Srinagar Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Srinagar

Srinagar serves as the summer capital of the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated within the Kashmir Valley, the city stretches along the banks of the Jhelum River and borders the shores of Dal Lake and Anchar Lake. Positioned between the heights of Hari Parbat and the Shankaracharya hills, it stands as the second-largest metropolitan area located within the Himalayan mountain system.

The city possesses a deep history originating in the sixth century under the rule of the Gonanda dynasty, establishing a capital near an earlier settlement associated with the Mauryas. Over the centuries, it grew into a prominent regional hub for scholarship, culture, and governance. Subsequent rule by medieval sultans, Mughal emperors, Afghan Durranis, Sikhs, and the Dogra dynasty continuously reshaped its urban character and established its function as a summer seat of administration.

Srinagar is widely known for its waterfront scenery and terraced landscape designs. Visitors can explore Dal Lake with its signature floating houseboats and islands such as Sona Lank and Rupa Lank. The city features celebrated Mughal-era retreats including Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, as well as Pari Mahal, a historic garden and center for astronomy constructed atop a former Buddhist monastery site.

A rich variety of historical architectural landmarks are distributed across the city. Notable spiritual and historic places include the Shankaracharya Temple, the hilltop fortification of Hari Parbat, and the Hazratbal Dargah. Historic mosques and shrines display diverse regional building styles, including the wooden Jamia Mosque, the Khanqah-e-Moula along the riverbank, Aali Masjid, and the stone Pathar Mosque. The Jhelum River itself is spanned by historic bridges such as Zainakadal and Safa kadal, connecting different parts of the urban landscape.

In addition to its geography and architecture, the city is a traditional center for specialized craft production. Local craftspeople are renowned for producing pashmina and cashmere shawls, hand-woven carpets, intricate wood carvings, detailed papier-mâché objects, jewelry, and silk products. It is also well known for trade in dried fruits. Tourism in the region developed significantly beginning in the late nineteenth century as visitors sought relief from lowland summer temperatures.