Srinagar is home to endless natural, historic and contemporary tourist destinations. And while the main city is full of surprises, the beautiful natural surroundings and tiny photogenic hamlets located close by are just as mesmerizing. Most hill stations in the region of Kashmir can be accessed from Srinagar, which means you can easily pack your bags and drive to these splendid locations for sightseeing near Srinagar whenever you want – even if it is just for a couple of days. The refreshing coniferous forests, deep open valleys and lush green pastures for wild ponies are a reminder for tourists to not miss out on the wonderful tourist places to visit near Srinagar when they travel to the summer capital of Kashmir.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Srinagar?
Srinagar is a major centre of commerce for Kashmiri residents. Therefore it is filled with cultural wonders throughout the year, celebrating all major festivals, and holidays through its own unique traditions with many Tourist Places near Srinagar.
The best time to visit Srinagar is from March to June and November to February. During the late spring and early summer months, the whole of Srinagar is covered in flower beds of violets, periwinkles and tulips. Tourists visiting Srinagar during winter experience breathtaking night snowfall and the unending gusto of Christmas and New Year.
Another great time to visit Srinagar is during the festivities of Navratri and Diwali which are celebrated between September and October every year.
Best Tourist Places Near Srinagar For Couples, Friends And Family
1. Dachigam National Park
Close to Srinagar is the perfect haven for bird and animal lovers – a vast, National Park sprawling across 141 sq. km and reaching upto 4267 m in height. Tourists have spotted the Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Snow Leopard, Kashmir Flycatcher, Himalayan Monal and Cinnamon Sparrow. Photographers who want to capture the beauty of Kashmir Valley away from modernisation often visit this National Park which is considered one of the best places to visit near Srinagar. Even if you aren’t a zoology enthusiast, travelling through changing vegetation from thick deciduous mountain forests to rocky alpines is going to be a breathtaking one. This is a must visit among all the tourist places near Srinagar, without a doubt!
Entry fee: 25 INR per person
Time Taken to Visit: 1 day
Opening and Closing Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
2. Manasbal Lake
In ancient India, this magical lake was known as ‘Manasarovar’ and can be reached within 2 hours from Srinagar. Surrounded by rugged peaks on all sides, the sandy, green banks of this freshwater lake look inviting to picnickers, photographers and poets alike. The Manasbal Lake is known as the ‘Supreme Gem of all Kashmir Lakes’ and is home to several species of Kashmiri birds. During spring and summer, the four picturesque villages surrounding these lakes – Jokbal, Nesbal, Gatbal and Kondabal – sell beautiful lotus flowers and delicious fruit that grow in this holy water body. This lake is the best weekend getaway for sightseeing near Srinagar.
Entry fee: 24 INR per person
Time Taken to Visit: 6 hours
Opening and Closing Hours: open 24 hours
3. Tarsar Marsar Lakes
Alpine lakes are a speciality of the flourishing Kashmir Valley. The twin lakes of Tarsar and Marsar are a popular trekking destination for friends and family, being close to the city and easy to hike. The banks of Tarsar and Marsar are suitable for activities like camping, paragliding, kite flying etc. Many tourists also enjoy angling and trout fishing in the calm, rippling waters. The journey is beautiful in all seasons – in spring and summer the grasslands are filled with blooming flowers; in monsoons, the brief showers create an air of mystery and in winters the soft snow creates an additional layer of fun to the three-day experience.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
4. Khilanmarg
One can easily drive from Srinagar to this spectacular destination – but most tourists choose to hike up 2000 feet above sea level to experience the dense coniferous forests, snow-filled meadows and crystal clear mountain brooks. Located close to the ever-crowded Gulmarg, Khilanmarg offers newfound alternatives for those who want to bike, ride horses, climb rocks and go on extensive nature walks. Khilanmarg is home to the perennially frozen Alpather Lake as well as the deep, gorging Ferozepur Nallah. The sparkling waters of Alpather as well as the many seasonal springs are all great for some leisurely trout fishing.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
5. Doodhpathri
One of the most beautiful places to visit near Srinagar, for those who love nature, is Badgam. A small walk upwards brings tourists to the vibrant meadow Doodhpathri. It is a sea of rolling grass adorned by a line of silver fir and deodar at the horizon. Wild goats, sheep and ponies come here to graze, as do the nomad shepherds in summer. After a good season of snowfall, Doodhpathri can stand in competition with the valleys Switzerland and Germany. The foaming white Doodhpathri waterfall is the main attraction of this sleepy destination. Since there are no permanent settlements, visitors get to enjoy a night of camping, stargazing and bonfires with their partner or family.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
6. Betaab Valley
Another stunning addition to the places to visit near Srinagar, this lush green valley is every Bollywood lover’s dream location. The Betaab Valley is named after the classic Sunny Deol movie ‘Betaab’. This beautiful, pastel destination is surrounded by the dreamy Pir Panjal ranges on one hand and the rugged Zanskar on the other. Betaab Valley is the base camp for many intense treks from all over Kashmir Great Lakes and Lidderwat Trek. Several seasonal and perennial streams flow down this valley to join the ferocious, graceful Lidder River. This valley is one of the most gorgeous flower beds in all of Kashmir that flower lovers and photographers cannot afford to miss.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 hours
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
7. Aharbal Waterfall
If you haven’t experienced the enchanted forests of Anantnag that ancient Hindu scriptures talk about, you have to spend a few days next to this waterfall. Aharbal is located about 2 hours away from Srinagar, surrounded by moss laiden boulders, wild herbs, tropical thickets and chiseled cliffs on which tall pine trees stand. The Veshu River falls 25 m down a granite pathway to give form to this gigantic, frothing body of water. The Anantnag district is perfect in all seasons, winter bringing a fresh covering of snow and frozen streams of water all around these falls. Known as the ‘Niagara Falls of Kashmir’ the Aharbal is situated close to many other worthy places to visit near Srinagar including Verinag, Achabal etc.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 hours
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
8. Wular Lake
Another name among the largest freshwater lakes in South Asia, Wular is home to trout, geese, cattle and more. In summers the lake is about 30 sq km but increases to an 189 sq km mass of water as soon as the rains settle in. Not only will you find algae and lotus plants in plenty here, but also several river Islands, aquatic weeds and seasonal birds. Surrounding the Wular Lake are several plantations of willow. Water skiing is a brand new sport that has recently been started on this lake. What is more, instead of being an alpine Lake like most other lakes near Srinagar, Wular is a wetland that is home to Kashmiri water lily, snow trout, Himalayan Monal, hoopoe, golden eagle and alpine swift. Birdwatches can spend days on this destination.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 hours
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
9. Dras
Ever wondered what entering the dry expanse of Ladakh from the nourishing Kashmir Valley will look like? Come away to Dras to find out. An underrated tourist town close to Kargil, the most famous monument on this land is the Dras War Memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the Kargil War in 1999. The mysterious Monastery of Mulbekh which houses a 9 feet tall idol of Buddha is also a coveted devotional destination. One of the most refreshing tourist places near Srinagar, Dras is a perfect blend of lush green pastures and fields against a barren, desert landscape of chiseled Ladakhi peaks, and crystal white snow caps contrasting against the mirror-like rivers and lakes.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 2 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
10. Kolahoi Glacier
One of the most popular short treks straight to a hollow Glacier, this destination is one of the most famous places to visit near Srinagar that local people, as well as tourists, embark upon. On the way, travellers have to stop at the little village called Aru near Pahalgam. Trekkers also get to spend a night at Kotpatri Valley and enjoy the sparkling view at Satlangen. The Kolahoi Glacier is located at a height of 4700 m and takes about 7 hours to reach. If you are looking for a safe and beginner-friendly trek that isn’t too far away from Srinagar, you should definitely choose this icy summit that is covered with snow even in the summer.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 days from Srinagar
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Frequent snowfall in Srinagar at the beginning of October. But often Srinagar also receives its first snow as early as the third week of November!
A. An ideal trip to Srinagar lasts for at least a week – but you can cover all the essential destinations like Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Lal Chowk, Shankaracharya Hill, Mughal Gardens and Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in 4 days easily.
A. Srinagar is close to many hill stations in the Central Kashmir Valley. Some weekend getaway destinations you can try out are Sonmarg, Yusmarg, Aaru Valley and Kokernag.
Conclusion
Booking a Srinagar Travel Package to the most happening city in the union territory is everyone’s dream. With hours of customized and specially curated travel packages for couples, family and friends, you know longer have to worry about missing out on your favorite suburban destination while visiting Srinagar. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure lover or animal lover, we will add something to your Kashmir travel package to make the memories absolutely unforgettable. Contact the travel experts at TRISOJ today to get all the details at your fingertips!
