Srinagar
Discover Srinagar
Srinagar in the Kashmir Valley is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in the Kashmir region. The city has become safer to travel to since 2021, after years of unrest and violence; however, police/army presence is still heavy. Many buildings of value will also have a sandbag bunker and razor wire for protection.
What to Experience in Srinagar
Houseboats on Dal Lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir
brown wooden houses near body of water under blue sky during daytime
Dal Lake is widely regarded as being the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”. On a more local note, it is also referred to as the “Jewel of Srinagar”.
field of flowers beside trees
An Indian woman rowing the boat known as "Shikara" in Srinagar, Kashmir.
flower fields photo across mountain
person riding on boat on lake near mountain range during daytime
This picture is taken at Drang ,Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar Dal lake Floating Market. The Dal Lake is also famous for its 'floating vegetable market', the only one of its kind in India and only the second in the world, the other being the rowing shops along the backwaters of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Please follow me on Instagram @amits_pictography
Doodpathri Budgam Kashmir
Taste of Srinagar...
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: 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
Climate
Most people visit the city in the summer months. The temperature at this time is cool to pleasant. Light sweaters may be needed for occasional cool nights in the summertime. In winter, you will need full winter gear and expect snow and few places to have hot water. 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
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsMany 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. International, domestic and seasonal Hajj pilgrimage charters to Jeddah are operated from Sheikh ...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
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
Where to Stay
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
Money & Budget
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 ricksh
Safety Information
Safety Overview
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
Glimpses of Srinagar
Houseboats on Dal Lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir
brown wooden houses near body of water under blue sky during daytime
Dal Lake is widely regarded as being the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”. On a more local note, it is also referred to as the “Jewel of Srinagar”.
field of flowers beside trees
An Indian woman rowing the boat known as "Shikara" in Srinagar, Kashmir.
flower fields photo across mountain
person riding on boat on lake near mountain range during daytime
This picture is taken at Drang ,Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar Dal lake Floating Market. The Dal Lake is also famous for its 'floating vegetable market', the only one of its kind in India and only the second in the world, the other being the rowing shops along the backwaters of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Please follow me on Instagram @amits_pictography
Doodpathri Budgam Kashmir
Houseboats on Dal Lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir
brown wooden houses near body of water under blue sky during daytime
Dal Lake is widely regarded as being the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”. On a more local note, it is also referred to as the “Jewel of Srinagar”.