Srinagar travel guide

Things to do in Srinagar

1. Dal Lake Shikara Ride

   2 h · ₹400 entry

   A shikara ride on Dal Lake takes you past floating houseboats, vibrant lotus beds, and local markets on the water. It offers a calm way to experience the scenery and daily life of Srinagar.

   Tip: Carry a light jacket as the breeze on the water can get chilly, even in warmer months.

2. Floating Vegetable Market

   2 h · ₹500 entry

   A unique pre-dawn trading market held entirely from traditional boats on Dal Lake in Srinagar. Farmers gather here in the early hours to buy and sell fresh vegetables right on the water.

   Tip: Book your shikara the night before to ensure you make it in time for the sunrise market.

3. Nishat Bagh

   1 h · ₹25 entry

   Nishat Bagh is a terraced Mughal garden built on the eastern bank of the Dal Lake near Srinagar. It features twelve terraces dropping down to the lake and is the second-largest Mughal garden in the Kashmir Valley.

4. Shalimar Bagh

   1 h · ₹25 entry

   Shalimar Bagh is a historic Mughal garden built by Emperor Jahangir near Dal Lake in Srinagar. Also known as Farah Baksh and Faiz Baksh, it features terraced lawns, cascading fountains, and ancient chinars.

5. Pari Mahal

   45 min · ₹25 entry

   A historic seven-terraced Mughal garden built on the Zabarwan mountain range by Prince Dara Shikoh. It features Islamic architecture with arched doorways and intricate water channels, overlooking Dal Lake.

6. Shankaracharya Temple

   2 h · Free

   Perched atop the Zabarwan Range overlooking Srinagar, this hilltop Shiva temple is a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is managed by the Dharmarth Trust and holds great religious significance, especially for Kashmiri Hindus during festivals like Maha Shivaratri.

   Tip: You can reach the temple via the road that emerges off Boulevard road near Gagribal

7. Tulip Garden

   2 h · ₹75 entry

   Asia’s largest tulip garden is set against the Zabarwan range in Srinagar. Rows of vibrant tulips bloom here in breathtaking colors during the spring season.

   Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terraced slopes require plenty of walking

8. Jamia Masjid & Old City

   2 h · Free

   Jamia Masjid is a historic Friday mosque located at Nowhatta in the Old City of Srinagar. Commissioned in 1394 CE, it is famous for its striking wooden-pillared architecture and stands as one of the most important mosques in Kashmir.

9. Hazratbal Shrine

   45 min · Free

   A white marble shrine and mosque located on the northern shore of Dal Lake in Srinagar. It houses the Moi-e-Muqqadas, a relic believed to be a hair strand of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and is regarded as a deeply revered Islamic religious site in Kashmir.

   Tip: Dress modestly and ensure your head is covered before entering the shrine complex

Where to stay in Srinagar

• Dal Lake houseboats

  ₹2,500–8,000

  Wake up on the water; shikara to the ghats.

• Nigeen Lake houseboats

  ₹5,000–15,000

  Quieter, more upmarket boats away from the Boulevard.

• Boulevard Road & Rajbagh

  ₹2,000–6,000

  Hotels close to the lake, markets and taxis.

• Dalgate guesthouses

  ₹1,000–2,500

  Cheapest base, walkable to the ghats.

What to eat

• Wazwan

  local dish

  The multi-course feast — rogan josh, rista, gushtaba.

• Kahwa

  local dish · veg

  Saffron-almond green tea, everywhere and always.

• Ahdoos

  restaurant

  Residency Road institution for wazwan since 1918.

• Krishna Vaishno Dhaba

  restaurant · veg

  Famous vegetarian dhaba near Durganag.

• Harissa

  local dish

  Slow-cooked mutton breakfast, a winter speciality in the old city.

How to reach Srinagar by bus

Ready-made Srinagar itineraries

• Delhi → Srinagar5 days from Delhi by flight