✅ 1. Dal Lake
Known as the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”, Dal Lake is famous for its shikara rides, floating houseboats, and floating vegetable markets.
Best for: Romantic rides, photography, sunrise/sunset views.
✅ 2. Mughal Gardens
A trio of terraced gardens built by the Mughals on the eastern shore of Dal Lake:
Shalimar Bagh – “Abode of Love” by Emperor Jahangir.
Nishat Bagh – Offers terraced lawns with panoramic lake views.
Chashme Shahi – Smallest but most charming, with fresh spring water.
✅ 3. Nishat Bagh
The “Garden of Joy” has beautiful fountains, Mughal architecture, and a fantastic view of the Zabarwan mountains and Dal Lake.
✅ 4. Shankaracharya Temple
Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located atop a hill, offering 360° views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
Requires a short trek or drive uphill.
✅ 5. Hazratbal Shrine
A revered Muslim shrine situated on the northern banks of Dal Lake, housing a relic believed to be a strand of Prophet Muhammad’s hair.
Reflects Islamic architecture and spiritual serenity.
✅ 6. Tulip Garden (Indira Gandhi Memorial)
Asia’s largest tulip garden, blooming with colors during March–April.
A must-visit during the Tulip Festival for photography lovers and nature enthusiasts.
✅ 7. Pari Mahal (Palace of Fairies)
A historic monument and ancient observatory perched on Zabarwan mountain range.
Known for beautiful gardens, Islamic architecture, and spectacular sunset views over Dal Lake.
✅ 8. Nigeen Lake
Quieter and more pristine than Dal Lake. Offers houseboats and peaceful shikara rides.
Ideal for travelers seeking serenity away from the crowd.
✅ 9. Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta
14th-century wooden mosque in the heart of the old city with 378 wooden pillars.
A peaceful place reflecting Kashmiri architecture and heritage.
✅ 10. Dachigam National Park
Located 22 km from Srinagar, this national park is home to the endangered Hangul deer (Kashmiri stag) and offers pristine natural beauty.
Great for wildlife lovers and photographers.
✅ 11. Badamwari Garden
Famous for almond blossom trees in early spring (March).
Offbeat and less crowded, offering a peaceful stroll through blooming gardens.
✅ 12. Lal Chowk & Polo View Market
Best places to shop for Kashmiri handicrafts, saffron, Pashmina shawls, dry fruits, and papier-mâché artifacts.
Try some authentic Kashmiri Kahwa and street food.
Cradled in the valley of dreams, along the shimmering waters of Dal Lake, Srinagar is where Kashmir’s soul comes alive — a serene confluence of timeless beauty, rich culture, and poetic stillness. Whether you drift through quiet waters or wander age-old gardens, Srinagar offers a world where every breath feels like a gentle verse.
Set against the snow-capped backdrop of the Himalayas, Srinagar blends natural grace with spiritual calm. By day, it’s a canvas of reflection — with shikaras gliding across Dal Lake, floating gardens blooming on still waters, and houseboats offering heritage and hospitality wrapped in walnut wood and carved grace. The Mughal gardens, adorned with fountains and chinar trees, whisper tales of emperors and eternal spring.
As dusk falls, Srinagar transforms. The lake glows in the golden hour, and the city’s minarets and temples echo with soft evening prayers. Lanterns flicker on houseboats, and Kashmiri kahwa warms your hands as the mountain air turns crisp. It’s here that Kashmir’s poetic heart beats, drawing travelers into a world of snowflakes, saffron, and soul-stirring beauty.
✅ Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar | Dal Lake & Shikara Experience
Morning:
Arrival at Srinagar Airport
Warm welcome by Udaan Travelss representative
Transfer to a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake or hotel check-in
Afternoon:
Leisure time to relax and acclimatize
Enjoy a peaceful Shikara ride on Dal Lake, gliding past floating gardens, lotus blooms, and vibrant local life
Evening:
Visit Nehru Park, enjoy tea by the lake
Explore the local handicraft markets (carpets, pashmina, saffron, papier-mâché items)
Overnight Stay: Houseboat/Hotel in Srinagar
✅ Day 2: Srinagar Sightseeing | Mughal Gardens & Old City Charm
Morning:
After breakfast, visit the famous Mughal Gardens:
Shalimar Bagh – built by Emperor Jehangir for his queen
Nishat Bagh – Garden of Delight with terraced lawns and fountains
Chashme Shahi – the royal spring garden
Afternoon:
Visit Pari Mahal – a historic monument with panoramic views of Dal Lake
Explore Shankaracharya Temple – perched atop a hill, offering a bird’s-eye view of Srinagar
Enjoy authentic Kashmiri lunch (Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Dum Aloo)
Evening:
Walk through Srinagar’s old city: Shah Hamdan Mosque, Jamia Masjid, and traditional Kashmiri wooden houses
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Srinagar
✅ Day 3: Excursion to Gulmarg or Sonamarg (Choose One)
Option A: Gulmarg – The Meadow of Flowers
Drive to Gulmarg (52 km / 2 hours) – a pristine hill station known for snow sports & scenic beauty
Ride the Gondola Cable Car (Asia’s highest) up to Apharwat Peak
Enjoy activities: snowboarding, skiing (winter), pony rides (summer)
Explore Gulmarg Golf Course, one of the highest in the world
Option B: Sonamarg – Gateway to Ladakh
Drive to Sonamarg (80 km / 2.5 hours) – a majestic valley with glaciers and river crossings
Trek or ride ponies to Thajiwas Glacier
River rafting (optional, seasonal) on the Sindh River
Evening:
Return to Srinagar
Overnight Stay: Hotel in Srinagar
✅ Day 4: Local Exploration & Departure
Morning:
Visit the Floating Vegetable Market (early morning Shikara ride)
Optional stop at Hazratbal Shrine – a revered Muslim site by Dal Lake
Browse last-minute souvenirs from the Lal Chowk market
Afternoon:
Check-out from hotel
Transfer to Srinagar Airport with unforgettable memories 💠
Dehradun ➜ Herbertpur ➜ Paonta Sahib ➜ Nahan ➜ Kala Amb ➜ Chandigarh ➜ Ropar ➜ Hoshiarpur ➜ Pathankot ➜ Lakhanpur (J&K Entry) ➜ Jammu ➜ Udhampur ➜ Chenani ➜ Patnitop ➜ Ramban ➜ Banihal ➜ Anantnag ➜ Srinagar
The distance is approximately 850–900 km, depending on the route taken. It typically takes 18–20 hours of driving time.
Yes, the route is generally safe and well-traveled. However, always check local weather and traffic advisories, especially for Jammu–Srinagar highway, which can be affected by landslides or snow.
Yes. Popular stopovers include Chandigarh, Pathankot, Jammu, or Patnitop depending on your pace.
- No special permit is needed for Indian citizens to enter Srinagar by road. However, if you plan to visit restricted areas (like Gurez Valley or certain army zones), permits may be required.
- March to June: Pleasant summer, great for sightseeing
- July to September: Green and fresh, but occasional rains
- October to February: Cold with snowfall (great for snow lovers)
Top places include:
Dal Lake & Shikara Ride
Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh)
Hazratbal Shrine
Pari Mahal
Shankaracharya Temple
Floating Market on Dal Lake
Gulmarg and Pahalgam (as day trips)
Yes, Srinagar is safe for tourists. The region is heavily patrolled and monitored. Stick to tourist-friendly areas, and stay updated with local news.