Srinagar to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia

The city of Philadelphia, located in Pennsylvania, is the largest city in the state and has a rich and prominent history. Known to be the place where the Independence Declaration was signed, and the country was freed from the colonial rule. Many other revolutionary incidents have also taken place in the city. It is the sixth most populated city in the US. The city is also noted for its plethora of prominent universities and colleges. The city is also the centre for Pennsylvania's economic activities. Travelling to Philadelphia is convenient and traversing within the city is also quite comfortable. With various historical locations and places to visit, the city easily becomes one of the top destinations to check out in the United States.

Best time to visit Philadelphia

Philadelphia enjoys a fancy spring season from March to May. Not only is this time good for nature enthusiasts to soak in all the beauty of the place but also for photographers to indulge in postcard-worthy grabs. Spring brings along with it, a refreshing air while the brisk temperatures start to subside. Usually, the temperatures range between 10 degree Celsius to 22 degree Celsius, which means you will have to carry your winter jackets. The comfortable weather will only make you want to stay outdoors all day. One of the biggest highlights of the spring season is to watch the cherry blossoms in Philadelphia bloom in Fairmount Park. This is a sight your photography skills can try to capture but wouldn't be able to bring out its absolute beauty. It's an experience, and that is incomparable to the pictures taken. Plus, during this time, the city also rings in amazing festivals and events such as St. Patrick's Day Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, Philly Craft Beer Festival, Philly Black Pride, Philadelphia Children's Festival, Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show, to name a few. Not only the weather but even the hotel prices in Philadelphia are cheap and affordable.

The months from June to August are also quite favourable as they are peak summer for Philadelphia. The city bustles with tourists as the temperatures rise to an agreeable 30 degree Celsius, which is quite pleasant. The city also sees more festivities such as Philadelphia Folk Festival, Philly Beer Week, Philly Pride Parade and Festival and Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, to name a few. With so much happening, the prices to book hotels in Philadelphia also takes a surge. Finding a decent hotel room in Philadelphia for cheap during summer is next to impossible. However, if you don't mind the winter rush of the city, December to February is your time to shine. The city witnesses cold winters with the temperatures dropping to negatives too, sometimes. However, that only means there is snow on the streets and cheap and affordable hotels in Philadelphia. The locals manage to spruce up the frigid weather by ringing in new festivities such as Philadelphia Auto Show, Christmas Light Show, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest and Mummer's Parade, to name a few. These activities certainly help keep the spirits up.

Places to visit in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has some great historical significance as it is recognised to be the place where the American founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. The event took place in the city's Liberty Bell Centre, which automatically becomes one of the famous tourist sites to visit. It is located in the Independence National Historical Park and witnesses tourists all-round the year, especially during the peak season. Opposite the Liberty Bell Centre is the Independence Hall, another important Gregorian-style structure that has contributed to American history. While you're engaged in some historical and educational tour, do visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art which has works of artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh and more. John F Kennedy Plaza, famously recognised as the LOVE Park, is an alluring stretch of green expanse that boasts the beauty of the city. You also have the National Museum of American Jewish History as one of the establishments to visit.

Things to do in Philadelphia

The city has far too many things that should be done by a traveller. Aside from taking pictures at the LOVE Park or visiting the Philadelphia Zoo, you can also go on a food tour to the Reading Terminal Market. Further, you can stroll through the posh and swanky lanes of Rittenhouse Square, where you will find top-notch restaurants, a thriving lifestyle and the Mutter Museum. To satiate the adrenaline rush that you wish to experience, visit the Wissahickon Valley Park and go on a horseback riding expedition. You can further take up mountain biking and hiking as other activities in the park.

Food and restaurants in Philadelphia

Over the years, the culinary scene of Philadelphia has evolved with a slew of up and coming food establishments taking over the streets. You will notice some new and amazing restaurants and dining establishments that are classy and pricey. Much of these establishments can be found at Old City and Rittenhouse Square. So if you plan to enjoy a lovely fancy evening in Philly, you can find some of those in these areas. Restaurants such as Parc, The Love and The Dandelion are some of the places that promise to give you a dining experience of a lifetime. Of course, it is important that you make prior reservations as you might not get tables here. At the city centre, you can find some more places that would satiate your culinary desires. From French to Indian to Japanese, you will be able to taste the world cuisine in Philadelphia. Of course, the list of cuisines doesn't end there. You can further explore good food and go for an Italian rendezvous at the Talula's Garden. What makes this place exceptional is how the ingredients and vegetables used are very fresh and delicious.

Philadelphia's highlights in terms of culinary are pretzels and cheesesteak. A cheesesteak is basically a hoagie-like sandwich where thin slices of steak are placed between the slices of bread while some cheese, onions, peppers and mushrooms are added to bring about a magnificent flavour. South of Philadelphia is the best place to get your hands on these sandwiches. In fact, the Italian Market is the perfect place for you to find the cheesesteak. You can also customise these sandwiches. If you wish to go to the popular ones, Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks are the two popular shops where you can find the best cheesesteaks. Reading Terminal Market is another establishment where you will find a plethora of tasty dishes. Philly's BYOB (bring your own bottle) is also good if you are running on a budget. But do learn about the policies of the place before visiting the place as they have their own set of rules that you must abide by. Some more names for your perusal are Beiler's Bakery, Cafe La Maude, Bistro Romano and Ristorante Pesto.

How to reach Philadelphia

Flight connectivity to Philadelphia from India is excellent as there are many connecting flights to the city. Despite being one of the largest cities in the US, there are no direct flights to Philadelphia from India. Cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata. Out of the mentioned Indian cities, Mumbai and Delhi are the only two metros which have the most number of flights flying to Philadelphia. There are regular flights to Philadelphia which fly every day from India. Airlines such as American Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Swiss, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, have flights to Philadelphia. Since there are no direct flights to Philadelphia, often much of these airlines have layovers and connecting flights to reach the city from India. These airlines have layovers in international cities such as Doha, London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Frankfurt, to name a few falling in this international route to Philadelphia. Sometimes if there are more than one stops, connecting flights can be found in the US at cities such as Chicago, Boston, etc. There are flights that connect from London as well if you pick British Airways as your airlines for travel.

Getting cheap flight tickets to Philadelphia would be tough since the round trip always surpasses more than a lakh INR. However, if you book your tickets to Philadelphia in advance, you might be able to snag some cheap flight deals online. In fact, as long as you're able to book your hotels in Philadelphia, months in advance, even that would help you ease down splurging extra bucks. There are often many flights and hotels combo deals online that you can probably take up, depending on how you time your plans and if you get lucky. Often people choose to get a ticket to a cheaper city in the United States to fly out. From there, options of rental cars, taxi cabs and other such provisions are available which make travelling to Philadelphia cheaper and experiential. One of the popular routes to Philadelphia is from Mumbai and Ahmedabad as these cities have more flights, plus they are better connected.