Gulmarg
Gulmarg is the most popular retreat from Srinagar of all the places to visit near Srinagar. Rightly called the Meadow of Flowers, Gulmarg is the crowning jewel of Kashmir. The refreshing ambience, pleasing weather and heavenly scenery are as pretty as a picture.
When at Gulmarg, do not miss visiting the Alpather Lake to bask in its serenity. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Drung Waterfalls, Apharwat Peak and Seven Springs are other attractions here. Gulmarg is also known as the hub of winter sports. To experience the rush of adrenaline, indulge in gondola ride, skiing, golf, ATV bike ride and snowboarding.
Location: Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir
How to reach: Gulmarg is located 50 kilometres from Srinagar. The quickest and easiest way to reach Gulmarg is by bus or car in 1.5 hours.
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Sonamarg
Sonamarg, also known as ‘Meadow of Gold’, is a ravishing hill station with a pretty view of snow-capped mountains amidst the blue skies. If you are looking for places to visit near Srinagar, a trip to Sonamarg is worthy and the closest one can get to heaven.
The gush of Sindh River flowing through the valley, divinity of Vishansar Lake, a calm picnic beside the Nilagrad River relaxes your soul and refreshes your mind. Sonamarg is also the base camp for major treks through Zojila Pass, Krishnasar Lake and Gadsar Lake. The pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier and white river rafting at Shutkari Bridge are once-in-a-lifetime entertaining experiences not to be missed.
Location: Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir
How to reach: Sonamarg is only 50 kilometres away from Srinagar and can be reached via road in 1.5 hours.
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Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley, originally called the Hagan Valley, is a beautiful location among the places to visit near Srinagar. Surrounded by enchanting landscape, snow-capped mountains and delightful weather, Betaab Valley is a surreal beauty.
The Lidder River flowing through the valley with its turquoise waters adds to the charm of the place. The lush green meadows and dense forests with deodar, pine, chinar and willow trees make the Betaab Valley a great picnic spot. Trekking, camping and visiting the Bobby Hut are few things to do at Betaab Valley.
Location: Near Pahalgam, Baramulla, Hajan, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
How to reach: Betaab Valley is a two and half hour ride from Srinagar and fifteen kilometres from the Pahalgam district. The quickest and cheapest way to reach Betaab Valley is by hiring a taxi or self-driving.
Entry fee: INR 100 per person
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Yusmarg
Yusmarg is a quaint town in the Badgam district of Kashmir that is an unexplored gem of all the places near Srinagar. Yusmarg, meaning ‘Meadows of Jesus’, is a little paradise known for picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere.
There are also other gorgeous sightseeing destinations in Yusmarg like Sang-e-Safed Valley, Nilnag and Charar-e-Sharif church. One can also witness the magnificence of high peaks Tattakutti and Sunset Peak in the PirPanjal Range. The regal Doodh Ganga River makes Yusmarg even more beautiful. Skiing is also available on the slopes of Yusmarg for those who love adventure activities.
Location: Badgam, Jammu and Kashmir 191112
How to Reach: Yusmarg is located 50 kilometres from Srinagar and reached via road in 2 hours. The nearest railway station is in Ompora Town which is 42 kilometres from Yusmarg.
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Kokernag
Kokernag is a popular destination among travellers who look for serenity without the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you are looking for places to visit near Srinagar for a weekend getaway, Kokerang is a good spot. Kokernag boasts of a lovely surrounding with green fields, small blue streams and vibrant flora amidst the mighty mountains.
Pashudhan Nad, the magical water spring which has medicinal values and digestive properties, is the most famous tourist attraction at Kokernag. Kokernag Botanical Garden and Rose Garden is an extravaganza of the colourful blossoms. Kokernag Waterfall is another famous freshwater spring here.
Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir (on the right side of NH 244)
How to reach: Kokernag is 22 kilometres away from Anantnag and can be reached via road in an hour. The nearest railway station is Anantnag while the closest airport is Srinagar at a distance of 90 kilometres.
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Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is a lesser known tourist spot among the places near Srinagar that has recently gained a lot of recognition for its natural beauty. It is a high altitude pass that separates Kashmir Valley from the Jammu region. You can find sheets of snow covering the entire region all through the year.
The journey to the Sinthan Top is more beautiful than the destination itself as you will find dense pine trees, small rivulets and snow glazed mountains in all directions. The 3600 degree viewpoint on the top gives a panoramic view of Jammu on one side and Kashmir on the other side. The sight is so hypnotizing that you might doubt yourself if you are in heaven.
Location: NH 1B, Daksum, Chhatroo, Jammu and Kashmir 192202
How to reach: Sinthan Top is 130 kilometres from Srinagar and can be reached via road in 3.5 hours.
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Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers. The park is dotted with exotic Himalayan fauna including snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan black bear and brown bear. Bird lovers can spot unique avifauna like Black Bulbul, Himalayan monal, Golden oriole and Cinnamon sparrow.
The Dagwan River flowing through Dachigam Park is a refreshing sight with the gurgling sound of water. The upper side of the park is enclosed by Sangargulu Valley which is an ideal trekking destination to spot leopards and koklas pheasants.
Location: Dachigam Road, near Harwan Mughal Garden, Jammu and Kashmir 191202
How to reach: Dachigam National Park is 22 kilometres from Srinagar. Metal roads are available from Srinagar to Lower Dachigam while Upper Dachigam has to be travelled on foot. You can take the jeep service from Srinagar or hire a taxi or go by bus to Dachigam National Park.
Entry fee: INR 25 per person
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Manasbal Lake
Touted as the supreme gem of all lakes in Kashmir, Manasbal Lake is known for its peacefulness and sheer beauty. The quiet azure lake amidst the mountains surrounded by a lush green garden is a blissful experience.
The lotuses that grow in the lake during July and August add to the charm of the lake. The stems of the lotuses are harvested to make the traditional Kashmiri Nadru. The Mughal Garden near Manasbal built by Nur Jahan provides an alluring view of the lake and mountain peaks. The lake is also the home to exclusive Himalayan birds. To enjoy thrilling activities, you can avail the shikara ride and water skiing.
Location: Safapora Ganderbal, Kashmir
How to reach: Manasbal Lake is 30 kilometres from Srinagar and can be reached by road in one hour.
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Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri is a small hill station that is a hidden treasure in Jammu and Kashmir. Doodhpatri gets its name from the milky white waters of the streams here. The town lies in a bowl shaped valley between the mountains of PirPanjal Range.
Doodhpathri is an alpine valley with a large expanse of green meadows enclosed by pine, fir and deodar trees. There are also beautiful flowers like buttercups, daisies and forget-me-nots adorning the meadows. The prettiness of snow clad mountains amidst the green pastures and white rivers are the compelling reasons to visit Doodhpathri among the places near Srinagar.
Location: Chill, Bras, Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir 193411
How to reach: Doodhpatri is located 45 kilometres from Srinagar and takes 2.5 hours to reach by road.
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Fotu La
Fotu La Top is a high mountain pass on the Srinagar Leh Highway in Zanskar Range that attracts photo enthusiasts. It provides wonderful opportunities for taking pictures as you get an amazing view of Himalayan peaks and other places near Srinagar.
The scenic beauty, lunar-like landscape and breezy weather make the drive to Fotu La Top entertaining, with its naked hills and snow-crowned mountains, greet you with a warm welcome to Ladakh. The pass separates the city of Leh from Kargil. A drive further from Fotu La takes you to Lamayuru, a picturesque town at Leh.
Location: Ladakh, India
How to reach: Fotu La is at a distance of 290 kilometres from Srinagar. It can be reached via car in 7 hours
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Dras
Dras, the ‘Gateway to Ladakh’, is the coldest inhabited place in India and second in the world. This small hamlet is intensely beautiful and numbingly cold with the lowest temperature dropping till -45oC. The barren brown hills, rippling waters of Dras River and wildflowers ornamenting the patchwork of fields in Dras Valley make Dras a compelling visit when planning a trip to the places to visit near Srinagar.
Small villages nestled between the mountains, ancient stone houses, local folklore about the place and toiling women with baskets add to the beauty of Dras. The town also hosts polo contests at the top of the mountains every year.
Location: Kargil, Ladakh
How to reach: Dras is situated on NH1 on the road to Srinagar. It is 142 kilometres from Srinagar which will take 4 hours to reach. Cabs and buses are available from Srinagar to Dras
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Kargil
Known for its cultural and historical significance, Kargil is a small city in Ladakh on the banks of Suru or Indus River. Kargil rose to importance and recognition during the Kargil war between India and Pakistan in 1999. The locals were mainly Tibetan Buddhists till 19th century after which they converted to Islam.
Kargil is now a peaceful city with a scenic view of the mountains and pristine waters of the river. The weather here is harshly cold with the minimum temperature dropping to -45oC during winter. With so much magnitude in Indian history, Kargil should be visited before other tourist places near Srinagar.
Location: Ladakh, India
How to reach: The distance between Srinagar and Kargil is 203 kilometres which takes 4 hours of drive on road via NH1
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Pulwama
Pulwama is a small town regarded as the delight of Kashmir. Pulwama, meaning ‘Anand of Kashmir’ is truly an enchantment for the town brims with the blessings of Mother Nature. Apple orchards, waterfalls, natural freshwater springs and quaint valleys adorn the town. Aharball Waterfall, Kounsarnag Lake, Avantishwar Temple, Jama Masjid Shopian and Kungwattan are the key attractions at Pulwama.
Adventure junkies love visiting Pulwama of all the other tourist places near Srinagar as they can take part in trekking in summer, snow-boarding in winter and mountaineering.
Location: Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir
How to reach: Pulwama is 30 kilometres to the south of Srinagar and can be driven in one hour or you can take the bus.
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Patnitop
Patnitop is a small yet famous hill station near Kashmir known for its alluring scenic views. The never-ending green meadows and white snowy mountain peaks offer an array of photographing opportunities. Hence, Patnitop is also called the ‘Photographer’s Paradise’.
The town is also popular for its spine-chilling activities like paragliding, skiing and trekking. A short trek to Nathatop, Madhatop and Shiva Ghar are some fun-filling things to do at Patnitop. If you are looking for tourist places near Srinagar that is an adventure hub without much hustle, Patnitop is the right choice.
Location: Ramban, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.
How to reach: Patnitop is 120 kilometres from Srinagar and can be reached in 3.5 hours by bus or taxi. The nearest railway station and airport to Patnitop in Jammu. You can also take the train or flight from Srinagar to Jammu and then hire a taxi to Patnitop.
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Khilan Marg
Khilan Margi is an offbeat destination that is 6 kilometres from Gulmarg. It is the right blend of natural beauty, energizing serenity and thrilling sports activities. The aromatic flowers blooming during spring offer a warm welcome to the visitors. Winters are all about snow sports like skiing. Khilan Marg is a secluded destination of all the tourist places near Srinagar as to reach here one must walk or take a pony ride from Gulmarg.
Location: Outer Gulmarg Rd, Gulmarg, 193403
How to reach: Khilan Marg is 6 kilometres from Gulmarg and 49 kilometres from Srinagar which will take 1.5 hours by road. The nearest airport is Srinagar while the nearest railway station is Jammu.
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