Top 15 Places To Visit In Srinagar In 2023

Kashmir, the mighty king of the north, embraces the best of lush pastures, tall mountains, dancing rivers, and oozing energy in the air. The country takes pride in the fact that it is home to nearly 12 million people. There are heavenly places to visit in Srinagar, idyllic and hidden in the valley's quiet, waiting to hear your footsteps soon after the winter snow melts and nature flourishes under the shining sun once more.

1. Dal Lake

Dal Lake is the main attraction in Srinagar, so it deserves to be at the top of the list of tourist attractions in Srinagar. The best view of Dal Lake is from the boulevard road. It is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in Kashmir Valley, surrounded on three sides by Zabarban hills and embraced by numerous gardens and orchids as well as its outer rings.
This tranquil lake is affectionately known as the "Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir" and Srinagar's Jewel; every tourist who has visited Kashmir has visited this lake. It is the state's second-largest lake and a source of commercial functions in fishery and water plant harvesting.

2. Shankaracharya Temple

Srinagar's Shankaracharya Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on the top of Shankaracharya Hill at a height of approximately 1852 m above sea level. Other names for this temple include Jyesteshwara Temple and Pas-Pahar. The temple was named after the saint Shankaracharya, who came to the valley around the 10th century to spread his Vedic philosophy. He was well-known for popularising Lord Shiva's worship in Kashmir.

3. Mughal Gardens

Mughal Gardens include gardens such as Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, Chashme Shahi, and Pari Mahal. All of these gardens were built during the Mughal era in the Persian architectural style known as Mughal Gardens. Thousands of visitors come to Srinagar each year to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Mughal Gardens. A stroll through the gardens captures the essence of natural beauty. Mughal Gardens included canals and fountains within the park. Their style is based on the Koranic concepts of paradise, which is evident in their layouts.

4. Nigeen Lake

Nigeen Lake is located on the city's eastern outskirts, at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains. The Nigeen Lake is an offshoot of the Dal Lake, despite being thought of as a separate lake. They are separated by narrow causeways that only allow bikers and walkers; it also carries the water supply pipeline to Srinagar. The water in this lake is so clear that you can see the reflections of the edging trees and hills of Shankaracharya (Takht-e-Suleiman) on the south and Hari Parbat on the west. Willow and poplar trees dominate the surrounding forest. Nigeen Lake's water is suitable for swimming, and fiberglass boats are available. 

5. Jawahralal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden

In 1969, it was built in memory of the well-known Jawaharlal Nehru. The garden is densely forested with a wide variety of trees and shrubs, and the colorful and exotic flowers add to its allure. It is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range and provides visitors with an unforgettable experience. This garden, like Mughal Gardens, is surrounded by the magnificent Dal Lake, which adds to its allure. The forest department has made a point of maintaining the garden. When you get to the Botanical Garden, you'll notice four more sections: the sporting garden, the research section garden, the botanical garden, and the plant introduction center. You can enjoy the boat ride while admiring the garden's diverse flora.

6. Manasbal Lake

Manasbal Lake, located about 20 kilometers north of Srinagar, is the deepest lake in the Kashmir Valley. The lake's name refers to the sacred lake of Mansarovar, and it is surrounded by three villages: Kondabal, Jakorbal, and Gratbal. Manasbal is known as the "Gem of Kashmir Lakes" and is undergoing summer stratification. The lotus fringe grows abundantly along the lake's edges. It is a haven for peace seekers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts. The ruins of an old Mughal fort can be seen from the lake to the north, and Hillock-Achtung can be seen to the south.

7. Nishat Bagh

Nishat Bagh is the garden created by Empress Nur Jahan's father. Nishat Garden offers a panoramic view of Dal Lake and the snow-capped Pir Panjal range on the east side. This garden originally had 12 terraces, but only 9 remain today. Each terrace ascends towards the mountainside (east) and descends towards the lake. There are two main pavilions in the garden, one at the lower and one at the upper end. In the center is a reservoir about 14 square feet in size and 3 feet deep, with a few fountains.

8. Shalimar Bagh

Shalimar Bagh, located on the Dal Lake's bank, is one of the most beautiful Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. This area is said to be a village and the home of love. Four terraces rise symmetrically, one on top of the other. The fourth terrace was the Shalimar Garden's private area, where the females stayed. This garden was designed by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife, Nur Jahan. This lush and beautifully manicured garden is referred to as the 'Crown of Srinagar.' This garden's heavenly beauty draws nature lovers and seekers of peace.

9. Chashme Shahi Garden

Chashme Shahi Garden is best known for its natural springs. It was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his eldest son Dara Shikoh. It was built in 1632 by his governor, Ali Mardan. It is 9 kilometers from the city and is famous for its pure, calm, and sparkling springs. This location was thought to have been discovered by Rupa Bhawani, a great female Kashmiri saint. This is a popular spot in Srinagar for couples to rejuvenate in tranquil surroundings. The Persian influence can be seen in the garden's architectural style, which serves as a visual retreat for visitors.

10. Kheer Bhawani Temple

Kheer Bhawani Temple is one of the most well-known Hindu temples in Kashmir Valley and the best place to visit with family in Srinagar. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Kheer Bhawani, is only 14 miles from Srinagar in the village of Tula Mula. The term kheer refers to rice pudding served by devotees in the spring. The most exciting aspect of Kheer Bhawani Temple is that it is believed that the color of the spring turns black, indicating disaster. According to the legend, Lord Rama was a devotee of Ragnya Devi during his 14-year exile. When his exile was over, Lord Hanuman shifted the goddess's seat and brought her to this location.

11. Hazratbal Shrine

The Hazratbal Shrine, located on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake, is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar. It is home to the most sacred relic for Muslims, Prophet Muhammad's hair. On rare occasions, the relic is on display in public. Hazrat means respected in Urdu, and Bal means a place in Kashmiri, giving the location the respect it deserves. The mosque, considered one of the most sacred Muslim pilgrimage sites in India, offers a spectacular view of the lake and the mountains, and the shrine's white marble structure reflects on the lake, displaying a picture of beauty.

12. Jama Masjid

It is yet another example of old Islamic architecture in the heart of the ancient city of Nowhatta. The site is not only a religious site for Muslims but also a historical and architectural attraction. This mosque is said to have been renovated three times, and its magnificence has not changed. The peaceful surroundings of the mosque are contrasted by the busy and noisy market right outside. However, every Friday, the followers congregate here to pray.

13. Dachigam National Park

Since 1910, the Park has been designated as a protected area; it serves as a catchment area for the Harwan Reservoir, which provides clean drinking water to the city. Dachigam means "ten villages" in the literal sense. Around ten villages had to be relocated in order to create the game preserve and catchment area. The park, in particular, contains over 500 species of herbs, 20 shrubs, and 50 different trees. The park's altitude varies, and as a result, it is divided into upper and lower regions, as is the vegetation. Leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, Himalayan Grey Langurs, and other wildlife can be found in this national park. There are also birds such as the Pygmy owlet, Himalayan Monal, koalas, pheasant, Oriole, and others. 

14. Yousmarg 

Yousmarg is one of the most beautiful places in Srinagar for couples and honeymooners to visit. It is in the Budgam district, about 47 kilometers from Srinagar. Yousmarg is a scenic hill station that is a haven for nature lovers and peace seekers. The pleasure of the place begins with your first steps up the hills. The scenery along the way looks like it was photo-shopped, with long stretches of grassland and hills covered in dense forests. In addition, to enhance the beauty of the mountains with snow. Despite being less crowded, this location allows you to get a closer look at nature. It's a great spot for picnics and long hikes, and you'll fall in love with it during your Srinagar visit.

15. Sinthan Top
    Sinthan Top is very high up, and the area is usually covered in a thick blanket of snow, so the best time to visit is from April to September. It is a thrill-seeker's paradise and a popular place to visit in Srinagar for adventure seekers. Hiking, trekking, and nature walks are just a few of the activities available here. It is an ideal location for exploring and experiencing nature up close.