Srinagar to Prague 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 Prague

One of the most popular destinations to go backpacking across, Prague, is one every traveller's list. The city has seen invasions, fires, floods and a lot of overthrows at around 870 AD. Prague is one of the most delightful and charming cities and the most popular European destination, too. The city is known for its magnificent castles, synagogues and towers. It also makes for one affordable trip and hosts a lot of backpackers on a budget every year. It has also been named as one of the largest castle complexes in the world by the Guinness Book of Records. You will also come across a lot of stunning cathedrals and museums that maintain the old-time charm of the city. Even if you are not into architecture a lot, you will find yourself admiring the beautiful structures in Prague.

Best Time to Visit Prague

Spring, from March to May, is an ideal time to visit Prague. The temperature ranges from approximately 0 to 17 degree Celsius throughout the months. The weather is pleasant and mild. You can book a hotel in Prague at reasonable prices. Since it is only the beginning of summer, make sure you do carry some warm clothes to tackle the cold breezes and wind chill. Spring also has a lot of festivals and events that you can attend, like the Prague Marathon in April, Prague Food Festival and Prague International Music Festival in May and June. You can also sign up for Prague Proms in May. If you are staying in hostels, you will even end up making new friends from all over the world.

June to August is summer in Prague, and it is also said to be the best time to plan a trip to Prague. The temperature ranges from 15 to 28 degree Celsius. Booking a hotel room in Prague during this season might be a tad bit expensive if not done in advance. You can even get a decent deal on flights to Prague online if you are planning it way in advance. But if you want a budget-friendly trip, make sure you plan it during Spring or Autumn. Since this is also peak season, you'll find the streets quite crowded and buzzing with tourists. You can also attend Venetian Nights, an open-air music festival that takes place in July.

September and October is also a favourable time to plan a trip to Prague. It is Autumn, and the weather is also quite pleasant. November through February is winter and the least favourable time since it is winter. However, if you want to spend your Christmas and New Year's Eve in the European city, you might get cheap flight tickets to Prague. But you will not be able to enjoy sightseeing or even exploring some of the popular tourist attractions in the city. If you are going to Prague during Christmas, do not miss the Christmas Market. You will also not find a lot of crowd during this time.

Places to Visit in Prague

Prague has a lot of charming castles and cathedrals to its credit. One of the best ways to get around the city is to either take public transport or just walk around. Prague has a well-functioning metro that is connected well within the city. It is yet another efficient way to get around the city, along with trams. The Prague Castle is a major tourist attraction here. The castle has buildings constructed over the last 1000 years, and all of them are connected. It also houses the President of the Czech Republic. You will also get a great view of the city from here. The Charles Bridge that is built over the Vltava river is another popular place for tourists. Late evenings and early mornings are the best time to visit the bridge since you will find a lesser crowd during this time. You will also find a lot of vendors and street artists for your amusement and shopping needs.

The St Vitus Cathedral overlooks the entire city of Prague from over a hilltop. The architecture is magnificent, and you will learn a lot about Prague's history here. The construction of the church was completed in 1929. Old Town Square is another most visited tourist attraction where the famous Astronomical Clock was built in 1410. The climb to the top of the tower can be quite difficult, and it is highly recommended that you avoid it if you are not fit. It also makes for a great spot to take pictures. You can also visit the Prague Zoo that is home to endangered Przewalski's horse, also called the Mongolian wild horse. The zoo has over 4200 animals, and you can pay a visit if you are travelling with your kids. For all the art lovers, there is the National Gallery in Prague that has curated some of the best and classy artwork.

Things to do in Prague

If you travel to Prague during the right season, that is summer, a lot of options will be open for you to go sightseeing. You can either hire a taxi or a guide; you can also walk to most of these places and discover the lesser-known tourist spots. Prague is surrounded by hills and going mountain biking is a popular activity that tourists take up here. If you are done with sightseeing and want to do something adventurous, you can try mountain biking. If you want to make your visit to Prague Castle, you can hike through the Chotkovy Sady. It will be an experience of a lifetime with breathtaking views as you reach the castle.

Hot air ballooning is also a popular activity that attracts tourists in Prague. You can also visit the Náplavka Farmer's Market to binge on some delicious snacks or just stroll across the River Vltava to soak in the view. You can also catch the ballet or an opera show at the National Theatre. The John Lennon wall is also pretty popular among young travellers and fans of the Beatles. An activist had painted an image of the lead singer on a wall right opposite the French embassy after John Lennon was killed in 1980.

Foods and Restaurant in Prague

You are certainly going to love the food in Prague. Be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian food, you will find everything here, and you will love it, too. Bramborák is basically potato pancake but with a lot of flavours. Head to a deli to pick this up, and it will leave you wanting for more. You must also try the Goulash in Prague, a bowl of meat and potato stew with a lot of herbs. You can try the goulash at Mlejnice. Halušky is yet another dish popular in the Czech that is actually a traditional Slovakian dish. It's a kind of dumpling that is topped with ham and fresh herbs.

You will find some great Halušky at Mincovna. Cafe Savoy is a great place to head to for a delicious breakfast. Ensure that you make a reservation in advance since it is a popular place. Portfolio Restaurant is also famous for its excellent choice of wines, interiors and their service. Bistro à Table is a French restaurant that specialises in traditional French cuisine like filet mignon and frog legs. Don't forget to treat yourself to a glass of wine here. Sansho is yet another popular restaurant that serves authentic Asian food. Do try the six-course dinner menu that is served at communal tables family-style. Kmotra is where you head to if you are in the mood for some pizza and delicious homemade pasta. Prague also has a restaurant that specialises in Afghan cuisine called Kabul Restaurant. The menu is translated into different languages, so you are not surprised with what lands on your table.

How to reach Prague

Václav Havel Airport Prague, which was earlier called Prague Ruzyn? International Airport is the international airport in the Czech Republic's capital, Prague. The flight connectivity to Prague from India is excellent. While there are no direct flights to Prague, there are several connecting flights that have layovers at Istanbul and Munich. Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa have frequent flights to Prague from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. LOT Polish Airlines and Ukraine International Airlines take off from Delhi to Prague. You also have Qatar Airways and Lufthansa taking off from Bangalore quite frequently. Istanbul, Munich and Doha are some of the popular routes to Prague since most flights to Prague have a layover at these airports. If you are travelling during summer or winter, there are high chances that you will get cheap flight tickets to Prague. Getting around the city from the airport is also not very tedious since you get cabs right outside the airport. If you are travelling from another European city or country, trains are the best and most preferred option. It is quite convenient, well-connected and offers you the best view across the continent, something you will cherish for a long time.