Plan Your Trip: 6 Real Srinagar Itineraries

2 Days in Srinagar

Day 1

• Start your day with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast at a local eatery.
• Embark on a serene shikara ride on Dal Lake, exploring its floating gardens and vibrant life.
• Visit the beautiful terraced Nishat Bagh, a stunning Mughal garden offering picturesque views.
• Enjoy lunch at Stream Restaurant, known for its authentic Wazwan dishes like rogan josh and yakhni.
• Explore the historic Shalimar Bagh, built by Emperor Jahangir, and admire its intricate design.
• Head to Pari Mahal for breathtaking panoramic views of Dal Lake, especially beautiful at sunset.
• Savor dinner at Shamyana Lodge & Restaurant, indulging in more Wazwan specialties or Kashmiri trout.
• Retire for the night at a well-regarded houseboat like Swan Group Of Houseboats for a unique experience.

Day 2

• Begin your day with breakfast at a local spot, perhaps trying some kahwa or noon chai.
• Ascend to Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views of Srinagar city and the surrounding landscape.
• Visit the revered Hazratbal Shrine, located on the tranquil shores of Dal Lake.
• Have lunch at Mughal Darbar, where you can try their wazwan or a comforting dum aloo.
• Explore the bustling Lal Chowk, the city center, for some shopping and to see the iconic Ghanta Ghar clock tower.
• Discover the architectural beauty of Jamia Masjid, a historic mosque in the old city.
• Enjoy a delightful dinner at Wah Kabab, known for its rogan josh and seekh kabab.
• Consider another night on a houseboat, perhaps The Jewel In Crown Houseboats, to fully immerse in the experience.

For a first-time visitor, prioritize the iconic Dal Lake experiences and Mughal gardens to capture the essence of Srinagar.

3 Days in Srinagar

Day 1

• Arrive in Srinagar and check into your houseboat. Consider a highly-rated option like Swan Group Of Houseboats or The Jewel In Crown Houseboats for a memorable stay.
• Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri lunch at Stream Restaurant, known for its authentic wazwan and rogan josh.
• Spend the afternoon exploring Dal Lake with a relaxing shikara ride, taking in the floating gardens and vibrant life on the water.
• Witness a breathtaking sunset from Pari Mahal, offering panoramic views of Dal Lake and the surrounding landscape.
• For dinner, savor more Kashmiri specialties at Shamyana Lodge & Restaurant, which also offers delicious walnut fudge.

Day 2

• Start your day with a visit to Nishat Bagh, a beautiful Mughal terraced garden with stunning views of Dal Lake.
• Enjoy a casual lunch at Le Delice (Durgjan location) for a general menu selection.
• Explore the historic Shalimar Bagh, another exquisite Mughal garden built by Emperor Jahangir.
• Ascend to Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views of Srinagar city and the surrounding mountains.
• Experience the bustling city center of Lal Chowk, where you can see the Ghanta Ghar clock tower and browse local shops.
• For dinner, try Wah Kabab in Lal Chowk for their excellent rogan josh and seekh kababs.

Day 3

• Begin your day with a visit to the revered Hazratbal Shrine, located on the banks of Dal Lake.
• Head to the old city to explore Jamia Masjid, a historic mosque with impressive architecture.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at Mughal Darbar, famous for its wazwan and kahwa.
• If visiting between March and April, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia's largest tulip garden.
• Indulge in some local sweets and snacks. Consider Nathu's Sweets for walnut fudge or Shakti Sweets (Since 1966) for pani puri.
• For your farewell dinner, enjoy a fine dining experience at Olive Tree Fine Dining Restaurant, offering a variety of Kashmiri and other dishes.

For a truly immersive experience, embrace the slower pace of life on the lake and in the old city, allowing time for spontaneous conversations and discoveries.

1 Day in Srinagar, Vegetarian-Friendly

Day 1

• Start your day with a visit to the serene Shankaracharya Temple, offering panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
• Enjoy a vegetarian breakfast. Consider a stop at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba for their dum aloo or nadru.
• Immerse yourself in the beauty of Nishat Bagh, a stunning Mughal terraced garden with vibrant flowers and fountains.
• For lunch, savor some traditional Kashmiri vegetarian dishes like dum aloo or nadru at Veg Restaurant - Kake Di Hatti Srinagar, and don't forget to try their kahwa.
• Experience a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake, gliding past floating gardens and houseboats.
• As the sun begins to set, head to Pari Mahal for breathtaking panoramic views of Dal Lake, a perfect spot for photography.
• Conclude your day with a delicious vegetarian dinner. Tandoor in Lal Chowk offers rogan josh (vegetarian version available on request), modur pulav, and nadru.

For this vegetarian itinerary, always confirm with the restaurant if their "rogan josh" or "yakhni" can be prepared in a vegetarian style, as these are traditionally meat-based dishes.

1 Day in Srinagar, Budget-Conscious

Day 1

• Start your day with a visit to Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake. This hilltop Hindu temple offers a serene and free experience.
• Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast at a local eatery, perhaps trying some local tea like kahwa or noon chai.
• Take a leisurely stroll through Lal Chowk, the bustling city center. Explore the shops and see the iconic Ghanta Ghar clock tower.
• For lunch, grab some delicious and affordable seekh kababs at Aslam Chicken Karan Nagar Srinagar.
• Experience the iconic Dal Lake with a budget-conscious shikara ride. Remember to budget around ₹700 for an hour to enjoy the floating gardens and serene waters.
• Visit the beautiful Hazratbal Shrine, a significant mosque located on the banks of Dal Lake, offering a peaceful and free cultural experience.
• For dinner, savor some authentic Kashmiri cuisine at Mughal Darbar, known for its wazwan and other traditional dishes at a reasonable price point.

Budget Tip: Look for street food vendors in Lal Chowk for even more affordable snack options throughout the day.

1 Day in Srinagar, Family with Kids

Day 1

• Start your day with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast at your accommodation, or find a local spot for a quick bite.
• Enjoy a relaxing morning with a shikara ride on Dal Lake, taking in the floating gardens and vibrant life on the water.
• Explore the beautiful terraced gardens of Nishat Bagh, perfect for kids to run around and enjoy the Mughal architecture.
• For lunch, head to Mughal Darbar for a taste of authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including their famous wazwan.
• In the afternoon, visit Shalimar Bagh, another stunning Mughal garden built by Jahangir, offering plenty of space for children to play.
• (If traveling March-April) Immerse yourselves in the vibrant colors of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia's largest tulip garden.
• Enjoy an early dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant, known for its wide range of Kashmiri dishes, including wazwan and walnut fudge.
• Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll around Lal Chowk, soaking in the city's atmosphere and perhaps spotting the Ghanta Ghar clock tower.

Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and allow for flexible timing to accommodate the children's energy levels and interests throughout the day.

2 Days in Srinagar, Houseboat & Luxury

Day 1

• Arrive in Srinagar and transfer to your luxurious accommodation at Swan Group Of Houseboats for a serene check-in experience.
• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Stream Restaurant, known for its exquisite Kashmiri Wazwan and other local delicacies like rogan josh and yakhni.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant Dal Lake with a relaxing shikara ride, taking in the floating gardens and the picturesque surroundings.
• As the sun begins to set, head to Pari Mahal, a beautiful hilltop Mughal-era structure offering panoramic views of Dal Lake, especially stunning at this time.
• For dinner, savor the flavors of Kashmir at Shamyana Lodge & Restaurant, which also offers a wide range of Wazwan dishes and delicious walnut fudge.
• Conclude your day with a peaceful evening back on your houseboat, enjoying the tranquility of Dal Lake.

Day 2

• Begin your day with a traditional Kashmiri breakfast, perhaps a cup of kahwa or noon chai, at your houseboat or a nearby café like Winterfell Café.
• Visit the majestic Shalimar Bagh, a beautiful Mughal garden built by Emperor Jahangir, and then proceed to the equally stunning Nishat Bagh.
• Enjoy a delightful lunch at Le Delice (Kothi Bagh location), offering a highly-rated general menu in a pleasant setting.
• Explore the historic Jamia Masjid in the old city, an architectural marvel, followed by a visit to the revered Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake.
• Ascend to Shankaracharya Temple for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city and Dal Lake.
• For your farewell dinner, indulge in the rich flavors of Wah Kabab in Lal Chowk, renowned for its rogan josh, yakhni, and seekh kabab.
• Take a final stroll through Lal Chowk, the city center, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs.

This itinerary prioritizes a relaxed pace, allowing ample time to soak in the beauty of Srinagar from your houseboat and enjoy high-quality dining experiences.