Top Destinations Near Srinagar Worth Visiting

Pro Tips for Perfect Car Hire Every Time

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a beautiful city known for its natural beauty and pleasant weather. It is located in the Kashmir Valley and is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery. The city is famous for its lovely gardens, serene lakes, and traditional houseboats. The Dal Lake, in particular, is a highlight, with its calm waters reflecting the stunning scenery all around. People often enjoy boat rides here, which offer a peaceful and picturesque experience. The Mughal gardens in Srinagar are also a major attraction. These gardens are beautifully designed with terraced lawns, cascading fountains, and vibrant flowers, offering a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. The city is also known for its vibrant markets, where you can find unique handicrafts, warm Pashmina shawls, and delicious local cuisine. Beyond Srinagar, you can visit many beautiful places with self drive car rental Srinagar. These nearby spots have stunning views, clear rivers, and lush forests. The hills and valleys are great for trekking, and the meadows offer a peaceful escape from city life. You can find perfect picnic spots and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The area is rich in diverse plants and animals, making it ideal for nature walks and bird watching. In winter, these places become magical with snow, creating a winter wonderland. Overall, the region around Srinagar is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty or try exciting outdoor activities, the areas near Srinagar have something special for everyone. You can book self drive car from Srinagar to explore the nearby gems. It will give you the freedom and comfort during the whole trip. In this article, we will explore the attractions near Srinagar.

Famous destinations to explore near Srinagar

Yusmarg: Yusmarg is considered one of the best places in Jammu and Kashmir, and is known for its unspoiled landscape. This beautiful, lesser-known hill station is now easily accessible by a well-maintained road. As the government improves roads and connectivity, Yusmarg is likely to become a popular tourist spot. You can explore this place easily with self drive car rental Srinagar. Currently, it is ideal for those who love long-distance trekking in remote areas, with its forests filled with maple trees. Yusmarg is a lovely place and can be seen as a mini hill station, making it one of the most romantic spots in the state. Located 47 kilometers from Srinagar, Yusmarg is often compared to Switzerland. It is the quietest of all tourist destinations in Kashmir and is a great place for trekking enthusiasts. If you seek greenery and tranquility, Yusmarg is the perfect destination.

Tarsar Marsar Trek: The Tarsar Marsar Trek is an unforgettable adventure that also showcases nature's stunning beauty. Located in the Aru Valley of Kashmir, this trail features a variety of magnificent landscapes. You will be amazed by the colorful flowers dotting the vast valleys, and the streams that create small swimming pools surrounded by grassy mounds. The towering mountains, lush meadows, clear blue lakes, and beautiful valleys add to the charm of this area. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Amarnath Yatra: The Amarnath Yatra route attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year who visit during the Shravani Mela in July-August, the only time when the Amarnath Cave is accessible. This cave, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters and about 141 kilometers from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, can be reached through Pahalgam town. It is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, and the annual Amarnath Yatra begins with the 'Pratham Pujan' to seek blessings from Baba Amarnath. Surrounded by snowy mountains, the cave itself is covered with snow most of the year, except for a brief period in summer when pilgrims can visit. Thousands of Hindu devotees make the difficult journey to the Amarnath cave to see an ice formation inside. This ice stalagmite, seen inside the 130-foot high cave, forms from freezing water drops falling from the roof of the cave and is considered a Shiva Linga by Hindus. The ice formation grows from May to August as snow melts in the Himalayas above the cave, and the resulting water seeps into the rocks. It gradually shrinks after this period. According to religious beliefs, the lingam's size changes with the phases of the moon, reaching its peak during the summer festival. Hindu mythology says this is where Shiva revealed the secret of life and eternity to his consort, Parvati. The main purpose of the annual pilgrimage is to worship the ice stalagmite Lingam. It would be best if you visited this place with self drive car rental Srinagar.

Pulwama: Pulwama is a small town in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, about 25 km from Srinagar. It is the 6th largest city in the state. Known as the "Anand of Kashmir" or "Delight of Kashmir," Pulwama is famous for its apple orchards, waterfalls, natural springs, and beautiful valleys. The town is also popular for adventure activities, offering mountaineering and trekking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Kargil: Kargil is a popular place for travelers heading to Leh from Srinagar. This small town, close to the Line of Control, is not only known for its history but also for its natural beauty and adventure opportunities. The main attraction in Kargil is its war memorial. Explore this place with self drive car hire Srinagar. Kargil is one of the two districts in the Union Territory of Ladakh in India, located on the route between Leh and Srinagar. It is 220 kilometers from Leh and 210 kilometers from Srinagar, making it the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh. Ladakh is divided into two districts: Leh and Kargil. The town is famous for the Nun Kun Peaks and offers great mountaineering and trekking opportunities. Situated on the banks of the Suru River, Kargil also has options for river rafting. The town has a rich history from the 16th century, blending Buddhist and Turkish architecture. At an altitude of 2704 meters, Kargil provides stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. Besides tourism, it is an important center for trade and commerce and is one of the largest producers of apricots in India. Visitors can enjoy delicious local food and the hospitality of the warm locals. The best time to visit Kargil is from May to October.

Sonamarg: It is located 80 kilometers northeast of Srinagar, you can explore this place easily with self drive car rental Srinagar. It is a beautiful hill station situated at about 2,730 meters above sea level. This charming town is known for its snowy fields, stunning glaciers, and peaceful lakes that enchant every visitor. Surrounded by the impressive Himalayan glaciers like Kolhoi and Machoi, Sonamarg is home to the famous Three Sisters of the Kashmir Valley. The area is overlooked by majestic peaks such as Kolhoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, Machoi Peak, and Sirbal Peak, making it a popular spot for adventure sports lovers. Sonamarg is also the starting point for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, which leads to amazing mountain lakes like Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Krishnasar. The Thajiwas range splits the valley, featuring the fir-covered Thajiwas spur, a perfect camping site with beautiful views. Visitors can also enjoy the sight of cascading waterfalls and the Thajiwas Glacier, a major attraction in this delightful destination.

Patnitop: It is a charming hill station in the Udhampur district of Jammu & Kashmir. Located at about 2,024 meters above sea level, it offers a peaceful getaway from busy city life. The area is known for its beautiful green meadows, thick forests, and stunning mountain views, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and families looking to relax. Besides its scenic beauty, Patnitop has plenty of adventure activities. Visitors can enjoy trekking, skiing, nature walks, and picnics in the picturesque surroundings. Nathatop, a nearby area, is famous for paragliding, offering thrilling experiences with amazing views. Many tourists also visit nearby attractions while in Patnitop. Sanasar, 17 kilometers away, is known for its meadows and adventure activities like paragliding and golf. The ancient Sudh Mahadev Temple and the historic Naag Mandir are also worth visiting. If you visit in August, you can join the Nag Panchami celebrations. For those who love trekking, Shiva Garh, about 11 kilometers from Patnitop at nearly 3500 meters high, offers an exciting short trek. The best way to explore all the nearby attractions is self drive car rental Srinagar.

Top tips for renting a car near Srinagar

1. Book your self drive car rental Srinagar well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons.

2. Choose a vehicle that can handle the varied terrain. An SUV or a sturdy car is preferable for the mountainous regions. Ensure the car is suitable for your group size and luggage requirements.

3. Check whether the car needs to be returned with a full tank or if other arrangements are in place.

4. Inspect the car for any existing damage and ensure it is noted in the rental agreement.

5. Test the brakes, lights, wipers, and other essential functions.

6. Traffic can be chaotic in Srinagar, drive cautiously.

7. Carry a valid driving license, and if you are an international traveler, an International Driving Permit (IDP). Keep the rental agreement and car documents handy in case of any police checks.

8. Ensure you have a reliable GPS or offline maps as mobile signal can be inconsistent in some areas. Consider getting a local SIM card for better connectivity and navigation.

9. Have the contact details of the rental company for any emergencies or breakdowns. Note down local emergency numbers and nearby service stations.

10. Carry cash with you as online payments and credit or debit cards are not available everywhere.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Srinagar?

The best time to visit Srinagar is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in full bloom.

How far is Gulmarg from Srinagar and what can I do there?

Gulmarg is about 50 km from Srinagar. It is known for its skiing, the Gulmarg Gondola, and scenic beauty. The best way to explore Gulmarg is with self drive car rental Srinagar.

What is the distance between Srinagar and Pahalgam?

Pahalgam is approximately 90 km from Srinagar. It is a beautiful valley known for its trekking routes and the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra.

How can I reach the Mughal Gardens from Srinagar?

The Mughal Gardens are located within Srinagar city and can be reached easily by self drive car hire Srinagar.

What activities can I do in Dachigam National Park?

In Dachigam National Park, you can enjoy wildlife safaris and bird watching. It is home to the endangered Hangul deer.

Are there any lakes other than Dal Lake near Srinagar?

Yes, Nigeen Lake, Wular Lake, and Manasbal Lake are other beautiful lakes near Srinagar.

What is the cost of self drive car in Srinagar?

Cost depends on the type of car and rental period. Prices also varies in different seasons. Contact us at 7528904589 to get more details.

How far is Betaab Valley from Srinagar and why is it famous?

Betaab Valley is around 96 km from Srinagar. It is famous for its picturesque landscape and Bollywood film locations.

What can I see at the Martand Sun Temple?

The Martand Sun Temple is located about 60 km from Srinagar. It offers ruins of an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God, it is a remarkable architecture.