Srinagar

Srinagar is very well-known for its shawls and scarves, but the markets in the city offer a wide range of other souvenirs you can take back home too, such as locally-made silver jewellery, intricately designed wicker baskets, papier mache, exotic spices, and of course, the famed Kashmiri carpets.

The name Srinagar originated from two Sanskrit words – ‘Sri’ meaning wealth and ‘Nagar’ which means city. Prehistoric people used to refer Srinagar as ‘Siri – nagar’ which was a local alteration of ‘Surya – nagar’ or City of Sun. King Pravarasena II found this city 2000 years ago, formerly named Parvasenpur. Soon it became a part of the Mughal Empire, one of the largest Empires on India at that time. After the disintegration of Mughals, Srinagar was under the control of Durranis who ruled for several decades on the valley. In 1947, the struggle to gain dominance over Srinagar started between India and Pakistan. This led to the beginning of the Indo – Pak War. United Nations started cease fire on the situation due to which some parts of Kashmir went into the territory which is now called ‘Azad Kashmir’. The rest of the territory is an integral part of India and tells its story through the glorious beauty of its land to all the travellers.

Most of the people are lured by the elegant lifestyle of the city, medieval – looking backstreets and glistering white Himalayan villages. The multiple cultures and rich heritages have emerged from the Indo – Aryan Civilization from years ago, bearing the cultural aspects of Islam this place which can be seen in their food, traditions and lifestyle. The people are great craftsmen who practice many of the lost art forms in the world. Most of the population constitutes of Hindus and Muslims, as common languages spoken are Koshur, Kashmiri and Hindi. Women wear colourful sweater made dresses and men wear gurgabi. Religion in Srinagar is very diverse, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism are commonly followed by the people. Muslims are divided into two major groups – Shyias and Sunnis. These cultural differences have majorly contributed towards the multicultural lifestyle adopted by the people today.

Srinagar is colorful and beautiful in all its sides. Cuisine follows the same idea, with dishes that are rich, unique and significant enough to create a food culture around themselves. Kashmiri kebabs found are famous worldwide and you just cannot step out of Srinagar without trying these.
Also this is the place for the authentic green tea and Kawah. While here, one can also indulge in popular local breads available here with a sip of 'Pink tea'. Tsot is a local bread with sesame and poppy seeds and is quite popular in menus for breakfast.
Local cuisine include tabak maz, or flat pieces of meat cut from the ribs and fried till they acquire a crisp crackling texture, Gushtaba, which are meatballs moulded from pounded mutton like large-sized Rista (meat balls) but cooked in thick gravy of fresh curd base, Yakhni, a cream colored preparation of delicate flavor, is made with curd as a base, seekh kababs, Roganjosh, chaman- fried paneer (cottage cheese), in a thick sauce, dum-aloo - roasted potatoes in curd-based gravy.
Places to try Kashmiri Food

Matamaal - It is a Kashmiri Pandit household food station where you can relish on some traditional cuisines along with great music. The restaurant has a very classic feel to it, the menu is limited but every dish is worthwhile to try. Mutton Kanti is one of their most ordered items.
The Chinar - Situated in the valleys, this is an exotic food palace for some delight food. The food is a bit expensive but if you want to try some of the rich varieties of Kashmiri food, this place is top recommend. Some of the things you should try are Kashmiri Guchhi and Grilled rainbow trout.
Mughal Darbar - If you want to try some mutton-based cuisines, this place has its best to offer. From the best Wazwan in town to some mouth-watering traditional dishes, the floor carpet sitting is what attracts visitors to this place.
Shamyana - Roagn Josh and Wazwan are two things this place is famous for, serving some authentic delicacies in a great ambience dining. Located on the boulevard street, it offers a wide menu and great service.

View Top Restaurants in Srinagar

Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar. Check-in a hotel or a houseboat. In the evening, take Lake trip to 'Char Chinar' and 'Floating Gardens' by Shikara.

Day 2: Visit Pari Mahal and Shankaracharya Temple followed by a visit to Hazratbal.

Day 3: Visit Mughal Garden, Nishat Garden and Shalimar Garden followed by a visit to Chashme Shahi in the evening.