Srinagar is a spellbinding destination, being the crown of Kashmir. While its natural splendor has never been questioned, what is significant to note is the religious magnificence it seems to effortlessly imbue. Besides, there are plethoric outdoor activities and a psychedelic sporting culture that has been grappling this region. The result is a combination so infectious that a single trip to the destination just seems so inadequate. In any case, to go once is better than not to go at all.
For the sightseeing fanatics, here are some of the jolliest and bewitching corners to explore in the city:
Dal Lake: Envied by millions of Indians for the past so many decades, this lake that has featured in multiple Indian films is the piece of heaven you must float upon. Gargantuan in size and captivating in aura, the lake needs to be breathed and felt apart from seen. Spending some time on the houseboats is a priority on every honeymooner’s list.
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden: Forget Switzerland, when you have that interminable stretch of flower garden right in your own valley! Srinagar’s Tulip Garden is as beautiful as it sounds and more than what you can imagine. The hues of tulips of different colors will drench you in a colorful exuberance.
Nagin Lake: Though it gets eclipsed by its elder brother Dal, this lake is no short of beauty. On the upside, the crowd count is lower here during the peak season and if the law of subjectivity is true, you may end up liking Nagin Lake more than the Dal Lake.
Shankaracharya Hill and Temple: The hill is scenic and the temple that rules this place will reinstate your faith on Shankaracharya, the saint. On one hand, the place is catchy due to its natural looks and on the other hand, its piety is unearthly.
Nishat Garden: Srinagar has a few Mughal gardens up its sleeve. Nishat Bagh is one of them, mixing up heritage, history and nature using one thread. A walk in this park can be an enthralling experience for both nature and heritage lovers.
Betab Valley: It is at places like these that you will know why Kashmir is labeled as the paradise of the planet. The all-engulfing view is so terrific that you will feel like you have landed on some extraterrestrial planet. The sheer magnitude of the indomitable mountains will make you feel so insignificant that you will shrink in humility and simply stare in awe.
Badamwari Garden: Though one of the less notable gardens, it is famous for its almond trees. Plus, there is no garden in the city that will not woo you. It may not be the biggest crowd-puller but a trip towards the sunset time won’t be the waste of an evening.
Jama Masjid: While the mosque itself is huge and an epitome of spirituality, the local life that springs nearby is an added attraction. It sits at the heart of the city and so makes for a must-see.
Pari Mahal: Translatable as the ‘palace of angels’, this place is really that surreal and angelic place you covet for throughout your life. The historic calmness that envelops you is as good as the charming view the place offers. The view you get of Dal Lake is considered by many as the best possible view of the water body.
Hazratbal: Hazratbal, the pious shrine, again speaks for the cosmopolitan personality of the state. A quiet and sacred place, it is beautiful both from within and outside.
Shalimar Bagh: Considered romantic by many, this Mughal-made garden is a must-see royal Bagh in Srinagar along with Nishat Bagh. Its fountains and serene milieu will certainly put you under a spell.
Chashme Shahi: Another garden which is refreshing and beautiful though not as popular as Shalimar or Nishat Bagh!
Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a resplendent place where you will catch up with the birds and beasts of the hills. Expect to greet plenty of hill birds and innocuous mammals and if you are lucky, you can even spot a cat or two.
Wular Lake: Wular Lake matches Dal in size and grandeur. If you love water bodies, you should not miss this one out since sporting activities are also quite rampant at this place.
A bunch of other temples, mosques, monuments, gardens and lakes await your arrival at Srinagar. Paucity of space makes it impossible to list down each heavenly place in this writing piece but sometimes the best places are those that are discovered through serendipity. So, go check out!