Old Srinagar City Tour
Heritage and cultural tour of old city Srinagar, Kashmir.
Kashmir is a land with a rich and vibrant spiritual history that is evident in the numerous shrines built by followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. These holy sites not only add to the picturesque beauty of the region but also give Kashmir a unique cultural depth that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. In this article we will cover some of the best places to visit in Srinagar.
Our Srinagar Old city tour will take you on an unforgettable walk through the spiritual, cultural and artistic world of Srinagar annals that you have never seen before. We have planned an itinerary that will allow you to explore Kashmir in a truly unique way. I hope you will enjoy this Srinagar city tour.
Tip : The best option is to hire a taxi or rent a bike in Srinagar to visit these historical and heritage sites is Kashmir Cab Services. The drivers are guides and natives that know better than anyone.
Quick Links
Book your online cab service in Srinagar with just a few simple steps. Reserve your Kashmir cab service in Srinagar here
Get ready to enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains on Gulmarg with Asia's highest and longest cable car ride.
These floating heavens offer an unforgettable accommodation experience in Srinagar Kashmir. Book Houseboat in Srinagar here.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir at your own pace with the freedom of self-drive. Book self drive car in Srinagar.
A shikara ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar is a must-have experience for any visitor to Kashmir. Book your shikara ride here
Jamia Masjid
Jamia masjid is an Indo-Saracenic architectural style Mosque and is one of the most popular and revered mosques in Srinagar. With a stunning courtyard and 370 grand wooden pillars, the building is truly majestic. It was built by Sultan Sikander ( Shahmir dynasty) in 1400 AD, under the order of Mir Mohammad Hamdani, son of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani. Later, the son of Sultan Sikander – Sultan Zainul Abideen got the mosque extended. It is located in the old city and is easily accessible from all parts of the city. The mosque has a large prayer hall and can accommodate up to 33,000 people. The mosque is also known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in Srinagar. It has been renovated many times over the years and still remains a popular tourist destination.
After spending quality time at the beautiful Jamia Masjid, we will take you to the next Srinagar Old city tour of Baitul-ul-Meraas museum to enjoy traditional Kashmiri music.
Duration: 30 minutes
Point of attraction: Calm and peaceful space with Indo-Saracenic architecture
Roza Bal
Located in downtown Srinagar, the tomb received never-like-before attention in the year 1899, when Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement claimed that this tomb belongs to Jesus Christ, about which he wrote extensively in his book, Masih Hindustan-mein (Jesus in India). The treatise was published in Urdu in 1908 and was translated into English in 1944. According to him, Jesus survived the crucifixion, travelled to Indian subcontinent where he lived until his death at the age of 120 and was buried in the beautiful valley of Kashmir. As opposed to the mentions in, the Holy Bible that Jesus was crucified on a hill of Golgotha (meaning ‘place of the skull’ in Aramaic) at the age of 33 and was buried in a new sepulchre (tomb) in a garden outside of Jerusalem and as Quran too mentions, on the third day, he ascended to heaven). One of the many reasons, these claims originated because of the presence of a rock carving in the shrine, most probably of Yuz Asaf, which shows the feet with wounds from crucifixion or some similar injuries. He identifies Yuza Asaf as Jesus and it means ‘son of Joseph’. The Bible and Quran mentions Joseph and Mary as the father of Jesus and were born Jews. In Kashmiri language, Yuz Asaf means the healer or the shepherd.
Bait ul Meeras
Bait ul Meeras is a historic house that has been turned into an art museum, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the rich culture and deeply rooted history of Kashmir. Whether you’re interested in learning more about Kashmir’s past or simply enjoying some beautiful artwork. Bait ul Meeras is sure to offer a memorable experience.
At Bait ul Meeras, we’ll begin with a cup of hot, freshly brewed Kahwa. This Kahwa will surely get you feeling refreshed with its flavours of saffron and cinnamon.
We aim to give you the opportunity to not only see but also truly feel the culture through this art form. By joining the rhythms and beats of traditional kashmiri music, you will be able to soak in the beauty of the culture and feel like a true local.
Duration: 1 hour
Point of attraction: Kashmir’s kehwa and traditional music of Kashmir.
The Budshah Tomb
The Budshah Tomb is an important historical site located near Shahr-e-Khas bazaar, on the banks of the Jhelum River. It is the tomb of the mother of famous sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, and is an important part of the city’s history.
The tomb is located in a beautiful and serene location, offering a stunning view of the surrounding area from the top. This unique, 15th century brick building is constructed with five domes and is considered an extraordinary work of architecture.
Duration: 15 minutes
Point of attraction: Unique and historical architecture and a great picturesque view of the city.
Maharaj Ganj Market
Maharaj Ganj market is the perfect place to buy gifts for your loved ones – whether it’s something classic and antique, or you’re looking for fresh produce, this market has it all. This market is full of vendors selling vegetables, dry fruits, embroidery, tea, spices, jewelry, and unique copper items. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
While exploring the local market, you’ll also get to see some of the local craftsmen at work. After purchasing some unique antiques, we’ll move on to the next destination of Srinagar Old city tour.
Duration: 30 minutes
Point of attraction– A Busy local market showing Kashmir artwork.
Khanqah-e-Moula
Khanqah-e-Moula The Shrine of Shahi Hamdan is one of the most important religious sites in Srinagar. It is located on the bank of the Jehlum River in the old city and is considered to be the first mosque ever built in Srinagar. The Shrine was constructed by Sultan Sikander in memory of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani from 1389-1413. Every year on the 6th of Zilhaj (the last month of the Muslim calendar), the death anniversary of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, devotees flock to the Shrine to pay their respects. The Shrine is also one of the best examples of Kashmiri wooden architecture. Hire a taxi here for Srinagar tour of sufi shrines.
Duration: 15 minutes
Point of attraction: Unique Kashmiri woodwork architecture.
Book car rental in Srinagar here
Kashmir Trout Fish for lunch
The culinary delights of Kashmir are some of the most anticipated and exciting parts of our tour! Our fellow Kashmiris know how to cook up a delicious and tender trout dish that is sure to be one of the most flavorful meals you have ever tasted. We highly recommend giving us a chance to show you what we can do!
This meal is made with the freshest fish possible, and it is cooked to perfection so that you can experience the town through your taste buds as well as your eyes.
After enjoying the delicious food, we will move on to the famous Sikh shrine, Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi.
Duration: 1 hour
Points of attraction: Delicious, freshly cooked Kashmiri trout
Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi
Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi Srinagar is one of the most important Sikh Gurudwaras in Kashmir. It is located just outside the southern gate of Hari Parbat fort, and it comprises a rectangular hall with the sanctum in the middle and a spacious terrace in front. An old well nearby is said to have been dug on the orders of Guru Hargobind.
The sixth guru of Sikhism travelled through Kashmir and stopped to preach occasionally. He stayed at this Gurdwara for a few days, and it has become an important historical site for Sikhs. Today, it is included in the tourist attractions of Srinagar city in Kashmir valley.
Duration: 15 minutes
Point of attraction: Serenity and calmness with interesting tales.
Hari Parbat Fort
Hari parbat fort, also known as “Kohi Maaran”, is a historic fort located in Sharika Hill. It was originally built by Afghan Governor Atta Mohammad Khan, and later expanded by Emperor Akbar in 1590. The fort has a famous shrine of Makhdoom Sahab on the southern slope and Shakti temple of the western slope. There is also a Gurdwara which commemorates the visit of Guru Har Gobind Sing. The present fort was built by an Afghan Ruler “Shah Shuja Durrani” in 1808.
Now the fort is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It provides a panaromic view of of the entire city of Srinagar and Makhdoom Sahib shrine. The fort is a popular tourist attraction and is worth visiting when in Kashmir. And then we will visit the Sharika Temple.
Duration: 45 minutes
Point of attraction: The gorgeous top views of the city, the serene Kashmiri shrine the grand Mughal fort.
Sharika Devi Temple
The Sharika Devi temple is a sacred Hindu site located in Srinagar, Kashmir. It was built to honor the goddess Sharika Jagadamba Bhagwati, a manifestation of the goddess Durga. It is located on the west side of Hari parbat in Srinagar. The 18-armed idol within the temple is revered by Hindu adherents as Srinagar’s presiding deity. The temple is a popular tourist destination due to its historical and religious significance. You can get a cab service here for the tour.
Duration: 15 minutes
Point of attraction: A closer look at Temples in Kashmir.
Also check our Helicopter ride Gulmarg service.
