Popularly known as the ‘Heaven on Earth’, built on the banks of river Jhelum, Srinagar is the Paradise Valley with its rich lineage and cultural synthesis. It is an excellent setting for all the nature fanatics, euphoria to all the adventure lovers, and a surreal dwelling for culture maniacs. There are legion things to do in Srinagar which fascinates tons of tourists every year to this modern Waterland. Activities in Srinagar include birdwatching, trekking, paragliding, rafting, skiing, strolling through the tulip garden, shikara ride, sightseeing, and much more. These are the best things to do in Srinagar.
Srinagar has a lot to offer to its visitors. The picturesque Dal Lake, heart-stopping mountain views, sprawling gardens, the boat stays adventure rides, and whatnot. Aptly called the Waterland, Srinagar is dominated by the Dal lake, Nagin lake, Manasbal lake, and Wular Lake. A city affluent in heritage, culture, and religious places certainly shows the diversity of the entire Kashmir valley.
If you ever visit this abode of heaven and wonder what to do in Srinagar, we are here with your Srinagar itinerary. Here are a few must to do things in Srinagar. Seek blessings at Shankracharya temple, visit the prominent Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, marvel at The Hazratbal Mosque, go for rafting at Sonmarg, abide in a ravishing houseboat, go for paragliding, delve into the lush green Mughal gardens, take a shikara ride at the Dal lake, relinquish the savory delicious served here. These are some of the most famous activities to do in Srinagar.
Adventure fun activities in Srinagar
Srinagar, the cool wonderland has so many exciting things to deliver to its visitors. It is a one-stop destination for tourists of all age groups. Here are some Srinagar adventure places where visitants can enjoy their full potential. River rafting in Sonmarg with incredible glaciers, placid lakes, and exquisite waterfalls adds to the beauty of Sonmarg in Srinagar. Skiing and snowboarding is another much-loved adventure sport by tourists. Rolling on beautiful mountains and snow-capped peaks, Srinagar also offers paragliding, trekking, and hiking to higher altitudes for a surreal and serene view, horse riding amidst the beauty and green pastures of mountains, and trout fishing in numerous lakes found in Srinagar.
Things you can experience only in Srinagar
There are myriad unique things to do in Srinagar which makes it diverse from any other city in India. Talking of the offbeat things to do in Srinagar, visitants experience a heart-warming visit to this surreal territory of Mughals. Taking a shikara ride on the Dal lake, birdwatching at Hokersar, spending a night in a houseboat at the Nagin lake, shopping for various Kasmiri goodies and handicrafts, strolling down the history at Mughal gardens, visiting Asia's biggest tulip farm, walking around the orchard and saffron farms, visiting the Pari Mahal for alluring lake views are some of the eccentric things to do here.
Popular activities near the lakes
As the name suggests, Srinagar- a Waterland, embodies many beautiful lakes enticing tourists from all over the globe to endure its beauty. A must-to do the thing is the shikara ride while visiting Dal lake. One should go for this because the sublimity and beauty of the lake are worth watching. Houseboat stays are also a must when visiting Srinagar. These are stationed boats with all the required facilities, promising an extraordinary experience.
Dal lake is not just a lake but a whole civilization in itself. It has impressive floating markets where all the necessities are available. From groceries to fancy clothes and from pashmina to saffron. Watching the sunset from the shikara is yet another popular activity while visiting the lakes. You can also try your hands to fishing while staying in the houseboats. These are widely enjoyed activities at lakes in Srinagar.
Things to do in Srinagar at night
With a light cool breeze, one can sit near the lake at night to enjoy and mesmerize one's self with dim lights and an amazing view of beautiful shikaras floating through it. Being a surreal land of magnificence, Srinagar also offers a few pubs for the party-holics. Lounge seven, Dal bar, and Undress pub come under a few places where visitors can dance and enjoy with their friends and family. Shopping is yet another crucial thing for nearly all tourists. After seeing the beauty of Srinagar during the daylight, one can visit the Badshah Chowk and polo view market to buy goodies.
Dining in Srinagar
Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine is primarily famous for its non-vegetarian dishes and is also noted for its bakery tradition. On the Dal lake in downtown Srinagar bakery shops are elaborately laid out. A few of the most popular dishes include rogan josh, tujji, Tabak mass, Lavasa, kebabs, and much more. The must-visit restaurants include-
- Mughal Darbar
- Lacima cafe
- Ahdoos
- Wazwan
- Chai Jaai
- Jeep Enn bakery
Shopping places in Srinagar
Zaina kadal road market displays a plethora of Kashmiri goods and products ranging from Kashmiri clothing to handicrafts. Body piercings and tattoo making are also available here.
The lal chowk market is surrounded by mountains on all sides. With an alluring view goods crafted out of walnut wood are available here. Crockery made out of walnut wood is also available here. Pashmina shawls, woolen clothes, and Kashmiri handicrafts are available in a large number.
The floating market on the dal lake with vendors selling their products on shikaras is adorable to watch. Nearly all the goods for everyday use are available on these floating markets.
Sightseeing in Srinagar
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is Asia’s largest tulip garden with numerous tulips growing in varied colors, is one of the most beautiful sights to see.
The dal lake with shikara rides and floating market adds up to the beauty of this Waterland.
The 11th century Shankaracharya Temple boasts breathtaking views
Pari Mahal- a terraced garden that gives delightful views and is a historical place.
The Hazratbal Shrine is the holiest Muslim shrine and mosque in Kashmir. It houses a relic, the Prophet's hair. Situated near the Dal Lake, the only domed mosque in Srinagar.
Where to stay in Srinagar
- Apart from the adventure activities, sightseeing, shopping places, and lakes this beautiful city house some best hotels and resorts for your comfortable stay. You can feel the warmth and hospitality of the city traditions in these hotels as well.
- The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar- Encircled by the Himalayan ranges and overlooking picturesque Dal Lake, The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar offers a luxurious stay.
- Vivanta Srinagar- located in Srinagar, Vivanta Hotel By Taj-Dal View is a great base to explore this incredible city with luxury meeting beauty.
- Radisson Srinagar- Located amidst the majestic Zabarwan mountain range near Jhelum River and Mughal Gardens, it is an apt place to stay with good hospitality and mountain views.
- Comrade Inn- offers luxurious accommodation and is closest to nearly all the major attractions of this city. It is also budget-friendly.