Srinagar

The city has become safer to travel to since 2003; however, police/army presence is still heavy. Many buildings of value will also have a sandbag bunker and razor wire for protection.

Many people take the train to Jammu followed by a taxi or bus ride to Srinagar. The journey from Jammu to Srinagar is costlier in the summers because the capital is being shifted from Jammu to Srinagar on both the state buses and Sumos. State buses are safer but take more time and are a bit uncomfortable.

Foreigners are required to register upon arrival at the airport or at their hotel or houseboat.

Auto-rickshaws can be found everywhere. Taxis and buses area also available. Motorcycles can also be rented for enthusiasts.

Negotiate a price with a rickshaw driver before getting in; they are notorious for overcharging and generally being dishonest. Their usual ploy is: "no problem" or "up to you". As soon as you reach your destination they will have a volte-face! Drivers usually don't speak English but there will always be a passer-by to help translate for you.

A rickshaw from Nigeen Lake to Boulevard is approximately​ ₹70 depending on negotiation skills (August 2009).

Usually private service buses run throughout the city and are well networked with major tourist spots.

• 🌍 Dal Lake. Dal Lake is one of the prime attractions of Srinagar. Located at the very centre of the city the lake covers an area of 21 km². which includes 3 km² of wetland. The lake has a circumference of 15.5 km. The lake is best explored on a sikhara, a beautifully decorated boat that features in the logo of Jammu & Kashmir Tourism. Apart from open waters the lake also consists of floating markets, locally called rad. They basically constitute of matted vegetation and earth, but are floating. These are detached from the bottom of the lake and drawn to a suitable place and anchored. With nutrients from both land and water, these floating islands are used for cultivating tomatoes, cucumbers and melons. The area is a complex maze of floating cultivation patches separated by narrow water channels. The shikra negotiates through this complex maze with the sikhara wala making his way through the complex maze of land and water. Floating market is another interesting area of the market. The market operates on floating shops approachable only by boat. They sell anything from artifacts including Kashmiri carpets. The shops doubles up as the artifacts workshop and provide the tourist with an insight into carpet making. The lake also accounts for floating hawkers opearting from boats selling anything from Kashmiri shawl to wood work and from saffron to the magical stone of Silajit. The Dal Lake actually consists of four lakes namely Gagribal (souther part), Lokut Dal (northern part), Bod Dal (central part) and Nagin. Nagin the smallest and the most beautiful of the four is often considered as an independent lake. 🌍 Nagin Lake (Nigeen Lake). Unlike the other three parts of Dal Lake the Nagin Lake is a separate lake connected to the Dal Lake by a narrow water channel. It is located on the western side of the Dal Lake and at the foot of Hari Parbat. It also has its share of floating vegetable gardens and house boats. 

The dal lake also consists of two islands Rupa Lank and Sona Lank. Both the islands are square in shape and with the four corners marked with Chinar Trees. For these reason the islands are popularly known as Char Chinar.

• 🌍 Rupa Lank (Char Chinar). Rupa Lank, literally meaning silver island, is located in the Dod Dal (central area of Dal Lake). The man-made island was constructed by Murad Baksh, brother of the last Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The island consists of four giant Chinar Trees in the four corners and the entire island consists of manicured lawns and paved pathways. There is a small house boat restaurant next to the island. (updated Apr 2021)
• 🌍 Sona Lank (Char Chinar). Sona Lank, literally meaning gold island, is located in Lokut Dal, in the northern part of Dal Lake. It is next to the shrine of Hazarat Bal. This too follows a similar plan with four Chinar trees at the four corners and is also made by Murad Baksh. (updated Apr 2021)

• 🌍 Hazratbal Mosque. The mosque houses a strand from the Prophet’s beard and hence the name Hazarat Bal. The strand of the beard is displayed on special days. The mosque is located on the western bank of Lokut Dal, the northern portion of the Dal Lake. Visible from the mosque compound is the island of Sona Lank, with four chinar trees in the four corners. The white mosque is breathtakingly beautiful. Women may enter only the first part of the mosque. The adjoining area is a foodie's delight with several makeshift food shop selling deep-fried snacks. 
• Mughal Gardens. With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them: the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors' concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions. The beauty of these gardens is at their best during spring but the Mughal structure of these gardens lends them a unique sense of beauty even when the flowers are not blossoming.
  • 🌍 Chashme Shahi Garden. Chashme Shahi is the smallest of the three Mughal gardens of Srinagar, but in spite of its small size, the garden has its share of elegance. Cheshma Shahi (or Royal Spring) derives its name from a water source, a spring located at the uppermost terrace of the Garden. The water of the spring is said to possess some curative properties, especially for stomach ailments. The triple terrace garden is located on the southeastern edge of Dal Lake and offers a great view of the lake area and the Jhelum River valley. The garden was constructed by Ali Mardan Khan, governor of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 – 33. 
  • 🌍 Nishat Bagh. Located on the eastern banks of Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop, the garden was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan. Literally meaning the 'garden of bliss' it commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands far away to the west of the valley. Although a Mughal garden, it plans were altered because of the hilly terrain. It has an elongated plan (instead of a square plan of Mughal garden) of 548 m X 338 m and is centred around a water channel, measuring 4 m wide and 20 cm deep. The channel flows in the east to west direction and is decorated with fountains and occasionally fountain pools. The garden consists of 12 terraces, representing the 12 signs of the zodiac. However, it has only two sections, namely the public garden and the private garden for the Zanana or harem. The terraces are lined along the central channel and consist of stoned paved pathways and short flights of stairs. The pathways are lined with chinar trees. 
  • 🌍 Shalimar Bagh. Shalimar, literally means abode of love, is a Mughal garden located on the northeast corner of Dal lake. It was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, for his wife Nur Jahan, in 1619. During Jahangir's reign, Srinagar served as the summer capital of the Mughal empire and Shilimar Bagh served as the Mughal court. Like Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh follows the elongated plan with a dimension of 587 m by 251 m. The three-stage garden covers an area of 12.4 hectares (31 acres) and is centred around a central water channel. The lowest terrace contains the Diwan-e-Aam (public audience hall). The Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience) is located in the second terrace. The third and the uppermost terrace is topped with a central Zenna (Harem) pavilion, whose entrance is flanked with two smaller pavilion. The garden has paved pathways lined with chinar trees. The water channels consist of fountains and pools. The garden provides a grand bird eye view of the Dal Lake and the surroundings. 
• 🌍 Nehru Garden (Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden), off Dal Gate (before Chasmashahi Garden). A well-maintained park with lake by Dept of Floriculture with organised parking lot next to the park. The park occupies a large area and has a beverage shop run by the J&K Tourism department. They serve hot and flavoured "Kahva", a traditional drink of Kashmir. A cup costs ₹25. The nearby Tulip Park only has seasonal access. There is adequate parking adjacent to the park. Adult: ₹10. 
• 🌍 Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden. Located on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, the Tulip Garden covers an area of 30 ha (74 acres) and is the largest tulip garden of Asia. It is located at the foothill of Zabarwan Range and overlooks the Dal lake. The garden was opened in 2007 with the aim of promoting floriculture tourism. It was previously known as Siraj Bagh. The garden is home to 65 varieties of tulip along with several other plants including daffodils, hyacinth and ranunculus. During its opening about 1.5million bulbs of Tulip were flown in from Amsterdam. Holland. The Tulip Garden is also the venue for the Tulip Festival which happens every year in the month of April. (updated May 2021)
• 🌍 Pari Mahal. Pari Mahal. literally meaning the palace of the fairies, is a seven terraced garden located at the southeast corner of Dal Lake. The garden was constructed by Dara Sukho, elder brother of Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughals. It was constructed in the mid 17th century. The uppermost terrace contains two baradari-styled structures and a reservoir. The walls consists of arched gateways and there are several other structures in the compound. 
• 🌍 Shankaracharya Mandir. A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on a hilltop. It can be reached by car or taxi or auto rickshaw. You can walk too. It is a 5 km walk from the entrance of the hill. No cameras or mobiles phones are allowed within the temple and you are supposed to leave them in the vehicle before entering the temple premises. The army checkpoint can also keep your camera and mobilesphones. Cigarettes and alcoholic drinks should be deposited with the police before the ascent of the hill, as these items are against Hindu religion. Locals from Dal Gate say there are 250 steps to reach the temple. The temple is visible from Dal Lake Area. The temple complex offers a great bird eye view of the Dal Lake area and beyond. (updated Aug 2017)
• 🌍 Tomb of the Mother of Zain-ul-Abidin. Hidden in the streets between river and Zainda Kadal, this extraordinary brick mausoleum marks the final resting place of Sultan Sikande’s wife. 
• 🌍 Ziarati Hazrati Youza Asouph (Roza Bal). In the Khanyar area, about 150 m NW of Dastgir Saheb mosque & shrine. This tomb, also known as Roza Bal, is believed by some to be the tomb of Jesus (part of the larger theory that he survived the crucifixion and made his way to Kashmir where he lived until at least the age of 100). It has been made popular by books such as Jesus Lived in India by Holger Kersten (1983) among others. It's down a little side road - ask around, pretty much anyone in the area can point you in the right direction. It was closed in 2011 and sealed, photography and videography are not permitted. 
• 🌍 Parihaspora, Dewar (on way to Gulmarg). Visit the ruins located on the outskirts of Srinagar on way to Gulmarg. See the palaces of Kashmir's Buddhist and Hindu rulers and Buddhist places of worship. 
• 🌍 SPS Museum (Shri Pratap Singh Museum), Lal Mandi, ☏ +91 9419982772, contactspsmuseum@gmail.com. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. This museum established in the late 19th century houses around 80,000 artefacts mainly from the broader Jammu and Kashmir region.In 2017, a second building which is more resistant to earthquakes and other natural disasters was constructed, and many of the more valuable and vulnerable artefacts were moved there. The original building is still in use. Indian citizens ₹10, foreigners ₹50, students ₹5. (updated Mar 2024)

• Sikhara ride in Dal Lake: Go for a Shikara ride in the Dal lake which costs around ₹150 (off season) - ₹500 (peak season) for the whole Shikara. For better views and a more peaceful ride in an area devoid of other tourists, walk up a fair bit of distance till you can see the fountain and ask the Shikara rider to take you for a ride to the fountain. It costs ₹300 (off season) to ₹600 (peak season). Make sure you bargain a little, especially in off season. If you are staying longer, you could go on shikara rides more than once... each time to a different part of the lake. A must see is the "village" in the lake. Ask for a ride to the side where locals live and see the floating vegetable market. The market is usually operational only at sunrise and is easiest organised through an agent or your hotel/houseboat.
• 🌍 Musical Fountain, Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Center (SKICC). The musical fountain along with laser show was inaugurated in April 2019. It runs three times a day after 7 pm and consists of a 15-minute show. Apart from the musical fountain the show also depicts the history of Kashmir through a laser show. 

If you hire an auto rickshaw to go shopping, please mention that you want to go to Lal Chowk Ghantaghar only for shopping, as most of the auto rickshaw drivers will insist that there is nothing in Lal Chowk, and you should go to the wholesale market instead. This is because the prices at the so-called wholesale market are very much inflated, as they pay at least 20% commission to those auto rickshaw drivers. Also, there are very few shops there. Do not fall into the trap of these cheating auto rickshaw pullers.

• Chainstitch rugs There are rugs in two styles; English design or Kilim design. It will be evident what is meant when you see them.
• Carpets.
• Cashmere (Pashmina) shawls Have been manufactured in Kashmir for thousands of years. Pashmina Shawls are very popular items for sale in the Valley, but make sure to test the quality before purchasing. The test for a 100% pashmina has been warmth, feel and the passing of the shawl through a wedding ring. Costs on a true pashmina can vary wildly, but usually start around ₹8,000. Secondly, the weave pattern on a good Pashmina is fainter than on a "silk Pashmina" or other wool Pashmina. There is also lower grades of pashmina known as Semi-Pashmina (10-50% pashmina wool) and Half-Pashmina (50% pashmina wool) which are still of an exceptional quality but much lower price (₹1,000-3,000). Also check if they are machine woven or hand woven (look for irregularities in the wool to spot a hand woven), hand woven are stronger due to the density of the weave and cost more.
• Government Emporia You can also buy embroidered felt mats called Namdahs but the colours of the wool may be a bit too bright in most shops. The Government Emporia supplies might be better than some the private shops.
• Kashmir Shawl Museum (A labour cooperative in association with the J&K government), 1st floor of the Auquaf Building at Dalgate at the end of The Boulevard in the centre of town (Near Dhar Medicate look for a tiny staircase heading up and a big 1st floor sign), ☏ +91 194 242 4891. They will take you through in detail the types of pashminas you can buy (and how to test them) and are fantastic in that they don't negotiate but offer a set price. 
• Paper Machie products: Unique to Kashmir with colourful motifs and design on them. They are seen everywhere and resemble pottery in shape and design.
• You can also buy leather products or special jewellery of Srinagar.
• Cricket Bats: Kashmir is famous for willow trees and cricket bats made out of these willow wood are in great demand.

There are numerous bakeries in the city. Kashmiris are very fond of bakery products, especially pastries and cakes, and you can find these bakeries very crowded, especially around the times of major festivals. The more famous bakeries include:

• Jee Enn Sons, Nallahmar Rd. Famous for its pastries, bread, bakery products, patties and themed cakes.
• Mughal Darbar. Notable for sweets, cakes and pastries.
• Shawl Bakery. Famous for its wedding cakes and boasts about its sweets and chocolates.

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in Srinagar. Most of the good ones are located in Lal chowk or on Boulevard along the banks of the Dal Lake. Most of the restaurants will serve Kashmiri, Indian, Mughlai and 'Indianized' Chinese dishes. Some pure veg restaurants are also located along Boulevard. Among the veg restaurants 'Krishna Dhaba' is the most popular for its Rajma-and-kheer.

Make sure you try dishes like Rogan-gosht (meat cooked in red sauce), Gushtaba (soft meat balls cooked in natural yoghurt),Rishta (soft meat balls in delicious sauce), Tabakmaaz (deep fried ribs of a lamb) and Kanti (small chunks of meat cooked with a lot of onions). All these meat items are usually eaten with rice.

Another popular local delicacy called Seekh-tuji consists of marinated meat pieces which are freshly barbecued and eaten with chutney. Most of these vendors are located in the Khayaam region of the city. This place is usually teeming with teenagers, especially in the evenings.

Enjoy the grilled mutton available in Srinagar. This is referred to as a "tilli" or "tekh" and mostly eaten by locals.

Kahwah is a traditional green tea recipe from Kashmir. The tea is made from green tea leaves with saffron strands, cinnamon bark and cardamom pods. Some varieties are made as a herbal infusion only, without the green tea leaves. Generally, it is served with sugar or honey, and crushed nuts, usually almonds or walnuts. There is another form of tea that is quite famous amongst the locals, its called 'namkeen chai' or 'nun chai'. It is pink in colour and is also called pink tea. It is made from black tea, cardamom, various spices, salt and bicarbonate of soda. Also people like nune toath and dum toath which are very famous among Sufis. Nunetoath is nunechai without milk and dumtoath is strong form of kahwa.

If searching for a beer or other drink there is a small bottle shop on the Boulevard. It's at the base of a hotel about halfway up the street and looks like a mini-Fort Knox. Ask people on the street and they'll point you in the right direction.

• There, Alpine Ridge Hotel (In Gulmarg), ☏ +91 195 4254527. Inside the Alpine Ridge hotel. Western-style food and alcohol in a relaxed environment, with indie music and an fusion of local Kashmiri craft and Scandinavian woodwork in the decor. Après-ski option on the mountain. Open from 10:00 for the ski season, Dec-March. 

Since the conflict in Kashmir hundreds of hotels and houseboats lie empty, check in person if the hotel/houseboat still looks as nice as when they put pictures online- and that advertised services are still available as many have stopped paying for example for wifi. The upside is that the prices of accommodation have plummeted, owners will optimistically demand full rates but can be talked right down; the phrase "how many guests do you have now" saves a lot of time here.

Srinagar is popular for its houseboats, which do not float free around the lake, but are anchored off-shore. It is a great and unique way to enjoy your stay in the city. Houseboats are accessible either by road, or by a short "Shikara" boat ride. Each houseboat usually has 2-5 bedrooms plus bath, dining room, living room, upper deck (good for sunbathing). Land access have the advantage of allowing you to leave if you feel uncomfortable, or just like going for a walk, although they tend to be noisier.

There are houseboats on Dal Lake and Nagin Lake. These can cost anything from ₹300 - ₹5,000 (October 2018) depending upon the time of the year. Houseboats on Nagin lake are upscale and more expensive but are much more beautiful, and the Nagin lake location is serene. Expect to pay up to ₹3,000 for a couple on the deluxe boats. Boats on the Jhelum river are cheaper yet, but still comfortable, and close to the bus station, good if you are just transiting Srinagar to or from Ladakh.

Be sure to take a 1-hour boat tour of the lake inlets to get a nice glimpse of life and wildlife along the lake. Prices are about ₹300-500 per trip. A few areas are geared up for attracting tourists, but most much of the area is still reasonably untouched.

There are a wide range of hotels around Dal Lake. Prices vary from ₹500-5,000.

The situation in Srinagar is extremely tense because of the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan. You will see army trucks, soldiers along the street and Dal Lake Military presence, also seen at the Srinagar Airport. If you plan to travel to Srinagar, it is advisable to read your country's embassy or consular pages for emergency travel warnings or tips on staying alert.

It is recommended to travel in groups, and you have to be extra careful while in Srinagar. However, that doesn't mean you have to be under constant fear, or else you will not able to enjoy your tour and your visit will be almost futile.

At the Dal lake, the Shikara and houseboat touts are aggressive. If you do not take their offered service, some of them are likely to scold you. It is difficult to walk around the Dal Lake because of the constant harassment from the touts.

Do not be seen around the old city mosque after prayer call – it is well known as a hotbed of unrest, stone throwing is daily and it would be easy to be caught in the afray – photo taking is especially unwise.

The villages surrounding Srinagar are dangerous. Without the constant army presence, security here cannot be guaranteed and anti-army protests and road blockages are still common in 2018. It is better not to go here at all as there is little that cannot be seen elsewhere.

Terrorism has touched the whole population of Srinagar, and that includes those involved in the tourism industry – you may find your driver or hotel owner voicing support for terrorist organizations, if this happens just nod and smile; say you are only visiting and don't care much for politics. Similarly many involved in the tourism industry see it as their duty to try and convert tourists to Islam, this can involve uncomfortably pointed discussions in family homes, invitations to mosques, even visits to your guesthouse – but these are generally well meaning in nature if forceful.

• Gulmarg is a spectacular hill station at an altitude of 2,730 m, which used to be known as Gaurimarg. Gulmarg boasts about beautiful landscapes, green backdrop and flowering gardens.
• Jammu Jeeps leave daily as well as buses, be aware that J&K bus company quite often go on strike. Jeep costs ₹350-450 and takes approx 8 hr. One can take package tours advertised in the Tourist Information Centre.
• Leh More than 400 km away from Srinagar, Leh is one of the emerging tourist destinations in India. Jeeps leave daily except Sunday, taking two days with an overnight stop in Kargil.
• Pahalgam Pahalgam valley is situated at confluence of Seshnag Lake's streams and Lidder River. The lush green valley is popular for those seeking relaxation.
• Sonamarg The authentic beauty of the region helped it to earn the name Sonamarg. Situated around 87 km from Srinagar, it is famous for hiking trails and trekking.