Srinagar Tourism | Places to Visit | Things To Do

The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is located in the beautiful Kashmir Valley, on the banks of Jhelum River, Srinagar is renowned for its natural beauty, lakes and houseboats. However, due to political unrest in the Kashmir Valley region, Srinagar has often been at the centre of violent activities. There has been a constant presence of armed forces in the city, enforcing curfews, which has negatively affected the tourism industry. Exercise caution and be aware of the most recent developments in the region before planning your holiday. Srinagar is a beautiful place, and must-visit attractions include Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashmashahi and Shankracharya Mandir. Srinagar also serves as a base for trekking expeditions in the Kashmir Valley, taking the adventure tourist to alpine lakes on high altitude. 

The city stands on both sides of the Jhelum River and the city has been dubbed the Venice of the East due to the houseboats, various rivers, canals and gardens which intersperse the city. The shopping, sightseeing and local handicrafts, authentic Kashmiri goods make it a desirable place to visit. Unfortunately, the city has been the focus of friction, with regional political and religious tensions erupting into outright violence, sometimes involving civilians.

The city often has a curfew and shops and banks can be closed for a matter of days. Curfews can effect travelling arrangements as buses, trains and other forms of transport arrive and depart to avoid being affected. For this reason, tourists should make themselves aware at all times, if travelling to the region, what laws and regulations are in place at the time. With so many of Kashmir attractions, it is a worthy destination, and the benefits of visiting should outweigh any potential danger or disruption if your trip is planned properly.