Srinagar Tourist Places
About the place
Srinagar (a word derived from Sanskrit) is composed of two words Sri means abundance and wealth, and Nagar means a city. Thus, the word Srinagar signifies a place of wealth and abundance. The history of this city dates back to 3rd century BC. The city was then a part of the Mauryan empire and is believed to have been founded by emperor Ashoka. Ashoka had introduced Buddhism in the Kashmir valley, and the adjoining regions around the city became a centre of Buddhism. The city is located on both sides of river Jhelum and is a popular tourist destination of Jammu & Kashmir.Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is a city of lakes and waterways, gardens and wooden architecture. The river Jhelum is very close to the city and lakes like Dal and Nagin offer picturesque look to it. The old quarters of the city sprawl over both sides of river Jhelum crossed by seven bridges. The climate of the city is enjoyable throughout the year and it attracts people from all over the world. The city has many things to offer. The romantic house boots, gardens and water sporting are the memorable experiences for every visitor who comes to Srinagar.
Religious Spots
Hazratbal Mosque
Hazratbal Mosque derives its name from the village Hazratbal, located on the banks of Dal Lake. Its inimitable white marble edifice is reflected in the waters of the lake. The significance of this mosque is that, it houses a hair of the Prophet Mohammad. On special occasion, the relic is displayed to the public, usually accompanied by fairs.Friday prayers are offered at Hazratbal and attended by thousands of devotees. Hazratbal has the distinction of being the only domed mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs. The shrine – mosque complex is situated on the western shore of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh and offers a grand view of the lake and the mountain beyond.
Makhdoom Sahib
On the southern slope of the Hari Parbat Hill is the famous Shrine of Makhdoom Sahib. The shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims every day as it is reputed for its healing powers.Jama Masjid
Just a walking distance from the Makhdoom Sahib is the Friday mosque - The Jama Masjid. It is one of the important mosques in Srinagar at which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers. Of imposing proportions, the mosque is built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars. Its architecture is not purely of Islamic style but decorated with tall pyramid-shaped pagoda-type towers that dominate the landscape of Srinagar.Originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 14th century, and enlarged by his son, Zain-ul-Abidin, it is a best example of cross-cultural fertilization of the culture of Kashmir. Destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt each time, the mosque, as it now stands, was repaired during the period of Maharaja Pratap Singh.
Shankaracharya Temple
This is the oldest known site in Srinagar that dates back to 250 BC. The sacred temple of Shankaracharya lies at the top of the hills known as Takht-I-Sulaiman. It is believed that philosopher Shankaracharya had stayed at this place while visiting to Kashmir.Formerly the temple was known as Gopadri, as an earlier edifice on the same site was built by king Lalitaditya in the 6th century AD. The temple is built on a high octagonal base which can be approached by climbing a number of steps with side walls that once bore inscriptions; the main surviving shrine consists of a circular cell. The temple premises offer a captivating view of the city below with its maze of streets, shimmering lakes and peaked roof tops.
Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara
Chhatti Padshahi gurudwara is situated near the Kathi Darwaza, in Rainawari, Srinagar, which is visited by devotees of all faiths irrespective of religions. It is believed that the sixth Guru had travelled through Kashmir to preach at various places in the region. The halts where he stayed to deliver his religious lecture were remembered by establishing gurudwaras, the important being the Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara.Kheer Bhawani
Kheer Bhawani is situated at Tula Mula village, 27 kms from Srinagar. There is a spring with a small marble temple which is devoted to Goddess Ragnya Devi. The temple is known as Kheer Bhawani because of the thousands of devotees who offer milk and 'kheer' to the sacred spring, which magically turns black to warn of disaster. The fair is held on the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May when this rare episode happens.Awantipur
This is an ancient township established by Avantivarman in 9th century. The town has two magnificent temples viz. Siva - Avantisvara and Avantisvami – Vishnu; both are probably from the 9th century AD. Built with great limestone blocks fitted together without mortar, these temples bear witness to the astonishing degree of technical expertise that prevailed in the early medieval period.Historical Monuments
Martand
Martand is 60 kms southeast of Srinagar and located atop a plateau. The Sun Temple here is believed to date from the 8th century AD. Built by King Laitaditya Muktapida, it is a beautiful temple with a colonnaded courtyard and the shrine in its centre. The temple complex with its 84 columns offers an enchanting view of the Kashmir Valley.Hari Parbat Fort
Hariparbat Fort crowns the top of Hari Parbat Hill. This impressive fort was built between 1592 and 1598. The walls and gateways, though much restored, bear evidence that the Mughal emperor Akbar also contributed to the construction of this fort situated at this dramatic vantage point overlooking the lovely city of Srinagar. Although much of its old apartments are in ruin still it conveys a little of the grandeur of the Mughals’ summer retreat in ‘paradise’. The hill is also considered sacred for Hindus due to the presence of the temple of Sharika Devi who is a form of Goddess Durga.Lakes
Dal and Nagin Lakes
Jahangir, the fourth Mughal emperor once described Kashmir as 'a garden of eternal spring, an iron fort to a palace of kings - a delightful flower-bed, and a heart-expanding hermitage for the mendicant'. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is a city of lakes and waterways. The Dal Lake forms its focal point and is visited by numerous visitors all through the year. The lake itself is connected to a number of other lakes of the Kashmir valley. The lake is famous for various Shikaras or house boats. Apart from the houseboats, the Lake Authority allows kayaking, canoeing, water surfing and licensed angling on the lake. All these experiences are filled with speculation and enjoyment.Parks and Gardens
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is one of the country’s most beautiful wildlife reserves. Just located at 22 kms from Srinagar, it covers an area of 141 sq. kms consisting of deep forests and wild animals with their natural habitat. The park is considered home to some of the unique Himalayan range of flora and fauna. Primary amongst them is the hangul or Kashmir stag, the most endangered species of red deer in the world.The park was declared a National Park in the year 1981 and now a protected area under the guidance of Forest Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Dachigam is one such sanctuary that cannot be seen in all its glory with just one visit. This is due to the fact that the park changes its entire appearance with the onset of each season, every one of which is as beautiful as the one before or the next to arrive.
Shalimar Gardens
There are three Mughal Gardens namely Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar Gardens which are popular places of picnic and excursion. These gardens are decorated with terraced lawns, cascading fountains, colourful flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them. Above the pretty Chesmashahi Garden, and rising tier upon tier on the mountainside, are the ruins of a 17th century Buddhist monastery, now converted to a school. Built by a Mughal prince for his teacher, it is somewhat popularly known as Pari Mahal or “Palace of the fairies”. The Jahangir’s concept of paradise lies in these gardens. The emperor had built these attractive sites in memory of his wife Nur Jehan. These gardens are hardly 15 kms away from the city centre and are opened to visitors daily.Excursion
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is located on the southern slope of the Great Himalayas, situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake to the Lidder River and is 96 kms from Srinagar city.Located at an altitude of 2,130 m, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 250C. Around Pahalgam, there are many worth visiting places of interest. As the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations.
Pahalgam is the base to several treks to Kishtwar and the Suru Valley and for the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath. Chandanwari, 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August). The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony. About 11 kms from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which, 13 kms away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there. During the month of July and August, an ice stalagmite forms a natural shivling in the Amarnath cave and is believed to be very much sacred.
Pahalgam, dotted with mustard fields, also offers golf and short expeditions into the nearby mountains. The road from Srinagar to Pahalgam passes by Pampore, a village famous for its fields of saffron which has been cultivated in Kashmir since 10th century.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg or the “Meadow of Flowers” is located at an altitude of 2730m and is 58 kms west of Srinagar city – the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. The town’s eternal beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Gulmarg, for shepherds it is called ‘Gaurimarg’; the present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes decorated with wild flowers. Gulmarg was also a haunting paradise for Emperor Jehangir.The central basin has been laid out as a golf course, one of the highest in the world. Gulmarg, together with Khilanmarg, some 300 m higher up in the mountains, is among India’s few ski resorts. Its facilities catering to all levels of proficiency also include beginner courses.
Soanamarg
Soanamarg or the “Meadow of Gold” is situated at an altitude of 2730 m, has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against an indigo sky. The Sindh River that flows through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major attraction during the summer months.Sonamarg is also a base for trekking that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes. It can also be treated as a base for undertaking the yatra to the holy cave of Amarnathji.
This small town is quite accessible from Srinagar which is 84 kms away. J&K State Road Transport Corporation operates regular buses as well as sightseeing buses during the season. On the way you can pass through the spectacular view of Ganderbal (21 kms), Kangan (40 kms) and Gund of the Sindh Valley, before reaching the resort.
Daksum
Daksum popularly called as the walker’s paradise is 85 kms from Srinagar city and situated at a height of 2513 m. The area is portrayed with the bracing mountain air, the solitude, the densely clad hills, snow covered mountains which make it a perfect retreat. “The green meadows from where an unseen shepherd tends his flock” is a gorgeous scene that you may have never seen before.Yusmarg
Just 47 kms from Srinagar is a grassy meadow covered by forests and snow clad mountains popular for picnic and ideal enough for recreation.There are several peaks nearby which include Tatta Kutti and Sang Safed. At a short distance (apprx. 13 km) from Yusmarg lies Charai – Sharief, the shrine of Kashmir’s patron saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi, now rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1994 which damaged whole building.
Wular Lake
Wular Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Jammu & Kashmir playing a significant role in the hydrographic system of the entire Kashmir valley. Realizing its socio-economic values the lake was included under the wetland programmes in 1986 and was declared a wetland of national importance. Today this lake has become a popular site for bird watchers and nature lovers.A little drive from Srinagar will take you to the bird watcher’s paradise, the Manasbal Lake where there is no other sound except birdsong. Driving through the town of Bandipora, which has a pleasantly laid out Mughal Garden, the Wular will always be to your left. Here you should make your ear open to hear the chanting songs of women who pick water chestnuts, deftly navigating the weeds in flat-bottomed skiffs.
Special Attractions
House boots on Dal Lake
A visit to Jammu & Kashmir will be incomplete if you do not sit on the houseboat. Houseboats on Dal Lake are spacious and attractive which can be used as a hotel like accommodation. In the 19th century, some of Srinagar’s boat dwelling community started making luxury versions of their own homes to cater to visitors. The deluxe class boats are astonishingly elaborate. The interior is sophisticated with living rooms and bed rooms, an example of the distinguished Kashmiri handicrafts - exquisite wood carvings, embroidery, carpets and papier mache. Dinning/eating facilities are also available inside the boat and couple can stay for honeymoon. Mobility between houseboat and shore is ensured by a shikara, a skiff propelled by a boatman with a heart shaped paddle.Houseboats also offer various leisurely activities to the tourists like water surfing, skiing, angling (for license users) etc. You can also relax on the top of the houseboat. Cycling around the lake is another charm that you can observe in its full grandeur. Go for shopping to the mall located at Boulevcard road.
Amarnathji Yatra
Amarnath Yatra is a popular event organized by the Jammu & Kashmir state Government in the month of July and August. The pilgrims are allowed to perform darshan from Ashard Purnimashi to Shravan Purnimashi (in Hindu calendar). Situated at a narrow valley, Amarnath stands at 3888 mtrs and 46 kms from Pahalgam and 141 kms from Srinagar. It is advisable to start your journey from Chandanwari and cover the distance to Amarnath and back within five days. The trek from Chandanwari to Cave is on an ancient peregrine route. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari held on the first night and out.Lord Shiva is believed to be a living God by Hindus. The most sacred and ancient book of India, the Rigveda describes his presence in its hymns. Hindu mythology also believes his existence from the dawn of time. According to legends, Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. But unknowingly, a pair of mating drops doves eavesdropped on this conversation having learned the secret, is reborn again and again, and has made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam.