Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a city built around beautiful lakes and historic Mughal gardens. Whether you are visiting for 2 days or 5 days, here are the absolute best places to explore in Srinagar.
1. Dal Lake & Nigeen Lake
The iconic Dal Lake is the heart of Srinagar. Spanning over 18 square kilometers, it is famous for its hand-carved houseboats and colorful wooden boats called Shikaras. Nigeen Lake, located nearby, is smaller, quieter, and offers a more serene and peaceful stay experience.
2. The Mughal Gardens
The Mughals loved Kashmir and built several stunning terraced gardens in Srinagar. The top three gardens to visit are:
- Nishat Bagh: Known as the "Garden of Bliss", offering gorgeous terraced lawns sloping down to the lake.
- Shalimar Bagh: The largest Mughal garden, built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan.
- Chashme Shahi: Famous for its refreshing, mineral-rich natural spring water.
3. Pari Mahal (Palace of Fairies)
Built as a library and observatory by Prince Dara Shikoh, Pari Mahal is a seven-terraced monument overlooking Dal Lake. It offers the most spectacular sunset views in Srinagar and is beautifully lit up in the evenings.