Srinagar itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Srinagar

1. 01

   Day 1: Lake and one garden

   Start early with a shikara ride on Dal Lake to see the floating gardens (Floating Vegetable Gardens) and lotus beds, and to reach Shalimar Bagh by water—the approach from the lake is the garden's true entrance. Spend the morning inside Shalimar, moving through the terraces slowly. Return to the lake for lunch at a floating restaurant or a lakeside café. In the late afternoon, walk or drive along the lake promenade near Nishat Bagh, or spend time in a quieter part of the lake near the houseboats. End with chai and walnuts on a houseboat or lakeside shop, watching the light fade on the mountains.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 02

2 days in Srinagar

1. 01

   Day 1: Dal Lake and Shalimar

   Begin before sunrise with a shikara, then visit Shalimar Bagh for the full morning, moving through its four terraces at leisure. The Chinar trees, fountains and views of Dal Lake reward a slow pace. Stop for lunch by the lake. In the late afternoon, visit Nishat Bagh on foot if energy allows, or spend the time resting and exploring the lake's edge. Dinner on a houseboat or near the water.

2. 02

   Day 2: Jhelum, gardens and old city

   Visit Chashme Shahi garden for the morning, which is smaller and has a natural spring—good for older travellers who find Shalimar tiring. Return by car, stopping at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Park if open. Walk through the old city lanes near Jama Masjid in the late afternoon when crowds ease and the light softens; browse the spice and textile bazaars. End with a meal in a family-run restaurant in the old city or near the Jhelum.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Srinagar

1. 01

   Day 1: Dal Lake and Shalimar Bagh

   Early shikara on Dal Lake, then Shalimar Bagh for the full morning. Lunch by the lake. In the late afternoon, rest at your hotel or houseboat, or take a gentle walk along the lake. Dinner on the water or near it.

2. 02

   Day 2: Nishat, Chashme Shahi and the old city

   Visit Nishat Bagh in the morning, walking its long terrace down to the lake. Stop for chai in a café inside or nearby. After lunch, drive to Chashme Shahi for its smaller, more intimate setting and natural spring. In the late afternoon, walk into the old city near Jama Masjid and the Jhelum riverside. Browse Lal Bazar for textiles, Kraal Bazar for souvenirs, and stop at a small shop for Kashmiri chai or walnut bread.

3. 03

   Day 3: Shankaracharya Temple, Wular Lake or relaxation

   Drive out to Shankaracharya Temple, which sits high above the city and offers sweeping views—note that it involves walking up a steep path with steps, so confirm comfort with older travellers. Alternatively, take a full-day shikara excursion on Dal Lake, visiting floating gardens and the lotus beds, or simply rest and savour the lake with a long, unhurried day on or near the water. Dinner with a view if staying in a lakefront hotel or houseboat.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• Dress for altitude, not just the calendar: Srinagar sits at around 1,600 metres, so mornings and evenings are cool even in summer, and the lake itself brings a persistent breeze. Carry a jacket year-round, and add proper winter layers, a warm hat and gloves for visits between December and February, when temperatures regularly fall below freezing.
• Hire a car and driver for the day, not individual trips: The Mughal gardens, Pari Mahal and the Tulip Garden are spread around the city's edges, and taxis are less readily hailed on the street than in larger Indian cities. A full-day car and driver, arranged through your hotel or houseboat, is more comfortable than booking separate rides between sights, especially for older travellers.
• Confirm houseboat heating and hot water before booking: Not all houseboats have reliable heating or plumbing, particularly older or budget boats in winter. Ask specifically about room heating, hot water timing and bathroom type (attached or shared) before paying a deposit, and choose a well-known, established operator if this matters to you.
• Carry cash for markets and smaller establishments: Card acceptance is inconsistent in old city bazaars, small restaurants and on shikaras. Withdraw cash in the city centre and keep some on hand for markets, boat rides and tips, while using cards at larger hotels and government emporiums where available.
• Old city lanes are narrow, uneven and often crowded: Streets around Jama Masjid and the older bazaars were not built for vehicles or wide pushchairs. If mobility is limited, ask your driver to wait as close to the entrance as possible, and consider a guided walk rather than navigating independently.
• Check the season before planning around specific sights: The Tulip Garden opens for only a few weeks in late March and April; some houseboats and gardens reduce hours or close in December to February. Confirm current seasonal opening for any specific attraction close to your travel dates rather than assuming year-round access.