Srinagar

Srinagar Overview

Srinagar is the beating heart of Kashmir — a city built around water, where the Dal and Nigeen Lakes mirror the Zabarwan hills and centuries-old houseboats rock gently at their moorings. Mornings begin with the murmur of the floating vegetable market, afternoons drift by on a hand-paddled Shikara past the Mughal gardens of Nishat and Shalimar, and evenings settle over Boulevard Road as the call to prayer echoes from the Hazratbal shrine. For most travellers, Srinagar is both the gateway to Kashmir and a destination that deserves two unhurried days on its own.

Major Attractions

• Dal Lake & Shikara rides through the floating gardens
• Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh Mughal gardens
• Nigeen Lake and its quieter houseboat colonies
• Hazratbal Shrine on the northern shore of Dal Lake
• Old City walking trail: Jamia Masjid, Shah-e-Hamdan and the spice bazaars
• Pari Mahal for sunset views over the valley

Things to Do

• Stay a night aboard a traditional carved-cedar houseboat
• Shop for pashmina, papier-mâché and walnut wood carving on Polo View
• Sample wazwan cuisine at a heritage restaurant on the Boulevard
• Take an early-morning Shikara ride to the floating market
• Cycle or walk along the Boulevard promenade at sunset

Important Travel Tips

• Book a houseboat directly through a registered operator or your travel agent for authentic, safe stays.
• Carry a light shawl even in summer — evenings on the lake turn cool quickly.
• Negotiate Shikara and shikara-shopping rates before boarding; standard rides are time-based.

Location Map

Frequently Asked Questions