Dal Lake Shikara Ride
A shikara ride across Dal Lake, past floating gardens and houseboats, is the classic Srinagar experience — best done early morning or at sunset.
Kashmir Destination Guide
Srinagar Travel Guide
The summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, and the starting point for most Kashmir trips — Dal Lake, houseboats, Mughal Gardens and the Old City.
About Srinagar
The Heart Of A Kashmir Trip
Srinagar sits around Dal Lake in the Kashmir Valley and serves as the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. For most travellers, it's both the arrival point and a base to return to between trips out to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
The city is best known for Dal Lake and its houseboats, the Mughal-era gardens built along the lake's edge, and the older parts of the city around Jama Masjid and the traditional markets.
Things To Do
What To See In Srinagar
Houseboat Stay
Spending at least one night on a traditional Dal Lake houseboat is a distinctive part of visiting Srinagar.
Mughal Gardens
Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi are terraced Mughal-era gardens built along Dal Lake, each with a different layout and view.
Old City & Jama Masjid
The older parts of Srinagar around Jama Masjid give a different, more local perspective on the city than the lakeside areas.
Shankaracharya Temple
Set on a hilltop above the city, this temple offers a wide view over Srinagar and Dal Lake.
Hazratbal Shrine
A white marble shrine on the northern banks of Dal Lake, known for its distinctive dome and its setting right at the water's edge.
Local Markets
Srinagar's markets are known for Pashmina shawls, papier-mâché crafts and Kashmiri carpets, alongside everyday local shopping.
Planning Your Visit
Srinagar Travel Essentials
How To Reach
Srinagar Airport has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai, and connecting flights from other cities. It's also reachable by road from Jammu.
Suggested Duration
2 to 3 days is enough to cover the main sights at a comfortable pace, including at least one houseboat night.
Where To Stay
A mix of a Dal Lake houseboat and a city hotel works well for most trips — we can arrange either as part of your package.
Best Time To Visit
Srinagar is pleasant from April through October, with a colder, quieter season from December to February.
Frequently Asked
Srinagar: Common Questions
How many days should I spend in Srinagar?
2 to 3 days is generally enough to cover Dal Lake, a houseboat stay, the Mughal Gardens and Old City sightseeing at a comfortable pace.
Is a houseboat stay worth it in Srinagar?
Most first-time visitors include at least one night on a Dal Lake houseboat, since it's a distinctive part of the Srinagar experience alongside more conventional hotel stays.
What are the must-see places in Srinagar?
Dal Lake and a shikara ride, the Mughal Gardens (Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi), the Old City around Jama Masjid, and Shankaracharya Temple for a view over the city are the most commonly visited spots.
How do I get to Srinagar?
Srinagar Airport has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai and connecting flights from other major cities. It's also reachable by road from Jammu via the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
Is Srinagar a good base for visiting the rest of Kashmir?
Yes. Srinagar is the usual starting and ending point for a Kashmir trip, with Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg all reachable as day trips or short drives from the city.
What is Hazratbal Shrine?
Hazratbal Shrine is a white marble mosque on the northern banks of Dal Lake, known for its distinctive dome and lakeside setting, and worth including alongside the Mughal Gardens on a Srinagar sightseeing day.
Booking Locally
Plan With A Srinagar-Based Agent
SS Travels is based in Rajbagh, right in Srinagar, and plans your trip directly rather than reselling through another operator.
About Our Srinagar TeamPlan Your Srinagar Stay
Share your travel dates on WhatsApp, and we'll arrange your Srinagar stay as part of a full Kashmir itinerary.