tourist map of srinagar

Plan Your Trip to Srinagar in Kashmir with this Travel Guide

Land of Lakes and Gardens

Ng Hock How/Getty Images

Srinagar, in the Kashmir Valley in far northern India, is one of the top 10 hill station in India. A place of splendid natural beauty, it's often referred to as the "Land of Lakes and Gardens" or the "Switzerland of India". The gardens have a distinctly Mughal influence, as many of them were cultivated by Mughal emperors. Although civil unrest is an ongoing concern in the area due to conflict with nearby Pakistan, calm has been restored and visitors are returning to the area. (Read more about how safe is Kashmir now for tourists? ). Nevertheless, be prepared to see army personnel and police everywhere. Find out important information and travel tips in this Srinagar travel guide.

Getting There

Srinagar's Sheikh ul-Alam airport was completed in 2009 and is owned by the Indian Air Force. It can be reached most easily by flight from Delhi . There are also flights from Jammu, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Lucknow.

The Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation operates an inexpensive bus service from the airport to the Tourist Reception Center in Srinagar. Otherwise, expect to pay about 1,000 rupees for a prepaid taxi (2018 prices). App-based taxi services such as Uber and Ola don't operate in Kashmir.

If you're traveling on a budget and are feeling adventurous, you may try taking an Indian Railways train to Jammu (these trains start from Delhi or pass through Delhi from other cities in India), and then go by shared jeep/taxi to Srinagar (traveling time around eight hours). Buses also run but they are much slower, taking around 11-12 hours for the journey.

A rail project is currently underway to link the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, but it's well behind schedule and isn't expected to be completed until after 2020. Tunnels are also being built to cut the travel time from Jammu to Srinagar by around five hours.

Visas and Security

Foreigners (including OCI cardholders) are required to register upon arriving and departing from the airport. It's a straightforward process that requires the completion of one form and only takes about five minutes. Do note that US government employees and government contractors who have security clearance are not permitted to visit Srinagar, as Kashmir is off-limits. Traveling to Kashmir could result in loss of security clearance.

The kind of experience you want to have in Srinagar will determine the best time of year to visit. It gets very cold and snows from December to February, and it's possible to go snow skiing in surrounding areas. If you want to enjoy the lakes and gardens, visiting between April to October is recommended. April to June is the high season. The monsoon usually arrives by mid July. September to October is also a good time to visit, and is not so busy. Foliage turns lovely deep, warm colors in late October, as the weather becomes colder. Temperatures get quite hot during the day in summer, but are chilly at night. Make sure you bring a jacket!

What to See and Do

Check out these top Srinagar attractions and places to visit. Srinagar is most well known for its houseboats, a legacy of the British that has rapidly multiplied. Don't miss staying on one!

Tips for Staying on a Houseboat

Avoid booking houseboats from tour operators in Delhi. There are plenty of scams and you never know what kind of boat you'll end up with! Reputable houseboats can be booked at Srinagar airport, and many have websites as well. Have a read of these tips for choosing the best Srinagar houseboat to find out what you should consider.

Where Else to Stay

The main commercial and tourist district, where most of the accommodations are situated, is Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar. It's located within close walking distance of local markets and the Jhelum River. Walking time to Dal Lake from Lal Chowk is about 30 minutes.

If you prefer to stay closer to Dal Lake, you'll find plenty of budget hotels to choose from along Boulevard Road, which runs along beside the lake. Hotel JH Bazaz and Blooming Dale Hotel Cottages offer good value for money in the Dal Gate area next to Dal Lake. Swiss Hotel Kashmir , located just off the Boulevard, is a popular budget choice -- and here's a pleasant surprise, foreigners pay reduced rates (usually, foreigners are charged more in India)! Hotel Dar-Es-Salam is a popular boutique hotel that overlooks the lake

Otherwise, if money is no object, the best luxury hotels are the Lalit Grand Palace and the Vivanta Dal View .

Hospitality Home is the most popular homestay in Srinagar and it's also inexpensive.

The annual Tulip Festival takes place during the first couple of weeks of April. It's the highlight of the year in Srinagar. In addition to being able to see millions of blooming tulips in the biggest tulip garden in Asia, cultural events are held.

Indian tourists often prefer to conduct their trip on an auspicious note, with a visit to Vaishno Devi shrine. It's best reached by helicopter from Katra, about an hour and a half from Jammu. Otherwise, these  popular tourist places in Kashmir can be visited on day trips (or longer side trips) from Srinagar.

Travel Tips

If you have a cell phone with a prepaid connection, your SIM card will not work as roaming has been blocked in Kashmir due to security reasons (postpaid connections are fine). Your hotel or houseboat may provide you with a local SIM card to use.

Note that being a predominantly Muslim area, alcohol isn't served in restaurants and most businesses shut for prayer at lunchtime on Friday in Srinagar. Bars can be found in select upmarket hotels though.

If you're flying out of Srinagar airport, do get there with plenty of time to spare (at least three hours before departure), as there are lengthy and multiple security checks. There aren't any restrictions on cabin luggage when flying into the airport. However, when departing, airlines often won't allow cabin luggage except for laptops, cameras and ladies handbags.

If you go to Gulmarg, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle by booking gondola tickets online or in advance at the Tourist Reception Center in Srinagar. You'll face huge lines at the gondola otherwise. In addition, avoid visiting Pahalgam during July as it will be extremely busy with pilgrims going on the Amarnath Yatra .

Do be aware that you should dress conservatively to respect the local Muslim culture.

Top 8 Places to Visit in the Kashmir Valley

The Top 15 Things to Do in Jammu, India

Your Ultimate Trip to India: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Udaipur: The Complete Guide

Trips to Delhi: A Complete Guide

Bangalore Guide: Planning Your Trip

What to Consider When Choosing a Houseboat in Srinagar

Your Trip to Goa: The Complete Guide

Nainital in Uttarakhand: Essential Travel Guide

The Top 20 Things to Do in Ladakh, India

12 Major Mountain Ranges in India

How to Visit Pangong Lake in Ladakh: The Complete Guide

Leh in Ladakh Travel Guide: Attractions, Festivals, Hotels

Varanasi Guide: Planning Your Trip

Jaipur Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Kerala Backwaters and How to Best Visit Them

• 1.1 Climate
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By taxi
• 2.4 By bicycle
• 2.5 By train
• 3 Get around
• 9.2.1 Hotels
• 9.2.2 Houseboats
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe

Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in the Kashmir region.

Understand [ edit ]

The city has become safer to travel to since 2003; however, police/army presence is still heavy. Many buildings of value will also have a sandbag bunker and razor wire for protection.

Climate [ edit ]

Most people visit the city in the summer months. The temperature at this time is cool to pleasant. Light sweaters may be needed for occasional cool nights in the summertime. In winter, you will need full winter gear and expect snow and few places to have hot water.

Get in [ edit ]

Many people take the train to Jammu followed by a taxi or bus ride to Srinagar. The journey from Jammu to Srinagar is costlier in the summers because the capital is being shifted from Jammu to Srinagar on both the state buses and Sumos. State buses are safer but take more time and are a bit uncomfortable.

Foreigners are required to register upon arrival at the airport or at their hotel or houseboat.

By plane [ edit ]

International, domestic and seasonal Hajj pilgrimage charters to Jeddah are operated from Sheikh ul Alam airport.

Flights are operated by SpiceJet, Go Air and Air India from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar, with or without a stopover at Jammu . The frequency is once or twice a day by each airline. The cost is approx ₹2,500 from Jammu, ₹ 2,500-5,000 from Delhi one way and higher from Mumbai, depending on the different season.

The airport is still heavily patrolled and you may see many soldiers or other armed security detachments. Winter flights can easily be canceled due to weather conditions. Tickets are easy to purchase in the city. The airport requires a ticket for entrance. A taxi into Srinagar town should be ₹ 720 (as in August 2017) and direct to Gulmarg is ₹1,500-2,000. There is a mini bus from airport to TRC (Tourist Reception Centre). It costs ₹ 70. TRC is 1 km to the Dal lake. The mini-bus is dirty and fly-infested.

When departing Srinagar by air, make sure you have a printed copy of your ticket at hand, otherwise you will not be able to enter the airport. Additionally, allow approximately one hour to get from Srinagar to the airport. Security checks can cause traffic to bank up if there are a few flights leaving at around the same time.

By taxi [ edit ]

Hiring a TATA Sumo SUV (fits up to 9 people, or 5 comfortably plus luggage) from Jammu costs approximately ₹1,900-2,700 depending on time of year or even time of day. To reduce costs many people choose not to take an exclusive taxi, and share the Sumo taxi with others. This costs about ₹300-400 per person. For a comfortable trip, try for a seat in the middle row - the front bucket seat is (sometimes uncomfortably) shared by 2 people, and the far back could be quite bumpy as the highway is full of mountainous roads. The journey takes around 8 hour.

By bus [ edit ]

J&K State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates fairly comfortable buses from Jammu costing around ₹350 and do the journey in around 12 hr. 2-day buses run between Srinagar and Leh staying overnight in Kargil .

There are also direct buses from Delhi taking almost 24 hours to reach Srinagar.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Srinagar is about 80 km away from Sonamarg . If cycling to Sonamarg this is a reasonable day ride for a fit cyclist, and Sonamarg provides plenty of accommodation options. The ride from Sonamarg to Srinagar, being mostly downhill is an easy day. Riding on the East side of Dal Lake, is slightly less direct, but is low traffic, provides lovely views over the lake, is simple to find the way, and is highly recommended.

By train [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ].

Auto-rickshaws can be found everywhere. Taxis and buses area also available. Motorcycles can also be rented for enthusiasts.

Negotiate a price with a rickshaw driver before getting in; they are notorious for overcharging and generally being dishonest. Their usual ploy is: "no problem" or "up to you". As soon as you reach your destination they will have a volte-face! Drivers usually don't speak English but there will always be a passer-by to help translate for you.

A rickshaw from Nigeen Lake to Boulevard is approximately​ ₹70 depending on negotiation skills (August 2009).

Usually private service buses run throughout the city and are well networked with major tourist spots.

See [ edit ]

• 34.11059 74.86826 1 Dal Lake . Dal Lake is one of the prime attractions of Srinagar. Located at the very centre of the city the lake covers an area of 21 km². which includes 3 km² of wetland. The lake has a circumference of 15.5 km. The lake is best explored on a sikhara, a beautifully decorated boat that features in the logo of Jammu & Kashmir Tourism. Apart from open waters the lake also consists of floating markets, locally called rad . They basically constitute of matted vegetation and earth, but are floating. These are detached from the bottom of the lake and drawn to a suitable place and anchored. With nutrients from both land and water, these floating islands are used for cultivating tomatoes, cucumbers and melons. The area is a complex maze of floating cultivation patches separated by narrow water channels. The shikra negotiates through this complex maze with the sikhara wala making his way through the complex maze of land and water. Floating market is another interesting area of the market. The market operates on floating shops approachable only by boat. They sell anything from artifacts including Kashmiri carpets. The shops doubles up as the artifacts workshop and provide the tourist with an insight into carpet making. The lake also accounts for floating hawkers opearting from boats selling anything from Kashmiri shawl to wood work and from saffron to the magical stone of Silajit. The Dal Lake actually consists of four lakes namely Gagribal (souther part), Lokut Dal (northern part), Bod Dal (central part) and Nagin. Nagin the smallest and the most beautiful of the four is often considered as an independent lake.   34.11916 74.83062 2 Nagin Lake ( Nigeen Lake ). Unlike the other three parts of Dal Lake the Nagin Lake is a separate lake connected to the Dal Lake by a narrow water channel. It is located on the western side of the Dal Lake and at the foot of Hari Parbat. It also has its share of floating vegetable gardens and house boats.  
• 34.103169 74.866704 3 Rupa Lank (Char Chinar) . Rupa Lank, literally meaning silver island, is located in the Dod Dal (central area of Dal Lake). The man-made island was constructed by Murad Baksh, brother of the last Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The island consists of four giant Chinar Trees in the four corners and the entire island consists of manicured lawns and paved pathways. There is a small house boat restaurant next to the island. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 34.133063 74.852855 4 Sona Lank (Char Chinar) . Sona Lank, literally meaning gold island, is located in Lokut Dal, in the northern part of Dal Lake. It is next to the shrine of Hazarat Bal. This too follows a similar plan with four Chinar trees at the four corners and is also made by Murad Baksh. ( updated Apr 2021 )
• 34.12917 74.8424 5 Hazratbal Mosque . The mosque houses a strand from the Prophet’s beard and hence the name Hazarat Bal. The strand of the beard is displayed on special days. The mosque is located on the western bank of Lokut Dal, the northern portion of the Dal Lake. Visible from the mosque compound is the island of Sona Lank, with four chinar trees in the four corners. The white mosque is breathtakingly beautiful. Women may enter only the first part of the mosque. The adjoining area is a foodie's delight with several makeshift food shop selling deep-fried snacks.  
• 34.08607 74.8869 6 Chashme Shahi Garden . Chashme Shahi is the smallest of the three Mughal gardens of Srinagar, but in spite of its small size, the garden has its share of elegance. Cheshma Shahi (or Royal Spring) derives its name from a water source, a spring located at the uppermost terrace of the Garden. The water of the spring is said to possess some curative properties, especially for stomach ailments. The triple terrace garden is located on the southeastern edge of Dal Lake and offers a great view of the lake area and the Jhelum River valley. The garden was constructed by Ali Mardan Khan, governor of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 – 33.  
• 34.12487 74.87944 7 Nishat Bagh . Located on the eastern banks of Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop, the garden was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan. Literally meaning the 'garden of bliss' it commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands far away to the west of the valley. Although a Mughal garden, it plans were altered because of the hilly terrain. It has an elongated plan (instead of a square plan of Mughal garden) of 548 m X 338 m and is centred around a water channel, measuring 4 m wide and 20 cm deep. The channel flows in the east to west direction and is decorated with fountains and occasionally fountain pools. The garden consists of 12 terraces, representing the 12 signs of the zodiac. However, it has only two sections, namely the public garden and the private garden for the Zanana or harem. The terraces are lined along the central channel and consist of stoned paved pathways and short flights of stairs. The pathways are lined with chinar trees.  
• 34.15017 74.8737 8 Shalimar Bagh . Shalimar, literally means abode of love, is a Mughal garden located on the northeast corner of Dal lake. It was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, for his wife Nur Jahan, in 1619. During Jahangir's reign, Srinagar served as the summer capital of the Mughal empire and Shilimar Bagh served as the Mughal court. Like Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh follows the elongated plan with a dimension of 587 m by 251 m. The three-stage garden covers an area of 12.4 hectares (31 acres) and is centred around a central water channel. The lowest terrace contains the Diwan-e-Aam (public audience hall). The Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience) is located in the second terrace. The third and the uppermost terrace is topped with a central Zenna (Harem) pavilion, whose entrance is flanked with two smaller pavilion. The garden has paved pathways lined with chinar trees. The water channels consist of fountains and pools. The garden provides a grand bird eye view of the Dal Lake and the surroundings.  
• 34.093 74.882 9 Nehru Garden ( Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden ), off Dal Gate ( before Chasmashahi Garden ). A well-maintained park with lake by Dept of Floriculture with organised parking lot next to the park. The park occupies a large area and has a beverage shop run by the J&K Tourism department. They serve hot and flavoured "Kahva", a traditional drink of Kashmir. A cup costs ₹25. The nearby Tulip Park only has seasonal access. There is adequate parking adjacent to the park. Adult: ₹10 .  
• 34.096038 74.878442 10 Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden . Located on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, the Tulip Garden covers an area of 30 ha (74 acres) and is the largest tulip garden of Asia . It is located at the foothill of Zabarwan Range and overlooks the Dal lake. The garden was opened in 2007 with the aim of promoting floriculture tourism. It was previously known as Siraj Bagh. The garden is home to 65 varieties of tulip along with several other plants including daffodils, hyacinth and ranunculus. During its opening about 1.5million bulbs of Tulip were flown in from Amsterdam . Holland . The Tulip Garden is also the venue for the Tulip Festival which happens every year in the month of April. ( updated May 2021 )
• 34.08125 74.87685 11 Pari Mahal . Pari Mahal. literally meaning the palace of the fairies, is a seven terraced garden located at the southeast corner of Dal Lake. The garden was constructed by Dara Sukho, elder brother of Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughals. It was constructed in the mid 17th century. The uppermost terrace contains two baradari-styled structures and a reservoir. The walls consists of arched gateways and there are several other structures in the compound.  
• 34.07892 74.84372 12 Shankaracharya Mandir . A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on a hilltop. It can be reached by car or taxi or auto rickshaw. You can walk too. It is a 5 km walk from the entrance of the hill. No cameras or mobiles phones are allowed within the temple and you are supposed to leave them in the vehicle before entering the temple premises. The army checkpoint can also keep your camera and mobilesphones. Cigarettes and alcoholic drinks should be deposited with the police before the ascent of the hill, as these items are against Hindu religion. Locals from Dal Gate say there are 250 steps to reach the temple. The temple is visible from Dal Lake Area. The temple complex offers a great bird eye view of the Dal Lake area and beyond. ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 34.09486 74.80602 13 Tomb of the Mother of Zain-ul-Abidin . Hidden in the streets between river and Zainda Kadal, this extraordinary brick mausoleum marks the final resting place of Sultan Sikande’s wife.  
• 34.15731 74.65275 15 Parihaspora , Dewar ( on way to Gulmarg ). Visit the ruins located on the outskirts of Srinagar on way to Gulmarg. See the palaces of Kashmir's Buddhist and Hindu rulers and Buddhist places of worship.  

Do [ edit ]

• Sikhara ride in Dal Lake: Go for a Shikara ride in the Dal lake which costs around ₹150 (off season) - ₹500 (peak season) for the whole Shikara. For better views and a more peaceful ride in an area devoid of other tourists, walk up a fair bit of distance till you can see the fountain and ask the Shikara rider to take you for a ride to the fountain. It costs ₹300 (off season) to ₹600 (peak season). Make sure you bargain a little, especially in off season. If you are staying longer, you could go on shikara rides more than once... each time to a different part of the lake. A must see is the "village" in the lake. Ask for a ride to the side where locals live and see the floating vegetable market. The market is usually operational only at sunrise and is easiest organised through an agent or your hotel/houseboat.
• 34.093813 74.86623 1 Musical Fountain , Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Center (SKICC) . The musical fountain along with laser show was inaugurated in April 2019. It runs three times a day after 7 pm and consists of a 15-minute show. Apart from the musical fountain the show also depicts the history of Kashmir through a laser show.  

Buy [ edit ]

If you hire an auto rickshaw to go shopping, please mention that you want to go to Lal Chowk Ghantaghar only for shopping, as most of the auto rickshaw drivers will insist that there is nothing in Lal Chowk, and you should go to the wholesale market instead. This is because the prices at the so-called wholesale market are very much inflated, as they pay at least 20% commission to those auto rickshaw drivers. Also, there are very few shops there. Do not fall into the trap of these cheating auto rickshaw pullers.

• Chainstitch rugs There are rugs in two styles; English design or Kilim design. It will be evident what is meant when you see them.
• Cashmere (Pashmina) shawls Have been manufactured in Kashmir for thousands of years. Pashmina Shawls are very popular items for sale in the Valley, but make sure to test the quality before purchasing. The test for a 100% pashmina has been warmth, feel and the passing of the shawl through a wedding ring. Costs on a true pashmina can vary wildly, but usually start around ₹8,000. Secondly, the weave pattern on a good Pashmina is fainter than on a "silk Pashmina" or other wool Pashmina. There is also lower grades of pashmina known as Semi-Pashmina (10-50% pashmina wool) and Half-Pashmina (50% pashmina wool) which are still of an exceptional quality but much lower price (₹1,000-3,000). Also check if they are machine woven or hand woven (look for irregularities in the wool to spot a hand woven), hand woven are stronger due to the density of the weave and cost more.
• Government Emporia You can also buy embroidered felt mats called Namdahs but the colours of the wool may be a bit too bright in most shops. The Government Emporia supplies might be better than some the private shops.
• Kashmir Shawl Museum ( A labour cooperative in association with the J&K government ), 1st floor of the Auquaf Building at Dalgate at the end of The Boulevard in the centre of town ( Near Dhar Medicate look for a tiny staircase heading up and a big 1st floor sign ), ☏ +91 194 242 4891 . They will take you through in detail the types of pashminas you can buy (and how to test them) and are fantastic in that they don't negotiate but offer a set price.  
• Paper Machie products : Unique to Kashmir with colourful motifs and design on them. They are seen everywhere and resemble pottery in shape and design.
• You can also buy leather products or special jewellery of Srinagar.
• Cricket Bats: Kashmir is famous for willow trees and cricket bats made out of these willow wood are in great demand.

Eat [ edit ]

There are numerous bakeries in the city. Kashmiris are very fond of bakery products, especially pastries and cakes, and you can find these bakeries very crowded, especially around the times of major festivals. The more famous bakeries include:

• Jee Enn Sons , Nallahmar Rd. Famous for its pastries, bread, bakery products, patties and themed cakes.
• Mughal Darbar . Notable for sweets, cakes and pastries.
• Shawl Bakery . Famous for its wedding cakes and boasts about its sweets and chocolates.

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in Srinagar. Most of the good ones are located in Lal chowk or on Boulevard along the banks of the Dal Lake. Most of the restaurants will serve Kashmiri, Indian, Mughlai and 'Indianized' Chinese dishes. Some pure veg restaurants are also located along Boulevard. Among the veg restaurants 'Krishna Dhaba' is the most popular for its Rajma-and-kheer.

Make sure you try dishes like Rogan-gosht (meat cooked in red sauce), Gushtaba (soft meat balls cooked in natural yoghurt), Rishta (soft meat balls in delicious sauce), Tabakmaaz (deep fried ribs of a lamb) and Kanti (small chunks of meat cooked with a lot of onions). All these meat items are usually eaten with rice.

Another popular local delicacy called Seekh-tuji consists of marinated meat pieces which are freshly barbecued and eaten with chutney. Most of these vendors are located in the Khayaam region of the city. This place is usually teeming with teenagers, especially in the evenings.

Enjoy the grilled mutton available in Srinagar. This is referred to as a "tilli" or "tekh" and mostly eaten by locals.

Drink [ edit ]

Kahwah is a traditional green tea recipe from Kashmir. The tea is made from green tea leaves with saffron strands, cinnamon bark and cardamom pods. Some varieties are made as a herbal infusion only, without the green tea leaves. Generally, it is served with sugar or honey, and crushed nuts, usually almonds or walnuts. There is another form of tea that is quite famous amongst the locals, its called 'namkeen chai' or 'nun chai'. It is pink in colour and is also called pink tea. It is made from black tea, cardamom, various spices, salt and bicarbonate of soda. Also people like nune toath and dum toath which are very famous among Sufis. Nunetoath is nunechai without milk and dumtoath is strong form of kahwa.

If searching for a beer or other drink there is a small bottle shop on the Boulevard. It's at the base of a hotel about halfway up the street and looks like a mini-Fort Knox. Ask people on the street and they'll point you in the right direction.

• There , Alpine Ridge Hotel ( In Gulmarg ), ☏ +91 195 4254527 . Inside the Alpine Ridge hotel. Western-style food and alcohol in a relaxed environment, with indie music and an fusion of local Kashmiri craft and Scandinavian woodwork in the decor. Après-ski option on the mountain. Open from 10:00 for the ski season, Dec-March.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Since the conflict in Kashmir hundreds of hotels and houseboats lie empty, check in person if the hotel/houseboat still looks as nice as when they put pictures online- and that advertised services are still available as many have stopped paying for example for wifi. The upside is that the prices of accommodation have plummeted, owners will optimistically demand full rates but can be talked right down; the phrase "how many guests do you have now" saves a lot of time here.

Srinagar is popular for its houseboats, which do not float free around the lake, but are anchored off-shore. It is a great and unique way to enjoy your stay in the city. Houseboats are accessible either by road, or by a short "Shikara" boat ride. Each houseboat usually has 2-5 bedrooms plus bath, dining room, living room, upper deck (good for sunbathing). Land access have the advantage of allowing you to leave if you feel uncomfortable, or just like going for a walk, although they tend to be noisier.

There are houseboats on Dal Lake and Nagin Lake. These can cost anything from ₹300 - ₹5,000 (October 2018) depending upon the time of the year. Houseboats on Nagin lake are upscale and more expensive but are much more beautiful, and the Nagin lake location is serene. Expect to pay up to ₹3,000 for a couple on the deluxe boats. Boats on the Jhelum river are cheaper yet, but still comfortable, and close to the bus station, good if you are just transiting Srinagar to or from Ladakh .

Be sure to take a 1-hour boat tour of the lake inlets to get a nice glimpse of life and wildlife along the lake. Prices are about ₹300-500 per trip. A few areas are geared up for attracting tourists, but most much of the area is still reasonably untouched.

There are a wide range of hotels around Dal Lake. Prices vary from ₹500-5,000.

Budget [ edit ]

• The Shelter Group Houseboats Srinagar ph.no 0194 231093, starting prices ₹600-3000, is actually​ a 3-star deluxe property, but the rates are quite reasonable and can be an interesting choice for those planning to visit Kashmir, located near to main town away from the boulevard noise, and close to the Lal Chowk area. This property has good security and safety as compare to the other houseboats.
• The Prince Group of Houseboats Srinagar Mobile no.09796336405 email:[email protected] Starting price ₹800 to 2800. The boat is neat and clean, and food is prepared by family members. And free information about Kashmir by the owner.
• Noor Guesthouse is a good budget option at the Old Market on Dal Gate, on the bottom of Dal Lake. Centrally located, rooms are either ₹250 a night (shared bath) or ₹600 a night (private bath), all with 24/7 hot water. There is a small garden, and the rooms are clean and neat. Look up "Noor Guest House" on Facebook, or email Mr Gulab at [email protected]
• Lonely Guesthouse is another option, with rooms that range from budget to mid range. It's a family-run guesthouse, the owner is helpful and accommodating. It's a little bit far from most main attractions in the city, near Mehjoor Bridge, Padshahi Bagh, K P Bagh. Abdul is the owner +91 97967 24217

Mid-range [ edit ]

Hotels [ edit ].

• Blooming Dale Dalgate, near Dal Lake. A small place with a lush green lawn suitable for families and individuals. Typical kashmir hospitality.
• Hotel Ishfan , Kohnkhan, Dalgate, Srinagar. Mid-range hotel with double room starting at ₹2,500. In off-season, rooms can even be bargained up to ₹400. The in-house restaurant serves North Indian food as well as chicken delicacies.
• Hotel Sadaf-The Pearl , 45, Exchange Road, Regal Chowk, Srinagar , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Centrally located hotel. Quiet with mountain views, 3 min drive from the Dal Lake and the local bus stand and 7 km from the airport.  
• Swiss Hotel Kashmir ( [email protected] ), 172 Old Gagribal Road, Nehru Park ( 2 km from the Tourist Reception Center,1 min walk from Dal Lake ), ☏ +91 194 2500115 , +91 194 2502766 , +91 9906519745 (Cellular), +91 9797961700 , [email protected] . Family-friendly, free internet, smoke-free, and free parking . Eco-friendly and commission-free hotel, always promoting natural tourism and city tours with local food. ( updated May 2020 )
• United Continents Group , Bishember Nagar, RIEC, near Ikhwan Hotel , ☏ +91 194 2474814 . ₹3,500 .  

Houseboats [ edit ]

• Butt's Clermont Houseboats , [email protected] . Moored on northwest edge of Dal Lake nearby to an old Mughal Garden believed to have been built by Emperor Akbar and called Garden of Breeze. Butt’s houseboats have had some famous guests, including Ravi Shankar, Galbraith, Rockefeller and Yehudi Menuhin.  
• House Boat Taj Mahal , ☏ +91 941 9061672 , +91 941 9060091 , +91 941 9062480271 . Houseboat located offshore in the open area of Dal Lake gives a view of mountains and the life around the lake.  
• Lucky Star Houseboats , Golden Dal Lake , ☏ +91 9797941033 , [email protected] . ₹3,500 .  
• New Shaheen . A houseboat at Raj Bagh Ghat, is a luxury and economical and as well as serene for those who wish to stay in house boat yet far from noisy area. In off season you can bargain to ~₹600 for a double room with breakfast and dinner included.  
• Young Bombay , ☏ +91 99 06 38 03 27 , [email protected] . A houseboat in the middle of the Dal Lake, in the Golden Lake part (close to the Boulevard). Actually a complex of several boats of various classes, from deluxe to C, with varying classes. Spacious rooms with bathrooms, lake views, cable TV, internet, original Kashmiri cuisine and European food prepared by the owner's family. Advance reservations and airport or bus station pickups are available. Land line: +91 19 42 47 70 94  

There are also some houseboats on quieter Nagin Lake.

• Peacock Houseboats ( [Email:[email protected]] ). These houseboats are on Nagin Lake across from the Nagin Club. Made of cedar and furnished with antique wooden furniture. Carpeted sitting room and dining room. Bedrooms have western bathrooms attached. Cushioned veranda looks out over lake. Western breakfast and choice of Kashmiri, Indian or Western lunches/dinners are served by the houseboy. Can arrange tours.  

Other houseboats can be found on Jahlul river near Information center and Bus station.

• New LaLa Prince , ☏ + 99 06 47 51 33 , [email protected] . Houseboat owner Yousuf is a friendly and wise man who respects your freedom. Carpeted sitting room and dining room. Bedrooms have western bathrooms attached hot and cold running shower. Trekking and camping in Kashmir can be arranged. Prices are around ₹700-800 including breakfast and dinner.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• 34.076339 74.822027 1 Grand Mumtaz , 11, Maulana Azad Road , ☏ +91 194 245 2538 . Located 13 km from the airport, Grand Mumtaz is equipped with more than 55 centrally air-conditioned and centrally heated rooms. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• 34.075742 74.822281 2 Hotel Broadway , M. A. Road , ☏ +91 194 245 9001 . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• 34.079783 74.864095 3 The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar , Gupkar Road , ☏ +91 194 250 1001 . It is a twin storey heritage property with its spectacular lawns that overlooks charming Dal Lake and is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan mountain range. ( updated Apr 2017 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

The situation in Srinagar is extremely tense because of the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan. You will see army trucks, soldiers along the street and Dal Lake Military presence, also seen at the Srinagar Airport. If you plan to travel to Srinagar, it is advisable to read your country's embassy or consular pages for emergency travel warnings or tips on staying alert.

It is recommended to travel in groups, and you have to be extra careful while in Srinagar. However, that doesn't mean you have to be under constant fear, or else you will not able to enjoy your tour and your visit will be almost futile.

At the Dal lake, the Shikara and houseboat touts are aggressive. If you do not take their offered service, some of them are likely to scold you. It is difficult to walk around the Dal Lake because of the constant harassment from the touts.

Do not be seen around the old city mosque after prayer call – it is well known as a hotbed of unrest, stone throwing is daily and it would be easy to be caught in the afray – photo taking is especially unwise.

The villages surrounding Srinagar are dangerous. Without the constant army presence, security here cannot be guaranteed and anti-army protests and road blockages are still common in 2018. It is better not to go here at all as there is little that cannot be seen elsewhere.

Terrorism has touched the whole population of Srinagar, and that includes those involved in the tourism industry – you may find your driver or hotel owner voicing support for terrorist organizations, if this happens just nod and smile; say you are only visiting and don't care much for politics. Similarly many involved in the tourism industry see it as their duty to try and convert tourists to Islam, this can involve uncomfortably pointed discussions in family homes, invitations to mosques, even visits to your guesthouse – but these are generally well meaning in nature if forceful.

Go next [ edit ]

• Gulmarg is a spectacular hill station at an altitude of 2,730 m, which used to be known as Gaurimarg. Gulmarg boasts about beautiful landscapes, green backdrop and flowering gardens.
• Jammu Jeeps leave daily as well as buses, be aware that J&K bus company quite often go on strike. Jeep costs ₹350-450 and takes approx 8 hr. One can take package tours advertised in the Tourist Information Centre.
• Leh More than 400 km away from Srinagar, Leh is one of the emerging tourist destinations in India. Jeeps leave daily except Sunday, taking two days with an overnight stop in Kargil .
• Pahalgam Pahalgam valley is situated at confluence of Seshnag Lake's streams and Lidder River. The lush green valley is popular for those seeking relaxation.
• Sonamarg The authentic beauty of the region helped it to earn the name Sonamarg. Situated around 87 km from Srinagar, it is famous for hiking trails and trekking.

• UNESCO Creative Cities
• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Airport listing
• Has mapframe
• Buy listing with no coordinates
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Has routebox
• Has Geo parameter
• Kashmir Valley
• All destination articles
• Outline cities
• Outline articles
• City articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

• Shalimar Bagh
• Tulip Garden
• Nishat Bagh
• Shankaracharya Temple
• Chashme Shahi
• Hari Parbat
• Dachigam National Park
• View all 15 places
• Things to do
• Best time to visit
• How to Reach
• Tourist Map
• within 25kms
• within 50kms
• within 100kms
• within 150kms
• within 200kms
• within 250kms
• within 300kms
• within 500kms

Srinagar Tourist Map

Explore Places to Visit Near Srinagar by Type

Other Suggested Reads for Srinagar

• About Srinagar Tourism
• Places To Visit in Srinagar
• Things to do in Srinagar
• How to Reach Srinagar
• Best time to Visit in Srinagar
• Srinagar Tourism History
• Food in Srinagar
• FAQS about Srinagar

Get free quote in 1 minute on Whatsapp

©saiko3p/Shutterstock

Ringed by an arc of green mountains, Srinagar's greatest drawcard is mesmerizingly placid Dal Lake, on which a bright array of stationary houseboats and shikara (gondola-like boats) add a splash of color and a unique opportunity for romantic chill-outs. Charming Mughal gardens dot the lake's less urbanized eastern shore; while the old town bustles with Central Asian–style bazaars and a collection of soulful Sufi shrines, as well as a fortress and many historic wooden mosques. Add in a mild summer climate, feisty Kashmiri cuisine and famous local apples, walnuts and almonds, and you have one of India’s top tourist draws.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Srinagar. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Over 15km around, Dal Lake is Srinagar's jewel, a vast sheet of water reflecting the carved wooden balconies of the houseboats and the misty peaks of the…

Khanqah Shah-i-Hamadan

This distinctively spired 1730s Muslim pilgrim hall is Srinagar’s most beautiful mosque. It was constructed without any nails, and both frontage and…

Nishat Bagh

Of all Srinagar's Mughal gardens, Nishat Bagh is arguably the most appealing, with beautiful water features that frame a lovely lake panorama. It's on…

Hari Parbat Fort

On the strategically and spiritually significant Koh-e-Maran hill, north of the city centre, is this powerful qila (fort), which dates to the 6th century…

Shankaracharya Mandir

On top of thickly forested Shankaracharya Hill, this small Shiva temple is built from hefty blocks of ancient grey stone. Previously known as Takht-i…

Jama Masjid

Looking like the movie set for an imagined Central Asian castle, this mighty 1672 mosque (built on an earlier 1394 construction) forms a quadrangle around…

Hazratbal Mosque

Backing onto Dal Lake north of the Old City, this large, white-domed 20th-century mosque enshrines Kashmir’s holiest Islamic relic, the Moi-e-Muqqadas,…

Badshah Tomb

Looking more Byzantine than Kashmiri, the multidomed 15th-century brick tomb of King Zeinalabdin’s mother was built on the plinth of a much older former…

Plan with a local

Experience the real India

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Srinagar

Mar 11, 2020 • 6 min read

From Srinagar’s gardens to Agra’s mausoleums, Mughal architecture is distinctive and divine. Here's where to see it.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Srinagar

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Srinagar with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Search Flights X

Map srinagar

Verify Your Moblie Number

An OTP (valid for next 15 mins.) has been sent to you on your Mobile number

If you have not recived OTP, call us on 1860 200 1800 to get expert advice

Get the best holidays planned by experts!

• India Tourism
• jammu and kashmir Tourism
• srinagar Travel Guide
• Map of srinagar

srinagar Map

Take a Look

• Theme of Srinagar [Romantic, Adventure, Hill Station]
• You'll love Srinagar for [Shikara ride, Mughal Gardens]
• Watchout for [Protests, Strikes]
• Best Time To Visit April - October
• Altitude 5,200 ft. above sea level

Plan your travel to srinagar

Holiday packages in srinagar.

Holiday Themes In srinagar

Popular domestic destinations.

Places to stay in srinagar

Popular Flights To srinagar

• IXC Chandigarh SXR Srinagar
• Indigo 6E-6871
• 13:05 14:20 Non Stop
• 01h 15m Non Stop
• ATQ Amritsar SXR Srinagar
• Indigo 6E-6164
• 09:25 10:15 Non Stop
• 00h 50m Non Stop
• JAI Jaipur SXR Srinagar
• Indigo 6E-6262
• 22:30 06:55 1 Stop
• 08h 25m 1 Stop
• CCU Kolkata SXR Srinagar
• Indigo 6E-6961
• 14:45 17:40 Non Stop
• 02h 55m Non Stop
• IXL Leh SXR Srinagar
• Vistara UK-602
• 09:20 13:10 1 Stop
• 03h 50m 1 Stop
• AMD Ahmedabad SXR Srinagar
• Indigo 6E-912
• 03:00 09:15 1 Stop
• 06h 15m 1 Stop

srinagar Travel Talk Sharing travel experiences - one story at a time

5 Upcoming Exceptional Structures In India To Stand Out In The World

India is about to reveal one of the tallest and biggest structures in the world! Know what and where they are!

Check Into These 5 Royal Residences For A Regal Vacation

History hangs in the air, priceless artworks on the walls—kings and queens might now be relegated to history books, but the life of the royals is still available to the common man. 

Top 8 Fun Hotels In India That Will Pamper You With Subtle Luxury

Best staycation hotels in India for the luxury travellers. Read on

Frequently Asked Questions

• More About Us |
• Leadership Team |
• Our Products |
• Awards Won |
• Customer Testimonials |
• Press Releases
• Company Overview |
• Quarterly Earnings |
• Press Releases |
• Reports & Presentations |
• SEC Filings |
• Corporate Governance |
• Social Media Disclosure |
• Investor FAQs
• Travel Agent Sign Up |
• Become a Cab Vendor |
• Register Your Hotel |
• Register Your Homestay |
• Sell Holiday Packages |
• Sell Your Activities |
• List Your Bus Inventory |
• Advertise With Us
• Support & FAQs |
• Terms & Conditions |
• Privacy Policy |
• User Agreement
• Domestic Airlines |
• Domestic Flights |
• International Airlines |
• SriLankan Airlines |
• Emirates Airlines |
• Saudi Airlines |
• Nepal Airlines |
• Singapore Airlines |
• Malaysia Airlines |
• Indigo Flights |
• Air India Airlines |
• Go Air Airlines |
• Spicejet Flights |
• Airasia Flights |
• International Flights |
• Flight Schedule |
• Airline Flight status |
• Cheap Air tickets |
• Web Checkin |
• Domestic Hotels (In India) |
• Homestays |
• Yatra for Business |
• Yatra for SMEs |
• India Tourism |
• International Tourism |
• Domestic Holiday Packages |
• International Holiday Packages |
• Trade Fairs 2020 |
• Activities |
• Domestic Activities |
• International Activities |
• Bus booking |
• Bus Ticket |
• Indian Railways |
• Check Train PNR Status |
• Monuments of India |
• Taj Mahal |
• Qutub Minar |
• Yatra Android Mobile App |
• Yatra iOS Mobile App |
• Gift Vouchers |
• Dubai Visa |
• Thailand Visa |
• Thailand Business Visa |
• Thailand Tourist Visa |
• Sri Lanka Visa |
• Sri Lanka Business Visa |
• Sri Lanka Tourist Visa |
• Turkey Visa |
• Turkey Business Visa |
• Turkey Tourist Visa |
• Malaysia Visa |
• Hong Kong Visa |
• Vietnam Visa |
• Visa At Your Doorstep |
• Uk Visa At Your Doorstep |
• Delhi to Mumbai Flight |
• Delhi to Patna Flight |
• Delhi to Goa Flight |
• Patna to Delhi Flight |
• Pune to Delhi Flight |
• Bangalore to Varanasi Flight
• Retail Offices |
• Bug Bounty |
• Darjeeling |
• Resorts Near Me |
• Oyo Rooms Near Me |
• Interpack 2020 |
• Drupa 2020 |
• Connect with us :

Copyright © 2022 Yatra Online Limited, India. All rights reserved

• Best Time to Visit Srinagar
• How To Reach Srinagar
• Events & Festivals in Srinagar
• Restaurants in Srinagar
• Srinagar Map
• Things To Do in Srinagar
• Srinagar Itineraries
• Srinagar Tours
• Srinagar Hotels

City Map of Srinagar, India

• City Map Of Srinagar

Srinagar Tourist Map

Visiting Srinagar and clueless where to start. Here's something that can help you out. This is an extensive map of attractions in Srinagar.

To begin with, this is a detailed interactive tourist map of the Srinagar which can be zoomed in for you convenience.

Easing the task of planning a trip to Srinagar, this map highlights everything that you need to cover while exploring the city.

This map gives a detailed information of the streets, lanes and neighborhoods of Srinagar. You can get information about various public transit systems available in Srinagar using special icons.

The binocular icon that you see in the Srinagar map are the various attractions and must-visit places to visit Srinagar.

You can click on the icon to obtain a detailed address of the tourist attraction you want to visit.

Use Srinagar map of attractions as you plan your journey to Srinagar and rest assured, you'll have a great trip!

Top Hotel Collections

Best Hotels

5 Star Hotels

3 Star Hotels

Srinagar Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Picturesque Honeymoon - Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam & Sonamarg Package

Srinagar family tour package with houseboat stay experience.

Srinagar Tour Packages 3 Nights 4 Days: Paradise on Earth Family Holiday

Romantic Srinagar Luxury Tour Package with Pahalgam

Srinagar tour package 8 nights 9 days - gondola ride, best deal kashmir package with houseboat stay in srinagar, srinagar travel essentials.

Ideal duration: 3-5 days

Best Time: April to October Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"The Paradise on Earth"

Srinagar tourism.

Famously known as 'Heaven on Earth, Srinagar is located in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, on the banks of river Jhelum. Srinagar is known for the stationary houseboats and gondola-type rowboats-  Shikaras  on Dal Lake . Adorned with tranquil Dal Lake & Nigeen Lake , Srinagar is the dream destination for honeymoon and family holidays.

The tourists use Shikaras to see attractions like the Floating Vegetable Market and the Mir Bahris – a lively community of people who live on the lake itself. In addition, there are a lot of houseboats that provide a beautiful and unique stay experience on the lake. Srinagar is home to some of India's most exquisite Mughal-age gardens, with the top attractions being Nishat Bagh , Shalimar Bagh and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden. It is also home to Asia's largest tulip garden. Kashmiri cuisine or Wazwan is famous all over the globe. So when in Srinagar, trying out the local dishes, which are rich in unique fragrant spices, is a must. Srinagar is also famous for the Kashmiri shawls, Kashmiri apples, and dried fruits (almonds and walnuts) from the Lal Chowk Market. Heavy snowfall affects the connectivity of Srinagar during the winter months of December to February. Communal tensions also lead to frequent curfews in some parts of the city; however, things have improved in the past few years. So, make sure to check the situation before visiting.

Must Know Before You Travel to Srinagar

• Heavy snowfall affects the connectivity of Srinagar during the winter months of December to February.
• Communal tensions also lead to frequent curfews in some parts of the city; however, things have improved in the past few years.

Places To Visit In Srinagar

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Shankaracharya Temple

Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden

Stay in a Houseboat

Shikara Ride

Top Hotels In Srinagar

₽ 1,844 onwards

₽ 13,873 onwards

₽ 958 onwards

₽ 1,109 onwards

₽ 599 onwards

₽ 12,763 onwards

Explore Related Destinations

More on srinagar travel, shikara ride in srinagar, culture of srinagar.

• The people of Srinagar are great craftsmen who practice many of the lost art forms in the world.
• Most of the population constitutes of Hindus and Muslims, as common languages spoken are Koshur, Kashmiri and Hindi.
• Women wear a colourful sweater made dresses and men wear gurgabi.
• Religion in Srinagar is very diverse, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism are commonly followed by the people. Muslims are divided into two major groups – Shias and Sunnis. 

Mughal Gardens in Srinagar

History of srinagar, land of kashmiri handicrafts.

• Srinagar is very well-known for the Kashmiri handicrafts comprising of world-famous Pashmina and Kashmiri shawls and scarves.
• It is also popular for the handiwork and souvenirs made with wooden carving and products made out of walnut wood.
• The other things Srinagar is known for are locally-made silver jewellery, intricately designed wicker baskets, papier mache, exotic spices, and the famed Kashmiri carpets.

Restaurants and Local Food in Srinagar

Best time to visit srinagar, top stories about srinagar tourism.

Sightseeing

Things to do in Srinagar for a Perfect Vacation

Shopping in Srinagar - 7 Things to Buy In Kashmir & Popular Markets

Places Near

Places to Visit Near Srinagar

Lakes in Srinagar

What to Wear in Kashmir: Everything You Need to Know

Train Services Resume In The Kashmir Valley!

Nearby Places

Browse Package Collections

Srinagar package collections.

Srinagar Honeymoon Packages

Nearby Destinations for Packages

Vaishno Devi

Top Listed Packages

Kashmir 8 Days Itinerary: Enthralling Trip with Srinagar Houseboat Stay

Srinagar Gulmarg Package: Excursion to Pahalgam Valley

Srinagar Leh Ladakh Tour Package for 8 Day

Srinagar Package for 4 Nights - Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Leh Ladakh Manali Tour Package with Kargil & Srinagar

5 Day 4 Night Vacation Package: Patnitop, Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam

Explore Kashmir Holiday Package with Vaishno Devi Darshan

Kashmir Luxury Honeymoon Package

Srinagar Photos

+ 48 photos

How To Reach Srinagar

Faqs on srinagar, what is famous about srinagar, what is not so good about srinagar, who should visit srinagar, what is the best time to visit srinagar, what is the local food in srinagar, what is the best way to reach srinagar, how much does a package cost for srinagar, what are the top hotels in srinagar, what are the things to do in srinagar, what are the places near srinagar, have a question on srinagar.

Popular Questions And Answers on Srinagar

Q. Is Srinagar, Gulmarg good for travel between 10 December to 17 December? Please tell me

Tinku Yadav

Q. I want to go to Srinagar on18th December for 3 nights and 4 days and return to Jammu which is the lowest price includes hotels and travel charge?

Q. Which are the local famous dishes in srinagar

Srinagar Reviews

Kanchan Poddar

Muskan Shah

Similar Places

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

• Group Enquiry? NEW

Places to Visit in Srinagar

• Jammu And Kashmir
• Places To Visit

Tourist Places to Visit in Srinagar

Here are some of the best places to visit in srinagar:.

Shankaracharya Temple

Visit the Shankaracharya Temple, a special place in Srinagar that sits high on a hill. Climb 250 steps to reach the temple and admire its breathtaking beauty. The temple is very old, with a unique design and inscriptions on its walls. From the top, you can see amazing views of Dal Lake and the Jhelum Valley. Inside, there is a cave where Adi Shankara, a wise scholar, meditated. The temple has a rich history, and it is believed that it was repaired by King Gopadittya. Visiting here can provide you with a mix of adventure, history, and peaceful moments.

Top Experiences To Do in Shankaracharya Temple

Known to be “The Jewel of Srinagar”, Dal Lake spreads across an area of around 26 square kilometers and is one of the major attractions included in our Kashmir tour packages. Popular as one of the most spellbinding places to see in Srinagar , this hillside lake flaunts colorful Shikaras, traditional wooden houseboats, and floating markets. Tourists visiting Dal Lake love to take a ride in the beautiful Shikaras, which are basically wooden boats decorated beautifully with canopies overhead.

Top Experiences To Do in Dal Lake

Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden

Forming the largest garden of the 3 breathtaking Mughal Gardens, the amazingly laid out Shalimar Bagh makes for one of the most sublime places to see in Srinagar . According to history, this stunning garden was constructed by Jahangir back in the year 1619 for his beautiful wife Noor Jahan, thus making it a historically significant attraction to explore with our special Kashmir tour package .

Manifesting the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Mughal horticulturists, this garden overlooks the mesmerizing Dal Lake and showcases surreal architecture.

Top Experiences To Do in Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden

Nishat Bagh

Top Experiences To Do in Nishat Bagh

Indira gandhi memorial tulip garden.

Opened for public in the year 2007, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was built with the aim of improving floriculture as well as tourism in Kashmir. The initiative proved to be a huge success and in the year 2017, this beautiful garden had its name among the world’s 5 best tulip gardens. On your visit to Kashmir, you can explore this famous attraction at its best with the special Kashmir tour packages . This garden is blessed to have even the rarest of rare tulip varieties, including the “Queen of the Night”. The main highlight of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the enchanting annual festival, which is held in Spring, between March and May.

Top Experiences To Do in Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Nigeen lake.

Lying on the eastern part of Srinagar, Nigeen Lake is considered to be a part of the beautiful Dal Lake. Although separated from it by a narrow causeway, it offers an equally magnificent view to marvel at while touring with the well-crafted Kashmir packages . Also referred to as “The Jewel in the Ring', the name of this lake is inspired by the plethora of tall trees that surround the deep blue waterbody.

Top Experiences To Do in Nigeen Lake

Chashme shahi.

Popular all over the world for its mesmerizing natural spring, Chashme Shahi happens to be a section of the famous Mughal Gardens of Srinagar, and is a must-visit attraction on your trip to Kashmir . Commissioned by Shah Jahan as a dedication to his son, Dara Sikoh, this stunning garden was constructed back in 1632 by the emperor’s governor, Ali Mardan. According to popular beliefs, this place was first discovered by Rupa Bhawani, Kashmir’s renowned female saint. The name of the site is thus inspired from the clan to which the saint belonged, that is the Sahib clan of Kashmiri Pandits.

Top Experiences To Do in Chashme Shahi

Best of Manali

Hari Parbat

Top Experiences To Do in Hari Parbat

Jamia masjid.

Lying in the central part of the city, Jamia Masjid happens to be one of the most ancient places to visit in Srinagar . Explore the mosque’s architecture with the well-created Kashmir tour packages , and witness its resemblance to the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. It also showcases certain similarities to the traditional Buddhist pagodas. In addition to its rich historical significance, Jamia Masjid is even famous as Kashmir’s largest mosque. The place can accommodate around 33,333 individuals at one time.

Top Experiences To Do in Jamia Masjid

Best of Ladakh

Offering incredible beauty and charm, the world-famous Aru Valley happens to be one of the most exquisite tourist places in Srinagar . Calling on to a huge number of fun and thrill enthusiasts from across the globe, this place offers a plethora of exciting adventure activities to experience with our Kashmir tour packages .

Top Experiences To Do in Aru Valley

Anchar lake.

Top Experiences To Do in Anchar Lake

Best of Shimla

Pathar Mosque

Zero Bridge

Top Experiences To Do in Zero Bridge

Best of Nainital

Dastgeer Sahib

Top Experiences To Do in Dastgeer Sahib

Step into the serene world of Pari Mahal, located at the top of the Zabarwan Mountain in Kashmir. Built by Dara Shikoh, it is also known as the 'Abode of Fairies.' Pari Mahal combines Mughal architecture with mesmerising views of Dal Lake. The mahal (palace) is a symbol of history and beauty, offering a peaceful escape. Its lush gardens and Islamic designs offer a glimpse into a royal past. A visit here is not just a walk through the gardens but a journey back in time.

Top Experiences To Do in Pari Mahal

Best of Dehradun

Char Chinar

Top Experiences To Do in Char Chinar

Botanical garden, srinagar.

The Botanical Garden in Srinagar, Kashmir, is a captivating attraction that delights visitors with its enchanting beauty and diverse collection of flora. Nestled amidst the serene surroundings of the Zabarwan Range, this lush oasis provides a refreshing escape from the bustling city life, and is the perfect attraction to visit for enjoying a serene experience on your trip to Kashmir .

Top Experiences To Do in Botanical Garden, Srinagar

Best of Mussoorie

Top Experiences To Do in Wular Lake

Lal chowk, srinagar.

Lal Chowk, located in the heart of Srinagar, is a major attraction spot for tourists to explore while travelling with our Kashmir packages . It is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and is a bustling and iconic square that holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Literally translating to "Red Square," Lal Chowk is not only a major commercial hub but also a significant political and cultural landmark.

Top Experiences To Do in Lal Chowk, Srinagar

Best of Jammu

Polo View Market

Polo View Market, situated in the heart of Srinagar, is a bustling commercial hub that exudes the vibrant essence of the Kashmir Valley. With its scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the shimmering Dal Lake, it is a spectacular place to stroll around while travelling with our Kashmir packages .

Betaab Valley

Inspired by the name of Sunny Deol’s Bollywood movie Betaab that was shot here, the picturesque Betaab Valley is known all over the world for its breathtaking location, dancing streams, and romantic climate. You can experience the aura of this place and delve into its magic with our very special Kashmir tour package . This spellbinding valley is surrounded by lofty mountains packed with pine forests and deodar trees and is adorned by the serene Lidder River flowing through it.

Top Experiences To Do in Betaab Valley

Best of Kashmir

Mughal Gardens

Presenting a combination of several wonderful gardens, the Mughal Gardens is counted among some of the most brilliantly engineered places to see in Srinagar with the Kashmir travel packages . Built by the Mughals, all these gardens feature the beautiful Persian architecture and are filled with lush grasses and colorful flowers. The site of these gardens and their planning was made by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir and hence, the place’s grandeur is dedicated to him.

Top Experiences To Do in Mughal Gardens

Dachigam national park.

Situated 22 kilometres from Srinagar, Dachigam National Park is a wildlife haven in the Zabarwan Range. Home to the rare Hangul deer, also known as the Kashmiri Stag, it spans hundreds of acres of land. you can find stretches of forests and grasslands here that are a treat to the eyes. It is a symbol of nature's strength and beauty and offers an unforgettable escape into the wild.

Top Experiences To Do in Dachigam National Park

Best of Gulmarg

Hazratbal Shrine

Top Experiences To Do in Hazratbal Shrine

Nehru garden.

Top Experiences To Do in Nehru Garden

People Also Ask About Srinagar

Which are the best places to visit in srinagar in december, which are the best places to visit in srinagar in october, what things attract tourists to srinagar, is srinagar safe for tourists, which is the best time to visit srinagar, why is srinagar famous, what are the best kashmir honeymoon packages that we can book with thrillophilia.

• Kashmir Honeymoon Packages From Delhi
• Kashmir Honeymoon Package From Mumbai
• Kashmir Honeymoon Packages From Bangalore
• Kashmir Honeymoon Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kashmir Honeymoon Packages From Chennai

What are the best Kashmir Tour Packages that we can book with Thrillophilia?

• Kashmir Tour Package From Kolkata
• Kashmir Tour Packages From Delhi
• Kashmir Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Kashmir Tour Package From Ahmedabad
• Kashmir Tour Packages From Pune
• Kashmir Tour Packages From Chennai
• Kashmir Tour Packages From Kerala
• Kashmir Tour Packages From Bangalore

Srinagar Travel Guides

Srinagar Reviews

Popular Nearby Places Around Srinagar

More things to do in srinagar, more on srinagar tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Srinagar Trip Planner

Top attractions in srinagar.

Other notable attractions

Top searches in Srinagar

Popular road trips from srinagar, all road trips from srinagar.

• Srinagar to New Delhi drive
• Srinagar to Jaipur drive
• Srinagar to Agra drive
• Srinagar to Leh drive
• Srinagar to Mumbai drive
• Srinagar to Amritsar drive
• Srinagar to Dharamsala drive
• Srinagar to Udaipur drive
• Srinagar to Kathmandu drive
• Srinagar to Manali Tehsil drive
• Srinagar to Shimla drive
• Srinagar to Chandigarh drive
• Srinagar to Bengaluru drive
• Srinagar to Hyderabad drive
• Srinagar to Jodhpur drive
• Srinagar to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Srinagar to Jaisalmer drive
• Srinagar to Jammu City drive
• Srinagar to Varanasi drive
• Srinagar to Ahmedabad drive
• Srinagar to Mussoorie drive
• Srinagar to Pune drive
• Srinagar to Rishikesh drive
• Srinagar to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Srinagar to Pokhara drive
• Srinagar to Dalhousie drive
• Srinagar to Nainital drive
• Srinagar to Gangtok drive
• Srinagar to Darjeeling drive

Explore nearby places

• Darang Khaipora
• Shahdara Sharif
• Vaishno Devi
• Nathia Gali
• Muzaffarabad

All related maps of Srinagar

• Map of Srinagar
• Map of Badgam
• Map of Harwan
• Map of Darang Khaipora
• Map of Pulwama
• Map of Awantipora
• Map of Tangmarg
• Map of Gulmarg
• Map of Pahalgam
• Map of Sonmarg
• Map of Sonamarg
• Map of Anantnag
• Map of Kupwara
• Map of Alchi
• Map of Shahdara Sharif
• Map of Poonch
• Map of Verinag
• Map of Rajauri
• Map of Bagh
• Map of Dras
• Map of Rawalakot
• Map of Sanasar
• Map of Vaishno Devi
• Map of Patnitop
• Map of Nathia Gali
• Map of Domel
• Map of Katra
• Map of Bhurban
• Map of New Murree
• Map of Doda
• Map of Muzaffarabad

Srinagar throughout the year

• Srinagar in January
• Srinagar in February
• Srinagar in March
• Srinagar in April
• Srinagar in May
• Srinagar in June
• Srinagar in July
• Srinagar in August
• Srinagar in September
• Srinagar in October
• Srinagar in November
• Srinagar in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Srinagar?

Get inspired for your trip to Srinagar with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Srinagar Itinerary
• 2-Day Srinagar Itinerary
• 3-Day Srinagar Itinerary
• 4-Day Srinagar Itinerary
• 5-Day Srinagar Itinerary

Weather in Srinagar

Add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Several possible answers. Please specify a location.

• - IND - Jammu And Kashmir: Srinagar

Map of Srinagar

• Route from this place
• Directions to this place
• Route via this place
• Nearby hotels
• Nearby restaurants

Renting a car, an attractive proposition for the holidays

Monthly Report

Eco-mobility

Keep in contact

My michelin account.

Work in progress.

How It Works

• Tell us details of your holiday plan.
• After you submit the form, one of our travel experts will get back to you with customised holiday package based on your requirement, within 24 hours.
• Grab the deal and start packing your bags for an indelible holiday with Tour My India.

Call Us for details

+91-9212777225

Request a quote.

• Himachal Pradesh

Uttarakhand

• Uttarpradesh
• Andhra Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Madhya Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli
• Daman and Diu
• Hill Station
• Yoga and Ayurveda
• Motor Biking
• Peak Climbing
• Mountain Biking
• River Rafting
• Horse Safari
• Camel Safari
• Jeep Safari
• Christianity
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Heritage Tours
• Ayurveda Tours
• Special Interest
• Golden Triangle Tour
• Classical India Tour
• Golden Triangle with Tiger Tour
• Sikkim Darjeeling Tour
• Frozen River Trek
• Palace on Wheels
• Heritage on Wheels
• Maharaja Express
• Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
• Buddhist Circuit Train
• Indian Wildlife Tour
• Temple Trails Tour India
• Buddhist Circuit Tours
• Himalayan Wonder
• Chadar Trek
• Chopta - Chandrashila Trek
• Snow Leopard
• Dzongri Goecha La Trek
• Agra Hotels
• Jaipur Hotels
• Udaipur Hotels
• Manali Hotels
• Ladakh Hotels
• Ranthambore National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Corbett National Park
• Kanha National Park
• Pench National Park
• Tadoba National Park
• The Park Calangute
• Neelam the Grand
• Hotel Calangute Towers
• Alor Holiday Resort
• Lazy Lagoon Sarovar Portico Suites
• Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore
• Hyatt, Bangalore
• Hyatt Regency, Delhi
• Leela Palace, Udaipur
• ITC Grand Chola, Chennai
• Weekend Getaways Delhi
• Weekend Getaways Mumbai
• Weekend Getaways Chennai
• Weekend Getaways Bangalore
• Weekend Getaways Nagpur
• Weekend Getaways Hyderabad
• Weekend Getaways Cochin
• Weekend Getaways Chandigarh
• Weekend Getaways Ahmedabad
• Weekend Getaways Pune
• Weekend Getaways Jaipur
• Destinantion Weddings

Medical Tourism

India tours, international tours, destination wedding.

Plan Your trip

• Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar Tourist Map

The Lorem Ipsum Generator quickly delivers default text to complement your amazing design. The default settings are optimized to be used right after installation, but you can easily customize a few settings to get the perfect text for your taste

• Best Time to Visit
• How to Reach
• Places to Visit
• Things to Do

ATTRACTIONS

Best Selling Sonmarg Tour Packages

4 Nights - 5 Days

Jewells of Kashmir

9 Nights - 10 Days

Kashmir Tour Package

8 Nights - 9 Days

Joyfull Kashmir

5 Nights - 6 Days

Best of Kashmir

6 Nights - 7 Days

• Kashmir Honeymoon Tour

7 Nights - 8 Days

Magical Kashmir

Romantic Kashmir Tour

Delight of Kashmir

Top places to visit in jammu and kashmir.

Popular Related Destinations

Our Latest Informative Travel Blogs

Top 10 Best Snow Destinations to Enjoy in Kashmir

12 Top Tourist Destinations in Jammu and Kashmir

Kashmir Witnesses Fresh Snowfall in Several Areas including Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Gurez Valley

Popular pages on tour my india, jammu & kashmir travel information at a glance, about j & k.

• Jammu & Kashmir Tourism

Top Things to Do

• Best Places to Visit
• How to Reach J & K

Kashmir Destinations

• Srinagar Tourism
• Gulmarg Tourism
• Pahalgam Tourism
• Sonmarg Tourism
• Yusmarg Tourism

Jammu Destinations

• Jammu City Travel Guide
• Katra Travel Guide
• Patnitop Travel Guide
• Kishtwar Travel Guide
• Sanasar Travel Guide

J & K Tourist Attractions

• Srinagar Attractions
• Gulmarg Attractions
• Pahalgam Attractions
• Jammu Attractions
• Sonmarg Attractions

Kashmir Tourism Packages

• Srinagar Tour Packages
• Gulmarg Tour Packages
• Sonmarg Tour Packages
• Pahalgam Tour Packages
• Patnitop Tour Packages

Kashmir Tour by Interest

• Kashmir Family Tour
• Kashmir Pilgrimage Tour
• Kashmir Houseboat Tour
• Kashmir Skiing Tour
• Kashmir Fishing Tour
• Shikara Ride
• Skiing in Kashmir
• Trekking in Kashmir
• Gondala Ride
• Pilgrimage Tour
• Golfing in Kashmir

Hotels in Jammu & Kashmir

• Hotels in Jammu
• Hotels in Srinagar
• Hotels in Gulmarg
• Hotels in Pahalgam
• Hotels in Katra
• Hotels in Sonmarg

Footsteps and Journeys

Best travel itineraries for unforgettable experiences around the globe

Paradise on Earth – The comprehensive 7 Day Kashmir Itinerary

The first time I visited Kashmir, I was a bit awestruck. The only thing running through my head was why I had not visited Kashmir earlier. If it was ever possible to fall in love with a place, Kashmir in India is as close as it gets. Often referred to as “Paradise on Earth” due to its stunning natural beauty, with its snow-capped mountains, picturesque valleys, and serene lakes. Read on for a 5 day Kashmir Itinerary that makes sure you get the best out of the magnificent beauty the region has to offer.

Highlights of this 7-day Kashmir Itinerary

Click on the links below if you are looking at specific information or read the blog for the full day-by-day itinerary..

Day 1 of your Kashmir Itinerary: Arrival in Srinagar

• Arrive at Srinagar International Airport and transfer to your hotel or houseboat on Dal Lake.
• Spend the day exploring the beautiful gardens of Srinagar, including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. These meticulously designed gardens feature terraced lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, fountains, and captivating views of the surrounding mountains.
• Explore Pari Mahal, a historic garden located atop Zabarwan Mountain Range. This terraced garden offers stunning views of the city and the Dal Lake. It is also a great spot to witness the sparkling city lights at night.
• Take a serene shikara boat ride on Dal Lake and witness the stunning sunset over the water. Explore its floating gardens, intricate houseboats, and charming floating markets. Most people go for the short tour of Dal Lake, however I believe if you truly want to be captivated by the Dal, take a rowboat to Char Chinar. It’s a small island in the middle of the lake. The rowboats taking around 3 hours to and from the island but it’s well worth the peaceful and beautiful journey. If you time it just right, on the way back, as the shikara head home and dusk settles in on the Dal Lake, the lights come on for an enchanting evening spectacle.

Day 2: Srinagar

Visit the enchanting Hazratbal Shrine , a significant Muslim shrine located on the banks of Dal Lake. Explore the bustling local markets of Srinagar, such as Lal Chowk or Badshah Chowk, where you can shop for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts and souvenirs.

Take a stroll through the bustling streets of Srinagar’s Old City . Visit the historic Jama Masjid, marvel at the intricate woodwork and architecture of the Shah Hamadan Mosque, and explore the vibrant local markets known for their Kashmiri handicrafts and traditional products.

Visit the Shankaracharya Temple , situated atop Shankaracharya Hill. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, offers panoramic views of the cityscape and the picturesque Dal Lake.

Srinagar is renowned for its exquisite handicrafts. Explore the local markets such as Lal Chowk and Badshah Chowk , and shop for intricately woven carpets, Pashmina shawls, embroidered textiles, copperware, and traditional Kashmiri jewellery.

Apart from Dal Lake, take a leisurely shikara ride on other beautiful lakes in Srinagar, such as Nigeen Lake and Manasbal Lake . Enjoy the tranquility, soak in the scenic beauty, and witness the unique way of life along the lakeshores.

Day 3: Gulmarg 

The best place to see snow before the winter months, take a day trip to Gulmarg , a popular hill station known for its picturesque landscapes and adventure activities. Gulmarg is a popular hill station located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from Srinagar in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, snow-capped peaks, and adventure activities.

Here are some of the best things to do in Gulmarg:

• Gondola Ride: Experience the world’s second-highest operating cable car, known as the Gulmarg Gondola. The ride consists of two phases—Phase 1 takes you to Kongdori, while Phase 2 goes up to Apharwat Peak. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys during the ride.
• Skiing and Snowboarding: Gulmarg is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. It offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities on its pristine slopes, which are covered in deep powder snow during the winter season (usually from December to March). There are ski resorts and training centers that cater to beginners as well as experienced skiers.
• Snowshoeing and Snow Biking: Explore the scenic beauty of Gulmarg’s winter wonderland by going snowshoeing or snow biking. These activities allow you to venture into the snow-covered forests and meadows while enjoying the serene surroundings.

If you have an extra day in hand and are staying in Gulmarg, these places near Gulmarg are well worth a visit.

• Khilanmarg: Take a short trek or a pony ride to Khilanmarg, a picturesque meadow located at an altitude of 2,730 meters (8,957 feet) above sea level. It offers breathtaking views of the Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world.
• Alpather Lake: Visit Alpather Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake situated at the foot of the Apharwat Peak. The lake remains frozen during most of the year, except for a few summer months when it melts and creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
• Strawberry Valley: Explore the Strawberry Valley, known for its lush green meadows, beautiful flowers, and strawberry cultivation. Enjoy the fresh air and serene surroundings while taking a leisurely walk or picnic in this scenic valley.

Return to Srinagar after dark.

Day 4 and 5: Sonamarg 

Sonamarg, also known as the “Meadow of Gold,” is a breathtaking hill station located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Surrounded by majestic glaciers, serene lakes, and snow-capped mountains, Sonmarg offers stunning natural beauty and a range of activities for visitors. The road from Srinagar to Sonamarg is filled with wonderful views and pitstops.

Here are some of the highlights of Sonamarg

• Thajiwas Glacier: Take a pony ride or trek to the Thajiwas Glacier, situated around 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Sonmarg. The glacier offers mesmerizing views of snow-covered peaks, sparkling streams, and lush green meadows. It’s a great spot for enjoying the scenic beauty and engaging in activities like snowboarding and sledging during the winter months.
• Nilagrad River: Visit the Nilagrad River, known for its reddish water, which is believed to have curative properties. Many visitors take a dip in the river, particularly on Sundays, as it is considered auspicious.
• Zoji La Pass: Take a scenic drive through the Zoji La Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in India. Located at an altitude of around 3,528 meters (11,575 feet), the pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is a gateway to the Ladakh region.
• Krishnasar Lake: Venture on a trek to Krishnasar Lake, a beautiful alpine lake situated at an altitude of approximately 3,801 meters (12,470 feet). Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and lush meadows, the lake is known for its crystal-clear water and tranquil atmosphere.
• Baltal: Explore Baltal, a picturesque camping ground and base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Located around 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from Sonmarg, Baltal offers scenic beauty and serves as a starting point for the trek to the Amarnath Cave.
• Adventure Activities: Engage in thrilling adventure activities in Sonmarg, such as white-water rafting on the Sind River. The river is known for its rapids and offers exciting rafting experiences, especially during the summer months.
• Trekking and Camping: Sonmarg serves as a base for various trekking expeditions in the region, including the famous trek to the Kolahoi Glacier. Camping enthusiasts can also set up their camps in the picturesque meadows and enjoy a night under the starry sky.
• Local Culture and Cuisine: Immerse yourself in the local culture of Sonmarg by interacting with the friendly locals and experiencing their traditional way of life. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the local Kashmiri cuisine, including traditional dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Kashmiri Pulao.

Sonamarg offers a serene and picturesque escape for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Its stunning landscapes, tranquil lakes, and thrilling activities make it a must-visit destination in Jammu and Kashmir.

Day 6 and 7: Pahalgam

Depart for Pahalgam, a scenic town surrounded by lush greenery, rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Two days can be easily spent in Pahalgam if you like to walk around. Known for its natural beauty and serene surroundings, Pahalgam offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some of the highlights of Pahalgam including the gorgeous Betaab Valley and Aru Valley.

• Betaab Valley: Explore the picturesque Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood movie “Betaab” that was shot here. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and the gushing Lidder River. Enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, or horse riding in this breathtaking setting.
• Aru Valley: Visit the charming Aru Valley, located a few kilometers from Pahalgam. It is known for its lush meadows, crystal-clear streams, and scenic landscapes. Take a pony ride, go trekking, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil ambiance.
• Lidder River: Spend some time by the banks of the Lidder River, which flows through Pahalgam. Enjoy peaceful walks along the river, indulge in fishing, or go for a thrilling white-water rafting adventure during the summer months.
• Chandanwari: Take a trip to Chandanwari, the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Located around 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Pahalgam, Chandanwari offers stunning views of the snow-clad mountains and serves as the base camp for the annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave.
• Baisaran: Visit Baisaran, also known as the “Mini Switzerland of Kashmir.” This vast meadow offers panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and is surrounded by thick pine forests. You can reach Baisaran by a short pony ride or a trek from Pahalgam.
• Sheshnag Lake: Embark on a trek to the beautiful Sheshnag Lake, located at an altitude of approximately 3,574 meters (11,726 feet). The lake is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and is considered sacred by Hindu pilgrims visiting the Amarnath Cave.
• Local Culture and Handicrafts: Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with the friendly locals and exploring the local markets. Pahalgam is known for its Kashmiri handicrafts, including Pashmina shawls, carpets, and wooden artifacts. Take the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and experience the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Please note that the itinerary may vary depending on your interests, preferences, and the weather conditions during your visit. It’s also essential to check the current situation and any necessary permits or travel advisories before planning your trip to Kashmir.

Golfing in Kashmir

An interesting side note, Gulmarg is home to the highest green golf course in the world, the Gulmarg Golf Club. The picturesque 18-hole golf course is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf in this unique setting. Pahalgam is home to the Pahalgam Golf Course, a beautiful 18-hole golf course situated at an elevation of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet). Enjoy a round of golf while being surrounded by picturesque landscapes.

Kashmiri cuisine is known for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and unique cooking techniques.

Here are some delicious dishes that you should try when visiting Kashmir

• Rogan Josh: A signature Kashmiri dish, Rogan Josh is a flavorful lamb curry cooked with a blend of aromatic spices like Kashmiri red chili, ginger, and fennel. The slow cooking process ensures that the meat is tender and infused with the flavors of the spices.
• Yakhni: Yakhni is a traditional Kashmiri yogurt-based curry, usually made with chicken or lamb. It has a creamy texture and is delicately flavored with spices like fennel, ginger, and cardamom. Yakhni is often served with steamed rice or Kashmiri pulao.
• Kashmiri Pulao: This fragrant rice dish is cooked with aromatic spices, saffron, and dried fruits like raisins and almonds. It has a sweet and savory flavor profile and is often served with yogurt or raita.
• Gushtaba: Gushtaba is a classic Kashmiri dish made from minced mutton balls cooked in a rich yogurt-based gravy. It is delicately spiced with flavors of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. This dish is usually reserved for special occasions and is served with steamed rice or naan.
• Modur Pulao: Modur Pulao is a sweet saffron-flavored rice dish cooked with ghee (clarified butter) and a variety of dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins. It is a popular dish during festive occasions in Kashmir.
• Kashmiri Kebabs: Kashmiri cuisine offers a variety of kebabs, including Seekh Kebabs (minced meat skewers) and Tabak Maaz (fried lamb ribs). These kebabs are marinated with a blend of aromatic spices and are known for their rich and smoky flavors.
• Dum Aloo: Dum Aloo is a popular vegetarian dish in Kashmir made with baby potatoes cooked in a spiced yogurt-based gravy. It has a rich and creamy texture and is often served with naan or rice.
• Kashmiri Tea (Kahwa): End your meal with a cup of Kashmiri Tea, also known as Kahwa. It is a traditional Kashmiri green tea infused with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and almonds. Kahwa is known for its soothing and refreshing properties.

When visiting Kashmir, don’t forget to try these delectable dishes to truly experience the flavors of the region. The cuisine of Kashmir is a delightful blend of unique spices and traditional cooking methods, making it a memorable culinary experience.

Kashmir offers a variety of dining options, ranging from local street food stalls to upscale restaurants.

Here are some popular places to eat in Kashmir

• Ahdoos Restaurant (Srinagar): Ahdoos is a well-known restaurant in Srinagar that serves traditional Kashmiri cuisine. It offers a range of authentic dishes, including Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Kashmiri Pulao. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance and is popular among both locals and tourists.
• Shamyana Restaurant (Srinagar): Shamyana is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Srinagar. It offers a diverse menu featuring Indian, Kashmiri, and Continental dishes. The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere and a rooftop seating area with beautiful views of the city.
• Mughal Darbar (Srinagar): Mughal Darbar is a renowned restaurant chain in Kashmir, with multiple outlets in Srinagar. It specializes in Mughlai cuisine and offers a wide range of dishes, including kebabs, biryanis, and curries. The restaurant is known for its flavorful food and excellent service.
• Stream Restaurant (Pahalgam): Stream Restaurant is a popular dining option in Pahalgam, offering a serene ambiance along with delicious food. It serves a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. The restaurant is situated by the Lidder River, providing a picturesque setting for a meal.
• Highland Park (Gulmarg): Highland Park is a well-known restaurant in Gulmarg that offers a range of cuisines, including Indian, Continental, and Chinese. It is located near the Gulmarg Golf Course and provides a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a meal after exploring the beautiful surroundings.
• Café Chinar (Srinagar): Café Chinar is a popular café in Srinagar, known for its relaxed ambiance and delicious food. It offers a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, pizzas, and Kashmiri specialties. The café also serves a selection of teas and coffees.
• Krishna Vaishno Dhaba (Sonmarg): Krishna Vaishno Dhaba is a popular vegetarian restaurant located in Sonmarg. It serves a variety of vegetarian dishes, including North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is known for its affordable prices and friendly service.

Apart from these specific establishments, exploring local markets and street food stalls in Kashmir can also be a delightful culinary experience. You can try traditional snacks like Kashmiri kebabs, samosas, and street-side tea stalls offering Kashmiri Kahwa.

Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Here are some of the best areas to stay in Srinagar

• Dal Lake: Staying in a houseboat on Dal Lake is a unique and iconic experience in Srinagar. These houseboats offer a tranquil and picturesque setting, surrounded by the serene waters of the lake. You can enjoy the beautiful views, experience the local culture, and relax in the comfortable and well-appointed houseboats.
• Nigeen Lake: Nigeen Lake is another popular location for staying in houseboats. It is relatively quieter than Dal Lake, offering a more peaceful and serene ambiance. Staying on a houseboat on Nigeen Lake provides a serene escape and a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature.
• Boulevard Road: Boulevard Road runs along the banks of Dal Lake and is dotted with several hotels and guesthouses. Staying along this road provides easy access to the attractions around Dal Lake, including the Mughal Gardens and Shalimar Bagh. The area offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses.
• Rajbagh: Rajbagh is a residential area located close to the city center of Srinagar. It is known for its beautiful gardens and tree-lined streets. Rajbagh offers a peaceful and convenient location for accommodation, with several hotels and guesthouses available.

Stay in Gulmarg

Khyber (Gulmarg) – The Khyber, Gulmarg is extremely popular for overnight stays in Gulmarg. Considered the premier property of the area, it is heavy on the pocket and light on the heart. If you have the budget, you should definitely consider staying here one night. 

Pahalgam offers a range of hotels and resorts that provide comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Here are some of the best hotels in Pahalgam

• The Lalit Grand Palace: Located amidst the picturesque Himalayan ranges, The LaLiT Grand Palace is a luxury hotel that offers a regal experience. The hotel features elegant rooms, fine dining restaurants, a spa, and beautiful gardens.
• WelcomHotel Pine-n-Peak: Nestled in the lap of nature, WelcomHotel Pine-n-Peak offers luxurious accommodations with breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. The hotel provides well-appointed rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a spa, and recreational activities.
• Grand Mumtaz Resort: Grand Mumtaz Resort is a popular choice in Pahalgam, offering comfortable rooms and modern amenities. The resort features a multi-cuisine restaurant, a garden, and a terrace with panoramic views of the mountains.
• Hotel Heevan Pahalgam: Situated amidst lush greenery, Hotel Heevan Pahalgam provides comfortable accommodations with a touch of traditional Kashmiri architecture. The hotel offers well-furnished rooms, a restaurant, and a scenic garden.
• Hotel Mount View: Hotel Mount View is a well-known property in Pahalgam, offering comfortable rooms with mountain views. The hotel features a multi-cuisine restaurant, a garden, and a terrace overlooking the picturesque valley.
• Paradise Inn: Paradise Inn is a budget-friendly hotel located close to the main market area of Pahalgam. The hotel offers cozy rooms, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and friendly hospitality.

Please note that the availability of hotels and their facilities may vary, and it’s always recommended to check for the latest information and reviews before making a booking.

The best time to visit Kashmir

During the months of April to October when the weather is pleasant, the natural beauty of the region is at its peak. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and their characteristics:

• Spring (April to June) : Spring is a beautiful time to visit Kashmir as the weather starts to warm up, and the flowers and orchards are in full bloom. The temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), making it comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
• Summer (July to September): Summers in Kashmir are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It is the peak tourist season, and the region attracts visitors with its cool climate and scenic beauty. However, it’s worth noting that the summer months can sometimes experience rainfall.
• Autumn (October to November): Autumn in Kashmir is known for its vibrant colors as the leaves of the trees change to golden hues. The temperatures start to cool down, ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). The autumn season offers a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere.
• Winter (December to March): Winter in Kashmir is characterized by cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, especially in the higher altitude areas like Gulmarg and Sonmarg. The temperatures can drop below freezing, and the region is popular for winter sports like skiing. It’s a great time to visit if you enjoy snow and winter activities.

It’s important to note that the climate in Kashmir can vary depending on the altitude and location. The region is also prone to political and security-related situations, so it’s advisable to stay updated on the current situation and follow any travel advisories issued by the local authorities.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Kashmir depends on your preferences and the experiences you are seeking. Each season offers its own unique charm and attractions, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your trip.

Looking for more beautiful places and holiday destinations in India? Check out the beautiful beaches of Goa or the Andaman Islands.

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Blog at WordPress.com.

Discover more from Footsteps and Journeys

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

.