Srinagar Travel Guide

There is no dearth of hotels in Srinagar and these are available in every budget; some a little away and some within the city. You can choose them as per your requirements but make sure that you book in advance as it becomes quite difficult to find good accommodation facilities in such high footfall tourist areas. While Swiss Hotel Kashmir, Hotel JH Bazaz and Hotel Park Plaza cater to budget travellers, Taj Vivanta, Hotel Dar-Es-Salam and Hotel Broadway are for those who carry big bucks in their pocket. Also, there are several properties for those seeking mid-range hotels like Heevan Resorts, Welcom Hotel and Hotel Grand Mumtaz Srinagar. People in search of peace, who wish to stay a little away from the hustle and bustle of the city, can choose to stay in resorts that are tucked away a little far but will make your visit to Srinagar delightful.

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  6 luxury beds in Srinagar

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  10 resorts and boutique hotels around Srinagar

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  Top 5 mid-range hotels in Srinagar

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  Budget hotels in Srinagar

You are going to pass by myriad local eateries while roaming around in the city but as far as restaurants are concerned, there are only a few good ones in Srinagar. It’s important to know the good ones so that you know the authentic flavour of Kashmir. The locals prefer dining at The Mughal Darbar and Ahdoo’s for the very special Kashmiri delicacy, Wazwan. It’s a multi-course meal that is a must-have while you are in the city. In proximity to Dal Lake lies Lhasa Restaurant that delights guests with some lip-smacking chicken dishes. For a luxurious dining experience, you can also visit Shamyana Restaurant situated on the Boulevard Road. Although, these restaurants are widely famous for non-vegetarian fare, there’s no dearth of veg dishes and you can ask for chef’s recommendation for seasonal varieties.

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  Best restaurants in Srinagar

  Complete with authentic local spices and fresh produce, Kashmiri cuisine contains a strong influence of its location and culture. Though vegetarian delights are served in abundance, it is mutton-based dishes, served in restaurants in Srinagar that are most popular among tourists. The Mughal Darbar and Ahdoo’s on Residency Road are known for wazwan (a multi-course meal) and tourists and native from far and near vouch for its taste.

There are myriad places to visit in Srinagar; the city offers a potpourri of religious, adventure and sightseeing options that’d engage children and adults alike. The city of Srinagar rests in the Kashmir Valley along and around the famous Dal Lake. Famous for its blossoming gardens, lakes, houseboats and shikharas, Kashmir is known as paradise on earth. And when you’re not taking in the sheer natural beauty of the place, there’s lots more things to do in Kashmir you can partake of. The famous Dal Lake is undoubtedly the main attraction of the city, and Hazratbal further augments its beauty. Those who are spiritually inclined shouldn’t forget to visit the very beautiful Shankaracharya Temple and Jama Masjid. Srinagar also houses immensely beautiful Tulip and Mughal Gardens that have been and are seen in many movies. A few of the other prominent attractions include Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary and Wular Lake. The Mughal gardens are some of the best places to visit in Srinagar. With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, bright flowerbeds, and panoramic views of the vast Dal Lake, the three Mughal gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar were constructed back in the day for the pleasure of the Mughal emperors. These are also possibly the most well-maintained and litter-free gardens which you’ll find anywhere in the country.

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  10 Srinagar experiences that will charm the socks off you

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  Attractions in Srinagar that will fascinate the traveller in you

From sailing in a shikara and living in a houseboat to shopping some of the most exquisite shawls and carpets, there are plenty of things to do in Srinagar. From terraced lawns and cascading fountains of the Mughal Gardens to snow-capped peaks bordering the city, it is home to many exotic locales that will leave you awestruck with their pristine beauty. Visit the apple orchards or saffron fields or spend time at Gulab Bhawan after you are done shopping at Boulevard Road Market. Hokersar is a treat for the birdwatchers as Nageen Lake is for peace lovers. You can also visit Manasbal Lake, specially travellers who love hiking or head to the beautiful Wular Lake for fishing.

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  5 outdoorsy things to do in and around Srinagar

  The mere mention of Srinagar depicts a picture of serene landscapes and soothing views to the aspiring travellers. It is not a tough job to understand that Srinagar, much like the rest of the Kashmir Valley is all about the outdoors.

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  10 essential things to do in Srinagar for a great experience

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  Your comprehensive guide to the Srinagar-Leh road trip

For everyone who has ever dreamt to travel to Kashmir, Srinagar is a place he would definitely want to go. Sailing on the Dal Lake in a shikara or living in a houseboat are some of the things that come to the mind when someone mentions Srinagar. Shopping in Srinagar is one of those things that also makes a traveller fall in love with the place. This is because local shopping in Srinagar is an experience a shopaholic traveller would love to remember for a very long time. Srinagar as a shopping destination is famous for the Kashmiri handicrafts that the shops in this place sells. There are lots of interesting little bric-a-brac to pick up while you're browsing the streets of Srinagar as traveller, but there are also a few things that the city is famous for.

We tell you what's really worth spending on. Srinagar is known for its silverware with a range of items from ornamental jewellery to larger decoration pieces. In the meantime, it will be a sin not to bag some exotic Pashmina shawls from the Srinagar local markets. Papier-mache products are another item that you can carry back home without much hassles. Silk carpets are among Kashmir's most famous creations and it is worth every penny spent. When it comes to the question of where to shop in Srinagar, a few places like Lal Chowk in Srinagar, the shopping mall Srinagar and other popular shopping streets make for the perfect places for the purpose.

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  5 things to put on your Srinagar shopping list

If you are planning a weekend trip around Srinagar, you certainly won’t be disheartened as there are several magical options to choose from. The absolutely stunning Pahalgam is only 100 km from Srinagar while the magical Gulmarg is only 60 km away. For people in search of some solitude escape can choose to explore the hills of Patnitop, which is nearly 190 km from here. Besides, Chamba, Kangra and Sonmarg are also some great options. Religiously inclined can go on a Vaishno Devi Yatra in Katra which is nearly 250 km from Srinagar. Here we have collated a list of all the places that you can visit for an amazing weekend escape from Srinagar.

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  Magical trips around Srinagar

  Srinagar, blessed with scenic lakes and landscapes, is among one of the most beautiful cities in the country. However, there are several places around the city that makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Srinagar. Places like Pahalgam, Patnitop, Gulmarg, Kangra and Chamba are ideal for those looking for an escape away from the city life as these places are peacefully pleasant and magically pretty. Many of these gorgeous destinations have been a part of various Bollywood cinemas.

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  24 hours in Srinagar

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  48 hours in Srinagar