Destinations / Jammu and Kashmir
Lake city in the Kashmir valley, known for houseboats, shikara rides and Mughal gardens.
FamousLakeHeritageCityPilgrimage
Srinagar sits at about 1,585 m beside Dal Lake, with terraced Mughal gardens, old mosques and shrines, and houseboat stays. It suits families, couples and first-time visitors to Kashmir, and it is the usual base for day trips to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
Trip planner
Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March to May | Spring. Gardens are in flower and the Tulip Garden opens from late March, peaking in early to mid April. Days are mild. |
| June to August | Summer, about 15 to 30 C. Comfortable for the lake, but this is the most crowded time. |
| September to November | Autumn. Pleasant weather and chinar trees turn colour, with October best for photography. |
| December to February | Winter, about -2 to 10 C, with snow. Nights in February can fall to about -9 C. Fewest visitors. |
The main lake of the city, lined with houseboats and crossed by shikara boats. A floating vegetable market runs from about 5 am to 7 am and needs a shikara booked the evening before.
The largest of the Mughal gardens, built by Emperor Jehangir, with terraced lawns and water channels.
A Mughal garden of twelve terraces rising from the lake shore, with wide views over Dal Lake.
The smallest of the three main Mughal gardens, set on a hillside around a natural spring.
A seven-terraced garden and ruin on the Zabarwan hills, built in the mid-1600s by Dara Shikoh. Known for sunset views over Dal Lake.
An old Shiva temple on a hilltop above the city with wide views. The last part is a climb up stairs.
A white marble Muslim shrine on the shore of Dal Lake that houses a relic believed to be a hair of the Prophet Muhammad.
The main mosque of the old city, with 370 wooden pillars and space for about 33,000 worshippers.
Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.
Add this place and any others to a trip of your own. It is kept on this device.
| Budget level | Type | Price per night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Basic houseboat or budget hotel | ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 |
| Mid-range | Standard or deluxe houseboat, or mid-range hotel | ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 |
| Luxury | Heritage houseboat or premium hotel | ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 |
Wazwan meals cost about 500 to 2,000 rupees per person depending on the restaurant. Mid-range restaurant meals cost about 400 to 1,200 rupees per person, and street barbecue or kebabs about 100 to 300 rupees a serving. Ahdoos and Mughal Darbar are well-known places for Kashmiri food.
Kashmiri food is mostly meat-based, but vegetarian dishes such as dum aloo are available.
| Budget level | Stay per room | Food per person | Local transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹2,500 | ₹500 | ₹150 per person |
| Mid-range | ₹6,000 | ₹1,200 | ₹2,000 per vehicle |
| Luxury | ₹18,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹3,500 per vehicle |
Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.
Indian citizens need no permit for Srinagar. Foreign nationals need only a normal Indian visa. Permits apply only to restricted border areas such as Gurez. Carry photo ID.
Coverage maps: Jio · Airtel · Vi · BSNL. Report a problem
Unless a sight is described as accessible, assume it is not step-free.
Nearby
Distance by road.
FamousBaramulla, Jammu and Kashmir
A high meadow resort in the Pir Panjal with a two-stage cable car, ski slopes and summer flowers.
Full guide
FamousGanderbal, Jammu and Kashmir
High meadow town on the Srinagar-Leh highway, known for Thajiwas Glacier and the Sindh River.
Full guide
FamousAnantnag, Jammu and Kashmir
A Kashmir valley town on the Lidder river, with pine forests, meadows and side valleys.
Full guide
FamousReasi, Jammu and Kashmir
Hill cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta Hills, reached by a 12-13 km trek from Katra.
Full guide