Srinagar is known for its stunning scenery, tranquil lakes, gorgeous Mughal gardens, hilltops, and historic religious monuments. It’s a haven for nature lovers, romantics, adventure seekers, and history aficionados.
This picturesque town has been a favorite for many Bollywood filmmakers to capture the eternal romance it has to offer. If you’ve watched the movie Fitoor and fallen in love with the scenery, you’re in for a treat. Have we piqued your interest yet? We’re sure we have, so keep reading to know the best places to visit in Srinagar in May and make the best of your summer.
10 Best Places To Visit In Srinagar In May
1. Dal Lake
Rightfully known as the jewel of Srinagar, Dal Lake beckons tourists to indulge in an authentic Kashmiri experience. Its shore is framed by pretty Mughal gardens like the Shalimar Garden on one side and the Pir Panjal Mountains on the other. If you find yourself near the waters of Dal Lake, you can’t leave without enjoying everything it has to offer.
Make your experience a memorable one as you lodge in a houseboat on the lake. Imagine the calm waters rocking you ever so slightly during the night on a luxury boat. These boats are furnished with wooden floors and golden lights to give them a royal touch. How will you get there? In shikaras, of course! They’re wooden carved boats with pointed ends on both sides and are a cultural symbol in Kashmir. As you enjoy a ride in the shikhara, you’ll come across the floating market where vendors will approach you with local handicrafts packets of saffron, and ice creams!
Make your way to Char Chinar, an island on Dal Lake surrounded by Chinar trees and on the way, spot some beautiful lotuses blooming. It’s also known as Rupa Lank and was constructed by Murad Baksh – brother of Aurangzeb. As you tour the Dal Lake, you’ll understand why it is such a precious piece of Srinagar.
2. Pari Mahal
Srinagar is home to a fairytale of its own. Overlooking the Dal Lake is the Pari Mahal. The name translates to “the palace of fairies” and is perched atop Zabarwan Hill. Despite having such a flowery name, it’s suspected that it was here where Prince Dara Shikoh was killed by his younger brother, Aurangazeb.
While the palace is now in ruins, it continues to provide an incredible panorama of Srinagar. Another one of the major attractions of this place is the vibrant flowers and exotic fruits that grow around it. After entering the palace, you’ll spot a place where you can dress up in Kashmiri traditional clothes and have your pictures taken.
Entry Fee: INR 20
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
3. Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake is a renowned tourist spot in Srinagar and is a tad less crowded than Dal Lake. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, as it’s surrounded by lovely willow and poplar trees. The houseboat lodging choice on Nigeen Lake provides a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience.
You can make the most of the trip to Nigeen Lake by taking a shikara ride through the tranquil and pristine surroundings. It’s located west of Dal Lake, adjacent to the Hari Parbat mountain. Though it’s a separate lake, it’s often known to be part of Dal Lake as it’s connected by a thin strait.
4. Jamia Masjid, Srinagar
Jamia Masjid, right in the city center, is one of the oldest landmarks in Srinagar. This magnificent 600-year-old mosque is located in Nowhatta, amid the bustle of local markets. The serene mosque is noted for its one-of-a-kind design showcasing 378 wooden deodar pillars that will get any aesthete and selfie maniacs going gaga.
This marvelous structure’s distinctive design is inspired by Indo-Saracenic architecture and exhibits a resemblance to Buddhist pagodas. The fountain inside the mosque grounds is sacred and used for a cleansing ritual. Here, Fridays are very packed for celebrating Jumma so plan accordingly. A fun fact is it can house about 33,333 people at one time. The masjid follows a strict dress code, so be sure to cover your head before entering.
Timings: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
5. Shankaracharya Temple
The Shankaracharya Temple is an ancient Shiva temple built at a height of 1,100 feet atop Gopadari Hill in Srinagar’s southeast corner. This old temple was created in the indigenous early Kashmiri style building and incorporates techniques from the time period. It’s saidto be Kashmir’s oldest shrine. The name of the temple is after the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya who formed the Hindu school of Advaita or non-dualism.
This temple provides breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal range’s snow-capped peaks and the valley. All the bhakts can enjoy a tranquil time here and get some blessings for their safety and the next exciting trip.
Timings: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
6. Manasbal Lake
Manasbal Lake in Srinagar is considered to be the deepest lake in India with a depth of 13 m. It’s encircled by the villages of Gratbal, Jarokbal, and Kondabal on three sides. Jaroka, the Mughal Garden at the shore of this lake, only adds to the overall charm. The lake is supplied by precipitation and rainfall, and a few snow-fed seasonal rivers drain into it.
The lotuses that bloom on the lake’s rim are its loveliest feature. Its name, Manasbal, is taken from Tibet’s Mansarovar Lake. Maybe this is one of the reasons the lake appears so tranquil. Any bird enthusiast visiting the lake would definitely be intrigued by the variety of aquatic birds one can come across. Locals organize thrilling boat cruises, water skiing, and more, drawing crowds to the beautiful Manasbal Lake.
Price For Water Skiing: INR 5,000
7. Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
The Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is nestled in the foothills of Zabarwan Hills and overlooks the beautiful Dal Lake. This well-kept landscape covers around 80 hectares, 17 of which are covered by a lovely lake. The main goal of developing this garden was to highlight the wonderful flora of the Kashmir Valley.
It’s known for providing a stress-relieving ambiance and draws peace seekers, nature lovers, photographers, and fitness enthusiasts. Here, you can also enjoy a paddle-boat trip on the lake. From this exquisite park, one can also observe the gorgeous Zabarwan Hills, the captivating Dal Lake, the ancient Hari Parbat Fort, and much more.
Price: INR 12
Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
8. Yousmarg
Yousmarg can be described as one of those fantasy places that come to life. Encased by calm Himalayan mountains and pine and fir meadows, it’s tough not to fall in love with Yousmarg. Only 50 km from Srinagar, the area is known for having some of the highest peaks in the Pir Panjal Mountain Range, including Sunset Peak and Tattakutti. The forest is also dotted with maple trees and is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.
The region’s main attractions include Doodh Ganga, Pakharpora Shrine, Nilnag Lake, Sang-e-Safed, Tosa Maidan, and Charari Sharief. You’ll also be courted by the springs of colorful flowers that are in full bloom during the summer months.
So, if you’re seeking a less crowded and pollution-free environment to hike in this summer, Yousmarg is the place to go.
9. Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri is a hill station with a magnificent meadow with emerald grass that resembles a green carpet. It’s also claimed that the cattle that graze in the meadows here produce a huge amount of milk, which is why it’s named Doodhpathri. It stands at an elevation of 2,730 m above sea level, making the weather pleasant even during the summers! It’s been an underrated destination for the longest time but is gradually gaining prominence as a tourist attraction. It’s a calm small peaceful location around 40 km from Srinagar with spell-bounding natural beauty and serenity. You can visit this place for an intimate experience of Srinagar and brag to your friends who missed out on it.
10. Awantipora
The Avantiswami Temple is set among lush green slopes. A must-see for all history fans! The area, which is 30 km from Srinagar, exposes its historical attractions with each step. It was built in the 9th century by King Avantivarman during his reign in Jammu and Kashmir.
He was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, and he built two shrines for them. The remains show that the temple was once a massive and magnificent construction. It also has a record of Jammu and Kashmir’s aristocratic heritage that dates back over 1100 years. Now, who wouldn’t want to see that, right?
Summing Up
With a detailed list as such we’re sure you’ll be the leader of your trip now. The majestic valleys, the serene lakes, the ruins, and the amazing architecture in Srinagar will fill you with awe. A destination that’s on everyone’s bucket list is now going to be your next itinerary. Now that’s what we call a cool summer!
FAQs
Why Is Srinagar Famous For?
Srinagar, the state capital, is approximately 1585 meters above sea level. Gardens, lakes, and houseboats are popular attractions in the city. It’s also well-known for Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits. The city is situated on both banks of the Jhelum River, known as Vyath in Kashmir.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit Srinagar?
April to June is considered the best time to visit Srinagar. The temperature ranges between 10°C and 30°C.
What Is The Famous Food Of Srinagar?
Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine is known for its non-vegetarian dishes, the most renowned of which is Rogan Josh.
How Many Days Are Enough In Srinagar?
3 days are enough to explore the magical town of Srinagar.
Is There Snowfall In Srinagar?
Srinagar experiences chilly winters with regular snow showers in January.
What Language Is Spoken In Srinagar?
The Srinagar Burushos speak Burushaski, Urdu, and Kashmiri.
