Srinagar Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Hari Parbat Fort which includes heritage architecture
Set in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas, Kashmir and Jammu’s summer capital is a city bursting with colour and tradition. 

Srinagar’s numerous attractions and picturesque location on the shores of Dal Lake have made it a favourite with visitors both from India and further afield.

Srinagar is most famous for its charming houseboats which sit peacefully on the calm waters of Dal Lake. Rent a houseboat and spend a tranquil few days touring around the lake. For the best price, negotiate on arrival instead of booking ahead. If living afloat does not appeal, exploring the lake via a rented shikara, a smaller boat, is a great alternative. 

Back on land, beautiful gardens dating back to the Mughal era feature local flowers and fountains. Many offer panoramic views of the lake. The best known of these is Shalimar Bagh but the quieter Nishat Bagh is more immediately impressive and the Zabarwan Mountains make for a stunning backdrop. 

Don’t miss the many beautiful mosques in Srinagar. The lakeside location of the Hazratbal Mosque and the excellent nearby market could be what makes it a hugely popular attraction. Admire the breathtaking white exterior and impressive structure. Bear in mind, however, that women can only enter the first area of the building.

A visit to the Jamia Masjid mosque, in the Nowhatta area, provides the perfect opportunity to take a step back in time into the bustling old city where you will also find the vibrant Lal Chowk Bazaar. Haggle with the market sellers for food, crafts and more. 

Away from its sights, smells and sounds, a trip to the Kashmir region would not be complete without purchase of a pashmina, a textile which has been manufactured here for thousands of years. If you want to make sure you get a genuine pashmina, a visit to the Kashmir Shawl Museum in the centre of town can be extremely worthwhile. 

A cool to warm summer climate makes Srinagar an excellent choice for Western tourists who find the tropical temperatures of some parts of India uncomfortable. Much of the elegance of the city is maintained through the winter. However, some of the excellent restaurants and bars on the waterfront may close their doors.

Where to stay in Srinagar

Mughal Gardens showing a fountain and a garden

Nishat-Shalimar

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Nishat-Shalimar include the lake views and restaurants. Make a stop by Mughal Gardens or Shalimar Bagh while you're exploring the area.

Nishat-Shalimar
Hotel Grand Boulevard
Hotel Grand Boulevard
3 out of 5
Ghat no 10 Boulevard, Dal lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
The price is ₹6,359 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹6,359
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Srinagar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Shankaracharya Reserved Forest and Nehru Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Awesome"

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2023

Hotel Grand Boulevard
Vivanta Dal View
Vivanta Dal View
5 out of 5
Kralsangri Brein Srinagar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
The price is ₹32,000 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
₹32,000
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Srinagar. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden and Botanical ...
9/10 Wonderful! (57 reviews)
"Great view. excellent service. Very courteous staff. However this is an older property under renovation. I did not know about renovations until at the property. Many features did not work. No swimming pool (outdoor) despite being advertised on Expedia and all sites. Room safe did not work and was ..."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2024

Vivanta Dal View
Radisson Srinagar
Radisson Srinagar
4.5 out of 5
11, Maulana Azad Road, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
The price is ₹19,000 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
₹19,000
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Srinagar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Dal Lake and Kathi Darwaza are located nearby. ...
8/10 Very Good! (8 reviews)
"Good hospitality neet and clean good food shop In hotel also not charging extra on Kawa Thanks improve house keeping and room service fast"

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2023

Radisson Srinagar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Golden Hopes Group of Houseboats
Golden Hopes Group of Houseboats
3 out of 5
Boulevard Rd, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Stay at this 3-star houseboat in Srinagar. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace and room service. Popular attractions Dal Lake and Nehru Park are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Excellent friendly and knowledgeable hosts, who offered memorable activities suited to my tastes. Very comfortable bed, hot shower and excellent food. Relaxing and quiet front lake viewing area with everyday activities happening in front of your eyes so you can learn about local lifestyle."

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2019

Golden Hopes Group of Houseboats
Floating Luxury Group Of Houseboats
Floating Luxury Group Of Houseboats
2.5 out of 5
Ghat No.9 Boulevard Rd, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Stay at this houseboat in Srinagar. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Dal Lake and Shankaracharya Reserved Forest are located ...
Floating Luxury Group Of Houseboats
Prince of Kashmir Luxury Houseboat
Prince of Kashmir Luxury Houseboat
2.5 out of 5
Boulevard Rd, Srinagar
Stay at this houseboat in Srinagar. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and on-site parking. Popular attractions Dal Lake and Nehru Park are located nearby. Discover ...
6/10 (1 review)
"Toilets leaked every day. Rooms could have been cleaner, People were great. I think Kashmir needs to upgrade its infrastructure - their tourism is still in 1980s while the world has moved on to 2023"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2023

Prince of Kashmir Luxury Houseboat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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