How To Reach Srinagar

Undeterred by the political unrest inhabiting in the city, Srinagar remains the paradise of India. Located on the banks of the river Jhelum and surrounded by the snow clad mountains, Srinagar is the summer capital of the state of Jammu And Kashmir. The city attracts tourists throughout the year, but the best time to visit Srinagar is between April and October.

Planning a trip to Srinagar and wondering how to reach there? Read on to plan a hassle-free trip soon.

The Sheikh Ul Alam Airport is located 15 km away from the center of Srinagar. You can avail direct flights to the Srinagar Airport from prominent cities of India including Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Delhi. A word of caution – the airport is heavily patrolled by the Indian army. Also, if you are traveling in winter, there are chances of flights getting cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

If you are traveling by train, you need to get down at Jammu Tawi Station or Udhampur railway station. These stations are well connected to most big cities in India. Srinagar is around 264 km away from Jammu Tawi and it takes around 6 hours by road. You can avail taxis besides state government buses to reach Srinagar.

The distance between Udhampur and Srinagar is 229 km and it takes approximately 4 hours and 38 minutes by road. There are plenty of government and private buses traveling between Udhampur and Srinagar.

If you are taking a road trip to Srinagar, the road conditions are good except a few stretches. The drive may be comfortable, but it can also be tedious as the roads are open to both army and tourists. If you are traveling from Delhi, you have to go via Patnitop.

Once you reach Srinagar, you can travel around the city in auto-rickshaws, which are available everywhere. It is important to negotiate the fare with the rickshaw driver before getting in. It, of course, helps to pretend that you are not new to the city. You can also avail taxis or buses. For explorers, there are motorcycles available on rent.

Srinagar is famous for its gardens, waterfronts, and houseboats on the Dal Lake. Also known as the 'Srinagar's Jewel', Dal Lake is the second largest lake in the state and covers a distance of 18 km. Some other famous tourist spots in Srinagar are The Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashmashahi Garden, Hazratbal Mosque, Jamia Masjid Mosque and Ziarati Hazrati Youza Asouph.

There are private buses running throughout the city making it well connected with the major tourist spots. Don’t forget to check out the local handicrafts and sample the dry fruits on sale here.