Srinagar India 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Srinagar Itinerary: Explore the “Venice of the East”

This itinerary offers a glimpse into the beauty and culture of Srinagar, focusing on exploring its iconic attractions while leaving room for customization based on your interests.

Day 1:

  • Morning (8-10 am): Arrive at Srinagar Airport (SXR) or by road/train.

  • Activity: Transfer to your accommodation in Srinagar’s city center, exploring the bustling streets and local markets along the way. Consider stopping for a traditional Kashmiri breakfast like “kahwa” (green tea with saffron and nuts) and “rooti” with “ghee” (clarified butter).

  • Afternoon (1-4 pm): Explore the Mughal Gardens:

    • Nishat Bagh: Enjoy the serene beauty of this terraced garden overlooking the Dal Lake. Take a leisurely stroll, admire the intricate floral designs, and soak in the picturesque views.
    • Shalimar Bagh: Wander through the historic “garden of love” and its charming fountains. Imagine the splendor it once held for Mughal emperors.

  • Where to Eat:

    • For lunch, savor the Kashmiri Wazwan experience at Ahdoos (Srinagar) - a legendary restaurant serving traditional delicacies in a luxurious setting.

Things to know:

  • Srinagar is the capital of Jammu & Kashmir and enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. This itinerary is for a trip during the summer months (May-September).
  • Dress modestly: When visiting mosques or religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees.

Day 2:

  • Morning (9 am - 12 pm): Take a shikara ride on Dal Lake. Enjoy the peaceful waters and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Afternoon (2-5 pm): Visit the Hazratbal Shrine (a mosque known for its sacred relic) or the Shankaracharya Temple (an ancient temple with panoramic views).

Day 3:

  • Morning (9-11 am): Explore the historic Nishat Bagh and enjoy a traditional Kashmiri breakfast like “kahwa” (green tea with saffron and nuts) and “rooti” with “ghee” (a type of clarified butter).
  • Afternoon (2-4 pm): Wander through the old city of Srinagar, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant cultural hub.

Day 3:

  • Activity: Visit the Nishat Bagh on Dal Lake, a renowned garden known for its beautiful layout and Mughal architecture. Enjoy the serene beauty of the “Shalimar Gardens” and experience the traditional “Mughal Gardens” in the afternoon.
  • Where to Eat: After your sightseeing, indulge in a delicious Kashmiri Wazwan meal at one of the local restaurants around the Dal Lake like “The Lalit Great Mughal”.

Food Recommendations:

  • The Lalit Srinagar: Enjoy fine dining with stunning views of the Dal Lake and the surrounding Himalayas.
  • Wazwan Restaurants: Experience authentic Kashmiri cuisine with a variety of dishes, from Rogan Josh to Yakhni.

For your shopping fix:

  • Lal Chowk Market: Explore the bustling market for traditional crafts, textiles, carpets, and handicrafts.
  • The Floating Market (Dal Lake): Immerse yourself in the unique experience of shopping on a shikara.

Transfer to the houseboat:

  • Enjoy a “floating breakfast” on the Dal Lake. It’s a fun and memorable way to start your day with a view of the beautiful mountains.
  • For dinner, try some Kashmiri street food in Srinagar’s old city.

Things to know:

  • Bargaining is expected in most markets.

Day 3:

  • Food is an integral part of the culture, and you’ll find numerous “dhabas” (small roadside eateries) serving up local specialties like “Kashmiri biryani” (a savory rice dish) or “Yakhni Pulao” (a traditional Kashmiri meat stew).

For your culinary adventure:

  • Enjoy a “Kashmiri Wazwan feast” for lunch at one of the “vegetarian restaurants” near the Dal Lake.
  • Try a “shikara dinner tour” - enjoy the beauty of the sunset over the lake while indulging in a delicious meal.

Other things to consider:

  • Exploring the Mughal architecture: Visit the beautiful Mughal gardens, mosques and temples around the city.

  • Experiencing the Dal Lake by boat: Take a “floating market” tour on a shikara.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Mughal Gardens: Enjoy the serene beauty of Nishat Bagh (Shalimar) and the Shalimar Gardens are popular tourist destinations.

  • Try a traditional Kashmiri meal: “Wazwan” is a multi-course feast that’s worth experiencing!

  • Explore Dal Lake by Shikara: Take a shikara ride on the lake and enjoy the serene beauty of its surroundings.

For transportation:

  • Shikara Rides: The traditional way to get around the lake (and it’s beautiful).
  • Gondola rides: Enjoy a gondola ride at Gulmarg or Pahalgam for breathtaking views.

Enjoy the experience!

Remember to:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

  • Dress warmly in layers: Temperatures can fluctuate drastically, especially during the evenings.

  • Be mindful of safety when taking a shikara ride: Always wear your life jacket and be aware of your surroundings.

  • Ask about the best “local experiences” like handicrafts, shikara rides, or trekking routes to ensure you don’t miss out on anything unique.

Day 4:

  • Explore the Mughal Gardens: (Shikara rides are a popular way to see these beautiful gardens)
  • Enjoy the fresh air and scenery with a boat ride up the mountains for the “houseboat experience”

Day 5:

  • Take a scenic walk around Dal Lake: Enjoy the peaceful views, local life, and maybe even a “shikara picnic” on a nearby houseboat.
  • Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri dish like Wazwan: Enjoy a “traditional meal” in a different setting for a change of pace.

Remember to:

  • Carry your camera to capture the beauty of the Mughal Gardens.

Activities like:

  • Taking a shikara ride on Dal Lake is a great way to enjoy the scenery and experience local culture.
  • Visit a local market: Enjoy a “floating market tour” on Dal Lake, experiencing the unique shops and vendors.

Remember that this is just a suggestion and you can customize it based on your interests and time constraints. You could easily spend 5 days or more enjoying the beauty and culture of Srinagar.

Enjoy the “shikara experience”: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the serene atmosphere of Dal Lake.

This itinerary is just a starting point - feel free to personalize it with specific attractions, restaurants, and activities you’d like to enjoy!