srinagar travel forum

Log in or Sign up

You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser .

• This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Places to visit in Srinagar

Discussion in ' Jammu & Kashmir ' started by MadaanS , Mar 12, 2017 .

MadaanS New Member

This year I would like to take my family to Srinagar, it's a different place and a chance to get away from the heat. I would be taking along with me my wife, sister and two kids aged 8 and ten years. I am interested in knowing about the places to visit in Srinagar as this time round I am planning on creating an itinerary to make sure the holiday goes smoothly. We have not decided on the number of days we should go Srinagar for and it would more depend on the places to visit there.  

briannagodess Well-Known Member

Hello, welcome to the forum! (Images from Basharat , Vinayaraj , McKay Savage and Juan ) ​ Overview If there is paradise on Earth, Kashmir certainly fits that title. From its snow-capped mountain views, to delicate natural attractions and even the warmth of its people, Kashmir is a traveller's dose of offbeat yet heavenly destination. Srinagar is the designated capital of the state, which is also its most developed city. Yet there's this sense of laid-back vibe to it, which lets the traveller take a moment to just breathe in and absorb the beauty of the surroundings. With the Jhelum River flowing in many regions of the city, even draining unto the famed Dal Lake, the scenic beauty just lures you in, holding you captive for many more years to come. As such, that is the beauty of Srinagar, never unfaltering and would linger upon you forever. This guide would highlight the best attractions that the city has to offer. Best Places to Visit in Srinagar Historical Hari Parbat Fort - Located at the heart of Srinagar is the underrated attraction, the Hari Parbat Fort. It might surprise you that there are actual heritage sites in the city, but there are and the fortress is one of them. Initially, it was Akbar the Great who built the fort during the early 16th century. However, the ruler, who intended for the location to be his capital, wasn't able to finish the fort. It was Shuja Shah Durrani, a ruler from Afghanistan, that completed the walls of the fort during 18th century, hence its other name is the Durrani Fort. The fort is located upon a hillock so the approach to it is by foot, which requires a climb of about 200 steps to reach the peak. En route, the slopes of the hillock have various religious sties that one can visit. On the western slope is the Shakti Temple, dedicated to Goddess Shakti, a form of Durga, which is revered sacred by many Kashmiri Pandits. On the southern slope of the hillock are shrines dedicated to Sheik Hamza Makhdoom (Sufi Saint) and Saccha Badshah (Sikh Guru). So in one place, you have temples dedicated to various religions, Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism, which is unique in itself. Onto the fort itself, the walls stretches for around five kilometres long and are mostly in intact conditions. There are two gateways, named the Kathi Darwaza and Sangin Darwaza. Of the two, the former is more elaborate, with intricately carved windows on its sides. The structures around the fort are open for visitors but the main fort itself may be restricted for access. Parihaspora Pattan - Parihaspora Pattan is located about 22 kilometres away from Srinagar. While the ancient city's name can be translated to the City of Joy, it is now referred to by the locals as the City of Stones, referring to the ruins of the old Buddhist kingdom that once reigned here. It was Lalitaditya, a ruler from the Karkota dynasty, that established this ancient city, around the 7th century. Originally, the city was comprised of various areas like a court, assembly hall and of course, temples. Being a devout Vishnu devotee, there was a dedicated temple for the deity, the Parihaskesava Temple, wherein pure gold was used to make the deity's image. There was also a shrine dedicated for the Lord Buddha, but this time, the image was made from pure copper. Most of the structures in the city are now in dilapidated and ruined conditions, that it's hard to image the glory that it once had. The reasons for the ruined structures are not clear but many scholars point to the attack of Sultan Sikandar to the city during the 14th century as the main culprit. A devout Muslim, Sultan Sikandar was one of the many rulers who wanted to convert the Kashmiri Hindus or Buddhists into the religion of Islam, hence the destruction of the ancient Buddhist city. Parihaspora Pattan (Image from Ankur ) ​ Awantipora - Yet another ancient city is Awantipora, located just on the southeastern side of Srinagar. This city was founded by Avanti Varman, which was also the founder of the Utpala dynasty. Like the former ruler, Avanti Varman was a staunch Vishnu devotee and built the Awanti Swami Temple here for the deity. There is also a separate shrine dedicated to Shiva, known as the Avantikeshvara Swami Temple. There are many carvings of both deities around the temples. Though mostly in ruins, their beauty can still be seen, especially the different manifestations of Vishnu. Look around and you're bound to find more carvings, depicting couples in amorous scenes and even of other important Hindu images like the Ganga River. Pari Mahal - Most guides would designate the Pari Mahal as a garden but it did serve as the abode of Dara Shikoh during the 16th century. Thereafter, the terraced gardens served as an observatory as well for Sufi saints to investigate celestial and astronomical phenomena. Initially, the location of the terraced garden housed an old Buddhist monastery, which were already in ruins. Dara Shikoh was the one who initiated for the construction of a terraced garden, a living quarter and a library here. Interestingly, the palace garden has no ramps for the transportation of water for the irrigation of the garden. Instead, the ruler, being a forward thinker, aimed for the construction of an underwater irrigation system, in the form of tanks, which helped to maintain the beauty of the gardens. As of now, the Pari Mahal offers a great view of the Dal Lake along with the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden from its uppermost level. Religious Hazratbal Shrine - Located on the western bank of the Dal Lake is the Hazratbal Shrine. This shrine is perhaps the most sacred and revered by Muslims as it holds a relic of Muhammad. This relic is known as the Moi-E-Muqqadas, which simply means Hair of Muhammad . The pure white facade of the shrine looks quite striking even from the outside. With the view of the Dal Lake and the snow-capped Himalayas, it somehow intermixes with the surroundings. Before you enter the shrine, there is a lush green garden dotted with various Chinar trees that adds to the serenity of the place. The architectural design of the main shrine is largely Persian and Ottoman, with a huge dome in the centre. This design is unique to the shrine as well, as most mosques in the state have a pagoda-style of roof. As a Muslim religious site, it is necessary to observe their rulers such as being covered from head to toe for women and wearing a cap for the men. Hazratbal Shrine (Image from Madhav ) ​ Kheer Bhawani Temple - Located to the northwestern side of Srinagar, about 22 kilometres away, is the Kheer Bhawani Temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, a form of Durga, and is revered sacred by the Kashmiri Pandits. Even Hindus from faraway regions reach the temple because it has several phenomena that are quite interesting to see. The temple exudes a tranquil vibe and is spread around a large expanse of land. Chinar trees also surround the place which adds colour to it, depending on the type of season. In the temple, there's a small spring, supposed to predict the present or future condition of the state of Kashmir. According to the locals, the water of the spring changes colour depending on the conditions of the state. Like when the state was in a turmoil due to political protests, the colour of the spring's water was in a bright red. But it also changes frequently, into green, yellow, pink, blue and the dreaded black. There's also this spot in the temple, where if you stand and look up, you can spot the map of India, formed by the leaves of the trees and the skies. Aside from these features, if you want a bit of serenity, the temple is the place to be. Jama Masjid - The Jama Masjid is located in Nowhatta at the city centre of Srinagar. At first glance, the mosque doesn't look like the typical masjid that we are used too. There's this unique blend of Hindu, Mughal and Gothic architectural styles visible even from the exterior of the mosque. Built during the 14th century by Sikandar Shah Kashmiri Shahmiri, this is considered as the prime religious attraction of the city. With Buddhist pagoda-like roofing, a large spire resembling that of Catholic churches and arched doorways typical of Hindu structures, it's a sight to behold in the city. The bricked facade and the wooden interiors give it a more rustic appearance too. Other rulers like Sultan Jahangir and Maharana Pratap Singh of the Mughal dynasties also renovated and added their architectural styles in the structure. Shah-E-Hamdan Mosque - This was built during the 14th century by Sultan Sikander Shah. It was built in the memory of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, also known as Shah-E-Hamdan, who was a preacher from Iran that came to Kashmir to preach the teachings of Islam to the region. He was well loved by many and was believed to convert thousands of Kashmiri Hindus and Buddhists into Muslims. But unlike other preachers, he didn't resorted to any force or violence, which is why he is a radical at that time. The masjid, much like the other mosques in Kashmir, has a pagoda-style roof and mostly wooden interiors. The intricately carved ceilings and walls are gorgeous as well. The ceilings were carved using the style of Khatamband, which is a local way of fitting two woods together to make a geometric pattern. Some parts of the mosque has bright green motifs and floral murals which make the structure stand out even more. Shankaracharya Temple - Last on this section is the Shankaracharya Temple, located at the top of the Shankaracharya Hill. Thus, you need to climb about 250 steps to reach the top where the temple is located. The original founder of the temple is believed to be Sandiman, who established it even before the 1st century. Some scholars though believe that the temple was renovated during 9th century, by Hindu rulers like Gopaditya and even Lalitaditya. Entry to the temple is very restricted and you need to surrender all mobile phones or gadgets prior to accessing the temple. Even then, it is uncommon for the temple to not be flocked to by tourists. The temple is dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva but was so-named after Adi Shankaracharya, after his visit to the temple. From the hillock, you are also entitled to a grand view of the Jhelum River and the city of Srinagar. Bodies of Water Dal Lake - Whether it's winter, summer or monsoon, the Dal Lake is a must visit in the city of Srinagar. It stands as the Jewel of Srinagar , a visit to the city just won't be complete without it. With the views of the perfectly snow-capped mountains, the calm waters of the lake and the surrounding greenery, Dal Lake is the star attraction of the city. Experiences like boating in a shikhara or even staying in a houseboat shouldn't be missed as well. Many row boats surround the lake, in some areas, there are floating markets, with products such as fruits, ice cream, vegetables and flowers as well. Even more fascinating are the interior waters of the lake, wherein you can enjoy more tranquility and even observe the lives of the locals who reside near the lake. Dal Lake (Image from Colin ) ​ Nigeen Lake - For a less commercialised boating experience, you must visit the Nigeen Lake. It has the same activities like shikhara riding and houseboat staying but has relatively less crowds. It even has the same floating market, albeit smaller. It is, in fact, connected to the former lake by a narrow channel but can also be reached by road from the city centre. The beauty of the lake is that it is relatively cleaner, more serene and provides a different angle of the city. You can enjoy the bluish early morning rides, the yellowish noon ride or even the orange tinged sunset ride, your choice, no crowds would be there to ruin your mood. Gardens Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden - A newer attraction opened in just 2007 is the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden. However, this is a seasonal attraction, meaning the flowers of the garden only blooms a few months in a year. Preferably, you need to visit the garden around April, with the middle of the month being the most viable time. But most tourists visit the garden until May, because you might still be able to spot a few tulips by that time. The remaining months won't have flowers blooming so a visit during these months won't be recommended. At the peak of the blooming of the tulips, you would find various colours ranging from orange, to yellow, to red, to purple and many more. It is truly an amazing spectacle that kids would especially enjoy. The various shapes and sizes of the tulips are sure to leave you wanting more. For the photographers, there are many photo-perfect opportunities that you can find in here. Nishat Garden - A garden so beautiful that even Emperor Shah Jahan wanted it for himself, the Nishat Garden is another can't be missed attraction in the city. It was Asif Khan, father-in-law of Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the 12-terraced garden. Each terrace has well-manicured lawns, flowers and trees that give an impressive natural beauty to the garden. Also not missing are the fountains, of which the 11th terrace has the most, 25 in total. With the nearby Dal Lake and the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains, the Nishat Garden would impress even the most stone-hearted individuals. Shalimar Garden - Srinagar has a number of gardens which include the Shalimar Garden. This is considered as the largest Mughal garden of Srinagar. This garden was built by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife, Noor Jahan. Initially though, there stood a small cottage in the garden's location, which was built by former ruler, Praversena II, whom named the area, Shalimar, meaning Abode of Love . Such a befitting name and location for Jahangir's garden of love, the rest, as they say, is history. The Mughals have always been known for their grand gestures of love using architectural structures and the garden is no exception. From the wonderfully laid three terraces, to the central canal and the surrounding greenery, it's the best place for strolling with your loved one in Srinagar. Shalimar Garden (Image from June ) ​ Chashme Shahi Garden - This garden was built by Ali Mardan Khan, under the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan, as a gift for his son. Yes, it's the same Shah Jahan who built the iconic monument of love, the Taj Mahal, so you can't expect nothing less. It has the same features, a central water source along with three terraced gardens. However, the garden is best known for its natural water spring, which has the purest and most delicious water. The water even has a slight sweet taste to it that renders one speechless. During winter, the entire garden is covered with snow, which provides for a different landscape. Badamwari Garden - Another must visit garden in Srinagar as it offers quite a different beauty. Lined with Badam trees, also known as almond trees, the garden looks very picturesque in blooming season. It is not located on the banks of the Dal Lake, as is with the other gardens, but rather on the more serene Nigeen Lake. Aside from the almond trees, you would enjoy the scent of fresh saffron and cinnamon barks. There is also an open-air amphitheatre where sometimes you can enjoy performances in. Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden - Last on this section is the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, dedicated to India's very first Prime Minister. Comprising of various plants and trees, this garden is a must visit for the botany lovers. All around the garden, you can enjoy the grand view of the surrounding hills. There's a central lake too, wherein you can enjoy boating activities in. Various fountains flank the many sides of the garden which add to its picturesque beauty. Colourful butterflies lend their presence too, which only makes the experience even close to nature. Wildlife Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary - Located in the northwestern side of Srinagar is the Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, about 22 kilometres away from the city centre. This is one of the lesser known attractions of the city but it does boast of the most pristine landscapes. A forest filled with coniferous trees, open grasslands and wide varieties of plants, the jungles here are quite thick. Residing in these jungles are large animals like leopards, Himalayan black bears, jackals and foxes. A hotspot for biodiversity, even bird species are abundant in the wildlife sanctuary. The drive through the sanctuary via battery operated car is very exhilarating and exciting. Aside from a wildlife safari, you can also indulge in trout fishing as sanctuary has a flowing river within it as well. Conclusion The tagline ' Paradise on Earth ' is truly an understatement for Kashmir, including its capital, Srinagar. It is the place where verdant greens, snow-capped mountains, wispy surroundings, colourful flowers and beautiful people can all be found. If you love nature and all things related to it, a trip to Srinagar is therefore not a privilege, it's a necessity. Because this is the only city in India that can offer the natural beauty of what a paradise could be and who are we, mere humans, to decline? So good luck, enjoy your trip to Srinagar and bring home lots of memories you would cherish in your lifetime.  

Deven Member

There are some other places which you can also visit in Srinagar which have been listed in another thread on the forum.  

• Log in with Facebook
• Log in with Twitter
• Log in with Google
• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

• Search titles only

Separate names with a comma.

• Search this thread only
• Display results as threads

Useful Searches

• Recent Posts

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Srinagar Travel Answers

hi.. we will be travelling srinagar on 12th sep.2016 till 16th sep.2016.............we planned this trip 6 months back. Is it safe to visit on these dates or not???

Planning to visit J & K in august 2016. Is that the right time to go? I;m travelling with my husband and have plans of staying there for 7N/8D. First will be visiting Katra (2N ) for Vaishnodevi darshan and then will be proceeding to Srinagar (3N) followed by Pahalgam and finally to Patnitop. Need your advice

We are planning to visit gulamarg on 4th JUNE, Pahelgam on 7th June & Srinagar on 10th June. How will be weather, will we able to see snow, will rain be there.

Please share your views. Thanks

What is the best thing to notice with arrival at Pampore Railway station? Can I have a look at the Saffron farming through train?

Hi friends I am visiting Srinagar on 27th of September. But due to heavy rain, flood has alerted. Can anyone update the present weather condition and is it advisable to visit Kashmir ....very confused. May I cancel the trip?? I am eagerly waiting for this trip for a long time....Please help and suggest

No Question Text

Hello everyone!

Can anyone reccommend some surprising, unique things to see, do or people to meet in Srinagar?

I'm really interested in the history, real lives of people here and would especially like to hear ideas from people who have traveled there recently.

Thank you in advance everyone,

Becky 

How is Hotel Mannat Resort for stay in srinagar? and how is Hotel Grand Mumtaj for stay in Pahelgam and Gulmarg

Have anyone been there! Can you share your experience?

What is their exact location?

There is no information/photos in the official website.

Is entire journey over hilly roads ? Or it involves some part in plain roads? Approximate division in terms of time / distance ?

Helo everyone. Me and my husband are planning to visit srinagar this weekend on ltc basis. Kindly someone guide us, can we take the trip now? is it safe now? Please anyone give us clarifications so that we can plan accordingly.

good morning there is heavy rain in kashmir as i heard. is there is worry of flooding ? how safe to be there during this period? is roads closed between srinagar and other cities? thank you

hi friends how are you i hope all of you are fine i will reach srinagar on 1st of april will the raining weather will disturb our trip? will Mughal Gardens will be open on that day? can you tell me about weather condition from 1 to 8 of april ? best regards

Hello I want to ask about gulamarg ? Is it better to book the ticket on line or buy it at same day from there?

Hi can you help me we are from oman Our trip to kashmir next month How is the situation in kashmir ?? We are worry about H1N1 flu. Plz advise us

hi , i am new to here. i am very much fond of travelling, adventures. planning for a trip to srinagar in dec 2014, we will be 3-4families with kids 2yrs, 2yrs,6yrs. and a lovely HACHIKO 3 yrs old labrador. please suggest me weather going there will be gud with kids and my pet. please suggest any cottage in srinagar too.

Will it be a good idea to visit kashmir in first week of december after all the disastrous floods.... fingers crossed. If also please suggest me the travel plan means how much I can cover in 2 and half days. Please guys eagerly waiting for your replies.

I'm planning to visit Leh after Srinagar in the and of this week, is possible and safe now? Or is it better to get Leh after Manali? Is situation on the road Manali- Leh safe for tourists now?

AFTER ALL THE FLOOD THE STATE HAS SUFFERED FROM, IS IT POSSIBLE TO VISIT KASHMIR NOW? I have a road trip from Jammu to Ladakh, 27th of this month. Is it possible to carry on with the plans?

Ground Floor, Sheikh Building Shiraz Chowk, Khanyar Road, Srinagar - 190003, Jammu & Kashmir, India,.

Departing on 17/9 for a onwards road trip from Srinagar to Leh. Regarding the current flooding situation, is it still safe to go to Srinagar? Anyone arriving today? How's the flooding affecting your travelling plan?

Hello everyone, I am also going to srinagar on 26 Aug, wanted to check out your suggestions on my itenary: 26 Aug- arrive in srinagar- go directly to sonamarg hotel in sonamarg (Hotel zamzam/ hotel snow heights) 27 Aug- morning visit to tiger hills. Return to Srinagar by night. stay in houseboat 28 Aug- srinagar to gulmarg, sightseeing in gulmarg, overnight stay 29 Aug- gulmarg to srinagar, local s/s, stay in houseboat 30 aug- gulmarg to pahalgam, overnight stay 31 aug- pahalgam to srinagar. flight at 3 pm

Hi, I am planning to visit Srinagar during August 22-29 2014 along with family with my 4 year old children. Is there a concern for safety of tourists during this particular period, considering the recent spate of skirmishes between BSF and terrorists in J & K. Just a concern around the safety of my family. Can someone advise please?

If I visit Srinagar in the month of feb at somewhere around 16th feb to 19 the feb. What all places i can visit. i am planning to come. Do srinagar roads to Airport gets blocked due to snow in feb, What all places can i visit in the month of feb from srinagar

I'm going in October, which can be cool or cold. Should I stay at an hotel or on a houseboat and also want quasi luxury accommodations, good service, great view of the lake. Any suggestions. [email] Toronto Canada

What is the Best thing to shop in Srinagar in the month of August 2014 and can anyone tell me a good Budget hotel in Srinagar ?

PUNEET NEB 9810301263

Kindly suggest good hotels with affordable prices in Srinagar as i am planning to visit in 2nd week of december 2014

I was planning to visit Srinagar for honeymoon in mid of February,2015 for 8 days, 9 nights. Can anyone tell me is it a good time to visit Srinagar in 3rd week of February? Can anyone suggest me what kind of travel plan will be better. Please suggest some idea or how I can make a good plan as i have good no of days in my hand. Please help me out.

I am planning to go Srinagar in June - July. Is it safe to travel right now as an individual?

Change location:

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Destinations
• Jammu and Kashmir

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.

Related Articles

More related articles.

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

A perfect 5-day itinerary for a safe Srinagar trip

TRAVEL TRENDS , SRINAGAR Created : Dec 10, 2020, 19:00 IST

Srinagar is one place that features in the wishlist of almost all travellers. It is among the most popular tourist spots in the valley; of course, the capital city is also a hub of the region's tourism circuit.

During this 5-day vacation to Srinagar, you will get the opportunity to visit scenic hill stations, enticing rivers, mountain peaks, and much more. Along with this, enjoy Shikara rides in the beautiful Dal Lake, set off on an exciting trek, or enjoy a pony ride. To make sure you cover all the primary locations, here’s is a perfect 5-day itinerary for an amazing Srinagar trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar

It’s one of the most gorgeous destinations in the country; however, the moment you get off your flight, the sight of extra security outside the airport, might hassle you a bit. But rest assured, you will not face any difficulty to find a cab, or roam around. The moment you hit the roads, you will feel the life here is regular, and is like any other city with everyone busy with their work.

Make sure you explore the Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake, and the markets.

Day 2: Drive from Srinagar–Sonamarg–Srinagar

After having breakfast in your hotel, head toward Sonamarg. The drive is not very hectic as the scenic views will keep you occupied throughout the way. Majestic peaks in the backdrop, and colourful flower-laden meadows makes this hill station a must-visit. You can hire ponies for a trip to Thajiwas glacier, or can enjoy treks along several mountain lakes. It also serves as a base for those undertaking the trek to the Amarnath cave.

After exploring the spot, enjoy authentic Kashmiri cuisine in one of the restaurants, and drive back to Srinagar.

Day 3: Drive from Srinagar–Pahalgam

Enjoy this mesmerising drive through the scenic trails that connects Srinagar and Pahalgam. While en route, you might even get the opportunity to visit the saffron fields around. This spot is among one of the popular hill stations in India, and there is more than one reason for that. Also known as the Valley of Shepherds, Pahalgam will surprise you with its old world charm.

You can spend the night in a Pahalgam hotel or opt for camping. Have dinner and enjoy a good night's sleep.

Day 4: Drive from Pahalgam–Gulmarg

Following breakfast in Pahalgam, head toward the enchanting valleys of Gulmarg. Known for its beauty and charm, and popularly known as the Meadow of Flowers, this place needs to be explored to truly experience its beauty. When here, take the famous Gulmarg gondola cable car ride, or embark on a short trek to Khilanmarg. If you have enough energy, go on mountain rides and walk around. Then, head for your hotel, have dinner, and sleep tight.

Day 5: Drive from Gulmarg–Srinagar

After having breakfast in Gulmarg, drive back to Srinagar. After reaching the city, visit the Palace of Fairies, Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, and Shankaracharya Temple. End your day with a visit to the Handicraft Emporium, and a shikara ride. Around nightfall, go back to your hotel, have dinner, and call it a day.

Day 6: Depart from Srinagar

Today will be the last day of your tour to Srinagar. After breakfast, head toward the railway station or the airport, and end the tour on a high.

Visual Stories

9 places to AVOID visiting in India this October

8 most earthquake-prone countries in the world

UNESCO World Heritage Sites with high entry fees

8 international destinations Indians can enjoy on a budget

Budget travel: 8 places to explore under INR 10,000 from Delhi

Scenic hill station train journeys in North India

9 ‘mini Switzerlands’ of India: How many have you visited?

Top 10 eco-friendly travel destinations in India

Top 10 countries with world’s oldest (65+) population

Top 10 beaches to visit across India this October

Join Us On Facebook Close

Poll of the day, which of these is one of earth's oldest geographical feature, comments (0).

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration, trending stories.

6 incredible underground cities from across the world

• Chhattisgarh: 5 fascinating facts about Chitrakoot Falls, India’s widest waterfall

• Bali proposes temporary ban on new hotels amid overtourism concerns

2 nights 3 days in Dubai: A complete guide

This Titanic Museum allows visitors to feel the cold of that tragic night!

From Kerala in Onam to Kolkata in Durga Puja: Cities to visit during special occasions

Bengaluru Airport: Passengers from African countries to go through mandatory screening

Ayodhya emerges as the top destination in Uttar Pradesh with over 11 crore visitors

Bhutan open to unlimited tourists, confirms Tourism Chief

From around the web, popular galleries.

8 most luxurious holiday destination in the world

Follow us on

Latest news.

• A peek into Bengaluru’s unique Brain Museum

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

Srinagar is one place that features in the wishlist of almost all travellers. It is among the most popular tourist spots in the valley; of course, the capital city is also a hub of the region's touris...