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Of terraced lawns, cascading fountains, colorful flowerbeds with the flowing Dal Lake nearby, the three Mughal Gardens - Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are a must visit.
Chashmashahi Garden: A beautifully laid garden in terraces, Chashmashai commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake and surrounding mountain ranges. Chashmashahi was built by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD and it is host to multiple kinds of fruit and flower plants including the Chinars.

Shankaracharya Temple: One of the oldest Hindu shrines of Kashmir, the Shankaracharya Temple is located at the top of the Takht-I-Sulaiman hills which is to the south-east of Srinagar. The great Hindu philosopher Shankaracharya is said to have stayed at this place ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma.

Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is in the heart of the old city and is one of Kashmir’s oldest mosques. Jama Masjid was built in 1400 AD by Sultan Sikandar and was enlarged later by his son, Zain-ul- Abidin.

Hazratbal Mosque: Opposite the Nishat Bagh is the white marble mosque Hazratbal that houses the Moi-e-Muqqadus, (the sacred hair) of the Prophet Muhammad.

Khanqah of Shah Hamadan: Khanqah of Shah Hamadan is the first mosque ever built in Srinagar. It is situated on the banks of the river Jhelum, between the third and fourth bridge. Sultan Sikander built the Shrine in 1395 in honor of Mir Sayed Ali Hamadni, who is credited to have spread Islam here.

Pari Mahal: A royal observatory built by Dara Shikoh, the Pari Mahal was once a Buddhist monastery before it was converted into a school of astrology. Overlooking the Dal Lake, the Pari Mahal has a well-laid out spacious garden and is 2 kms from the Cheshmashahi Garden.

Pahalgam: Pahalgam at an altitude of 2,895 m is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River. Known for its breathtaking views, Pahalgam is notable for the meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine and Hajan which makes an idyllic picnic spot. Pahalgam is also associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari (2,895 m), 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August).
Driving directions from Srinagar to Pahalgam

Achabal:  Located 58 kms from Srinagar, via Anantnag, Achabal was once the pleasure retreat of Empress Nur Jehan. Achabal is situated at the foot of a hill with a row of majestic Chinars is a great place to explore.

Sonamarg: Sonamarg is 84 kms from Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Ladakh Road. Known as the ‘meadow of gold’, Sonamarg situated at an altitude of 2,730 m is surrounded with snow clad mountains as its backdrop. It is a nice place to relax and rejuvenate.
Driving directions from Srinagar to Sonamarg

Gulmarg: Well known for its breathtaking beauty and the highest green golf course in the world, Gulmarg is situated at an altitude of 2, 650m. Once a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir, Gulmarg today is the place to relax and recharge your batteries in lap of nature. (56 kms from Srinagar)
Driving directions from Srinagar to Gulmarg

By Air: There are regular flights to Srinagar from different cities in India.

By Rail: Jammu is nearest railway station, which is connected to almost all the key cities of India. Srinagar is approximately 300 kms away.

By Road: J&K SRTC operates fairly comfortable buses from Jammu which does the journey in around 12 hours. Srinagar has an extensive and good road network connecting it with the major cities in Jammu and Kashmir and North India.

Best time to visit Srinagar: March - October