Srinagar City Tour

Srinagar City Tour

Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of the Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, Dal lake, Nigeen Lake  and Waller lakes (asia's biggest fresh water lake). The city is known for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits.It is the city with approximately over 1 million people.

Mughal Gardens Overview

Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashm-e-Shahi constitute the famous Mughal Gardens of Srinagar. They are known as much for their architectural exquisiteness as for the history that surrounds them. It was in the 17th century that Shalimar Bagh (garden) was built as a summer residence and royal court. The layout of both Shalimar and Nishat Bagh are similar to that of the Persian gardens with a water source in the centre and four streams radiating from it.

Chashm-e-Shahi Bagh is known for its fresh water springs, which are popular for their medicinal value. There is also a mountain spring near a shrine called Chasma Sahibi after which the garden is named. 

Hazratbal Mosque Overview

The silvery white Hazratbal Mosque is revered for housing a relic, the Prophet’s hair. Situated near the Dal Lake, the only domed mosque in Srinagar is a place of serenity, a must visit. Women are allowed only till the first part of the mosque. The Hazratbal Mosque lends a historic and divine appeal to Srinagar. As you walk down the corridors of this famous religious sanctum, you marvel at the intricate Persian and Iranian architectural influences.

Shankaracharya Mandir Overview

The meandering road of the wooded Shankaracharya Hill has the 11th century Shiva temple on top. The temple boasts of breathtaking views of the valley. It is regarded as the oldest site in Srinagar and dates back to 250 BC. No cellphones or cameras are allowed inside the temple premises for security reasons.

Jama Masjid Overview

Many devout followers visit the shrines, mosques and temples of Srinagar every year. Jama Masjid is the main mosque built in the 14th century by Sikander Butshikan. Architecturally unique, this monument has spires instead of domes and minarets. Interestingly, each of the 350 pillars of Jama Masjid is made from a single deodar trunk.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Overview

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is one of the recent additions to the multitude of tourist attractions in Srinagar. It was established in 2006-07, by covering a sprawling area of 29.6 acres that made it the largest tulip garden across the continent of Asia. This seemingly endless green patch of land is dotted with about 20 lakh flowers, which include several varieties of tulips. 

Important Information: Tulip Festival is organised at this site in March, April every year, when tulip flowers are in their full bloom. This popular event is hosted by the floriculture department of the state government. During this flower festival, several cultural programmes as well as exhibitions of local handicraft and cuisine are organised.