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Jama Masjid: Located at Nowhatta in the heart of the old city is the Jama Masjid - one of Kashmir’s oldest mosques. Built in 1400 AD by Sultan Sikandar, and later enlarged by his son, Zain-ul- Abidin, the Jama Masjid is also one of the most spacious mosques of Kashmir.

Shankaracharya Temple: Located at the top of the Takht-I-Sulaiman hills (south-east of Srinagar), the Shankaracharya Temple is one of the oldest Hindu shrines of Kashmir. The great Hindu philosopher Shankaracharya is said to have stayed at this place when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma.

Hazratbal Mosque: Located on the left bank of the Dal Lake and opposite the Nishat Bagh in Srinagar, this pristine white marble mosque houses the Moi-e-Muqqadus, (the sacred hair) of the Prophet Muhammad.

Gardens & Lakes

Nishat Garden: Situated on the banks of Dal Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills, the Nishat Garden was laid in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, the brother of Queen Nur-Jehan's and Mumtaz Mahal’s father. Terraced with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle, the garden commands magnificent view of the lake and the Pir Panjal range. (11 kms from Srinagar)
 

Shalimar Garden: Built by Emperor Jehangir for his beloved wife Nur Jehan, the Shalimar Garden offers sweeping views. The garden is 539 m by 182 m and has four terraces rising one above the other. Shalimar Garden gets water from Harwan through a canal which is lined with beautiful fountains. (15 kms from Srinagar)

Chashmashahi Garden: A tastefully laid garden in terraces, the Garden of Chashmashai commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake and surrounding mountain ranges. Built by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD, the garden is host to multiple kinds of fruit and flower plants including the Chinars.

Harwan Garden: Lined with flower beds, massive Chinar Trees & a canal flowing right in the middle, Harwan Garden is a beautiful place to visit. The canal is fed from a beautiful lake which lies behind the garden. This spot is very popular with the locals for picnics and excursions. (18 Kms from Srinagar).

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.

Dal Lake: Hardly needs an introduction, the Dal Lake is the most prominent landmark in Srinagar. The lake is divided in four parts by causeways known as Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin.

Wular Lake: 60 kms from Srinagar is the country’s largest fresh-water lake. Spread over 125 km area, the Wular Lake is natural flood reservoir drawing off excess water from the Jhelum.

Watlab: A few kilometers from the Wular Lake is Watlab where the shrine of a Muslim mystic, Baba Shukurddin is located high on a hilltop. The shrine offers scenic views of the Wular Lake and villages around.

Achabal: 58 kms from Srinagar, via Anantnag, Achabal at 1,677 m was once the pleasure retreat of Empress Nur Jehan. The retreat situated at the foot of a hill with a row of majestic Chinars framing it has a beautiful garden designed on the lines of the Mughal Gardens of Srinagar.

Kokernag: Located at an altitude of 2,020m, and 70 kms from Srinagar, Kokernag, is in the heart of Bringhi valley and has a spring, which is famous for its medicinal and digestive properties.

Yusmarg: 47 kms from Srinagar, Yusmarg is an idyllic place for a picnic.

Sonamarg: 84 kms from Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Ladakh Road lies Sonamarg. Known as the ‘meadow of gold’, Sonamarg situated at an altitude of 2,730 m is with snow clad mountains as its backdrop is a nice place to relax and rejuvenate. The mighty Indus meanders through the valley while the Thajiwas glacier stands majestically a few kms away. Sonamarg is a major base for the Amarnath Yatra.

Pahalgam: Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam (2,130 m) is one of the popular destinations. Pahalgam has many breathtaking views, notable being 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).

Gulmarg: Popular 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, who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here, Gulmarg today, is the place to relax and recharge your batteries in lap of nature. (56 kms from Srinagar)

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: 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