Srinagar literally translates to “The Prosperous City”. It is as much a tourist city for nature lovers as it is for history enthusiasts and devotees of all religions. Several ancient temples, mosques and even gurudwaras throng this enigmatic city. Life in Srinagar is never dull and you will find your stay here filled with exciting moments every step of the way. Srinagar has won the title of having traditionally been the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Today it is a suitable travel destination in all seasons. Sightseeing in Srinagar, therefore, involves endless exciting activities and here are the best things to do in Srinagar that you can add to your Kashmir Trip.

 Fascinating Things to Do in Srinagar The First Time You Visit 

1. Stay in a Houseboat

Among all the possible things to do in Srinagar, most tourists ardently look forward to this one activity – being able to spend a few days on a houseboat on any major lake of Srinagar, the most popular being The Dal Lake for obvious reasons. Tourist agencies of Srinagar have introduced a luxury traditional houseboat experience for tourists all over the world. You can without a doubt enjoy the royal, heritage-themed houseboat experience in Srinagar at affordable prices today.

Entry fee: The cost incurred for this activity will depend on the chosen houseboat. Average budget prices will be around 1500 INR per person.

Opening and closing timings: No opening and closing timings are involved.

Time taken to visit: stay at least one or two days to get the full experience of houseboat life.

2. Ride a Shikara

Shikara is an extremely decorated traditional boat found on the lakes of Srinagar and nearby areas of Kashmir. The intricate decoration on these boards and their unique look are what sets them apart from other similar boats of the Himalayan region. Riding the Shikara is an affordable option that anyone can enjoy when they visit the numerous lakes of Srinagar Like The Dal Lake, Wular Lake, or Manasbal Lake. Shikara ride typically takes you through one hold trip across the lake. You can always take multiple rides.

Entry fee: 550 INR per person

Opening and closing timings: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake.

Time taken to visit: 1 hour

3. Go Paragliding in Srinagar

The famously labelled Heaven on Earth Kashmir offers tourists the perfect topography for adventure sport paragliding. Paragliding is a sporting activity in which the rider (usually with the help of a trainer and associate) can use a special gliding parachute to technically fly over a valley or similar natural mountainous formation. The paragliding location in Srinagar is the Astanmarg region near the Harwan Gardens. 

Entry fee: The total cost of this activity is around 3000 INR.

Opening and closing timings: Usual timings during which paragliding is safe in Kashmir are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 1 hour

4. Ride the highest cable car in the world at Gulmarg

all though Gulmarg is technically a separate place from Srinagar, many Srinagar travel packages will happily include the Gulmarg Gondola as a part of their trip if the traveler so insists. You will not regret taking this cable car, which is said to be the highest one in the world. The Gulmarg cable car will take you over a large expense of snow-covered mountain peaks and you will for sure feel like on top of the world. Gulmarg is a place incomparable to any other in the whole wide world and you will see what we mean once you visit.

Entry fee: 700 INR for one person at the first stage and 900 INR for the second stage.

Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Time taken to visit: The boarding pass is issued for 3 hours.

5. Enjoy a view of the city

you can enjoy the full view of Srinagar from any major viewpoint located in the nearby hills of this Valley City. But if you want to truly enjoy the whole view of the city along with all its major lakes, we will suggest you visit the Pari Mahal. The Pari Mahal is a major Sightseeing in Srinagar and a huge favorite among those who have visited this old, clouded palace located on the top of a hill. This place is a Mughal architectural beauty that has risen right out of the depths of your fantasy. View of the city from this place is sure to captivate and mesmerize you.

Entry Fee: 20 INR per person.

Opening and closing timings: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 3 to 5 hours including the little trek.

6. A walk through Shalimar Bagh

Ever since Jahangir showed such a poetic interest in the city of Srinagar the Mughals continued to build exquisite gardens and retreats in this city for their royal use. It has been centuries since Mughal rule ended, but the beautiful Mughal gardens of Srinagar have survived every ordeal in spite of the transient nature of Himalayan floral shrubs. The Mughal gardens of Srinagar are not only a beauty to be enjoyed, but also an art form to be inspired from. Many great artists, architects and fashion designers have taken inspiration from the beautiful floral strolls across gardens like Shalimar Bagh.

Entry fee: 10 INR per person

Opening and closing timings: 8:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 2:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Time taken to visit: 2 hours

7. Taste the cuisine of Kashmir

there are endless ways to enjoy the traditional and modern, evolving cuisine of Kashmir and this is one of the most satisfying activities in Srinagar that you can take part in. It is not possible to include these ventures in your Srinagar travel packages directly, but make sure to contact the travel partner to help them book you a luxury traditional dinner in the best cafes or restaurants in the city. Srinagar is also known for budding new chefs who have given its traditional richness an artistic twist. Depending on your budget you can also have a culturally valuable experience by indulging in the street food of Srinagar.

Entry fee: 200 to 1000 INR per person depending on the chosen cafe or restaurant.

Opening and closing timings: Restaurants and cafes in Srinagar typically open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 1.5 hours

8. Go shopping for souvenirs

Shopping is again one of those activities in Srinagar that you would ideally want to reserve some special time for. Srinagar is famous for handicrafts, artefacts, pashmina shawls and woollen clothing, embroidered rugs, dry fruits from all over Kashmir and Afghanistan, street food, gold and silver thread embroidery, etc. The floating vegetable market in Srinagar is also famous for its unique traditional approach. The Meena Bazaar on Dal Lake is a famous shopping site. If you want to shop for souvenirs there is nothing better than Lal Chowk Kashmir or Polo View Market.

Entry fee: No entry cost

Opening and closing timings: Depend on seasonal changes and market specifications.

Time taken to visit: 3 to 5 hours

9. Experience white water river rafting in Sonmarg

The thrill of whitewater river rafting in Sonmarg is not a typical part of Srinagar Travel Packages, but several tourists across India and the rest of the world plan a trip to Srinagar specifically for this one activity. River rafting is a high-intensity water sport activity that you can only truly enjoy in mountainous areas. River rafting in Sonmarg does not need you to know how to swim, though it is good to know it for safety. It is a grade 4 rafting on the Indus River. Can enjoy it as a solo participant, group participant, or couple participant.

Entry fee: 400 INR per person 

Opening and closing timings: No specific opening and closing timings but it takes place usually in the late hours of the morning and early afternoon.

Time taken to visit: 2 hours not including the trek

10. Watch birds at Manasbal Lake

Watching birds is a fascination that non-bird lovers will never understand. It is the most natural and affordable alternative asking all the things to do in Srinagar. The exotic species of birds vary from one place to another and you will not find such a surprising variety anywhere else other than on the Manasbal Lake of Kashmir. Bird watching is a seasonal activity and it cannot be undertaken in the very cold months. However, you can always go to the sacred Lake to catch the sacred birds important to Hindu and Buddhist inhabitants of Srinagar alike. 

Entry fee: No entry cost

Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timing.

Time taken to visit: it can take up to as much as a whole day to bird watch properly.

11. Go on a short hike to Shankaracharya Hill

The Shankaracharya hill is a monument and viewpoint located on top of a hill where the Shankaracharya temple is built. This temple was built by emperor Ashoka’s son somewhere in 300 BCE. To reach the Shankaracharya hill one has to go through a short, enchanting hike through the mountains adjacent to Srinagar city. You will have an opportunity to take pictures of many natural fauna, flora, and phenomena on the way. It is the best way to spend a slow day when you are here in Srinagar.

Entry fee: no entry fee

Opening and closing timings: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 3 hours

Frequently Asked Questions?

Conclusion

You can make the process of enjoying all the things to do in Srinagar easier and safer by planning everything thoroughly beforehand. Further, you can rest assured that all your needs have been met by a team of professionals when you choose the correct Kashmir travel package. Srinagar Travel packages are often paired with Gulmarg and Sonmarg travel packages in India by the most competent travel agents. Choose a Kashmir travel package that looks after all your needs at an affordable price range.