Visit Jamia Masjid and Nowhatta square
A cultural and historical walk exploring the 14th-century Jamia Masjid — a large, columned mosque in the heart of Nowhatta — and the surrounding Nowhatta square, a lively old-city hub of bazaars, Sufi shrines, and traditional Kashmiri life. The visit combines architecture, religious history, local markets, and street food tasting in Srinagar’s historic quarter.
Location
Jamia Masjid & Nowhatta Square (Old City), Srinagar, India
Duration
1–2 hours (short visit) — 3–4 hours if combined with extended bazaar exploration and nearby shrines
Best Time to Visit
March to October for pleasant weather. Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds; avoid Friday midday if you want to enter during prayer times.
Pricing
Free entry to the mosque; small donations welcome. Guided walking tours (optional) typically cost INR 500–1500 (~USD 6–18) per group depending on duration and language. Additional costs: local transport (taxi/auto rickshaw), purchases at bazaars, and food.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Jamia Masjid’s 378 wooden columns and distinct Indo-Islamic architecture
Nowhatta square’s bustling bazaars, wooden carved shopfronts and traditional Kashmiri crafts (shawls, papier-mâché, spices)
Sufi shrines and small madrasa courtyards offering cultural insight
Local street food: noon chai (salted pink tea), kebabs, and bakers’ breads
Panoramic vistas of old-city rooftops and nearby mosque domes from narrow lanes
Itinerary
Arrival at Nowhatta/approach to Jamia Masjid
Walk through the narrow lanes; notice traditional wooden architecture and small shops selling religious items.
Explore Jamia Masjid interior and courtyard
Respect prayer schedules and gender-specific areas. Remove shoes and observe quiet while inside. Look up at the wooden pillars and ceiling carvings.
Stroll Nowhatta square and nearby bazaars
Browse shawls, embroidery, saffron stalls, and papier-mâché. Practice polite bargaining; inspect goods carefully.
Visit a nearby tea stall or bakery
Try noon chai and local snacks; talk to shopkeepers for local stories and recommendations.
Optional: visit nearby Sufi shrines and small museums
If time allows, see nearby khanqahs (Sufi centers) and lanes to deepen cultural context.
Safety Requirements
Dress modestly — shoulders and legs covered; women may carry a scarf for head covering if entering prayer areas
Remove shoes before entering the mosque; follow on-site instructions
Respect prayer times, maintain silence during services, and ask permission before photographing people inside religious spaces
Keep personal belongings secure in crowded bazaars; use trusted taxis for return journeys
If unfamiliar with local customs, hire a licensed local guide to help navigate cultural norms and language
Tips
Best visited early morning (8:00–10:00) to avoid the busiest market hours and harsh sunlight
Avoid Friday midday (main congregational prayer) if you plan to enter the mosque — that time is reserved for worshippers
Carry small change and local currency (INR) for purchases; many small vendors are cash-only
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven lanes; bring a light scarf for dust and sun protection
If photographing people, ask permission first — many locals are conservative about photos
Combine this visit with a shikara ride on Dal Lake or a walk to nearby Hazratbal Shrine for a fuller Srinagar experience
