Srinagar Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Srinagar, Kashmir Valley with our comprehensive travel guide. Find out where to stay, what to see, things to do, and more.


Introduction to Srinagar

Srinagar is a beautiful city located in the Kashmir Valley, surrounded by snow-capped Himalayas in the North and Pir Panjal Range in the South. It is situated on the banks of the Jhelum river and is famous for its gardens, waterfalls, lakes, and houseboats.

Srinagar is also known as the “Venice of the East” and has a rich history of being ruled by Mughals, Sikhs, and Dogras. It has a blend of Indian, Persian, and Mughal culture, which gives it a unique identity.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, food to try, and where to stay in Srinagar.

List of Places to Visit in Srinagar

There are many beautiful places to visit in Srinagar, including culturally important attractions, natural attractions, and hiking and biking routes.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shalimar Bagh - A Mughal garden built in the 16th century by Emperor Jahangir. It has terraces, fountains, and walkways.
  • Nishat Bagh - Another beautiful Mughal garden built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
  • Pari Mahal - A seven-terrace garden built by Prince Dara Shikoh in the 17th century.
  • Chashme Shahi - A garden built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and has a natural spring.
  • Hazratbal Shrine - A sacred shrine which houses a relic believed by many Muslims to be a hair of the Prophet Muhammad.

Natural Attractions of Srinagar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dal Lake - A picturesque lake in the heart of Srinagar that has floating gardens, houseboats, and shikaras (traditional wooden boats).
  • Nigeen Lake - A quiet lake surrounded by hills and has water sports activities.
  • Wular Lake - The largest freshwater lake in India and a popular birdwatching spot.
  • Dachigam National Park - A wildlife sanctuary home to the endangered Hangul (Kashmir stag), leopards, and Himalayan black bears.
  • Gulmarg - A hill station famous for skiing, cable car, and beautiful views of snow-capped mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Srinagar

Srinagar has many scenic hiking/biking routes that offer panoramic views of the valley and mountains.

  • Shankaracharya Hill - A steep climb to the top of the hill that has amazing views of Srinagar and Dal lake.
  • Apharwat Peak - A scenic 13km trek that starts from Gulmarg and offers views of the valley, meadows, and forests.
  • Aru Valley - A picturesque valley surrounded by mountains and forests, and a good place for hiking and camping.
  • Pahalgam - A beautiful town located on the bank of Lidder river, which has many trekking routes that lead to scenic meadows and glaciers.

Best Things to Do in Srinagar: Activities and Tours

  • Shikara Ride on Dal Lake - A relaxing boat ride on the Dal lake in a traditional wooden boat.
  • Skiing in Gulmarg - A popular winter activity, Gulmarg has skiing slopes and cable cars that offer beautiful views.
  • Birdwatching in Wular Lake - Wular lake is a birdwatching paradise and has many resident and migratory bird species.
  • Visit a Carpet Weaving Factory - Srinagar is famous for its handcrafted carpets, and many factories offer a tour where you can see the weaving process.

Week-Long Itinerary for Srinagar

If you are planning a week-long trip to Srinagar, here’s a sample itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival in Srinagar, visit Shankaracharya Hill, and explore Dal lake
Day 2 Visit Pari Mahal, Chashme Shahi, and Hazratbal Shrine
Day 3 Take a day trip to Gulmarg and enjoy skiing and cable car ride
Day 4 Visit Dachigam National Park and enjoy wildlife safari
Day 5 Visit Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh
Day 6 Take a day trip to Aru Valley and go hiking/camping
Day 7 Visit a carpet weaving factory and do some souvenir shopping

Food and Drink Scene of Srinagar

Srinagar is a food lover’s paradise and has many delicious dishes and local beverages to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kashmiri Wazwan - A traditional multi-course feast that includes dishes like rista (meatballs), gushtaba (meatballs in yogurt gravy), and rogan josh (lamb curry).
  • Gushtaba - Mutton meatballs cooked in a creamy yogurt gravy.
  • Kashmiri Pulao - A fragrant rice dish cooked with saffron, nuts, and raisins.
  • Sheer Chai - A pink-colored salty tea made with Kashmiri tea leaves, milk, and baking soda.

Local Beverages

  • Kahwa - A fragrant tea made with Kashmiri green tea leaves, saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom.
  • Noon Chai - A pink-colored salty tea also known as “salt tea”.

Where to Stay in Srinagar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Srinagar has many accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences.

  • Luxury Hotels: Vivanta Dal View, The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar, and Taj Vivanta Srinagar.
  • Budget Hotels: Hotel Shah Abbas, Hotel Grand Mahal, and Hotel Pine Spring.
  • Hostels: GoStops Hostel Srinagar and Backpackers Hostel Srinagar.
  • Guesthouses: Maree Hostel and Rest Inn Guest House.

What to Buy in Srinagar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Srinagar is famous for its handcrafted products and souvenirs.

  • Pashmina Shawls - Fine woolen shawls made from Cashmere wool.
  • Handcrafted Carpets - Beautifully woven carpets and rugs made by skilled artisans.
  • Kashmiri Willow Cricket Bats - Cricket bats handcrafted from the locally grown willow trees.

Local Culture and Customs of Srinagar

Srinagar has a rich culture and traditions, influenced by Mughal and Persian cultures. Kashmiri language and Kashmiri music form an integral part of its culture.

Kashmiris are warm and hospitable people and respect their guests. It is customary to remove footwear before entering someone’s house or a mosque.

Best Time to Visit Srinagar

The best time to visit Srinagar is from March to October when the weather is pleasant and the gardens are in full bloom. Winter months (November to February) are chilly, and many tourist attractions may remain closed due to snowfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Srinagar

Do:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious places.
  • Respect the culture and customs of the locals.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Bargain when shopping from local vendors.

Don’t:

  • Don’t photograph people without their permission, especially women.
  • Don’t eat food from unauthorized or unhygienic places.
  • Don’t visit sensitive areas without proper permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Srinagar

Srinagar is a politically sensitive area and prone to unrest. It is advisable to check the latest developments and updates before planning a trip.

Health in Srinagar

Srinagar has many hospitals and healthcare centers that provide quality medical care. It is advisable to carry a first aid kit and necessary medications when traveling.

Getting to Srinagar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Srinagar

  • Srinagar International Airport - Located about 14 km from the city center, it is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Bus Stations Near Srinagar

  • Srinagar Bus Station - Located in the city center, it has regular bus services to major cities in North India like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar.

Other Options

  • Train - The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is about 300 km from Srinagar.
  • Taxi - Taxis are available from Jammu and other nearby cities to reach Srinagar.

How to Get Around in Srinagar

  • Auto-rickshaws - Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient way to travel within the city.
  • Taxis - Taxis are also available but can be more expensive than auto-rickshaws.
  • Buses - Local buses are available but not very frequent.
  • Shikaras - Shikaras are traditional wooden boats used for travel on Dal lake.

Where to Go Next from Srinagar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sonamarg - A beautiful hill station famous for trekking and camping, located about 80 km from Srinagar.
  • Leh-Ladakh - A Himalayan region famous for its breathtaking landscapes, trekking, and adventure sports, located about 430 km from Srinagar.
  • Jammu - A city famous for its temples and shrines, located about 270 km from Srinagar.

Conclusion

Srinagar is a beautiful city full of natural and cultural wonders. It offers a unique travel experience with its scenic views, traditional houseboats, and delicious cuisine. With this comprehensive travel guide, plan your trip to Srinagar and explore the best it has to offer.

Sikharas in Dal Lake Sikharas in Dal Lake Tomb of Zain-ul-Abudin's Mother Tomb of Zain-ul-Abudin's Mother Khan Qah of Shah Hamadan Khan Qah of Shah Hamadan Dal Lake, Srinagar Dal Lake, Srinagar Nishat Bagh Nishat Bagh Shalimar Bagh Shalimar Bagh Hazaratbal Shrine Hazaratbal Shrine Shikaras in Dal Lake Shikaras in Dal Lake Houseboats in Dal Lake at night Houseboats in Dal Lake at night