Srinagar to Johannesburg 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 Johannesburg

Johannesburg is in South Africa and one of the most diverse cities in the country with about 11 national languages. It is also one of the world's largest cities that is not situated near a river, coastline or lake. The city has a rough history of violence and politics. The locals have suffered racial segregation and political turbulence. Late Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi as he is respectfully called, used to work in the city as a lawyer and was also the catalyst in starting a revolution in the city for equal rights. The city has quite a lot of museums, sites that are dedicated to legendary revolutionists like Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe, Walter Sisulu and many more. In fact, Mandela played an important role in the history of South Africa. Not just history but the city is also known for its music, bohemian art and an eclectic dining scene. You can either book a hotel in Johannesburg that is closer to the historical monuments or with a beautiful view of the city, and you will find myriad options if you book it at the right time.

Best Time to Visit Johannesburg

December to February is the high season in Johannesburg, and the temperature ranges from 13 to 25 degree Celsius. Make sure you book a hotel in Johannesburg well in advance since the availability and reasonable prices will be tough at the last moment. It is also quite difficult to get cheap flight tickets to Johannesburg during summer. You will also have to pack your umbrella since it rains in summer here. You can attend events like Johannesburg International Mozart Festival and FNB Dance Umbrella that happen any time between January to March. If you don't mind the scorching heat that comes with an increase in humidity, this is the perfect time to head to Johannesburg. But be prepared to wait in queues at major tourist attractions. If you are a history buff, you will absolutely enjoy your stay in the city.

March to May is autumn season in the city, and it is also an ideal time to head to Johannesburg. You won't have to deal with a hot summer or a cold winter. The weather is quite pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 7 to 24 degree Celsius. The best part about travelling to the city during this season is that there will be fewer tourists. You can book a hotel in Johannesburg at a lower price, and you'll also come across some decent flight deals to Johannesburg in autumn. You can attend events like the FNB Dance Umbrella and Rand Show. If you don't like crowded places, this is the perfect time to visit the city. You can explore it without having to wait in queues at the important monuments and places of historical significance.

Johannesburg experiences winter from June to August. You can find accommodation at affordable rates and cheap flight tickets to Johannesburg in winter. This is a low tourist season for the city, and the temperature ranges from 4 to 19 degree Celsius. The weather is pleasant, and it doesn't rain in the city, which makes it a perfect time to visit Johannesburg. You can attend the Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival in June or the Good Food and Wine Show that happens from July to August. September to November is the spring season, and the weather remains quite pleasant. The temperature ranges from 9 to 24 degree Celsius, and you can attend several events and festivals in the city like FNB Joburg Art Fair, Arts Alive, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival and Johannesburg Pride. This is also the perfect time to find good flight deals online to Johannesburg, just like in autumn.

Places to Visit in Johannesburg

Market Theatre is a popular place in Johannesburg that showcases the vibrant culture of the city. You will also find book shops, photo galleries and restaurants here to visit after you are done visiting the theatre. South Africa is known for its wildlife, and the Lion Park is an important place to visit. It is an experience that will stay with you forever. Head over to Holy Hill for the most exhilarating view. This is the best place to take pictures. Johannesburg is also home to several histories and art museums. You can visit the Wits Art Museum and the Apartheid Museum to get to know more about the history of the city. SAB is owned by South African Breweries and is located in Newtown. You can opt for a guided tour and know more about the brewery through a 3D movie. You can also go on a beer tasting spree here and binge on some bar snacks. Mandela House is an important tourist attraction that you cannot miss. It used to be the house of Nelson Mandela which has been turned into a museum. You will find a lot of photos and paintings of Mandela and his family.

Take a break from all the sightseeing and head to Zoo Lake. It is surreal and one of the most romantic locations in the city. You can take a dip in the pool, go on a boat ride or take a stroll alongside the river. Mary Fitzgerald Square is named after South Africa's first female unionist. The place also pays tribute to the country's most talented Jazz musicians. If you are a history buff, you must visit Constitution Hill. You will get to witness a magnificent view of the city, and you will also get to know more about this site, which was once a prison. Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela were also held prisoners here. Lindfield Victorian House Museum is a unique site in Johannesburg, and you must take a two-hour tour of the museum. Pilanesberg National Park is the best place to head to if you want to experience wildlife at its best. You will spot a lot of animals like rhinos, elephants, African wild dogs, zebras and so on. You will also find 300 species of birds here.

Things to do in Johannesburg

Sign up for a sightseeing tour of the city to all the historical monuments. Johannesburg has a rich history, even though it is dark and full of struggles. The city has given the world a lot of revolutionary leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. You can visit all of these museums and monuments. You cannot miss experiencing South Africa's wildlife when you are planning a trip here. Johannesburg has national parks and zoos that are worth visiting. You can also opt for a safari ride at Lion Park. Sign up for a food tasting tour of the city to explore it better.

Food and Restaurants in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is one city that welcomes people of other ethnicities also to settle down. You will find a lot of Zimbabwean, Nigerian, Mozambican, Chinese, Indian and Somali cuisines. Some of the local delicacies like pap (boiled corn with mashed potatoes), umleqwa (Xhosa-style chicken stew), samosa (Malay and Indian delicacy) and boerewors, a sausage dish are worth trying. Wombles is a diner that is known for serving the most delicious steaks. If you are on a budget, you can head to Lucky Bean and order the Ostrich burger, springbok pie and Casamance chicken. Ristorante La Trinita is one of the best restaurants to head to for Italian cuisine. You can also try Plaka Restaurant Cresta for authentic Greek food. The Grillhouse Rosebank and The Local Grill are the best restaurants to go to if you want to binge on steak. Mozambique Linksfield serves delectable seafood and Portuguese food. If you want to try some Japanese fusion food with a glass of beer, you must try Urbanology. The Big Mouth serves lip-smacking sushi, grill, seafood and Asian cuisine. Mezepoli Meze and Wine Bar is a Greek restaurant that you will fall in love with instantly. You can also try Quills for authentic European cuisine. While fine dining is an excellent experience here, you can also try the local street food.

How to reach Johannesburg (Transportation)

O. R. Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport in South Africa and is also the main hub for South African Airways. The flight connectivity to Johannesburg from India is excellent. Air Seychelles, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Emirates Airline have frequent flights to Johannesburg from India with layovers at Mahe Island, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Dubai. The airport has a lot of car rental services that are available to passengers quite easily. The airport also has premium lounges, shopping areas, restaurants, cafes and a lot more for passengers. If you book at the right time, you might get cheap flight tickets to Johannesburg easily. If you are booking your flight tickets to Johannesburg during the offseason, you might come across some exciting flight deals to Johannesburg online, and you can't miss it. You can either book a hotel in Johannesburg that is closer to the airport or opt for one that is closer to the historical monuments.