Shah-e-Hamdan - A Wooden Architectural Marvel in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jammu and KashmirRELIGIOUS

An exquisite wooden mosque and shrine in Srinagar's old city, celebrated for its unique Kashmiri architecture and intricate papier-mâché interiors.

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RELIGIOUS

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1 hour

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

Located on the right bank of the Jhelum River in Srinagar's old city, the Shah-e-Hamdan is one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir, also known as Khanqah-e-Moula. This isn't a typical stone and mortar structure; it's a stunning example of Kashmiri wooden architecture. The entire building is constructed from deodar wood, featuring intricate carvings, latticework (pinjrakari), and multi-tiered eaves that culminate in a distinctive pyramidal roof and spire. This design sets it apart from the Mughal-style mosques common elsewhere in India.

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Location & Address

Khanqah-e-Moula, Zaina Kadal, Old City, Old City, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is from March to October when the weather in Srinagar is pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures ideal for sightseeing. The summer months from May to August see the peak tourist season. For a quieter visit with beautiful surroundings, consider the spring months of March and April or the autumn months of September and October. Winters (November to February) are cold with chances of snow, which offers a different but equally beautiful perspective of the shrine.
Peak Crowd: Fridays (for prayers), during Islamic festivals, and the main summer tourist season (May-July).
Moderate Crowd: Weekdays from May to October.
Low Crowd: Weekday mornings and during the winter months (November-February).

How to Reach

Air

Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) in Srinagar is the nearest airport, located about 13 km away. It takes around 30-45 minutes to reach the old city by taxi.

Train

The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi (JAT), about 270 km away. From Jammu, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srinagar, a journey of about 7-8 hours. Srinagar itself has a railway station, but it has limited connectivity.

Road

Srinagar is well-connected by road via National Highway 44, which links it to Jammu and other parts of India. Both government-run and private buses operate daily services to Srinagar from cities like Jammu, Delhi, and Chandigarh.

Local Transport

Within Srinagar, auto-rickshaws are the most effective way to navigate the narrow lanes of the old city to reach the shrine. You can also hire a local taxi or use ride-hailing apps, which will drop you near the main road.