Srinagar Tour Packages

Shikara Rides in Srinagar

Shikara rides are traditional long boat rides taken along the Dal lake in Srinagar. These gondola-shaped rowing vessels are used for casual tourism purposes. Besides, it is also a great mode of water transport to various areas in Kashmir. Shikara rides are locally used for fishing and seaweed harvesting as well. A typical 3 to 4 hour ride would cost at least INR 100 per person. However, these bargainable prices are subject to the season, with the high season being anywhere between INR 400 and INR 1500. 

Places to Visit in Srinagar

Dal Lake: The famous Dal Lake is the second-largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir. The mirror-like lake reflects the peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains while the colourful shikaras (gondolas) float around. The houseboats and shikaras are its main attractions. The Dal Lake of Srinagar is also popular for the floating market (known as Raad) where vendors have their own Shikaras and are not shy of approaching tourists with their most endearing handicrafts, saffron, edibles and even ice-creams in tow. Ice skating during winter on the frozen Dal Lake also attracts many tourists.

Shalimar Bagh: Shalimar Bagh is a beautifully laid out Mughal garden, the largest of the three Mughal gardens in Srinagar. This pristine attraction was built in the year 1619 by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan and lies overlooking the scintillating waters of the Dal Lake. It is now a public park and is known as the "crown of Srinagar". The chini khanas or arched niches placed behind waterfalls and the chinar trees are the highlights here. 

Nishat Bagh: The Nishat Bagh is a 12 terraced garden located near Srinagar's famous Dal Lake. It is the second-largest Mughal garden in Kashmir. Popularly known as "Garden of Bliss", it has a splendid Mughal central water channel with several fountains, which is surrounded by tall Chinar trees. You can catch a magnificent view of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop.

Chashme Shahi: Chashme Shahi is one of the three Mughal gardens in Srinagar. It is famous for its natural spring known as Rupa Bhawani and remains open for tourists from March to November. The terraced garden is dotted with walkways, colourful plants and pools of water.

Hazratbal Shrine: This is the holiest Muslim shrine and mosque in Kashmir, located on the banks of the Dal Lake. The silvery-white mosque houses a relic known as Moi-e-Muqqadas which is believed to be a sacred hair of Prophet Muhammad's beard. The hair is brought before the general public only on specific occasions. Women are allowed only till the first part of the shrine.

Tulip Garden: ​​Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the largest tulip garden in Asia. It is home to flowers like roses, daffodils, hyacinths, iris amongst 48 varieties of tulips. The Tulip Festival held here is the highlight which attracts tourists from all over the world.

Shankaracharya Temple: Located on top of the Shankaracharya Hill, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest shrines in Kashmir. Also known as Jyesteshwara Temple, the temple is named after the great philosopher Shankaracharya who is believed to have visited Srinagar about ten centuries ago. The Shiva Linga he worshiped is located in the temple. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya attained spiritual enlightenment at this place. 

Pari Mahal: Pari Mahal is a seven-terraced garden located above the beautiful Chashme Shahi Gardens near Srinagar. The main attraction is the numerous colourful flowers and exotic fruit plantations. The architecture of Pari Mahal is a traditional Islamic type of architecture while the surrounding gardens are exceptionally well maintained.

Gulmarg: Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination located in Pir Panjal Range, about 40km from Srinagar. Surrounded by snow-covered lofty Himalayas, meadows of flowers, deep ravines, evergreen forested valleys, Gulmarg also has the world's second-highest Gondola ride. It is also one of the top honeymoon destinations in India.

Sonamarg: Sonamarg is a picturesque hill station, about 80km from Srinagar. It is known for its snow-laden fields, surrounded by majestic glaciers and serene lakes which cast subtle spells on the travellers. Sonamarg acts as the base camp for the trekking routes which leads to the mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Kishansar. 

Pahalgam: Pahalgam is a beautiful hill station and a popular tourist attraction located 90km from Srinagar. Pahalgam is located on the banks of the Liddar River and is famous for adventure activities like hiking, trekking, fishing. It also serves as the base for the famous Amarnath Yatra. When in Pahalgam, buy authentic Kashmiri saffron from Pampore.

Things to Do in Srinagar

Stay in a houseboat: Staying in a houseboat amidst pristine waters of the Dal Lake, is one of the most essential things to do in Srinagar. Made in wood and adorned in a typical Kashmir style decor, the houseboats are a perfect way to experience the quintessential local life in the luxurious way. You will also be mesmerised by the surrounding atmosphere and the interior decor. 

Visit an Apple Orchard: Srinagar is counted among the most beautiful places of India owing to its lush green orchards, free flowing rivers and paradisal locales. Also, 80% of the country's apple supplies are managed from here. So, visit the emerald carpeted meadows full of green trees sprinkled with shiny red apples and let the picture perfect scene be etched in your memory forever.

Paragliding: Paragliding is one of the most exciting activities that you can experience in Srinagar. Most of the adventure clubs let you experience the thrills of paragliding. Besides giving you a major adrenaline rush, it also lets you have a gorgeous bird's eye view of the valley below. Some of the top paragliding points close to Srinagar include Aru village in Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Harwan Garden.

Trek to Sinthan Top: A mountain pass in the Pir Panjal Mountain Ranges, Sithan Top is found along the National Highway of Kokernag-Sinthan Top-Kishtwar Road. This pathway connects Jammu and Kashmir. The snow-laden hilltop is lately emerging as a new tourist destination owing to the beautiful views and the idyllic setting. It is also popular for mountaineering, trekking and skiing.

Visit the Floating Market: Srinagar is also popular for its floating vegetable markets where vegetable and fruits are sold around in the waters on the Shikara. More than a sell-purchase transaction, it is an interesting place to visit for sightseeing. One of the most unique things to do in Srinagar, these markets are run at the corner of the Dal Lake and besides the regular traders and buyers, they attract a whole lot of tourists.

Shopping in Srinagar

There is plenty that you can shop for while in Srinagar. It is famous for its handicrafts, wooden products, handlooms and more.

• You would find a variety of hand-knotted oriental carpets made entirely of wool or silk which are famous for their beautiful patterns and bright colours.
• Shawls made of wool, silk, pashmina etc. and organic dyes make for excellent souvenirs.
• There are numerous markets selling paper mache items like vases or boxes which are known for their organic or vegetable-based colours.
• Srinagar is also popular for wooden items, especially made of walnut wood, which feature intricate carvings.
• You can also shop for a copperware with beautiful carvings; pots, glasses, water jugs, pans, cauldrons, etc. are available.
• Kashmiri tea (specifically Kashmiri Kahwa and ink tea) is another item that you can shop for while you are in Srinagar since it is known all around for its taste and aroma.
• Spices like saffron, black cumin, Kashmiri red chilli powder and dry fruits like walnuts, figs, raisins, dates and apricots etc. are also sold here.
• Lal Chowk, Residency Road, Zaina Kadal Road, Polo View and floating markets are great for finding souvenirs. 

Food in Srinagar

Srinagar is synonymous with a delectable cuisine which features a variety of dishes, especially those that contain meat and are extremely flavourful.

• One of the most popular dishes that you must try out when visiting Srinagar is rogan josh which is made of lamb; a spicy and aromatic dish, it is made by caramelising onions and cooking the spices with yoghurt.
• Matschgand is essentially a dish featuring minced meat in thick red gravy which is hot and spicy because of rich spices.
• Make sure to try out modur pulao, a rice dish which includes a variety of spices like saffron, cashews, almonds, green cardamom, sugar and also ghee.
• Another popular meat dish is shab daig which is prepared overnight and includes turnip which is cooked alongside meat.
• You can also try out bakarkhani which is a naan like bread with sesame seeds eaten with a spicy dish or gogaji razmah made of kidney beans, turnip and various spices.
• Beverages like noon chai, which is pink salty tea and Kahwa which is green tea with dry fruits and spices are also famous.
• Srinagar is also known for its desserts such as phirni. It is made up of ground rice, milk, saffron, cardamom, fruits, rose essence etc.
• Do make sure to try falooda which comprises milk, vermicelli, basil seeds, tapioca pearls etc., seviyan which is made of milk and vermicelli, and shufta made of loads of dry fruits and sugar.