26-12-2024Exploring Lal Chowk Srinagar: A Blend of History and Scenic Beauty 2025
Srinagar is known as “The Venice of the East” or ” The Venice of Kashmir” due to its beautiful lakes. It is located in the center of the Kashmir valley on the banks of the Jhelum River. Four districts surround it, including Ladakh, UT. Lal Chowk is the city square known as the “Red Square.”
In this guide, you will discover places to visit in Lal Chowk Srinagar. Also, learn why the place is of the utmost significance. While exploring places near Lal Chowk, Kashmir, delve into Srinagar’s exploration with Tripzygo.
Significance of Lal Chowk
Ghanta Ghar, the iconic clock tower of Srinagar, has been renovated under the Smart City project initiated by the Jammu and Kashmir administration. The tower has drawn more tourists to Lal Chowk, making it a must-visit destination. Known as Ghanta Ghar, it will now be a famous landmark, much like the one in Moscow’s Red Square. It is named after the place.
Places to Visit in Lal Chowk Srinagar
Did you know that Lal Chowk was where Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, unfurled the Indian national flag in 1948? It was shortly after the country gained independence from the British Empire. This place is not only a significant part of India’s Independence but also a great tourist place. Visiting Lal Chowk is one of the top 8 things to do in Srinagar. Here are some places you can explore in Lal Chowk Kashmir:
Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal is a seven-terraced garden a top the Zabarwan mountain range. From here, you can view the southwestern section of Dal Lake. The architecture is an example of Islamic design and illustrates the patronage of arts during the regime of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Pari Mahal was built in the mid-1600s under the command of the Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh, who is believed to have resided here between 1640 and 1654. It was also used as an observatory and played a significant role in studying astrology and astronomy.
How to Reach:
- By Air: 24 Km from Sheikh ul Alam International Airport Srinagar.
- By Train: 22 Km from Srinagar Railway Station.
- By Road: 10 Km from Lal Chowk Srinagar.
Dal Lake
Dal is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. This urban lake plays a crucial role in tourism and recreation in Kashmir. It is often called the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel.” Additionally, it is a source of commercial activities like fishing and harvesting aquatic plants.
The lake’s shoreline stretches approximately 15.5 kilometers (9.6 miles) and is bordered by a boulevard adorned with Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels. Visitors can enjoy stunning lake views from the Mughal gardens along the shore, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. In winter, temperatures can drop to as low as −11 °C (12 °F), causing the lake to freeze.
How to Reach
- By Air: 17 Km from Sheikh ul Alam International Airport Srinagar.
- By Train: 14 Km from Srinagar Railway Station.
- By Road: 5 Km from Lal Chowk Srinagar.
Hari Parbat Fort
Hari Parbat, also known as Kooh-e-Maran, is located west of Dal Lake in Srinagar, within the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. This historical Mughal structure was constructed by Afghan Governor Atta Mohammed Khan in the 18th century.
Subsequently, Akbar built a long wall in 1590. The fort is surrounded by remarkable structures from various religions and offers a stunning view of Dal Lake from its elevated position.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains this fort with ancient apartments and towering pillars. Hari Parbat also provides a panoramic view of the Makhdoom Sahib shrine.
How to Reach:
- By Air: 17 Km from Sheikh ul Alam International Airport Srinagar.
- By Train: 17 Km from Srinagar Railway Station.
- By Road: 6.5 Km from Lal Chowk Srinagar.
Chashma Shahi
Chashma Shahi, also called Chashma-i-Shahi (royal spring), is a Mughal garden built in 1632 AD. It was built by Ali Mardan Khan, a governor of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, on the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan as a gift for his elder son, Prince Dara Shikoh-run.
The garden is in the Zabarwan Range, near Raj Bhawan (the Governor’s house), overlooking Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir. This artistically built garden shows the Iranian influence on its art and architecture.
It is built around a fresh-water spring that flows through its center through terraces. The topography and sharpness of the terrain formed the gardens, which flow along with a series of terraces centered around the spring. The gardens are divided into an aqueduct, waterfall, and fountains.
How to Reach:
- By Air: 19 Km from Sheikh ul Alam International Airport Srinagar.
- By Train: 17 Km from Srinagar Railway Station.
- By Road: 9 Km from Lal Chowk Srinagar.
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is 22 km from Srinagar. This park is spread across an area of 141 sq km. The park’s name is given in the Kashmiri language, ‘the land ten villages, ‘ which may be in memory of the ten villages removed to build the park.
Dachigam was initially established to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to Srinagar city. The authorities declared it a protected area in 1910, and a national park in 1981. Dachigam Park is open to the public all year, but the ideal season for visiting is between April and August.
How to Reach:
- By Air: 40 Km from Sheikh ul Alam International Airport Srinagar.
- By Train: 32 Km from Srinagar Railway Station.
- By Road: 22 Km from Lal Chowk Srinagar.
Things to do in Lal Chowk Srinagar
From visiting the famous Lal Chowk market to Ghanta Ghar Srinagar, there are many things you can do near Lal Chowk Srinagar. You are bound to be dazzled by the lovely vision of the stores filled with beautifully designed Pashminas, distinct carpets, and fine silver jewelry. You can go through the streets, and you may get to see a local who is drawing and creating something magnificent with his hands.
Visit the Bazaar of Lal Chowk for Shopping
If you visit Kashmir, you will adore Lal Chowk in Srinagar. The area has numerous local shops, stalls, and a vibrant open-air market where you can choose or buy traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.
- You can buy a Pashmina shawl to bring back warm and close comfort memories when you visit the Lal Chowk.
- These shawls are made of Pashmina goat wool and have been preserved by the manual craft of skilled artisans. They feature intricate motifs such as coniferous trees, leaves, and flowers.
- Lal Chowk is renowned for the traditional Kashmiri papier-mâché crafts it produces. From wonderful boxes to vases, the sketched details and colorful hues make them the best souvenirs to carry back.
Take Part in Celebrations and Festivals
Lal Chowk is not only about shopping and dining but also a cultural center where traditions are embodied. The square holds festivals and events throughout the year, bringing new splendor and joy to the place each time.
Street Food to Taste
If you’re interested in street food, you’re in for a good time. The streets of Lal Chowk are filled with shoppers selling all kinds of stuff, from oily fried appetizers to candies. You can try the flaky, crispy Kashmiri Kulcha, a variety of bread with sesame seeds, generally served with a glass of hot tea. Another thing you definitely must try is Seekh Kebabs, which are minced beef put over skewers and roasted until crispy, served with different types of chutneys.
How to Reach Lal Chowk Srinagar
Although tourists come here specifically to buy Kashmiri pashminas and pathani suits, this region’s specialty, you might also enchant your taste buds with Indigenous cuisine and try Dum Aloo, Yakhni, Rogan Josh, and Kahwa.
By Train
To reach Srinagar by train, one has to go either Banihal railway station. You can hire Cabs/taxis from the Srinagar Railway station to reach this place.
By Road
Lal Chowk is the center of Srinagar, about two kilometers from the city center. The travel duration will vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose.
The city is well connected to major cities like Delhi (876 km), Chandigarh (646 km), Leh (424 km), and Jammu (258 km). There is a good bus and Cab service available.
However, in any case, the estimated time is approximately 10 minutes. You can get a cab from any location in the city, and Lal Chowk will be the drop-off point for you. If you want an even cheaper option, you can get there by auto-rickshaws.
By Air
Sheikh ul Alam Airport (IATA code SXR) is an international airport in Srinagar. It is well-connected and offers regular flights from Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh. The airport is located just 15 km from the city center.
Conclusion
Besides its rich history, Lal Chowk Srinagar is a well-known shopping destination. You can buy many articles, such as jewelry, handicrafts, handlooms, wooden furniture, artifacts, and paintings. Coming to Srinagar lets you explore the most beautiful destinations of India. For example, with TripzyGo, you can book a bike tour with Srinagar exploration. You can find some best Srinagar tour packages with TripzyGo, making your journey worthwhile.