The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is 1730 meters high, in the heart of Kashmir Valley. The city is spread on two sides of the Jhelum River. Srinagar is famous for its waterfront, natural beauty, houseboats, and gardens. It is also known as the Venice of the East and the city of lakes. Moreover, it has been a fascinating tourist for centuries because of the picturesque Himalayan range and majestic Mughal architecture. Srinagar is also the base location for tourists to explore the higher Himalayan regions like Ladakh, Leh, and other places.

Dal Lake

Dal Lake in Srinagar is a significant tourist attraction as it is the second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir. It is spread over 15 km and reflects the mirror image of the Pir Panjal mountains. You will also find shikaras and houseboats to enjoy the activities. People also go ice skating during winter on the frozen lake of Dal. Also, the best time to visit the lake is from May to November because the climate is pleasant.

Hazratbal Shrine

Hazratbal Shrine, situated on the banks of the Dal lake, is the holy shrine of Muslims. This mosque in Kashmir is silvery-white from the outside. The shrine has a relic called Moi-e-Muqqadas, a sacred hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad. The word Hazrat is from the Kashmiri language and means holy. Also, the word Bal means place. This hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad is brought before the people only on festivals. This place has a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Shalimar Bagh

Shalimar Bagh is the Mughal Garden in Srinagar. There are three Mughal Gardens in Srinagar called Shalimar Bagh, Nishant Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. So, Shalimar Bagh is the largest of the three Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. It was built in 1619 by Jahangir, the Mughal emperor. He built Shalimar Bagh for his beloved wife Nur Jahan. Today, it is a significant tourist attraction and public park called Crown of Srinagar. You can spend two hours of quality time in Shalimar Bagh with an entry fee of INR 10 per person.

Shikara Ride

Shikara Ride in Srinagar is a popular activity for relaxing and memorable times. You need nearly 2 to 3 hours to enjoy this beautiful ride in the scenic Dal Lake. The cost of a Shikara Ride is INR 500 to 700 per hour. In the middle of the beautiful Dal Lake, you will experience the true beauty of Himalayas nature. Also, you can take Shikara Ride on one of the circuits. So it can be from Nehru Park past Hazratbal, Rainawari, Nagin and then the back ride.

Nishat Bagh

The Nishant Bagh near the Dal Lake of Srinagar is a 12 terraced Garden. After Shalimar Bagh, it is the second-largest Mughal Garden in Kashmir. NishantBagh is popularly known as the Garden of Bliss. It includes a central water channel, tall Chinar trees, and several fountains. Also, it was built by Asif Khan in 1633, the elder brother of Nur Jehan. The garden is divided into two halves via a stream of water. You can witness the spellbinding view of Dal Lake from Nishant Bagh. Also, you need two to three hours to explore. It has an entry fee of INR 10 per person.