Top Destinations to Explore in Srinagar with a Helpful Travel Tips

Pro Tips for Perfect Car Hire Every Time

Srinagar is known as "Heaven on Earth," and it is located in Jammu & Kashmir, near the Jhelum River. Srinagar is famous for its stationary houseboats and Shikara rowboats on Dal Lake. Dal and Nigeen Lakes are calm and peaceful, making Srinagar a great place for honeymoons and family holidays. The beauty of Srinagar attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayas that offer stunning views. Srinagar is full of tourist attractions where you can spend quality time with family and friends. Srinagar is also rich in culture and history. The Mughal Garden, Shalimar Bagh, and Nishat Bagh showcase the beautiful Mughal architecture. These gardens are especially lovely in the spring when flowers are in full bloom. The city's old town has charming markets where you can buy traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, such as pashmina shawls, carpets, and saffron. If you are planning a trip then do not forget to explore the place with self drive car rental Srinagar. You can explore things better at your own pace, without relying on crowded public transportation and taxis. Have complete privacy on the whole trip to this beautiful location. Not only just beautiful places, Srinagar offers delicious Kashmiri cuisine. You can taste delicious dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and various kinds of Kebabs. The local Wazwan feast is a must-try for food lovers. Overall, Srinagar offers a memorable experience that includes natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious food. In this article today, we will cover all the essential information about Srinagar.

Top Tips Before Planning a Trip to Srinagar

1.Srinagar has different seasons. Summers there are nice and not too hot, but winters get very cold and snowy. Before you go, check the weather for when you are traveling and pack things accordingly.

2.Keep yourself updated on any travel restrictions or permit requirements, especially if you plan to visit areas near the Line of Control (LoC) or other sensitive regions.

3.Research transportation options for reaching Srinagar, whether by air, road, or train. Consider self drive car hire Srinagar to get around the city and nearby attractions.

4.Book self drive car rental and hotels in advance, especially in peak season to get the desired car and stay at the best price.

5.Learn about the way people do things, their traditions, and manners in the area so you can be respectful and not accidentally upset anyone.

6.Carry a first aid kit and necessary medications on the trip and stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes.

7.Carry sufficient cash in Indian Rupees, as online payments and credit/debit cards may not be widely accepted, especially in rural areas. ATMs are available in major cities but may be limited in remote areas.

8.Explore the local cuisine, which includes delicious Kashmiri dishes such as Rogan Josh, Wazwan, and Kashmiri Pulao. Be cautious about food hygiene, especially if trying street food.

9.Pack the right clothes based on the season of your visit. In summer, lightweight and breathable clothing is suitable, while warm and waterproof clothes are essential for winter.

10.Be cautious while taking pictures because there are some places where photography is prohibited. Ask locals and be careful of any signs.

Must Visit Places in Srinagar

Dal Lake: It is a big lake in Srinagar. People call it "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel." It is an important place for tourists and fun activities in Srinagar. People also fish and harvest plants from the lake. Around the lake, there is a road with gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels from a long time ago when the Mughal kings ruled. You can see pretty views of the lake from these gardens and from colorful boats called shikaras. Sometimes, in winter, it gets so cold that the lake freezes. The lake is quite big, covering about 18 square kilometers, and it is part of a natural area that is even bigger. There are special gardens that float on the water called "Raad," which have beautiful lotus flowers in July and August. The lake is divided into four parts by roads; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nagin. Some of these parts have islands in the middle, like Rup Lank and Sona Lank. Houseboats are very common here, and they give tourists a place to stay. You can explore this place with self drive car rental Srinagar.

Tulip Garden: The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, once called Model Floriculture Center, is a big tulip garden in Srinagar. It is the biggest tulip garden in Asia and covers about 30 hectares. It sits on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, overlooking Dal Lake. The garden opened in 2007 to make floriculture and tourism in Kashmir Valley better. It is made on sloping land with seven levels. Besides tulips, it has other flowers like hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus. Every year, there is a Tulip festival to show off the garden's flowers and boost tourism. It happens at the beginning of spring in Kashmir valley.

The Shankaracharya Temple: It is in Srinagar on top of Shankaracharya Hill. You can explore this place with self drive car rental Srinagar. It is an old temple of Lord Shiva. Also called Jyesteshwara Temple, it honors the philosopher Shankaracharya who visited Srinagar a thousand years ago. Inside, there is a Shiva Linga, a sacred symbol. Legend says Shankaracharya found enlightenment here. After that, he started four Hindu schools of Advaita, which is about seeing everything as one. The temple is on a big rock and you reach it by climbing about 243 steps. From up there, you get a great view of the valley.

Nigeen Lake: Nigeen Lake, also spelled as Nageen Lake, is a lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a bit of a mix between clear and murky water. It is connected to Dal Lake by a narrow passage and to Khushal Sar and Gil Sar lakes by a channel called Nallah Amir Khan. Around Nigeen Lake, you will see lots of willow and poplar trees, giving it the nickname "nageena," which means "the jewel in the ring." "Nigeen" is just a local way to say the same thing. It is next to Hari Parbat hill and Hazratbal, famous for its shrine, is to the northeast. Nigeen Lake is popular with tourists in Srinagar because its water is cleaner than Dal Lake. You will often see houseboats and Shikaras (traditional boats) there. It is also good for swimming because it is deeper and less crowded than Dal Lake.

Chashma Shahi: It also known as the Royal Spring, is a garden made around a spring in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan, who worked for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan wanted to give it as a present to his son, Prince Dara Shikoh. It is situated in the Zabarwan Range, close to the Raj Bhawan (Governor's house), with a view of Dal Lake in Srinagar. You can explore this place also with self drive car rental Srinagar.

Badamwari: The early blossoming of flowers on Almond trees in the large, old Badamwari garden in Shahr-e-Khaas attracts both nature lovers and tourists. The garden, spread across 300 kanals, is located at the base of Koh-e-Maran and is filled with trees, flowers, and waterfalls, offering a peaceful exp: rience to visitors. Historians believe the garden existed even before Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin's rule in the 14th century, but there is no clear record of who built it. There is a dome in the garden named after an Afghan ruler, Warris Shah. The blooming Almond trees mark the arrival of spring. The garden was restored and officially opened to the public in 2008.

Pari Mahal: It also known as The Angels Abode, is a beautiful garden with seven levels. It sits atop the Zabarwan mountain range, overlooking Srinagar city and the southwest side of Dal Lake. You can explore this place with self drive car hire Srinagar. The architecture of Pari Mahal is an example of Islamic style, showing the support for art during the time of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. This place was built in the mid-1600s by a Mughal Prince named Dara Shikoh. He used it as both a library and a home. Dara Shikoh stayed here during different years like 1640, 1645, and 1654. Later on, it was also used as a place for studying astrology and astronomy. You can reach Pari Mahal with just a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi Garden.

Shalimar Garden: Shalimar Bagh is a beautiful garden in Srinagar. It is connected to Dal Lake through a channel and sits on its right side, on the edge of Srinagar city in Jammu and Kashmir. People also call it Shalimar Garden, Farah Baksh, and Faiz Baksh. Another famous garden nearby is Nishat Bagh. Mughal Emperor Jahangir built Shalimar Bagh in 1619 for his wife Noor Jahan. It is known for its stunning Mughal-style design. Nowadays, it is open to the public and it is visited by a lot of people.

Self Drive Car Rental at Srinagar International Airport

You can easily rent a self drive car at Srinagar International Airport very easily. We offer the best and quickest service around. You can choose where you want to pick up and drop off the car, whether it is at the airport, train station, bus stop, or anywhere else convenient for you. We will bring the car to that location for you. Self drive car hire Srinagar gives you the freedom and privacy for your whole trip. You can go wherever you want without worrying about public transport schedules or expensive taxis. Just pick up the car when you arrive in Srinagar, drive it to where you are staying, explore the city, and then return the car wherever you like. It makes your trip comfortable, enjoyable, affordable, and adventurous. You can easily rent a self drive car at Srinagar Airport at any location in Srinagar that suits you. Some common car rental locations in Srinagar are

Self drive car Rental at Dal Lake

Self drive car Rental at Boulevard Road

Self drive car Rental at Lal Chowk

Self drive car Rental at Nehru Park

Self drive car Rental at Dalgate

Self drive car Rental at Batmaloo Bus Stand

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Srinagar?

The best time to visit Srinagar is from April to October. That is when the weather is good for looking around and enjoying the pretty sights. In spring (April to June), the gardens are full of flowers, and in autumn (September to November), the trees have colorful leaves. Summer (July to August) is warm, great for rides on Dal Lake, and winter is cold, good for snow fun.

What are the best activities tourists can do in Srinagar?

Tourists in Srinagar can do lots of fun stuff like riding in a Shikara boat on Dal Lake, staying in a houseboat, seeing beautiful Mughal Gardens, buying Kashmiri crafts and dry fruits, trying local food like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Wazwan, hiking in nearby hills, watching birds, and playing golf at Royal Springs Golf Course.

How can I reach Srinagar?

Srinagar can be reached by both air and roads. The city has its own airport, Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Additionally, Srinagar is accessible by road through national highways. You can rent self drive car in Srinagar and explore the whole city better with freedom.

How much does it cost to book a self drive car in Srinagar?

In Srinagar, the cost of renting a self driving car depends on a few factors, such as the type of car, how long you need it, and the time of year you are booking. Just call us at 7528904589 for details, or visit our website.

Are there any religious sites in Srinagar?

Srinagar has important religious places like the Hazratbal Shrine, where people believe there is a hair from Prophet Muhammad. Another spot is the Shankaracharya Temple, for Lord Shiva, on a hill with great city views.

Are there any restrictions for tourists in Srinagar?

Occasionally, there may be certain restrictions or curfews imposed by local authorities due to security concerns. It is advisable to check for any travel advisories or restrictions before planning your trip to Srinagar.