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The beauty of Srinagar is irrefutable. Amid the many troubling reports that emerge from the valley from time to time, undaunted tourists will find that the gorgeousness of the city continues to thrive. Srinagar tourist places still see a decent amount of footfall as people come here to breathe in the beauty of the mountains and enjoy to glories of nature that the city has been endowed with.
Whether it is the beautiful gardens, the splendid Dal Lake, or even some of the shrines, temples and mosques you are visiting, you will come away with a feeling of deep satisfaction. Nature has unleashed its bounties on Srinagar, and it is no wonder that people keep coming here, every few years. If you have made plans to visit Srinagar, do not forget to check the SOTC website for offers and deals on Srinagar packages.
There are numerous places to visit in Srinagar. Here are a few of them.
Dal Lake is an iconic must visit place in Srinagar and not without reason. The lake’s calm surface ripples across gently with the numerous shikharas that glide along it. No matter what time you visit here, it is simply breath taking. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and trees that cast their reflection on the smooth and pristine surface of the lake, this is something that you simply must not miss when you are in Srinagar. At dawn, there are floating markets here and as the morning azaan breaks through the call of the vendors, you realise that the old adage about paradise being here is so very true. Houseboats dot the edges of the lake while enthusiastic boatmen ply wide-eyed tourists across the span of the lake on colourful shikharas and if you stop at one of the many food stalls at the edge of the lake, you might get to sip on hot kahwa or wolf down spicy pakoras while you enjoy the beautiful scenery around you.
One of the most beautiful places to go in Srinagar are the Mughal Gardens. The Mughals saw the beauty of Kashmir and Srinagar and decided to beautify it with these pleasing gardens. The lush green grass rippling with fragrant flowers is a beautiful sight indeed and it’s no wonder that tourists who come here are so enthralled that they just sit down and let the ethereal beauty sink in. The Mughal Gardens are dedicated to Emperor Jahangir who loved Kashmir and gardens especially. He is said to have chosen the site and made the decisions regarding the placement. The Mughal Gardens comprise of Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Pari Mahal, Chashme Shahi and Verinag Garden. The rows of unending brightly hued flowers are a sight for sore eyes indeed and must not be missed if you are visiting Srinagar. The gardens are renowned for some rare plants as well as the beautiful chinar trees.
On the western shore of the Dal Lake is the Hazratbal Shrine, one of the holiest Muslim shrines in Kashmir and certainly one of the places to visit in Srinagar. The shrine is indeed special as it has an important relic, a sacred hair of Prophet Muhammed’s beard. This relic is very important and has been preserved safely inside the shrine. The general public are allowed to see it only at certain times. The white marble structure is ethereally beautiful, and the adjacent mosque is quiet and peaceful. The overall sense of tranquillity here is compounded by the views of the Dal Lake, a sight that never fails to please whoever chances upon it.
The Chinar is a tree that is special to Kashmir and in Srinagar, you will find it lining many avenues. In autumn, the chinar leaves turn gold or rust and the sight fills your heart with wonder and surprise. The Char Chinar is a small island on the Dal Lake which has these beautiful Chinar trees. If you are taking a shikhara ride on the lake, do make it a point to ask the shikhara to be steered in this direction as it is one of the famous Srinagar tourist places.
Exquisite fountains feature in the beautiful Nishat Bagh, and this has been emulated across different gardens in other states of India too. The other aspect about this Mughal Garden is that it is a 12 terraced garden that has numerous trees and flowers. Surrounded by tall Chinar trees, and the central water feature, this Bagh was designed by Asif Khan, Noor Jehan’s older brother, in 1633. Nishat Bagh, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Srinagar, looks out over the Dal Lake offering some splendid views. While this is indeed a place for capturing photos and memories, do put down that phone or camera and take in the gorgeous atmosphere. Nishat Bagh is popular with couples who are looking for a romantic stroll or even families who want to enjoy the pristine beauty of the gardens.
On the south east side of Srinagar is the awe-inspiring Shankaracharya Temple, located on Gopadari Hills. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple looks out over the entire city. A visit here is an experience in divinity for the many people who want to experience the bliss of solitude and peace. Thousands of devotees on their way to Amarnath Yatra stop by here to worship and pay their respects as this is one of the most important places to visit in Srinagar.