About Srinagar

Blankets of colourful flower beds, riverside fronts facing the Himalayan glaciers on Jhelum river, vendors selling flowers and vegetables on Dal Lake, Pashmina shawls and Shikara houseboats - Srinagar is feisty, cold and grand - all at once. The largest city in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is called the summer capital for its lush green grasslands, rich flower beds and handicraft. It is rightly called The Venice of the East.

Places to visit in Aru Valley

Aru Valley itself is a tourist spot that becomes prominent as a skiing spot during winter months. At other times, it serves as a base camp for trekking. One can visit Pahalgam which is only 11 km away from here or Sonmarg which is also only 30-40 km from Aru valley. One can also travel to nearby destinations from here such as Betaab valley, and Tarsar-Marsar lakes.

Top places to visit in Srinagar: Touristy

• Famous lakes: Dal Lake - famous for Shikaras, Nageen and Wular lakes - famous for their fresh waters and Jhelum river - one of the oldest water bodies in the region.
• Flower gardens: Srinagar is famous for Mughal Gardens - Chashme Shahi and Shalimar Mughal Gardens created by the Mughal kings. Do check out Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh for a variety of flower species.
• Forts and palaces: Some historical forts are Pari Mahal, Hari Parbat Fort and Sher Garhi Palace famous for Mughal architecture.
• Shankaracharya Temple: Situated in Zabarwan range, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Jama Masjid: Built by Sultan Sikander in 1394, this mosque is a historical structure.
• Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: An Indian garden with the largest Tulip cultivation featuring tulips of 100+ species.

Top places to visit in Srinagar: Offbeat

• Aru valley - It’s the starting point for Kolahoi Glacier and Sonamarg Trek, Arul valley is perfect for hiking, camping, trekking. It is 100km from Srinagar city.
• Chatpal - Perfect for adventure and nature lovers as it has tall apple and walnut trees located around 88km from Srinagar city

Things to do

• Shikara ride and houseboat
• Cable car ride on Hari Parbat
• Buy Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri handicrafts
• Hike or camp at Aru valley

Perfect for

Family vacation and honeymoon.

Places to stay

• Lalit Grand Palace Hotel [Luxury]
• Hotel Lake Resort Boutique [Budget]
• Wangnoo Sheraton Group of Houseboats [Mid]
• Radisson Srinagar [Mid to Luxury]
• Lemon Tree Hotel [Mid]

Places to eat

• Mughal Darbaar - Mughlai, Kashmiri and North Indian cuisine
• Lhasa Restaurant - Chinese and Asian
• The Chinar at the Lalit Grand Palace Hotel - Indian and continental
• Ahdoos - Local Kashmiri
• Shamyana restaurant - Mughlai, Kashmiri and North Indian cuisine