Nestled in the heart of Srinagar’s old city in Nowhatta, the Jama Masjid is not just a religious center but a symbol of Kashmir’s spiritual, architectural, and cultural identity. With its striking Indo-Saracenic design and deep historical roots, this 14th-century mosque is a must-visit for anyone exploring the spiritual and artistic heritage of Jammu & Kashmir.
Masjid About
Jama Masjid, also known as Jamia Masjid Srinagar, is a historic and grand mosque situated in Nowhatta, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Built in 1394 CE by Sultan Sikandar Shah and later expanded by Zain-ul-Abidin, it is one of the most significant religious and architectural landmarks in Kashmir. Known for its Indo-Kashmiri design, the mosque is a spiritual and cultural hub, attracting both worshippers and visitors interested in its rich heritage.
Masjid Description & Speciality
The mosque is built in the Persian and Indo-Kashmiri architectural style, featuring a quadrangular layout with four minarets topped with pyramidal roofs. It is supported by 378 deodar wooden pillars, which add to its grandeur. The mosque has a spacious central courtyard, with a water fountain and Chinar trees, providing a peaceful environment. It can accommodate over 33,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque is known for its calm and serene atmosphere, attracting visitors seeking both religious and historical insights.
Masjid Address & Location
Jama Masjid is located in Nowhatta, Downtown Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India – 190002. Its coordinates are 34.098352°N, 74.809180°E.
Masjid Timings & Sevas
The mosque is open daily from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and is free to visit. On Fridays, the mosque is open for Jumu'ah prayers, where thousands of devotees gather. Special Islamic prayers and sermons take place, particularly during Ramadan, Eid, and other significant religious occasions.
How to Reach Jama Masjid, Srinagar?
By Air
The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (Srinagar Airport), approximately 12 km from Jama Masjid. It is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Amritsar. From the airport, one can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the mosque in about 30-40 minutes.
By Train
The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, located 300 km from Srinagar. It has direct train connectivity from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. From Jammu, travelers can reach Srinagar by shared taxi (₹800-₹1200) or JKSRTC bus (₹600-₹900), with a travel time of around 7-8 hours via NH44.
By Road (Bus & Taxi)
The nearest bus station is Srinagar Bus Stand, TRC Srinagar, about 4 km from Jama Masjid. Regular JKSRTC buses operate from Jammu, Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Leh. Private buses and cabs are also available. Srinagar city is well connected with local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis for easy access to Nowhatta, where the mosque is situated.
Facilities in Srinagar near Jama Masjid
Food Facilities – What to Eat?
Srinagar is famous for Kashmiri Wazwan, and nearby restaurants offer a variety of dishes. Some recommended places include Mughal Darbar, Ahdoos Restaurant, and Shamyana Restaurant. Popular local delicacies include Rogan Josh, Kashmiri Pulao, Kebabs, Noon Chai (Pink Tea), and traditional bakery items like Sheermal.
Stay & Accommodation Facilities
Srinagar offers a range of accommodation options. Budget hotels like Hotel New Shaheen and Hotel Shreen cost around ₹800-₹2000 per night. Mid-range hotels such as Hotel Dar-Es-Salam and Welcome Heritage Gurkha Houseboats range from ₹2500-₹5000 per night. Luxury hotels like The Lalit Grand Palace and Vivanta Dal View offer premium stays above ₹6000 per night.
Nearby Cities & Places to Visit
Nearby Cities to Srinagar
Jama Masjid is centrally located in Srinagar, and nearby cities include Baramulla (55 km), Gulmarg (50 km), Sonmarg (80 km), Pahalgam (95 km), and Jammu (300 km).
Nearby Religious Places (Mosques & Temples)
Nearby religious attractions include Hazratbal Shrine (8 km), Shankaracharya Temple (7 km), Khanqah-e-Moula (1 km), and Shah-e-Hamdan Shrine (2 km).
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Some of the best places to visit near Jama Masjid include Dal Lake & Houseboats (5 km), Nishat Bagh & Shalimar Bagh (6 km), Mughal Gardens (7 km), Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden (8 km), and Pari Mahal (10 km).
Best Time to Visit Jama Masjid, Srinagar
The ideal time to visit Jama Masjid and explore Srinagar is during spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) when the weather is pleasant, and nature is in full bloom. Summer (June – August) offers moderate temperatures, while winter (December – February) is perfect for those who enjoy snow-covered landscapes.
Shopping in Srinagar – What to Buy?
Srinagar is famous for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and products. Some of the must-buy items include Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, Papier-mâché handicrafts, walnuts & dry fruits, saffron, wooden crafts, and Kashmiri embroidered dresses. The best shopping spots in Srinagar are Lal Chowk, Polo View Market, Floating Market on Dal Lake, and Residency Road.
Jama Masjid Srinagar stands as a remarkable symbol of Kashmir’s architectural splendor and spiritual significance. With its historical legacy, serene ambiance, and grand design, it continues to be a prominent place of worship and a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Srinagar. Whether one seeks religious devotion, architectural beauty, or cultural insights, Jama Masjid offers an enriching experience in the heart of Kashmir.
