Kashmir is proof that poetry can exist without being written on paper. I have a habit of neatly summing up my travel experience and fitting it into blogs or photos or memories. But for Kashmir, I struggle, I struggled to put words on paper, I struggled to capture its raw beauty. Even a week after I’ve returned from my trip, I only have to close my eyes to be back there. That’s how beautiful Kashmir is. That’s how captivating Kashmir is.

After years of eluding us, we finally managed to plan a successful trip to Kashmir. Since, we were all headed from different locations, it was best to sync up in the capital, i.e. Srinagar.

How to reach Srinagar?

Srinagar is easily accessible by Air and Road.

By Flight: Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport, Srinagar is well connected to all cities within India.

By Road: You can travel by road either through public transport or through your own vehicle. This could easily be a 17-20 hour journey and hence advisable to break the journey at Jammu.

By Train: The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is well connected to Delhi and Amritsar. From here, you can take a bus or shared taxi to reach Srinagar. This could be an additional 8-hour journey by road.

💡 We’d recommend taking a flight since the views just before landing in Srinagar are gorgeous.
Pro Tip: Take a seat on the right side of the plane and not near the wings.

Things to do in Srinagar

1. Sunset Shikara Ride on Dal Lake
   I don’t think anything will prepare you for the magical show that nature orchestrates at sunset on Dal Lake. Colourful shikaras with cutesy names dote the numerous entry gates to Dal Lake. We took a very long sunset ride around Dal and paid INR 2500/- for the entire ride.
   
   Visit Char Chinar, an island in the middle of Dal, during this ride.
   It can get nippy as the sun sets, keep a jacket handy or ask shikara bhaiyya for a blanket.

2. Floating Vegetable Market
Getting up super early on a chilly morning was absolutely worth it for this market. At sunrise, right after the first call for prayer, vendors set up shops on their shikaras selling locally grown vegetables and flowers. Customers, mostly residents, arrive on shikaras as well to do their regular shopping. It is an absolutely unique and lovely sight. Plus the sunrise views are stunning!

3. Stay on a houseboat on Nigeen Lake
Staying on a houseboat is synonymous with Srinagar. Exquisite interiors and plush furnishing make it absolutely worth the while. We’d suggest budgeting a leisurely stay here without having too many things to do on this day. We actually didn’t even step out of the houseboat.

Nigeen Lake is adjacent to Dal Lake, connected through a narrow waterway. It is much more calm and serene, void of commercialization when compared to Dal Lake. Hence, a stay on Nigeen is recommended.

4. Hazratbal Shrine
An important pilgrim site for Muslims, situated right on the banks of Dal Lake. It’s pristine white dome-shaped architecture is an absolutely stunning sight. Girls, do carry a stole to cover your head and wear clothes that cover your knees, or you might not be allowed to enter.

5. Pari Mahal
A seven terraced Mughal Garden that gives panoramic views of the city below. Post lunch would be a great time to visit this place and just spend some time lazing around soaking in the surrounding beauty.

6. Shankaracharya Temple
This small temple made up of grey stone is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that Shankaracharya stayed here. Mounted a top Takth-e-Suleiman, this temple overlooks Srinagar and Dal Lake. This is one of the best places to view the number of houseboats stationed on Dal Lake

7. Dal Lake Boulevard
Take a drive or a long walk around the huge periphery of Dal Lake. The promenade has bustling market areas where you can shop, albeit at a premium, to the more peaceful areas near Nishat Garden. All in all, not something you’ll regret doing.

8. Mughal Gardens
Srinagar has many beautiful gardens, thanks to the Mughals. It, in fact, is home to the largest Tulip Garden in Asia. However, this garden is in bloom only during the months of March – April. No need to panic if this doesn’t coincide with your travel dates. Srinagar has a host of gardens with stunning views all year round. Pick anyone between Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Garden, and Chashme Shahi Garden for your visit and you won’t be disappointed.

Don’t try and fit in all the gardens in your itinerary. They can tire you out.

9. Zero Bridge
The oldest wooden arch bridge that lies over Jhelum. It is now a heritage site. Club this visit with a visit to Lal Chowk. Don’t miss popular cafes in the area such as Chai Jaai and Books & Bricks Cafe for some quirky interiors and a piping hot cuppa.

Things to eat in Srinagar

1. Wazwan – A traditional elaborate platter, often served in Kashmiri weddings. Most restaurants will have a taster (mini) option on their menus. A perfect gateway to Kashmiri cuisine.
2. Halwa Poori – Street food, found in the bylanes of the bustling market area near Hazratbal Shrine. Measured in grams and provided on a piece of paper, it is finger licking good.
3. Gustaba – Meat balls in a yogurt based curry/sauce. Mind-blowingly delicious and gone within seconds of being served.
4. Kashmiri Naan – You’ll find this thick naan or bread in most areas of Kashmir. We picked some freshly baked and piping hot ones up early in the morning. They almost melt in your mouth and honestly can be had without any side dish.
5. Haaq saag: A simple dish made with Kashmiri leafy greens, a staple on most Vegetarian plates. The aromatic flavours from this one can make anyone drool.
6. Rogan josh: Curried Lamb, with the choicest of Kashmiri spices. Can be had with Naan or Rice or just simply without any accompaniments.
7. Kahwa: A flavourful tea to wash down lunch or breakfast, made with saffron, spices and a bunch of almond slices.
   

The beauty of Srinagar, can’t be explained. It’s all about experiencing contradicting views simultaneously, blissful nature along with armed security personnel everywhere you go. But, the people of Kashmir, are very hospitable and will be welcome you with open arms. Be mindful that tourism is the main source of income for most Kashmiris and hence you may sometimes feel that vendors get too pushy with their sales. Don’t let that mar your experience.