Srinagar to Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a city in the United States of America that has a lot of Scandinavian population. The farming city of the US has also given the world some very popular artists like Prince and Bob Dylan. Be assured that the music and nightlife scene is something you cannot miss. You will simply love holidaying in Minneapolis. Even though it has still maintained its old traditions and customs, Minneapolis and the people here have also welcomed the modern way of living. The city has also introduced some talented architects to the world like Jacques Herzog, Frank Gehry and Pierre de Meuron. One of the major attractions in the city that you can take your kids to is the Nickelodeon Universe. As the name suggests, it is a Nickelodeon-theme park and is quite big, too. Your kids will certainly love spending time in Minneapolis. There are quite a few art museums, too that you can visit if you are an art lover. The city also has quite a few parks that you can visit if you don't have any sightseeing plans for the day. The city is quite welcoming of its tourists.

Best Time to Visit Minneapolis

Like most vacation destinations, summer is a peak tourist time in Minneapolis. There are quite a few festivals and farmer's markets for you to attend. The city experiences summer from June to August, and you will find a lot of tourists in the city. The temperature ranges from 14 to 28 degree Celsius, July being the hottest month. You might even experience high humidity and occasional thunderstorms in July. Make sure you book your hotel in Minneapolis in advance or before the prices start surging. There are quite a few events and festivals that happen during this season that you must attend. Grand Old Day, Twin Cities Pride, Minneapolis Aquatennial, Basilica Block Party, Uptown Art Fair and Minnesota State Fair are some of the events that you can attend on your visit to the city. You will also need to book your flight tickets to Minneapolis in advance. If you don't mind the heat and a lot of tourists buzzing around, this is the best time for you to visit the city.

September to November is the autumn season in Minneapolis, and the weather is quite pleasant. There are fewer tourists in the city, and you can explore it without being hassled by tourists. You won't even have to wait in queues if you are heading to museums and other attractions in the city. The temperature ranges from -3 to 22 degree Celsius, November being the coldest autumn month. You will find a lot of college students buzzing around the city during autumn. You can attend events like Minnesota State Fair, Medtronic Twin Cities and Zombie Pub Crawl. You can also attend a lot of parties in the city during this time and experience the vibrant, happening nightlife. December to February is the winter season in the city, and this is also a low tourist season in Minneapolis. However, booking a hotel in Minneapolis at cheaper rates is like a cherry on the cake if you are planning a trip to Minneapolis in winter. You will also get cheap flight tickets to Minneapolis in winter. You can attend events like Holidazzle and Saint Paul Winter Carnival, but the Christmas celebrations in the city are also worth taking a trip. The temperature ranges from -13 to -1 degree Celsius. Make sure you pack all of your warm and festive clothes for the trip.

Spring season hits Minneapolis from March to May. Though it starts with a lot of snow, the weather becomes quite pleasant as the months progress. The temperature ranges from -4 to 20 degree Celsius. The hotel rates are reasonable during this time, and it won't burn a hole in your pocket. You will get to attend festivals and events like the Food and Wine Festival, the Minnesota Craft Beer Festival and Soundset Festival.

Places to Visit in Minneapolis

Basilica of St Mary is dedicated to Roman Catholics and was built in the early 1900s. Apart from the Catholic services, the basilica also hosts music festivals and concerts. If you are visiting the city with your children, you can visit the Minnesota Children's Museum. You can also head to the Historic Fort Snelling to get a glimpse into history. Walker Art Centre and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is another place that art lovers would love to visit. If you want to experience the wildlife, you can head over to Como Park Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. You will get to see animal and plant exhibits for free along with educational classes and youth camps. It is a great place to go with your kids. Minnehaha Park is another popular tourist attraction that has the Minnehaha Falls. You can also catch a movie at the Fitzgerald Theater. It was built in 1910 and is the oldest surviving theatre in the city.

St Paul's Grand Avenue is where you can head to for a shopping spree. The place also has bars, restaurants and events that you can attend. The Weisman Art Museum is in the University of Minnesota campus and is free for all. While Minneapolis does have a happening nightlife, it has more museums and historical monuments that you can visit with your family. There are also quite a few locations in the city where you can go shopping and give the shopaholic in you a real treat. You can also binge on your favourite cuisine at some of the finest restaurants here. Minneapolis is the perfect destination to head to if you want a laid-back vacation and not indulge in a lot of adventurous activities. It is also the perfect place for you to head with your family. It has a lot of family-friendly attractions and educational ones, too, for your kids.

Things to do in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is connected to St Paul, and both the cities are usually visiting together. The twin cities have quite a few tourist attractions that you must visit. You can sign up for a sightseeing tour with your family or explore the city on your own. Sign up for a food tour of the city and visit the best restaurants in Minneapolis. You can also try the cuisines at the local food stalls if you are attending any of the events. You can also find out more about the cultural and lifestyle of the locals here. You can head over to Mall of America or Nicollet Mall in downtown. You can also go jogging or boating. You can also sign up for a Minneapolis Riverwalk Food Tour or try the craft beer in the city.

Foods and Restaurants in Minneapolis

Minneapolis-St Paul has a very vibrant dining scene, along with a happening nightlife. You will find a lot of international cuisines, too, at most restaurants here. There are a lot of steakhouses and burger joints in the city, too, that most locals visit. Cathedral Hill area near St Paul is a popular place to head for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. The city is known for its craft beer, and there are a lot of breweries you can go to for a fun night. You can stop by Surly Brewing Co, Fulton Brewery or 612 Brew. You can also try Summit Brewing Company if you are in St Paul. Isles Bun and Coffee Company is the perfect place to go to if you feel like going out for a cup of coffee. Spoon & Stable, 112 Eatery, The Capital Grille, Red Cow North Loop are some of the popular restaurants that serve American food. Pizzeria Lola, Zelo, Broders' Pasta Bar and Bar La Grassa are some of the popular Italian restaurants in the city. You can also head to Kramarczuk East European Deli for a variety of options. You can choose between Polish, European, Czech and Ukrainian cuisines. You can also try Murray's and Cafe Lurcat for some American food and steak.

How to reach Minneapolis

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is about 16 km away from downtown Minneapolis. It is also the main hub for Delta Air Lines. The flight connectivity to Minneapolis from India is excellent. There are several American Airlines flights to Minneapolis daily. There are layovers in London, Chicago or Dallas. If you book at the right time, you can find cheap flight tickets to Minneapolis from India. Getting to and from the airport is quite easy and convenient. It is pretty easy to get taxis or hire car rentals from the airport. The airport is also well-equipped to make everything convenient for passengers. There are premium airport lounges, restaurants, cafes, dining areas, children's play areas and a lot more. If you are travelling during the offseason, you might even come across exciting flight deals to Minneapolis online. The airport also offers hotel services, and you can opt for one that is closer to the airport if you have an early flight to board and wish to avoid the commute.