Overview
About Srinagar
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies in the heart of the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum river. Framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal and Zabarwan ranges, the city is built around a chain of lakes, and life here has long moved at the pace of the shikara, the slim wooden boat that glides across Dal and Nigeen.
The Mughal emperors loved the valley, and the terraced gardens they laid out along the shores of Dal Lake, with flowing channels, fountains and chinar trees, are still among Srinagar's great pleasures. The old city adds wooden mosques and shrines, crowded bazaars and centuries of craft traditions in shawls, carpets and papier-mâché.
Each season changes the city completely. Spring brings tulips and almond blossom, summer is mild and green, autumn turns the chinars a fiery red, and winter can bring snow and the deep cold of Chillai Kalan. Srinagar is also the natural base for day trips to the meadows and mountains of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
- Dal Lake
- Houseboats and shikaras
- Mughal gardens
- Tulip Garden
- Pashmina
- Wazwan
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Srinagar
Lakes
Dal Lake
The city's defining sight, dotted with houseboats, floating gardens and shikaras. An early-morning ride takes you past the floating vegetable market, when boatmen trade produce on the water.
Nigeen Lake
A quieter, cleaner lake connected to Dal, lined with houseboats and willow trees. It is a good choice for a peaceful stay or shikara ride away from the main crowds.
Mughal Gardens
Shalimar Bagh
The largest of the Mughal gardens, laid out by Emperor Jahangir, with terraces, a central water channel and old chinar trees.
Nishat Bagh
A garden of twelve terraces rising from the shore of Dal Lake towards the Zabarwan hills, with sweeping views over the water.
Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal
Chashme Shahi is a compact garden built around a natural spring, while nearby Pari Mahal is a terraced ruin on the hillside that is lovely at sunset.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
One of the largest tulip gardens in Asia, set below the Zabarwan range. It opens for a few weeks in spring, usually around late March and April.
Shrines & Heritage
Hazratbal Shrine
A white marble shrine on the western shore of Dal Lake that houses a relic revered by Muslims, with a calm lakeside setting.
Jamia Masjid
The grand mosque of the old city, with a vast courtyard surrounded by hundreds of wooden pillars made from deodar trunks.
Shankaracharya Temple
An ancient Shiva temple on a hilltop above the city, reached by road and a flight of steps, with a panoramic view of Dal Lake and Srinagar.
Nearby Excursions
Gulmarg
A meadow resort about 50 km away, known for its gondola ride, skiing in winter and flower-filled slopes in summer.
Pahalgam and Sonamarg
Pahalgam sits by the Lidder river among pine forests, while Sonamarg offers glaciers and alpine meadows on the road towards Ladakh. Both make long day trips or overnight stays.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Srinagar
- 1
Stay on a houseboat
Spend at least one night on a carved wooden houseboat on Dal or Nigeen Lake, waking up to mist over the water and mountains.
- 2
Take a sunrise shikara ride
Set out before dawn to see the floating vegetable market and the lake at its most serene, then drift past lotus beds and lakeside homes.
- 3
Walk the old city
Explore Downtown Srinagar's lanes around Jamia Masjid and the Jhelum, with old wooden houses, shrines and spice and copperware shops.
- 4
Tour the Mughal gardens
Visit Shalimar, Nishat and Chashme Shahi in one afternoon, ending at Pari Mahal for the view as the sun sets over the lake.
- 5
Ride the Gulmarg gondola
On a day trip to Gulmarg, take the cable car up towards Apharwat for snow views, or ski on its slopes in winter.
- 6
Learn about Kashmiri crafts
Watch artisans at work on pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché and walnut wood carving, and buy directly from trusted workshops.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Srinagar
The best time to visit Srinagar is March to October. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
April to June
12°C to 30°C
The most popular season, with blossoms in spring, mild days and green meadows. Book houseboats and transport early during school holidays.
Monsoon
July to September
15°C to 30°C
Kashmir sits largely outside the main monsoon belt, so rain is lighter than in the plains. Days are warm and the valley is lush, with autumn colours following in October and November.
Winter
November to March
-3°C to 12°C
Cold, with snow likely in December and January during the harsh Chillai Kalan period. Lakes can partly freeze, and roads and flights are sometimes disrupted by heavy snowfall.
Getting there
How to Reach Srinagar
By Air
Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, also called Srinagar Airport, lies a short drive from the city centre and has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu and several other cities. Prepaid taxis are available at the terminal.
By Rail
Srinagar Railway Station is on the Kashmir valley line, which now links the valley with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra across the Pir Panjal. Jammu Tawi remains the main railhead for long-distance trains from the rest of India.
By Road
Srinagar is connected to Jammu (about 260 km) by the national highway through the mountains, a scenic but sometimes slow drive. Shared taxis and buses run on this route, and the road can close after heavy snow or landslides.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Srinagar
Wazwan
A ceremonial multi-course Kashmiri feast prepared by master cooks called wazas, served at weddings and in specialist restaurants.
Rogan josh
Tender lamb in a deep red gravy coloured with Kashmiri chillies and flavoured with fennel and ginger.
Gushtaba
Soft mutton meatballs simmered in a yoghurt gravy, traditionally the final dish of a wazwan.
Yakhni
A delicate yoghurt-based curry of lamb or chicken, flavoured with fennel and cardamom.
Kahwa
Green tea brewed with saffron, cardamom and almonds, the classic warming drink of the valley.
Noon chai and girda
Pink salted tea served with local breads such as girda, a staple of Kashmiri mornings.
What to Buy in Srinagar
- Pashmina shawls and stoles
- Kashmiri saffron and dry fruits
- Papier-mâché boxes and ornaments
- Walnut wood carvings
- Hand-knotted carpets
Travel Tips for Srinagar
- Prepaid mobile connections from outside Jammu and Kashmir do not work in the region, so carry a postpaid SIM.
- Agree on shikara and houseboat rates before boarding, and book houseboats through reliable sources.
- Check road and weather advisories before driving to Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg, especially in winter.
- Dress modestly when visiting shrines and mosques, and ask before photographing people.
- Buy pashmina and saffron only from trusted shops, as imitations are common.
FAQs
Srinagar Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Srinagar?
March to October is the best time to visit Srinagar for gardens, lakes and day trips. Visit in late March or April for the Tulip Garden, October and November for autumn colours, and December to February if you want snow.
How many days are enough for Srinagar?
Four to six days lets you enjoy Srinagar's lakes and gardens and take day trips to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
What is Srinagar famous for?
Srinagar is famous for Dal Lake, its houseboats and shikaras, the Mughal gardens, Kashmiri crafts such as pashmina and the rich Wazwan cuisine.
Does it snow in Srinagar?
Yes, Srinagar usually gets snowfall in winter, especially in December and January. Gulmarg nearby has more reliable snow and is popular for skiing.
Is a houseboat stay in Srinagar worth it?
A night or two on a houseboat on Dal or Nigeen Lake is one of the most memorable ways to experience Srinagar, with shikara access and lake views.
When does the Tulip Garden in Srinagar open?
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden opens for a few weeks each spring, usually from late March into April, depending on the weather.
