You're Going to Love Srinagar
Dal Lake, Mughal era gardens, majestic mosques nestled in the mountains, summer festivals and winter sports: this and more make up the region of Srinagar. Its proximity to Jammu and Leh make it the perfect place to venture for a few days and it's unique position as a melting pot between Hindu and Islamic cultures make it historically rich and ethnically diverse.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Srinagar
1. Cruise Around the Unforgettable Dal Lake
You can't visit Srinagar without spending a day paddling around Dal Lake. Take a shikara (gondolas) and jet around with the mountains as your backdrop.
2. Visit the Majestic Khanqah Shah-i-Hamadan
Don't miss the colorful and sacred mosque that was built entirely without nails. It truly is an architectural wonder.
3. All Aboard...a Houseboat?
Don't miss the unique opportunity to spend a few nights living in a houseboat on Dal Lake. When in Srinagar...do as the locals do!
4. Spend A Day Afloat
Dal Lake is densely populated by more than just floating shrubbery. Its unique surface is where floating villages and markets open daily. Take a boat and spend the day exploring.
5. Shalimar Bagh
The famous Shalimar Bagh is a collection of beautiful gardens that have survived from the Mughal era to today. It was initially built for Nur Jahan, an Empress consort of the emperor Jahangir.
When to Visit Srinagar
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Though each season in Srinagar comes with its own charm, the most popular time for travelers' sojourns is from April to June. Temperatures at this point range from 50°F to 86°F.
How to Get to Srinagar
Plane
Land at the Sheikh ul Alam Airport International airport in Srinagar and take a taxi for 8.45 miles into the city center, which costs around ₹550.
Train
The Rail network of India is currently working on building a Srinagar Railway Station, scheduled to open in 2017. Until then, to reach the city by train, stop at Jammu Jammu Tawi or Udhampur railway station and take a taxi.
Car
Depending on where you're coming from, there are a variety of routes. From Leh or Kargil, for example, use the NH1. From Jammu, use the NH44.
Bus
Getting in from nearby cities like Jammu or Leh, you can use J&KSRTC buses. Fares start at ₹350.
Airlines serving Srinagar
Where to stay in popular areas of Srinagar
How to Get Around Srinagar
Public Transportation
There are buses around Srinagar but these are hop-on-hop-off. Fares depend on how far you're going and tickets are sold on the bus.
Taxi
You can grab a taxi from the streets or you can pre-book. Pre-booked taxis costs between ₹100-₹250. The per mile rate for taxis is ₹13.
Car
Car rentals in Srinagar usually come as a package deal from companies like Kashmir Car Rental. A 4-day package, for example, start at ₹7,000 for non-AC and ₹8,200 for an AC car.
The Cost of Living in Srinagar
Shopping Streets
Those who love shopping will find plenty of smaller shops selling jewelry and clothing at Lal Chowk Ghantaghar.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk costs ₹34 and dozen eggs costs around ₹57.
Where to Eat in Srinagar
You don't want to miss sampling authentic Kashmiri cuisine at Mughal Darbar. Enjoy vegetarian and non-vegetarian mains for ₹105-₹340 or order wazwan, a multi-course Kashmiri dining experience, for 4 for ₹640-₹2875.