Ringed by picturesque mountains, all snow-capped and stunning in winters, Srinagar is a microcosm, a melting pot of nature and culture that envelops one in a mystique hitherto unbeknownst. The city houses the pretty Dal Lake, which almost magically transforms into a frozen landmass every winter. Numerous houseboats and jewellery shops fringe the lake, but what makes it even more special is the weather – cool and placid, with a chill in the air that seeps into your soul and soothes it. Here in this blog you can read about our favorite things to do in Srinagar.
But before that, you must know –
What we loved about Srinagar most was the contrast between the new and the old city- with the new being symbolised with fancy cars and hotels, and the old soaked in gorgeous hand-embroidered pashmina shawls and some of the most fragrant saffron we’ve ever seen!
The mild summer climate is warm and welcoming, whilst the icy cold winter becomes a hub for all kinds of ice sports- from hockey to skiing – the range of options are endless. One of our secrets to a fulfilling trip was knowing our way through the labyrinth of streets to treat ourselves to the finest delicacies in town. A short walk after dinner, through nearby parks, and we were good for a while to come!
Surreal views at the Dal Lake
Situated in the mesmerizing backdrop of Himalayas, Dal lake is a hub for Shikara rides. To witness the grandeur of this place, one can take these traditional wooden boats and the boatman will show you the surrounding areas that have been bestowed with real beauty and grace.
One can board Shikara in a group or go for a solo ride. The cruise on Shikara will cost INR 400 per hour and an additional INR 150 if you wish to get photographed in the traditional Kashmiri dress. No doubt this place makes you want to groove to ‘Jiya Re’ just like Anushka Sharma did in the famous Bollywood movie – Jab Tak Hai Jaan!
Colourful houses in Srinagar
The typical Kashmiri outfit for both men and women in Kashmir is the Phiran. People usually rent it to get photographs clicked but I would recommend you all to buy it instead. They give you such a bohemian look and the Kashmiri aesthetic that even after returning from Kashmir I used to wear it in the peak Winter week in Delhi. I got lots of compliments for the same. Also, it is like again feeling the tenderness of your trip to Kashmir.
Sport a phiran and feel like a Kashmiri princess
We have always heard that heavens have pristine lakes, enchanting gardens, and divine aura… so does Srinagar. Be it Nishant Garden or the Mughal Garden, Shalimar Bagh or Charari Shareef, the exemplary landscape and built over fine taste and choice, all of these gardens are the ideal places for nature lovers.
Visit Nishant Bagh in Srinagar
Visit Nishant Bagh in Srinagar
Moments of sheer bliss overlooking beautiful garden in Srinagar
This is a must experience thing. Living in houseboats can be a whole new experience- living on the shimmering waters in an elegant bedroom and luxurious conveniences. The intricately carved wooden houseboat takes you to the world of stillness and peace.
A day in the houseboat in Srinagar
I always make sure any of our itineraries include some ‘Me-Shopping’ time. Firstly, retail therapy is always successful and secondly, collecting antique materials and souvenirs makes it easier to beat the nostalgia after returning to your home.
Walking at a new place is even better because one can notice the little things that we become oblivious off when traveling in a vehicle. While taking a stroll you get to meet a lot of locals, sit on the pathways, talk about life and not to forget the shredding of calories while walking.
Kick off your day with a good dose of calm moments of solace by walking along the long Dal Lake promenade. The 15 km long promenade attracts a lot of tourists so to escape the touts and crowds walk a wee bit further. Sit and watch the day go by.
This holy shrine in Srinagar is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known by various names like Pas Pahar and Takht-e-Suleiman. This temple has a lot of historical significance and here you will not only find people from Hindu religion worshiping Lord Shiva but also Christians who believe this place to be a “Prophet of Mankind.” We personally love going to such religious places during our trips because it gives us insight that despite big advancements there is a creator – the Almighty who gave us life.
Watching a sunrise or a sunset is simply magical. When in Srinagar, head to the boulevard street and watch the sun set or rise in all its glory when the light illuminates the shikaras as well your own self.
It looks so stunning that you’ll end up spending a lot of time on the boulevard street, admiring the orange hues!
Head to the Boulevard street, Dal lake
Catch the stunning sunset at the Boulevard street, Dal lake
On the bank of Dal lake lies this Muslim shrine – Dargah Hazratbal. Surrounded by lush green lawns, this holiest Muslim shrine in Kashmir is full of tranquillity. The sunlight that sieves through the curtains, sight of people praying whole-heatedly captured our hearts. Also, the top of this shrine gives you a panoramic view of the splendid beauty of Srinagar.
This serene muslim shrine lies on the banks of Dal Lake
Beautiful Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar
This place has to be on the top of your go-to list. It is a part of the famous Mughal Garden where colourful flowers accentuate the beauty of the garden in summers and the dew drops and snowballs make it look serene in the winters. Such places are proof that Kashmir is indeed a heaven on earth because it had an adobe of fairies too!
Swirling and Twirling in the gorgeous Pari Mahal
Follow me to Pari Mahal
You can find numerous cute cafes in Delhi but finding one in Kashmir was a treasure. This place had its own charm with delicious flavours of tea being served in the chilly weather while looking at spectacular beauty of nature.
Doing a simple thing like drinking chai with a light snack was also a delightful experience here. That is the thing about travelling, it makes you live every moment as a blessing!
Happy and cozy inside the gorgeous Chai Jaai
Happy and cozy inside the gorgeous Chai Jaai
*****
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Phenomenal photos! The great thing about travel blogs such as this one is that it introduces me to parts of the world I didn’t even know existed or knew I could visit.
Thanks Amber! We hope you make it to Kashmir one day! 🙂
I’ve never heard of this place before, but after seeing your photos, I really want to go. It’s beautiful!
Wow! There is so much to do! I would love to Spend a Night in a Houseboat! Bet the views are stunning!
The gardens look beautiful and it’s something I would like to do just spending sometime there. I’ve never been but hopefully one day I will.
Gorgeous pictures! I would love to try a houseboat one day. Maybe for just a week though. I like having some land to roam. 🙂
Kashmir was not on my list of places to visit, but after seeing the pics and reading about the experience, I think it’s now getting added! Thanks!
first, your photos are just lovely! and second, now you really got me curious about this place! it is so picturesque!
Your photos are fantastic and so dreamy! They are so putting me in the holiday and travel mood! I have never been to Srinigar but sounds like such a beautiful place to go!
Beautiful pictures, thanks for sharing all this lovely information about srinagar!
What amazing photography. I love the setting. I love it when people share their travel experiences like this.
What a beautiful trip! We adding this destination to our bucket list.
Srinagar sounds like such an interesting place to go to and explore. I have to admit it isn’t somewhere I have thought of going or heard much about before.
I absolutely love your site and the way you shine light on less-traveled places! I would love to go here, staying on a houseboat has always been something I wanted to do.
Hey Marci, I hope you are able to make it to Srinagar soon! It’s a gem of a place in India. Just be wary of the political conditions in that area before planning a visit. Sometimes, it’s just not suitable to plan a trip! But just sometimes! 🙂
Such beautiful scenery! I love how you were able to capture all these beautiful images.
Wow, the gardens, I would love to walk through those gardens. The Hazratbal Shrine also looks amazing. Your photos are so great and really makes me wanna be there.
Seem like a nice trip! I’m glad you had a great time. These pictures are beautiful! I’ve never heard of this place, Thanks for sharing.
This looks like a beautiful place to visit! I’ve never heard of it before so I’m so glad you shared it!!
It does look like an amazing adventure. I would really love the houseboat. It’s so lovely. And the gardens look amazing as well. Definitely an adventure I would love to go on.
Great photos! That’s a very beautiful place!
Thanks Alessandra. Srinagar is gorgeous. 🙂
Thanks for your Srinagar blog. It motivated me to visit Srinagar. Soon I will be visiting here. I think now my journey will be quite simple.
Thanks Abhinav, glad we could help. 🙂
Wonderful blog! This is such a cool post! I love discovering offbeat things to do. Such a lovely pictures. Very informative blog and suggestion for travelers. Visit on – Bilal maszid, Amda Kadal Lal Bazar Near Darul Aloom Bilalya, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190023.
woww! this vlog made me so excited. love from london
Hey, Excellent and well-written blog and what a spectacular sounding city!! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Warm regards,
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Very nicely said your mind is as beautiful as your photography Keep up the beautiful work! I love it, Thankyou for sharing with us.
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