Shankaracharya Temple Srinagar
An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, perched atop a hill offering breathtaking views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Shankaracharya Temple Srinagar
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, perched atop a hill offering breathtaking views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
"The panoramic view of Srinagar from the temple is breathtaking, making the climb absolutely worth it."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing about 300 steps, so comfy footwear is a must!
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during your ascent, especially on warmer days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Srinagar View
Top of Shankaracharya Hill
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Srinagar city, Dal Lake, and surrounding mountains. A photographer's dream!
Ancient Shiva Temple
Summit of Shankaracharya Hill
An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering a serene spiritual experience and a glimpse into history.
The Ascent
Path to the temple
A rewarding climb of approximately 300 steps, surrounded by nature, leading to the divine summit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Climb and the View
Spiritual Significance & Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing about 300 steps, so comfy footwear is a must!
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during your ascent, especially on warmer days.
🚫 No Photography Inside
Respect the spiritual atmosphere; cameras are not allowed in the sanctum.
🙏 Embrace the Serenity
Take time to soak in the peaceful ambiance and spiritual energy.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing about 300 steps, so comfy footwear is a must!
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during your ascent, especially on warmer days.
🚫 No Photography Inside
Respect the spiritual atmosphere; cameras are not allowed in the sanctum.
🙏 Embrace the Serenity
Take time to soak in the peaceful ambiance and spiritual energy.
🚗 Hire a Taxi
Taxis are readily available to take you to the base of the hill.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Shankaracharya Temple for its breathtaking panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake, coupled with a deeply serene and spiritual atmosphere. The ancient architecture and historical significance add to its allure, making it a must-visit for both religious pilgrims and tourists seeking natural beauty. While the climb of approximately 300 steps can be challenging, most agree the effort is well worth the reward.
"This place is truly beautiful, where you can genuinely feel the presence of pure nature all around you. It’s a lovely spot that combines serenity with charm, making it a memorable experience for visitors. The temple here is not only a spiritual site but also carries with it many fascinating stories and legends, adding depth and cultural significance to the visit.
One of the highlights is the breathtaking view of Srinagar that you get from this location. The elevated setting offers a panoramic perspective of the city, its lakes, and the surrounding mountains, making it one of the most scenic vantage points in the area."
Akarsh Teotia
"Shri Shankaracharya Temple is one of the most serene and spiritually uplifting places I have visited. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple not only holds immense religious significance but also offers a glimpse into Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.
Reaching the temple involves a climb of around 300 steps, but the effort is more than worth it. As you ascend, you’re surrounded by silence and greenery, and once at the top, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Srinagar city, Dal Lake, and the surrounding mountains. The sense of peace and divinity inside the sanctum is deeply moving.
The temple is well-maintained, with strict security arrangements, ensuring that the sanctity of the place is preserved. Photography is not allowed inside, which helps maintain the spiritual atmosphere.
For devotees, it is a powerful site of worship, and for travelers, it is a must-visit landmark that combines spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Visiting Shri Shankaracharya Temple is not just a religious experience, but also a soulful retreat that leaves you with a lasting sense of calm."
Ayushi Narayan
"Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated atop the Shankaracharya Hill (also known as Takht-e-Suleiman) approximately 1,000 feet above the city. It is believed to have origins dating back to around 200 BC, with the current structure likely built in the 9th century AD. The temple is named after the great philosopher and spiritual leader Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have visited and meditated here. Architecturally, it features a massive stone structure with an octagonal base supporting a square temple and a circular sanctum inside, embodying early Kashmiri style with intricate carvings and horseshoe arches. The temple offers panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake and remains an important pilgrimage site as well as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. Its rich history includes destruction and restoration phases under various rulers, making it a significant cultural and religious landmark in Kashmir."
Pardeep Kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located on Shankaracharya Hill. You can hire a taxi from Srinagar city to take you to the base of the hill. From there, it's a climb of about 300 steps to reach the temple.
Limited parking is usually available at the base of the hill where taxis drop you off.
Public bus services might not go directly to the temple's base. Taxis are the most convenient option for reaching the starting point of the climb.
From Dal Lake, you can easily hire a taxi or a shikara to the nearest point on the road, and then take another taxi up to the temple's base.
The road is generally open year-round, but it's advisable to check local conditions during winter months due to potential snowfall.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entry fee to visit the Shankaracharya Temple itself. However, security checks are in place.
The temple is generally open from early morning until evening. Specific timings can vary, but it's usually accessible from around 6 AM to 8 PM.
No, advance booking is not required. You can visit the temple at your convenience during its operating hours.
Visitors need to pass through security checks. Photography inside the sanctum is prohibited.
The climb involves approximately 300 steps, which can be challenging for individuals with significant mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to be one of the oldest in Kashmir, and associated with the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya.
You can see the ancient Shiva temple, enjoy the serene spiritual atmosphere, and witness breathtaking panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple's sanctum to maintain its sanctity.
The visit, including the climb and time spent at the top, can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you wish to enjoy the view.
While official guides might not be readily available, local caretakers or priests may offer insights into the temple's history and significance.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the top of the hill, offering panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake. 
Yes, you can take photos on the steps and the surrounding areas outside the main temple structure.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for capturing the stunning views.
Drone usage is generally restricted in and around religious sites and tourist attractions. It's best to check local regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that photography is not allowed inside the temple, so manage expectations for younger ones who might want to capture everything. Pack snacks and water to keep everyone energized during the ascent. 🚶 Solo Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The best times for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a magical glow over the valley. While photography is prohibited inside the temple, the exterior architecture and the scenic vistas offer ample opportunities to capture stunning shots. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to do justice to the expansive views. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Mythology
The current structure is thought to date back to the 9th century AD. Its historical journey includes periods of destruction and restoration under various rulers, making it a crucial cultural and religious landmark in Kashmir. Architecturally, the temple is a marvel of early Kashmiri style. It features a massive stone structure with a distinctive octagonal base supporting a square temple and a circular sanctum within.
+1The temple's association with Lord Shiva makes it a vital center for devotees. The spiritual aura within the sanctum is deeply moving, providing a sense of peace and divinity.
The Ascent and the Views
The path is lined with greenery, offering a tranquil environment that complements the spiritual purpose of the visit. Upon reaching the top, the reward is a breathtaking panoramic view of Srinagar city, the shimmering Dal Lake, and the majestic surrounding mountains.
+1 This elevated vantage point is one of the most scenic spots in the region, offering unparalleled vistas that are particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset. Many visitors find the view to be a highlight of their trip, providing a sense of awe and tranquility. +1While the climb is a significant part of the experience, the effort is widely considered to be more than worth it for the spectacular views and the serene atmosphere at the temple.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit