Srinagar- A Trip to the Land of Chinar and Shikara

Srinagar, the capital of the stunning Kashmir Valley, is embellished with snow-covered mountains, verdant valleys, and placid Dal Lake, where gorgeous shikaras (houseboats) float. Other attractions consist of various Mughal gardens that are close to the lake, bustling bazaars, Sufi shrines, and many outstanding Kashmiri dishes. To admire the raw beauty of this northern piece of paradise, book flights to Srinagar.

Best Time to Visit Srinagar

Srinagar has a humid subtropical climate, with long, warm, and clear summers and extremely cold, partly cloudy winters. Whether you are visiting this little piece of paradise during summer or winters, the breathtaking Himalayan vistas, serene lakes, delicious Wazwan, and amazing people with rich culture never disappoint you. However, if you want to visit the city somewhere between summers and winters, then the best time would be between April and October, when the weather is not very cold, and is perfect for sightseeing.

How to Reach Srinagar

By Air: Ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) is an international airport that serves Srinagar. The airport is well-connected with the rest of the world, and it is not difficult to get a flight to Srinagar. According to 2021-22 statistics, the airport had 24,441 aircraft movements and received at least 3,158,400 passengers worldwide.

By Train: The construction of Srinagar Railway Station is under process, and once completed, it will connect the city with the rest of India. Until then, you can take a train to Jammu-Tawi Railway Station or Udhampur Railway station. Once you reach the station, you can hire a cab or take public transport.

By Road: Srinagar is connected to Delhi via National Highway 44. Several public as well as private buses are available that can take you to Srinagar from Delhi. You can drive to Srinagar in your private car, but it is a 15-hours journey and the hilly roads make it difficult for even the most seasoned drivers.

Top Places to Visit in Srinagar

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is Srinagar’s best-known jewel. The leisurely shikaras embellished with vibrantly colored floral boxes meander on the lake as a part of tourism, transportation, and children’s leisure activities. Tourists to Srinagar made it a ritual to take a ride on this beautiful wooden shikaras, while admiring the calm waters of the placid lake. You will find several vendors, selling flowers, fruits, dates, spices, and vegetables on their boat. Make sure to relish a cup of Kahwa while boating.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was opened to the public in 2007, with an aim to popularize floriculture and tourism in Srinagar. The initiative turned out to be a huge success in 2017, when it was named among the world’s five best tulip gardens. The garden is home to ‘Queen of the Night, a rarest of rare kind of tulip. Visit the garden during spring to participate in the annual tulip festival.

Shankaracharya Temple

Shankaracharya temple, on the top of Shankaracharya hill, is the city’s oldest religious shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is named after one of the great saints Adi Shankaracharya, who used to visit Srinagar 10 centuries ago. The divine Shiva Linga in the temple is believed to be worshiped by him. The temple sits on a solid rock and was constructed on a high-octagonal shape.

Aru Valley

Tourists from all around the world visit Kashmir to admire its breathtaking natural beauty. And Aru Valley is one of the most exquisite tourist destinations, which is blessed with abundant natural beauty. From lush hilly terrain to gushing mountain river, and amazing sublime vistas, Aru Valley is a perfect place to make it your base camp, before hiking the popular Sonmarg trails.

Shalimar Bagh

This beautiful Mughal garden overlooking the scintillating Dal Lake, is famous for its beautiful orchids, trees, walnuts, and almonds. The garden was commissioned by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan in 1619. The highlights of the garden are Kashmir’s iconic Chinar trees, and beautiful water fountain. It is one of the finest examples of Mughal craftsmanship in horticulture.

Final Takeaway

Srinagar in Kashmir is a city that needs no introduction. Although the valley has gone through a lot of trouble, nothing could beat the appealing aesthetics of this piece of paradise. Today, the valley has opened up itself to welcome tourists from all over the world again. With tourism flourishing, the valley has seen tremendous growth financially. However, a lot of things are yet to be achieved and ‘Miles to go before I sleep’.