Long-serving as one of the most beautiful honeymoon destinations in India, Srinagar has always been a tourist favourite. The city is located around the banks of the Dal Lake and Jhelum River in the Kashmir Valley, flanked by the majestic Zabarwan Range. It is known for its lush, blooming gardens and cosy houseboats and shikara rides on the lake. Tourist attractions in Srinagar also include traditional handicrafts, carpets, woollen-wear, and dried fruits. Visiting Srinagar for one day? Here are the most beautiful places to visit in Srinagar if you are here only for 24 hours.
Begin your visit to Srinagar with a shikara ride on Dal Lake. It is among the most beautiful places to visit in Srinagar. Spread over 15 km, it is also known as the ‘Jewel of Kashmir.’ It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal range, beautifully reflected by the placid lake. The Dal Lake also has a floating market, where locals on shikaras sell handicrafts, saffron, and freshly sourced fruits. Staying on a houseboat in Dal Lake is one of the best things to do in Srinagar. However, if you are only visiting Srinagar for one day, then a shikara ride is a must-do.
From the Dal Lake, head to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, one of the must-visit garden. It is Asia’s largest tulip garden and one of the top places to visit in Srinagar when you have only one day. The garden is spread over seven terraces. It is home to vibrant rows of irises, daffodils, roses, hyacinths, and of course, tulips. To witness the tulips in full bloom, visit Srinagar in spring, when the city hosts the annual Tulip Festival. It is held between March and May, making it one of the must-visit gardens in Srinagar.
Another must-visit garden in Srinagar is Shalimar Bagh, a Mughal garden built by Jahangir in 1619. The garden was built by the emperor for his wife Nur Jahan. It is a very well-maintained garden, seamlessly blending its natural features with the architectural work. The main attractions at Shalimar Bagh are the central waterway and the classic Mughal-style arched niches. The garden is also populated with chinar trees that turn fiery red every autumn.
If you are in Srinagar for only one day, then Hazratbal Shrine is one of the most beautiful places to visit. The striking white marble structure of the shrine also houses the holiest mosque in Kashmir. People believe that this 17th-century shrine houses the sacred hair of Prophet Muhammad’s beard. It is located on the banks of the Dal Lake, thus it is easily accessible on a one-day visit to Srinagar. The shrine offers panoramic views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Pari Mahal lies on the Zabarwan mountain range. It is a beautiful garden comprising seven terraces. It was built by Shah Jahan’s son Dara Shikoh in the mid-17th century. People also call Pari Mahal the ‘abode of fairies’. The artisans decorate its outer walls with symmetric arches in the striking Mughal style. It is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar if you only have one day because of the colourful flowers and fruits that grow here in abundance.
Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar is located at Shankaracharya Hill. Dating back to the 9th century, it is one of the oldest temples in Kashmir. They dedicated the temple to Lord Shiva. A steep flight of stairs lead visitors and devotees to the temple that sits on a high platform atop a rock. The temple’s premises offer a bird’s eye view of the Dal Lake and the city. This is why it is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar, even if you have only one day.
Nishat Bagh is among the must-visit gardens in Srinagar, just next to Dal Lake. With twelve terraces, it is one of the largest Mughal gardens in the city. The garden has an archetypal water channel sprinkled with fountains and chinar trees around it. It also boasts lush beds of vibrant flowers, while the mountains offer a stunning backdrop.
Polo View Market and Lal Chowk are located right next to each other, forming the commercial centre of Srinagar. These are among the best shopping places in Srinagar. They offer handicrafts, luxurious pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché items, walnut wood carvings, dried fruits, saffron, and more. The tree-lined streets also have several boutiques selling beautiful clothes. These two markets are the must-visit places for shopping in Srinagar.
These were some of the most beautiful places to visit in Srinagar if you only have one day. There is so much more to explore in the Kashmir Valley if you come for a longer stay.
On your next trip to Srinagar, stay at one of Lohono’s luxurious villas to elevate your holiday. From the iconic wooden Harmukh Houseboat on Nigeen Lake to the gorgeous and cosy White House at Zaznar, deep in the heart of nature, The Manor offers a Victorian-style home with sprawling lawns and warm interiors. The uninterrupted views at The Red Cottage at Zaznar come with intimately decorated rooms. Noor boasts traditional Kashmiri architecture while being a mere stone’s throw away from Dal Lake.
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