaceful ride of the lake. The sparkling quiet water of Dal Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains on its three sides. A houseboat is a boat that is designed to be used primarily as a human as well as home well accommodation. It is also the second wide lake in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. One of the most attractive lakes in India. Houseboats form an indelible part of the scenery of Dal Lake. A houseboat is a boat that has been designed in the Kashmir style and usually primarily as a home. Tourists can also enjoy shopping on the houseboat. Houseboats are made in cedar wood which stays healthy even after staying for years in the water. A houseboat in Srinagar is much similar to a hotel. A houseboat is an alternative name called a floating boat. The average depth of the lake is 4.7 ft and the max depth of the lake is 20. sq ft. The two most important islands are Dal Lake Sona Lake and Rupa Lake. Many types of boats in Dal Lake Shikara boat, Gondola boat. In Dal Lake, see the Lotus flower and lily flower.

Best time to visit: May to Nov
Ideal duration: 5 and 7 day
Places to visit around Dal Lake: Nishat Garden.Chashme Shahi.Shalimar Bagh.

2: Gulmarg

Best Places to Visit in Srinagar

Srinagar is in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River. It was the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar was made the capital during the rule of Yusuf Shah Chak.  

In the history of the city, it was ruled by the Mauryan Empire till around the 14th century and it was emperor Ashoka, who introduced Buddhism to the valley of Kashmir. After the 14th century, the city came under Mughal rule and then it was ruled by the Muslim kings.

It is one of the famous and well-known places for its natural environment, houseboats, waterfronts and gardens.

Srinagar has lakes, deep valleys, Rivers, grassy meadows and snow-capped mountains.

You must have to visit Srinagar once.

Best Time To Visit Srinagar:-

From April to October, the weather is perfect for sightseeing so we can say that the best time to visit Srinagar is from April to October.

Whether you can choose to visit Srinagar in autumn, summer or winter.

Best Places To Visit In Srinagar:-

1. Dal Lake

Picture:- Dal Lake, one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Shikara ride at dal lake is a must-do activity and visiting char chinar kabootar Khana in dal lake is more peaceful.

Dal Lake is the second-largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir. The beautiful view of Dal Lake can be enjoyed from the main road. It is one of the best and most charming lakes in Kashmir valley. Srinagar is also known as the “Srinagar`s Jewel”  or “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”.

If you come to srinagar you must have to visit Dal Lake because its beauty includes it in the list of one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

The best time to visit Dal Lake is from May to November as the climate is pleasant and cool.

2. Sonmarg

Picture:- Sonmarg, one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Sonmarg is a tourist destination that lies in the Ganderbal district, towards the outskirts of Srinagar.

Sonmarg is known to have a lot of significance in the old times, because it was the gateway of the silk road, which connects Kashmir and China, and also a great base camp for Ladakh.

Sonmarg’s major attractions are the Thajiwas Glacier and lush green meadows and the gurgling Sindhu River.

The Greenery of Sonmarg attracts nature lovers from far and wide so it also comes in the list of one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Sonmarg is a year-round destination but the best time to visit Sonmarg is April to June.

3. Pari Mahal

Picture:- Pari Mahal, one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Pari Mahal is a historic monument placed above the beautiful Chashma Shahi Gardens near Srinagar and also known as the “House of fairies”.

It is a terraced garden, situated to the southwest of Dal Lake.

4. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Picture:- Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is situated in the Zabarwan Hills near Dal Lake.

It is one of the current additions to the multitude of tourist attractions in Srinagar.

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar holds South Asia’s largest Tulip Festival in April – May near Dal Lake that’s why it is also one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

The best time to visit Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is between March to April.

5. Dachigam National Park

Picture:- Dachigam National Park, one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Dachigam National Park situated 22km from the main town of Srinagar, The Park is known for housing the rare Kashmir stag which is the only species of red deer in India.

In Kashmiri language, Dachigam means ten, and the park name was kept to honour those 10 villages which had to relocate to establish the wildlife sanctuary so it was known as Dachigam National Park.

Dachigam National Park is a wildlife and environment conventional area.

Dachigam national park is open throughout the year but the best time to visit is between April and August.

6. Char Chinar

Picture:- Char Chinar, one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Char Chinar known as Char Chinari (that means four sides), Rupa Lank, and Ropa Lank is a mesmerising island that is situated in the middle of Dal Lake and is covered with Chinar trees. Char Chinar was constructed by Murad Baksh, the brother of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Beauty of these Chinar trees attracts people and we can say that it is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

7. Thajiwas glacier

Picture:- Thajiwas Glacier, one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Snow masked Thajiwas glacier is one of the most enchanting tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at a distance of 3 km from Sonamarg and can easily be reached on foot in about half an hour. You can also hire cabs to reach the glacier. You can get a cab from the Sonmarg Taxi Stand which should cost you around 3500 – 5500.

The best time to visit the Thajiwas glacier is from April to October because in between this period the climate is cool and pleasant and also great for enjoying various kinds of activities.

8. Pathar Mosque

Picture:- Pathar Mosque, is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Pathar Masjid is an aged mosque that lies along the banks of the Jhelum River in Nowhatta. It was built by Mughal Empress Noor Jehan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, and was built with locally available grey limestone.

This monument is historical and one of the iconic Masjid of Srinagar city. It also comes under the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) Srinagar circle.

9. Shankaracharya Temple

Picture:- Shankaracharya Temple, is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

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.

It is a place where many Bollywood shootings like “Mission Kashmir” and “Pukar” shooted. The very famous song “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” has also been filmed here.

One of the archaeological sites of ancient Kashmir is the well-known Shankaracharya Hill and the temple situated on top of it.

10. Gulmarg

Picture:- Gulmarg, one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

In Kashmiri language it is known as Gulmarag.

It is a popular skiing destination and hill station of Jammu and Kashmir.

Gulmarg is a well known place for skiing scenes in India.

This is located on the Pir Panjal Range, Which is part of the Western Himalayas.

For the snowfall lovers the best time to visit in Gulmarg is January and February.

11. Pahalgam

Picture:- Pahalgam, one of the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Pahalgam is a famous and well known place for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the beautiful Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. It provides a perfect setting for activities like hiking, trekking, and fishing. Pahalgam is also the starting point of the yearly pilgrimage to the divine cave of Amarnath.

Best time to visit Pahalgam is surely during the months of July to October when the entire Pahalgam is covered in a cascade of flowers.

Some of the offbeat places in Kashmir:-

• Daksum

Daksum valley is located in the Bhringi River. Daksum has Mountains for adventure lovers, picnics and bliss for family and friends. Daksum is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar and also an offbeat place in Kashmir.

Here the tourists can feel the beauty of natural springs and the lifestyle of traditional villages. Daksum is the perfect place for camping and trekking. Here you can enjoy the fishing but for that, you have to take permission from the J&K forest department.

Best time to visit Daksum:-

Summer is the best season to visit Daksum valley because at that time you can enjoy all the activities like trekking, fishing and camping. 

Nearby Attractions :-

• Achabal
• Martand Sun Temple
• Pahalgam golf course
• Aru Valley

How to visit Daksum:-

By Road- From Srinagar, by road, you can easily reach the Daksum valley.

By Train- Srinagar Railhead and Jammu Tawi Railhead are the best options if you wanna travel by train.

By Air- Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport and cabs are easily available from there.

Warwan Valley

Warwan valley lies 150km from Srinagar which is the capital of jammu and Kashmir. 

It was located in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

It is a blissful destination to tune into the rhythm of Mother Nature away from the hustle and bustle of city life and warwan is the place where you can find the peace so it is one of the offbeat place in Kashmir.

The villages of warwan valley give a picture perfect setting.

Best Time To Visit Warwan valley:-

June to October is the best time to visit Warwan valley because it is not accessible to tourists all the time so it’s better that you have to arrive only in accessible months.

Nearby Attractions:-

• Sora Sar Lake
• Marian Top
• Tulian Lake

Watlab

Watlab in Kashmir is famous for Hilltop Muslim Shrines, which was built in the memory of Baba Shukurddin.

It was situated on the Sopore Bandipora road which is 56km from Srinagar.

Watlab is one of the best places to visit and also comes under the offbeat places in Srinagar.

A trip to Watlab is a must for you if you wanna experience the real Kashmir.

Best Time to visit Watlab:-

If you plan for a holiday or travel to Watlab then May and June is the best month as the temperature is normal in these months there.

Nearby Attractions:-

• Wular Lake
• Gangabal Lake
• Apharwat Peak
• Gadsar Lake 

Lolab Valley

Lolab valley is a Himalayan valley located in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India and it is known as the Land of Love and Beauty.

It was named after Maharaja LOLO, known for its lush green forests and pastures.

It was included in the list of one of the most beautiful valleys in Kashmir.

Lolab valley is the top camping site in Kashmir. It is famous for its dense pine forests, Nature Beauty and bubbling springs.

Best time to visit Lolab Valley:-

The summer season is the best time to visit Lolab valley because this period’s temperature remains optimum and the atmosphere is cool.

Nearby Attractions:-

• Kalaroos caves
• Alpather Lake
• Krishnasar Lake

 Tulail Valley

Tulail valley is one of the most beautiful places in Jammu and Kashmir. You can have a wonderful time here.

Trail valley lies 200 km from Srinagar( the capital of Jammu and Kashmir) and 120 km northeast of Bandipora, and immediately east of the Gurez valley.

Trail valley is known as the Real Heaven on the Paradise Kashmir. It lies on the bank of the Kishanganga river.

Best Time to visit Tulail valley:-

From mid-December to March, Gurez remains cutoff in winters so the perfect time to visit Gurez is between May to October.

It’s typically a 4-5 hours journey from Bandipora and 6-7 hours from Srinagar.

Nearby Attractions:-

• Vishansar Lake
• Satsar Lake
• And Kol
• Hanna khatoon Mountain 

Bhaderwah

Bhaderwah valley is a tehsil and sub-division in the district Doda of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a beautiful valley situated at a distance of 205 km from Jammu to North at a height of 5000 ft. above sea level.

Bhaderwah is also known as “Nagon ki bhoomi”  or “the land of snakes”. It is home to a variety of different species of snakes.

Its scenic beauty is awesome which attracts people and the cause of attraction was its pleasant climate, peaceful atmosphere, fruits, milk, grains and vegetables etc.

It is also famous for its hospitality, communal harmony, civilization, culture and Bhaderwahi language.

The speciality of Bhaderwahi language is that it begins with the word “Ji” and also ends with the word “Ji”.

It is well known for “Rajmash, Phulan and Dal Mash”.

There is variety of Mushrooms grow in the forests of Bhaderwah like “Kishoror(Ferns), Kundi and Guchhi(Marshale)”.

Best time to visit Bhaderwah:-

Best time to visit bhaderwah would be April to July.

Nearby Attractions:-

• Bhaderwah Fort
• Nalthi village
• Soej Meadow
• Chatargalla Pass
• Jail valley
• Lake view resort, Gatha
• Vasuki Nag Mandir
• Padri Meadow

Bangus Valley

Bangus is situated 74 km away from Srinagar and it lies at an altitude of 10,000 ft. above the sea level.

It is locally known as “Bod Bangus”.

Bangus valley situated in the North area of Kupwara District, in Jammu and Kashmir Is situated in the North area of Kupwara District, in Jammu and Kashmir.

Best time to visit Bangus valley:-

You can visit Bangus valley throughout the year but the best time is from April to September.

Nearby Attractions:-

• Sadhna pass
• Saadna top
• Nigeen Lake
• Ziyarat Baba Abdullah Reishi

3: Nigeen Lake

Nigeen Lake is one of the tourist places in Srinagar. Nigeen Lake is one of the Best Places to visit in SrinagarNigeen Lake is always ready to take tourists on a romantic and peaceful ride of the lake. Nigeen Lake is nearby a large number of willow and poplar trees. Nigeen lake also spelt as Nigin lake is a popular tourist place to visit in Srinagar. Tourists can make the most of their visit to Nigeen lake by enjoying a shikhara ride and enjoying their holidays in Srinagar. Shikaras rides and a houseboat stays. Amazing views of sunset and sunrise. March to November is the best time to visit Nigeen Lake since the weather remains enjoyable during this month. If you want to stay in a quiet atmosphere and cool nature Nigeen is better. The Nigeen club lies in the eastern coastal region of the lake providing facilities such as saunas, a gym, and a coffee shop. Tourists looking for a bit more adventure can also try swimming in the Lake for a once in a lifetime experience.
Best time to visit: March to Nov
Ideal duration: 5 and 6 days

4: Pahalgam

Pahalgam is famous for its scientific beauty and is the jewel of the picturesque valley in the high Himalayas. Pahalgam is the Best Places to visit in Srinagar. Located 95km from Srinagar at a height of 7200 is a famous hill station in Jammu and Kashmir. Pahalgam is surrounded by Lidder Lake and Betaab valley, Pahalgam is the place you visit to experience clear water rivers. The best time to visit Pahalgam is Probably from July to October. It is covered in a cascade of flowers. There are about 66 villages in the Pahalgam tehsil. The name Pahalgam is derived from two Kashmiri words Puheyl and Goma. Puheyl means Shepherd and Goma mean village. Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2,130. Lidder River flower through the town is beautiful.

Best time to visit: March to Nov
Ideal duration: 4 and 6 days

Nearby attractions Places in Pahalgam

ARU VALLEY

The Aru valley is noted for its scenic meadows. It is popular among tourists for its peaceful environment and scenic beauty. The village is a base camp for trekkers to the Kolahoi Glacier, the Tarsar-Marsar lakes, and the Katrinag valley. The last scenic village of the Lidder Valley, Aru is the central point for most of the treks in Pahalgam, especially the trek to the Kolahoi glacier, situated at an altitude of 18,000 feet. The drive up to Aru is scenic as well and a great opportunity to test one’s photography skills.

BALTAL VALLEY

Baltal is a camping ground for pilgrims, 75 km from Ganderbal town in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India and 93 km from capital city Srinagar and 15 km north of Sonamarg on the Sind River at the base of Zojila pass. Baltal Valley can be easily reached from Sonmarg and Pahalgam. Baltal Valley is a famous base campsite for pilgrims going to the Amarnath Cave.

AMARNATH CAVE

At Panjtarni, Shiva left behind the five elements – Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Shiva performed the Tandava Dance. The cave is a holy place for Hindu pilgrims, because of its ice content. The ice pillar present inside the cave is also called ice Lingham, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Two smaller ice stalagmites represent Parvati, his wife, and Ganesha, his son. The Amarnath cave, the main tourist attraction of the Yatra- located 3,888 m above sea level was chosen by Hindu Deity Shiva when he decided to tell Parvati the secret of his Amar Katha.

5: Yusmarg

Considered by some as the best place in Jammu and Kashmir, primarily because of its undisturbed landscape, a less often but charming hill station, Yusmarg is now connected by a very good motorable road. With the government working on its roads and connectivity, Yusmarg too will soon become a tourist CenterPoint. At the moment, for those who enjoy trekking long distances and in faraway areas, Yusmarg has forests with maple trees in them. Overall, Yusmarg is a beautiful place and can be called a little hill stationed as one of the most romantic places in the state. At a distance of 47 km from Srinagar, it can also be called Switzerland or at least something close to it. It’s the silent place out of all tourist destinations in Kashmir and is also an amazing trek spot. Trek fans would love it here. If you want to enjoy some greenery and peace. Nilnag lake and Doodh Ganga can be visited while at Yusmarg. These are about an hour or two away from the town. Apart from that, the town is decorated with a wide background and lush green fields.
Best time to visit: May to September for Summers and November to February for winters are the best times to be in Yusmarg.
Ideal duration : 3 and 4 days
Activities At Yusmarg: Trekking and Hiking are popular activities in the area.

6: Tulip Festival in Srinagar

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar holds South Asia’s largest Tulip Festival in April – May near Dal Lake. It is close to the foothills of Zabarwan Range in Srinagar which provides the impressiveness of the Dal Lake. One of the most popular festivals of Kashmir, the Tulip Festival celebrates the blooming season of the lovely Tulips that decorate the garden. Named after the former Prime Minister of India, Late Indira Gandhi, this is where the beautiful dream of viewing a thousand tulips at once comes to life. The festival is celebrated in the garden every year, at the opening of spring, to promote growth and tourism in Kashmir and of course for the visitor’s joyfulness. Tulip Festival is an annual celebration that aims to display the range of flowers in the garden as a part of tourism efforts by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It is put in order during the onset of the spring season in the Kashmir valley. Tulip balls are classified as early and mid-season tulips. Flowering times will depend on your Places and the weather but, as a rule, early tulips will flower from March to April and mid-season types will increase the blooming period later into spring.
Best time to visit: March to Nov
Ideal duration:4 and 6 days

7: Paragliding

Paragliding is one of the most exciting activities that you can experience in Srinagar. Most adventure clubs let you experience the thrills of paragliding. Besides giving you a major adrenaline rush, it also lets you have a gorgeous bird’s eye view of the valley below. Paragliding is one of the most exciting activities that you can experience in Srinagar. Most adventure clubs let you experience the thrills of paragliding. Besides giving you a major adrenaline rush, it also lets you have a gorgeous bird’s eye view of the valley below.

Key Spots for Paragliding in Srinagar

Ashtanmarg is a popular paragliding spot in Srinagar. This small and beautiful town is located on the outskirts of Srinagar. The city does not site many paragliding spots within its boundaries as opposed to around. Some of the top paragliding points close to Srinagar include Aru village in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Harwan Garden.

Best Time to Go Paragliding in Srinagar

Summers in Srinagar are between April and September, thus making May and June a great time to go paragliding. There is just about a little rainfall and almost no snowfall during this time. September and October are also quite conducive to carrying out this adventure sport in Srinagar. The outdoor temperature is warm, and there is little to no rainfall during these months.

Paragliding Cost in Srinagar

The prices depend on the area and the season. A typical paragliding cost in Ashtanmarg between May and November would approximately be INR 2700.