Srinagar to Algiers Flights

  About Srinagar

Called as the Paradise on Earth, Srinagar is located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, near the banks of river Jhelum. It is a significant tourist attraction along with Ladakh. The city is known for its enchanting lakes, colourful boats, Kashmiri handicrafts and their culture, of course. Since it is one of the most popular tourist locations, it is well-connected with all the major cities in the country. The town also plays muse to several poets and lyricist who use the river Jhelum a lot in their poems or songs. The markets in the city will also ensure you take a piece of the town with you back home through a souvenir of sorts.

Best Time to Visit Srinagar

No matter what season it is, Srinagar is a sight to behold throughout the year. Different seasons come with different kinds of activities for you to do. Summer, which is from March to June) is the apt season to visit the city if you are on your honeymoon. The tulip garden that blooms during the summer adds to the beauty of the town. Booking a hotel in Srinagar if you are on your honeymoon comes with a lot of offers. You can choose from a lot of options. The summer is not too harsh here. The maximum temperature touches 30 degree Celsius, and the lowest is 14 degree Celsius. You will also come across excellent flight deals for Srinagar during this time.

It does not rain a lot in Srinagar, but the monsoon is from July through September. Autumn sets in from September to October, and this is the most beautiful season, too. The weather is pleasant, and the entire city turns into a spectacular garden. Though it will be a tad bit cold, so do pack your winter clothes. Visiting the Dal lake during this season on a Shikara ride is an experience you won't forget.

October to February is winter and the temperature ranges between 0 to 15 degree Celsius. Winter is a peak season and ideal for multitudes of tourists to fly to Srinagar. The locals of Srinagar celebrate Shivratri and Nuroz (an Armenian festival) by the end of winter. You will have to book flight tickets to Srinagar during this season since most roads are blocked, thanks to heavy snowfall. Travelling by road is also not a very popular route to reach Srinagar during winters. This is also one of the best times to go trekking in Srinagar. You can either find a group within the city itself and join them, or you can book one online, in advance.

Places to Visit in Srinagar

Dal Lake is one of the major attractions of Srinagar and for all the right reasons. Be amazed at the reflection of the mountains that fall on the lake. Take a gondola ride and lots of pictures, too. You cannot go to Srinagar and not visit the Tulip Garden. The Shalimar Bagh, a garden built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor, is another major tourist attraction. While you are visiting Dal Lake, make sure you also pay a visit to Char Chinar, an island that is in the middle of the lake. It is one of the most visited places in the city.

The Shankaracharya temple, built to honour Lord Shiva, is on the top of a hill in Srinagar. It is recognised as one of the most sacred shrines in the city. For all, you adventure lovers out there, do go for the Tarsar Marsar trek in the Aru Valley of Kashmir. You will find quite a few tour guides and packages to go trekking in the valley.

Things to do in Srinagar

You can take a Shikara ride across the Dal lake and be mesmerised by the beauty of the city. The city also has floating markets, which is a kind of experience you will only get in this part of the country. Paragliding is one of the activities that the city offers to its tourists. It is one of the adventurous activities that you must try here. If you are not too keen on booking a hotel in Srinagar, you can also choose to stay in a houseboat. It is one of the most sought options in the city and who wouldn't want to wake up to the view of the mighty mountains and the scenic Dal Lake. Srinagar is a city with a lot of gardens and greenery.

Visit the enchanting Mughal gardens and the Tulip garden, too. You can take a heritage walking tour of the city or go paragliding if you are a fan of adventure sports. You can also opt to go on a shopping spree in the local markets or for a street food crawl. Try the local cuisines and explore the culture further. With the rising political tension, make sure you also study the current scenario of the city along with that of its neighbours before you plan a trip to Srinagar. You do not want to get stuck amid a difficult situation.

Along with its spices and food, Srinagar is also famous for its rich culture. If you are in the city during any of the festivals celebrated here, make sure that you attend it and be a part of it. You won't regret it at all. No matter what season it is, the city never fails to cast its spell on you with its beauty.

Food and Restaurants in Srinagar

It's no secret that Kashmiri food is rich in flavour and a lot of spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, etc. are used to serve that aromatic food. It's a treat for your taste buds. The Kashmiri Biryani, Kahwa, even Dum Aloo is worth a try when you visit the city. You will come across a lot of Mughlai cuisines with a blend of Kashmiri spices in the food. Mughal Darbar is one of the most popular places to dine in the city.

If it is snacks and coffees that you are in the mood for, you can visit the Cafe De Linz or Coffea Arabica. Both of these cafes are the perfect combination of ambience and good food. Ahdoos is also a popular joint that offers authentic Kashmiri food at affordable prices. If you are in the mood for a luxe dining experience, head over to The Chinar at The Lalit Grand Palace for an exquisite dinner. Not only do they serve mouth-watering delicacy, but the outdoor restaurant adds to the pleasant ambience while dining. Jade Dragon at Vivanta by Taj is yet another restaurant that you must definitely try if it is a five-star treatment that you want to experience. The Kashmiri Kahwa, which is a kind of tea made in Kashmiri style, is also highly recommended when you holiday in Srinagar.

How to reach Srinagar (Transportation)

By Air

The Sheikh ul Alam International Airport or the Srinagar International Airport is about 15 km away from the city. Srinagar airport also serves as a military airbase to the Indian Air Force. While the airport welcomes domestic flights with excellent connectivity, it does have designated airlines or space for international flights despite being recognised as one. There are domestic flights from Srinagar that regularly fly to Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chandigarh and other major cities. However, international flights from Srinagar are comparatively less to non-existent. The flight connectivity from Srinagar to other cities nationally and internationally is excellent. Some great domestic airlines such as AirAsia India, GoAir, SpiceJet, Vistara, IndiGo, Air India and more have dedicated flights to Srinagar. If booked earlier, you will even get cheap flight tickets to Srinagar and exclusive flight online deals. The airport is about 12 km away from the central city of Srinagar. But thanks to fantastic inter-city transport such as government-run buses and taxi cabs, it is convenient for tourists to reach the central town and check into their hotel rooms.

By Rail

Jammu Tawai is the closest railway station to reach Srinagar. It is about 290 km away from the city. You will have to hire a taxi from the station and enter the beautiful city. Travelling by train will not burn a hole in your pocket at all, and you'll also get to enjoy the stunning scenic views of the lush green valley. The domestic route to Srinagar also connects to Banihal, which is on the other side of Pir Panjal, thanks to the new Banihal tunnel that has been constructed. The tunnel is 11 km long and has found fame for the same. In fact, it is known to be the longest rail tunnel to have been built and takes approximately 9 minutes to cross to the other side.

By Road

The most popular routes to Srinagar by road are connected from Chandigarh, Gulmarg, Jammu, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Delhi. Though a road trip does sound like a lot of fun and easier way to travel, the roads are closed during late winter because of heavy snowfall. It is advisable to travel by air during winter.

  About Algiers

Algiers is the capital of Algeria, and you will find a lot of French colonial-style buildings in the city. Exploring the neighbourhood by food is one of the best ways to explore the city. It is a hilly place, and if you have booked a hotel in Algiers that has a view of the entire city from the top, you will certainly be a tad overwhelmed. It is far more convenient to take public transport than hiring a car and paying more money for that. The fuel is cheap, the food is exquisite, and you get the best desserts in town. Algiers will not disappoint you at all. However, you won't find any retail chains in the city be it a Zara or McDonald's. The French highly inspires the food in Algiers, but they also add their own charm to it. Though you won't find high-end Michelin star restaurants in the city, you will find a lot of small eateries and joints that will ensure you don't leave disappointed. Le Jardin d'Essais du Hamma is a botanical garden, which is also an important tourist attraction here, especially if you are visiting during summer.

Best Time to Visit Algiers

November to April is high season for Algiers since the weather is less ferocious and a lot of tourists plan on visiting the Sahara desert, too. Make sure you book your hotel in Algiers well in advance to avoid the surge prices. January records the coldest temperature up to 8 degree Celsius, but you can still head to the city during this season. It won't put a damper on your plans to go sightseeing or indulge in any outdoor activities. Make sure you also book your flight tickets to Algeria in advance to avoid the surge pricing.

March to July is the spring and perfect to explore the Roman sites in the city. The weather remains pleasant and lets you carry on with your sightseeing plans without any hindrance. However, you might even get a good deal on flights to Algeria since it is not peak season and airlines will introduce a lot of offers. August is quite hot, and the number of tourists in the city also sees a dip considerably. Best to avoid the Sahara. The temperature reaches up to 31 degree Celsius.

Places to Visit in Algiers

The old city in Algiers is called Casbah, and it is a popular tourist spot in the city. Casbah is that part of the city that dates back to the 17th century. It was founded on the ruins of old Iconium. The exceptional architecture of the Ketchaoua mosque, mosque el Djedid and mosque Ek Kebir are the main reasons why Casbah made it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notre Dame d'Afrique is another popular tourist spot that you must head to if you are visiting Algiers. The stunning Catholic basilica was constructed in the late 1800s and is the perfect symbol of the Neeo-Byzantine style that took over French Algeria at the time. It took fourteen years for the construction of the church to finally get over. It opened its door to the public in 1872. You will lose yourself in the beautiful intricately designed glass windows of the basilica. Visit the Maqam Echahid to pay your respects to everyone who was killed in the Algerian war. Didouche Mourad Street is one of the main shopping areas in Algiers and quite a happening place, too. The Grande Post office, Faculty of Algiers and the park of Galland are some of the popular attractions here. The Great Mosque of Algiers dates back to 1097 and is the oldest mosques in the city.

You can also head to the coastal town of Sisi Fredj. It is one of the most visited resorts and is about 30 km from Algiers. It is popular for its splendid architectural work and sandy beaches. If you want to spend your day having lots of fun and getting a spa together? Head Over to Aquafortland which is a water park that has an outdoor Jacuzzi, three swimming pools and a man-made sandy beach. The Aquafortland Spa will take all of your troubles away and instantly put in you in a calm, relaxing zone. You can spend your evening at Sheraton Club des Pins Resort, one of the fanciest places to visit in the city. Visit the local art museums, if you are an art lover. The city's art galleries feature artworks from some very talented Algerian artists. If you are a history buff, You can head to a couple of museums in the city like The Bardo Museum and the National Museum of Antiquities. The displays and the stunning rock carvings, everything leaves you stumped. You will also come across a lot of malls in the city to fulfil all of your shopping desires. You can buy souvenirs, desserts or clothes for your loved ones at a reasonable price. It will surely not burn a hole in your pocket.

Things to do in Algiers

Take a walking tour at the Casbah. Not only is it one of Algiers' oldest towns but also one of the most beautiful towns to visit. You can also head to the Martyr's Memorial to pay your respects and learn more about the history of the city. If you have nothing planned for the day, just put on your favourite music and take a walk at The Botanical Garden. You can also go visit the Notre Dame d'Afrique here and compare it to the original one in France. You can also visit the National Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers if you are an art lover. You can also experience the vibrant nightlife here without having the dreaded feeling of going back to work the next day. The city is also quite popular for its culinary scene, and you are not exactly very motherly, and I know. Try the local food joints and eateries here instead of being hell-bent over heading to an expensive restaurant. Algiers is one city that will not disappoint you at all. The people in the city are quite friendly and very helpful, too. You will also end up making some great friends in Azerbaijan. You can also enrol yourself at one of the cooking classes in the city, and you will certainly come back more talented. Your love for food will certainly but do make sure that you don't leave your families lying around.

Foods and Restaurants in Algiers

Kalb-el-luz is easily the best way to end your Algerian dinner. The delicious baked dessert is made of semolina and ground almonds with lovely flavours of cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla. Liam lahlou is a beautiful lamb stew that is slightly sweet to the tongue but tasty overall. Interestingly, this meat dish has all kinds of fruits and nuts that compliment each other perfectly. It is certainly a dish worth trying. If you don't wish to experiment with much of their cuisine, then you can simply opt for Algeria's basic Tajine stone. It only has chickpeas, carrots, onions, olives, mushrooms and pieces of chicken. The exquisite dish is cooked well and is often garnished with lemon juice and saffron. Meat is predominantly part of all Algerian food, so do not be surprised to see more meat in your soup. Speaking of, you should give chorba a try. It is a tomato-based soup that has been tossed with cooked meat, chickpeas, frik and Algerian spices. These dishes will surely take you through quite the culinary trip.

For an intimate outing, head straight to Le Caid in Algeria. The place is beautifully set with classic local settings. Some more restaurant options that you should definitely visit when in Algiers are Restaurant Le Saint which is rich in seafood, Lalla Mina with its host of musicians, Cafe Yontonville with their top-notch breakfast and La Maison de Couscous to taste some of the best Algerian cuisines which do consist of some of the dishes mentioned above.

How to reach Algiers

Houari Boumediene Airport is the main airport that serves Algiers and is about 17 km away from the city. The airport has been named after the former President of Algeria, Houari Boumediene. The airport has been functioning since 1924. The flight connectivity to Algiers from India is excellent. Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates Airline have frequent flights to Algiers with layovers at Istanbul, Frankfurt and Dubai. You might come across exciting flight deals to Algiers if you book well in advance. If you visit during the offseason, you might even get cheap flight tickets to Algiers. You will find it very convenient to get a taxi service from the airport to your hotel, in case you haven't pre-booked your ride. The airport has free WiFi, restaurants, cafes, medical help, smoking areas, children's play areas, lounges and a lot more. You will definitely not get bored if you are waiting at the airport to board your flight.