15 Things To Do In Srinagar

You must keep a Shikara ride on Dal Lake on the top of your things-to-do-in-Srinagar list! The vibrantly-adorned Shikara boats will surely have your heart at the first glance. Trust us, floating on the stunning lake while enjoying the surrounding views will be a pleasing experience. Try the Shikara ride in the evening to witness the mesmerising view of the sunset. The cost of the ride ranges between Rs. 150 to Rs. 600 for one person. And remember, the ride is available between 5 am to 6 pm.

We know there are plenty of hotels in Srinagar, but we would love to recommend a stay in a houseboat. Staying in a floating house on a lake and admiring the beauty of the natural surroundings will be a different experience altogether. Sipping a hot drink while gazing at the beautiful lake from your abode will be an experience worth cherishing for a lifetime. You can also opt for a cruise in Srinagar offered by most of these houseboats to explore the nearby tourist attractions.

Trekking is always a fun and adventurous way to explore a place. And trekking in Srinagar is something that you won’t want to miss! Actually, one of the best things to do in Srinagar is trekking to Shankaracharya Hill. The panoramic view from the top of the hill will give you goosebumps. Not just the destination, the journey will be beautiful too, thanks to the naturescapes in the virgin terrains around the hill!

Once you reach the top of Shankaracharya Hill, don’t come back without visiting the famous Jyoteshwar Temple. When you enter the temple, you will feel the divine vibes that will calm your mind and body at once. You can come here any day between 8 am to 5 pm and pray to the revered deity for your prosperity.

Walk through the well-manicured Mughal gardens in the evening and unwind yourself. Shalimar Garden, Chasme Shahi Garden or Nishat Garden, you can explore any or all of these. The beds of fresh flowers in multiple colours will captivate your eyes. Try walking barefoot on the lush green lawns for a healing experience. The cascading fountains will also capture your eyes as you walk through the gardens.

When you get a 360-degree view of the gorgeous city, you will surely agree that paragliding is one of the best adventure activities in Srinagar. Before signing up do speak to the organisers on the risk involved and the safety measures. In no time you’d be flying through the clear sky like a bird and enjoying the scenic view from up there.

If you are an art enthusiast, the Jama Masjid will be one of the best places to visit in Srinagar Kashmir. The intricate details of the Indo-Saracenic architecture will be a treat to your eyes. You can spot over 350 wooden pillars that will leave you awestruck. And the massive courtyard bordered by verdant gardens exudes a soothing vibe worth experiencing. Remember, the mosque remains open for visitors from 3 pm to 7 pm on all days. So, time your visit accordingly!

One of the most exciting things to do in Srinagar in December is skiing at Gulmarg. The frozen lake brings a chance to slide through ice effortlessly. If you are a newbie at skiing, no worries! Learn from the experts here and enjoy your first ever skiing experience.

For adventure junkies, a thrilling experience awaits at Sonmarg, None other than white water river rafting! If you are with a group of friends, you can have a blast rafting through the gushing waters. The splashes of cold water and the thrill of speed will give you an adrenaline rush instantly. Ask someone to click pictures of your rafting journey and enjoy going through those clicks after rafting.

Visit the holiest shrine of Srinagar, the Hazratbal Mosque for a divine experience. The wall-white structure imparts a pure and peaceful aura around the place. You can spot this mosque easily as it is located near the famous Dal Lake. One thing that you need to know is that women are only allowed till the first section of the shrine. Also, you have to plan your visit within the visiting hours, between 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Sit near the Manasbal Lake on the northern side of Srinagar and watch numerous birds fly over this place. You can go boating on the lake while watching birds fly by. The lotus flower beds on the lake create an alluring set-up all around. If you are with your partner, Manasbal Lake can be perfect for you because it is one of the must visit places in Srinagar to spend a romantic evening.

In the list of the places to visit in and around Srinagar, cricket bat factories are a unique addition. Take a cab from Srinagar and reach Sangam where you will find these factories. You can see for yourself how those bats are manufactured. You will be intrigued to learn that these factories supply bats to some leading batsmen in the country!

Get a Bollywood-like feel by taking a walk through the flower beds in this garden. It houses an uncountable number of tulips in various colours. Gazing at those seasonal blooms can make you feel like standing in a heavenly abode. You can enter this garden with a fee of Rs. 50 at any time between 7.00 am and 7.30 pm.

No trip is complete without shopping for some local specialities. So, before you end your Srinagar trip, indulge in shopping at the local markets, like Raghunath Bazaar, Badshah Chowk and Lal Chowk. You can buy Kashmiri carpets, embroidered clothes, junk jewelleries and wooden artefacts. Don’t miss the chance to get your hands on an authentic piece of Pashmina shawl!

Be it local sightseeing in Srinagar or a shopping spree, you must keep satiating your taste buds with some local delicacies every now and then. Hop from one local food stall to another or sit at a restaurant to devour some special dishes of Kashmir. Kashmiri pulao, Kashmiri aloo, Lhasa and Mughal Darbar deserve special mention. The mouth-watering desserts here are recommended as well.

We are sure you are already excited to explore some of these places to visit in Srinagar and try the thrilling activities. We say, wait no more! Plan a trip to Srinagar and explore its beauty.