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Srinagar’s sights cluster around Dal Lake, the terraced Mughal gardens, and the mountains just beyond the city. Here is what to do in Srinagar, with hours, prices, and practical tips for each stop, ordered roughly by how close they are to the lake. This list sits inside the wider Srinagar travel guide.
Things to Do in Srinagar: Dal Lake and the Waterfront
Ride a Shikara on Dal Lake
A shikara ride is the signature Srinagar experience. Government-approved rates run about ₹770 per hour per boat, and ₹600 to ₹800 is typical after negotiating; always agree the price and route before boarding. Boats operate from roughly 6:00 to 18:00 from the jetties along Boulevard Road, and sunrise is the best time, when the floating vegetable market is active and the lake is calm. A two-hour circuit takes in the floating gardens, houseboats, and the shoreline shrines. For the best season to ride, see the best time to visit Srinagar page.
Stay on a Houseboat
Around a thousand houseboats are moored along Dal Lake and the quieter Nigeen Lake, a tradition dating to the British era when land ownership was restricted. Rates run from ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 per night for a standard boat with breakfast and dinner included, and ₹10,000 or more for heritage boats with carved walnut interiors. Book through your hotel or a licensed agent rather than touts at the ghats, and compare the best boats in the where to stay in Srinagar guide.
Visit the Floating Vegetable Market
Just after dawn, usually between 5:00 and 7:00, farmers paddle shikaras loaded with vegetables, lotus stems, and flowers into a floating market near the centre of Dal Lake. It is a working market rather than a tourist show, so keep your boat at the edges and ask your boatman before taking photos. A sunrise shikara from a jetty near Dal Gate gets you there in time.
Hazratbal Shrine
On the northern shore of Dal Lake, the white marble Hazratbal Shrine houses a relic believed to be a hair of the Prophet Muhammad. The domed building is the most important Muslim site in the valley. It is open daily and free to enter; remove your shoes and dress modestly. Friday prayers draw large crowds, so visit on a weekday morning.
Things to Do in Srinagar: Mughal Gardens and Monuments
Shalimar Bagh
Built in 1619 by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan, Shalimar Bagh climbs in three terraces watered by a central canal, with carved niches that once held oil lamps. Entry costs ₹24 for Indian visitors and slightly more for foreigners, and the garden is open roughly 9:00 to 19:00 in season. Visit in April or May when the terraces are in full flower, or in October for autumn colour. April temperatures average 21°C, as detailed in the Srinagar weather by month page.
Nishat Bagh
Nishat Bagh, the Garden of Gladness, was laid out in 1633 by Asif Khan, brother of Nur Jahan, and drops down twelve terraces directly facing Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan hills behind. The lake-facing view is the best of the three gardens. Entry is ₹24 and hours run about 9:00 to 19:00. Combine it with Shalimar Bagh, which is a 10-minute drive away.
Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal
Chashme Shahi, the smallest of the Mughal gardens, is built around a natural spring whose water is said to have medicinal qualities, and sits just above the lakeshore. A short climb higher leads to Pari Mahal, a seven-terraced garden and former observatory that gives a sweeping view over Dal Lake. Both are free or nominally priced and open during daylight hours; the light is best in the late afternoon.
Shankaracharya Temple
The Shankaracharya Temple stands on top of Takht-i-Sulaiman hill, about 300 metres above the city, reached by a winding road and a final climb of about 250 steps. The stone Shiva temple dates to the 9th century and the view over Dal Lake and the city is the best panorama in Srinagar. It is open roughly 7:00 to 20:00 and free, but you must leave shoes and any large bags at the base, and photography inside is restricted.
Jama Masjid and the Old City
The 14th-century Jama Masjid in the Nowhatta district is supported by 370 carved deodar-cedar pillars and can hold more than 30,000 worshippers. The surrounding old city lanes are lined with copperware, spice, and carpet shops. Go between prayer times on a non-Friday, wear modest clothing, and expect the narrow bazaar streets to be busy. The district is mapped in the Srinagar neighborhoods guide.
Things to Do in Srinagar: Day Trips and the Outdoors
Gulmarg
Gulmarg, about 50 km (31 mi) southwest of Srinagar, is a high meadow at 2,650 metres that runs one of the world’s highest gondolas: phase one climbs to Kongdoori at roughly 3,100 metres and phase two to Apharwat at about 3,980 metres. A two-phase return ticket costs around ₹1,700 to ₹2,000 in peak season, and queues are long, so buy online or arrive by 9:00. In winter it is the region’s main ski area; in summer it is a meadow for pony rides and short walks. Winter events at the resort are covered in the Srinagar festivals and events calendar.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam, about 95 km (59 mi) from Srinagar, sits at the meeting of the Lidder and Sheshnag rivers and is the base for treks to Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and the Amarnath Yatra. The drive takes two and a half to three hours each way, so leave early. Pony rides, river walks, and trout streams make it a full-day outing; many travellers instead stay overnight in one of the valley lodges.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg, the Meadow of Gold, lies about 80 km (50 mi) northeast of Srinagar on the road toward the Zoji La pass. The main draw in summer is a pony or short hike up to the Thajiwas Glacier, which sits within about 3 km of the roadhead. Snow conditions vary year to year, and the pass road closes through winter. Pack a warm layer even in July; the altitude keeps it chilly.
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam, 22 km from the city centre, protects the endangered hangul, or Kashmir stag, in oak and pine forest that rises from 1,700 to 4,300 metres. Access is by permit arranged through the wildlife department, and the best seasons are spring and autumn. Arrange a guide and vehicle in advance, since entry is controlled and public transport does not reach the gate reliably.
Things to Do in Srinagar: Markets and Crafts
Lal Chowk and the Old Bazaars
Lal Chowk is the commercial heart of Srinagar, centred on the red-brick Ghanta Ghar clock tower. Around it, the old bazaars of the Nowhatta and Maharaj Gunj areas sell Kashmiri carpets, copper samovars, saffron, and dried fruit. Bargaining is expected. For a quieter shopping experience, walk the lanes of the Zaina Kadal area, where artisans still make papier-mache by hand.
Buy Pashmina, Carpets, and Papier-Mache
Srinagar is the source of genuine hand-spun pashmina, hand-knotted silk carpets, and painted papier-mache boxes, but the market is full of machine-made imitations. Look for the GI (geographical indication) tag on pashmina, check that carpet knots are visible on the reverse, and buy from government emporiums or established shops rather than lakeside touts. Prices vary widely, so compare at least two shops before paying. For cash, SIM, and tipping advice while shopping, read the Srinagar travel tips page.
