Offbeat Places To Visit In Srinagar
Overview
Srinagar, as the highly developed city of Kashmir, is a popular holiday destination. The city has gained recognition for its Mughal Gardens built in ancient times, serene lakes and other attractions. The popular ones include Dal Lake, Nishat Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Pari Mahal, etc.
While these sightseeing spots are a visual treat, they are often crowded, especially in the peak season. If you want to avoid the crowd and are looking for a peaceful experience, there are many offbeat places to visit in srinagar.
They are equally fascinating and remain an unforgettable memory. Still less explored, they provide an escape into the wilderness. This time, as you visit Srinagar, do add places like Dachigam National Park, Jhelum River, Jamia Masjid, Char Chinar, etc.
Most of them can be visited year-round with family and friends. Cliffhangers India often include such tourist spots in the Kashmir offbeat Tour Packages. Take a look!
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Best Offbeat Places to Visit in Srinagar
01. Hari Parbat Fort
As one of the best places to visit in srinagar is Hari Parbat it is engineering marvel of the city. It was constructed in the 18th century. The fort is located on a top hill, only 6 kilometres from Dal Lake.
You can clearly see the small glimpse of the fort from the lake itself. When you are at the fort, you can witness a holistic view of Srinagar city. The place showcases the utmost secularism with Sharika Devi Temple on the west side and ok the southern side, lies the Makhdoom Sahib Shrine and Akhund Mullah Shah Shrine.
In the fort itself, the Shrine of Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi is there. You can either trek there or hire a cab or taxi to reach.
02. Dachigam
About 22 kilometres away from Srinagar city on the east side of Dal Lake, Dachigam National Park is suitable for a secluded wildlife tour in the valley. It is the only place where Kashmir Stag( Hangul).
It is one of the hotspots to explore the rich and varied flora and fauna of Kashmir. The trees seen here are of oak, walnut, apple, cherry, chinar, poplar, birch etc. Some of the animals found are Himalayan brown bear, himalayan grey langur, himalayan wolf etc.
It is every nature and wildlife photographer’s delight. It has preserved biodiversity for years now and also acts as a water source for Srinagar.
03. Astanmarg
Astanmarg is an idyllic meadow situated between Zabarwan Range in Srinagar and Dachigam National park, perfect for relaxation. From here you can sit atop its many viewpoints to admire its picturesque view!
It is around 22 kilometres from Srinagar. Apart from a viewing point, it is a hotspot for paragliding. It is so for the right reasons since aerial view from the Astanmarg gives you some unsurpassed sights of Dal Lake,Dachigam National Park and other nearby places.
The feeling of being up in the air like a bird and seeing the city from a different angle is unmatched. You can either trek to Astanmarg or hire a taxi service in Srinagar.
04. Jhelum River
Jhelum river, originating from Verinag, covers a long distance in Srinagar. It has become a tourist destination of the city as different activities have been introduced here such as boating, rafting, etc.
Even people come here for sightseeing purposes. Mangal dam built on the river is a popular tourist spot. Here, the surroundings aren’t too crowded. By the shores, you can plan outdoor picnics with your loved ones or spend some secluded time for much needed peace.
Summer is an excellent time to visit the river, in winter, the river is partially frozen when the temperature goes below freezing level.
05. Jamia Masjid
The largest mosque of Kashmir, Jamia Masjid is situated in the Downtown region of the valley. The place holds utmost religious significance in the valley. As you visit here, you’ll see the peaceful ambiance created here with pin-drop silence.
The mosque is crowded with visitors coming to offer prayers, especially on Sunday. If you are a tourist, you may not visit there on fridays to avoid the crowd.
Adhere to rules and regulations there and wear modest clothes covering you from head to toe. Cover your head with a scarf or shawl before entering the Mosque.
06. Hazratbal Shrine
Visiting Kashmiri Shrine is like experiencing sheer serenity – making Hazratbal Shrine one of the ultimate peaceful spots. Pilgrims from across India make sure they visit Hazratbal at least once in their lifetimes!
The place has a strand of Prophet Mohammed preserved. Hazratbal translates as a ‘holy place’ and it is true in every sense. Not only muslim devotees, but every tourist, irrespective of religion, pays their tribute here.
Women are permitted to enter only the first part of the Shrine. You can go here from 9 am to 5 pm on each day of the week. Avoid going on Fridays since it is crowded here.
07. Char Chinar in Dal Lake
A popular island in the middle of Dal Lake is a gorgeous sight to visit. It gets its name from the Chinar trees present at four corners. Shikara rides are accessible to reach Char Chinar in Srinagar.
The place is immensely beautiful. While in summer, the spot is filled with natural greenery and flowing waters of Dal Lake, the island is frozen in winters with snow falling on Chinar trees.
The most magical time to visit Char Chinar is in autumn when the leaves turn brown and golden, creating a beautiful contrast with the serene Dal Lake. It is a popular place for weekend getaways among locals as well as visitors.
08. Harwan Garden
If you have already visited the famous Mughal gardens and this time, wish to explore something remote, Harwan Garden is the ideal pick. It is considered as the gateway to the popular Dachigam National Park.
Trekkers undertaking the Mahadev Mountain Peak start from here only since it is the base point. Located at a distance of about 19 kilometres from Srinagar, the large area covered in this garden is filled with Chinar trees and blooming flowers especially in Spring season.
The Harwan lake that originates behind the garden, meanders through the garden. The place offers lush and clean ground for picnics, nature walks and bird watching.
09. Harwan Buddhist Monastery Ruins
Harwan Buddhist monastery dates back 2000 years. Though no longer complete, its remains serve to show how significant Buddhism was for Kashmir during earlier times.
It is speculated to be constructed around the 1st-2nd Century AD. You can visit here if you are a historical buff since the plaque found here has the entire history of the monastery written here.
Add the Buddhist Monastery along with the Harwan Garden and explore this offbeat location, 15-20 kilometres away from Srinagar.
10. Mamneth Top (for hiking)
Mamneth top is an offbeat trekking destination in Srinagar. It starts from a town named, Dara Harwan, which is about 20 kilometres from Srinagar’s Lal Chowk.
The total distance to be covered to reach the Mamneth Top is only 4 kilometres. The short distance and easier trails makes it quite beginner-friendly. As you complete the trek and reach the top, you’ll be mesmerised by the view you get to see.
The entire Srinagar city is in sight. At the time of sunset, an array of colours are seen from there. May to September is the ideal time for trekking to Mamneth Top.
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Conclusion
While these places are worth visiting, the path still remains less chosen. If this is your first experience, make sure to hire a local guide who is familiar with the area’s routes and other details. When trekking, make sure you bring suitable clothes, snacks, water bottles and any essentials with you.
These offbeat places of Kashmir bring nature close and offer excellent opportunities for recreational activities like picnics, walks and strolls. Visit them when it’s the ideal time.
Some are visited in summer like Hari Parbat Fort while others are accessible throughout the year like Char Chinar, Hazratbal Shrine. Have a fantastic time in Srinagar!
FAQ's
While you can see some live snowfall in Srinagar at Lal Chowk in peak winter, to see the snow slopes and heavy accumulation, visit Gulmarg and Sonmarg. Here, snow can be seen from December onwards till March.
The best time to visit Srinagar is from May to September when temperatures begin to increase and weather becomes pleasant, when tourists from across India come together to take Shikara rides and visit multiple attractions in Srinagar.
Srinagar offers many attractions for visitors to experience. Beginning with Shikara rides at Dal and Nigeen Lakes to Shalimar Bagh and Char Chinar. In springtime, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden hosts their Tulip Festival.
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