Things To Do In Srinagar
Overview
Srinagar has been a historically significant city of Jammu and Kashmir and now as its summer capital, it is visited by a bunch of tourists from all over the world. As a year-round destination, the place has everything one looks for in a perfect travel attraction.
From various Mughal Gardens to some of the largest lakes of Kashmir, it is filled with many local sightseeing spots. Not only these spots are excellent choices to explore the city, they offer a range of experience from Paragliding, Shikara Rides, Picnics, boating, trekking etc.
The best time to visit Kashmir depends completely on your preference. If you wish to enjoy the outdoor activities in pleasant weather, summer trip to Srinagar is the ideal choice.
For a serene escape in the winter wonderland, December to March would be well-suited. Whether you are newly weds or a big family wanting to spend some time together, it awaits with different things to do in Srinagar.
They can easily be booked via online websites or any travel agency like Cliffhangers India would be more than happy to do it for you. Here, a detailed page on different activities to do in Srinagar along with additional information. Take a look!
Srinagar Special Tours
5D/ 4N
5D/ 4N
6D/ 5N
4D/ 3N
01. Srinagar Heritage Walk
Srinagar heritage walk is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and heritage of Srinagar. With the tour, you get to know the history of some of the oldest buildings and places of the city.
Not only the local attractions are covered, the local artisans, carpet factories, vibrant markets, architectural styles are also part of the same.
Srinagar Heritage Walk is only of a one day and places to discover in the Srinagar Heritage Walk are Pathar Masjid, Jamia Masjid, Budshah Tomb, Mazar e Salateen, Naqshband Sahab Shrine, Khanqah e Mola, Zaina Kadal, Ali Kadal, Vakil House etc.
They are mostly located in the Downtown region and a skilled local guide accompanies you.
02. Paragliding at Astanmarg
Astanmarg is a lush meadow, tucked in by Zabarwan range in Srinagar. It has emerged as a popular paragliding destination of the city in recent years.
As you plan the adventurous activity, it starts from the Astanmarg top and finally culminates at the Pandora ground. The entire experience is one of a lifetime as you fly over the city like a little bird. It is the best way to get an aerial view of Srinagar and then land on the outskirts.
Summer is the best time for paragliding in Srinagar. While it is operational throughout the day, an early morning or evening soar over the city gives you an unparalleled sunrise or sunset view.
03. Srinagar Food Tour
The Kashmiri Cuisine is every restaurant’s special in Srinagar. With a bunch of them all over the city, your Srinagar trip wouldn’t be complete without the Srinagar Food Tour. The best way to start the tasty tour is by relishing the big feast of Wazwan, containing multiple meat based dishes.
With more than 10 dishes of Kashmiri Cuisine, it is undoubtedly the most sought-after meal from Srinagar. If you are in Srinagar in winter, you can’t miss Harissa.
The mutton based dish is mouthwatering. Street foods in Srinagar are lotustem fritters, Layeh, Masal Cxhot, etc. Beverages to try include the world renowned Kahwa and Nun-Chai. Once you are done with the main course, treat your sweet buds with desserts like Khandi Gazri, Bisrakh and Lale Sangram.
04. Dachigam Wildlife Safari
The protected area of Dachigam National Park is situated at a distance of about 17 kilometres from Srinagar. You can explore the entire area via the safaris offered there. Riding in a jeep, you get to see the animals from a close yet safe distance.
Some animals to spot in the national park are Himalayan black bear, Kashmiri Stag or Hangul, Musk Deer, etc. If you are there in winter and you are deemed lucky, you can even spot the rare snow leopards. Trees of Wild Cherry, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apple, Apricot, Walnut, Chestnut, Oak, Willow, Poplar, Chinar, Birch, Pine, and Elm are found in abundance here.
Make sure to carry a camera to click the wildlife. You have to pay a minimal amount of only 100 rs for photography permission.
05. Visit Tulip Garden (Spring)
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden celebrates Tulip Festival every year in spring season. The exact timing is from mid march to mid april. Srinagar is crowded this time of the year with people coming from all over the world to participate in the festivities.
About 43 varieties of tulips, blooming in thousands, adorn the garden. Next year, from 20th March, the garden will start welcoming tourists till 20th April. During this time of the year, the weather is pleasant with moderate temperature, and hence a perfect time to be with family.
You can plan outdoor picnics here. The ticket for the garden is about Rs 75 for adults and Rs 25 for children.
06. Hot Air Ballooning
Apart from the famous activities at crowded places, you can go for some lesser explored activities that are equally fun and enjoyable. One of them is hot air ballooning in Srinagar.
The Zabarwan Park near Dal Lake is the ideal place. Rising high from the ground and flying over the capital city feels surreal. The ride lasts for about 10 minutes, going for a height of about 28-32 feet. About four people can go on a single balloon and if you are with your family in Srinagar, it would be a perfect thing to do.
Summer is an excellent time for hot air ballooning since the views are crystal clear and you can enjoy the sunrise views if you book it in the early hours.
07. Boating on Dal Lake
If there’s one activity that every must do in Srinagar, that would be to enjoy Shikara rides at Dal Lake. Dal Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Kashmir and boating on its scintillating waters is a memorable experience.
The boating starts from the different Ghats at the lake and usually lasts for 45 minutes to an hour based on your booked duration. On the Shikaras, you can chill, click pictures, enjoy the scenic sights of Mughal Gardens, Char Chinar, Pari Mahal, etc.
Book the ride early in the morning so that you can visit the floating vegetable and fruits market. The cost of the Shikara ride ranges between INR 1500-3000. The ride starts from 6 AM onwards till 7 PM as the sun goes down.
08. Photography at Pari Mahal
One of the most recommended places to explore in Srinagar, Pari Mahal or Abode of Fairies has a garden consisting of seven terraces which is adorned by different types of flowers. Such beautiful place is worth getting clicked.
The spring here, believed to have medicinal properties is a stunning place to get yourself clicked as well. You can see its serene shadow in the Dal Lake at night, blending their beauty. The Palace holds great historical significance as Mughal Prince Dara Sikhoh used to live here.
You can see Zabarwan mountain in the backdrop making the scenery complete. For photography at Pari Mahal, autumn is an ideal as the place is covered in hues of vibrant colours like red, orange and crimson. A natural filter is seen on the pictures.
09. Shopping at Lal Chowk
A shopping spree in the Lal Chowk of Srinagar is a fun experience and a must-thing to do. Lal Chowk is one of the oldest places to explore in Srinagar. While summer is a plesant time, in winter the place looks even more surreal.
You can buy authentic Kashmiri handicrafts and handlooms like Pashmina Shawls etc. Some of the things you can purchase here are walnut wood items, copperware, spices like Kashmiri Lal Mirch, etc. shops start to open by noon and remain open by night.You can explore the whole city with the help of taxi service in Srinagar so that your shopping will be easy and less time consuming.
Evening is a great period of time for a light stroll in the market. Interact with locals to have an informative experience. Do some bargaining at shops to avoid overpricing.
10. Jet Skiing in Dal Lake
After Shikara rides, Jet skiing in Dal Lake is one of the best things to do in Srinagar. The jet skiing is done one a motorised vehicle that one ride while sitting or standing.
If you are in Srinagar for your honeymoon, it is one of the most couple friendly activities to experience in Srinagar. The ride is generally available to the famous local attraction in Dal Lake, that is, Char Chinar. The cost to the Char Chinar and back is about INR 1200.
For one way, it is only INR 600. Summer is the perfect time for jet skiing at Dal Lake as in winter, the lake is frozen and water is quite chilly.
11. Shankaracharya Hike
It is brief but spiritual trip up to the shrine. It’s only a 7-kilometre trek and will take between 1-2 hours. It’s located at the top of Shankaracharya Hill, in the Zabarwan Range of Srinagar.
Shankaracharya is a peaceful sacred place, in which Lord Shiva is adored. The temple is named Jyoteshwar Temple, you can view Srinagar city at the top and enjoy an expansive view. The temple is popular with Kashmiri Hindus, it is one of the most important holy sites for pilgrimage as well as one of the most ancient temples in Kashmir.
The principal festival that is celebrated at this place is Mahashivratri where devotees present the offerings of fruits, milk, and even flowers and other offerings to gods, as well as offer prayers.
12. Kayaking at Nigeen Lake
Canoeing is a popular water based adventure sport to do in Srinagar. In canoeing, you have paddle a boat and explore the Nigeen Lake at your own pace.
Transversing through the serene waters of the lake, you soak in all the beauty. April to September is the best time for canoeing at Nigeen Lake. The water in the lake are calm and melted unlike in winter, when it’s frozen. The duration of the ride is for around 2 hours and it will cost you around INR 1500.
It is the most fun thing to do in Srinagar with your family or partner. You get to explore all the hidden corners of the lake with the capital city thriving in front of you, filled with tourists.
13. Swimming at Nigeen Lake
The crystal clear waters of Nigeen Lake are perfect for swimming. Previously, it wasn’t available but in recent years, many swimming courses are available especially for beginners.
Visit Nigeen Lake for swimming in summer when the water is warm and comfortable to swim. June to September is the most convenient time. Make sure to prepare thoroughly and wear a life jacket. You can book the experience in advance via online websites or through travel agency in Srinagar.
Other than Swimming, you can enjoy Shikara rides here as well. The lake is smaller than Dal Lake but it is more peaceful and less crowded.
Get in touch
Conclusion
These are some of the popular things to do in Srinagar whether you are coming here as a solo traveller or on a family trip. Different local attractions are crowded by adventure seekers to experience them. These activities come in a range, from premium ones to u under-budget.
Apart from the recreational activities, you get to witness the natural beauty surrounding you. This year, plan a holistic trip to Srinagar and have the most memorable one.
FAQs
Is Srinagar worth visiting?
Srinagar is definitely worth it any time of the year. With its older than time monuments like Mughal Gardens, Pari Mahal, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, it attracts many visitors. The iconic Dal and Nigeen Lake are another highlight of the capital city.
What is Srinagar famous for?
What is the best time to visit Srinagar?
The best time to visit Srinagar is in the Summer season from June to September. It is also the peak season. However, people do come here in winters as well to experience live snowfall. Spring is the perfect time to attend the Tulip Festival at Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
How many days are enough for Srinagar?
While a complete week is considered the ideal time duration for complete exploration of Srinagar, 3-4 days are enough as well. With a well-planned itinerary, you can cover the entire city in a short duration .You can book your holidays on Kashmir tour packages so you can plan your holidays accordingly.
Call Now
Chat With Us