On the water
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake, best at sunset
- A night on a houseboat on Dal or Nigeen Lake
- Early morning floating vegetable market
Gardens
- Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, the grand Mughal terraces
- Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal, with views over the city
- Tulip garden in spring, and the Botanical Garden next door
Heritage and faith
- Jamia Masjid and Khanqah of Shah Hamadan in the old city
- Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake
- Shankaracharya temple on the hill above the city
Shopping
- Pashmina and Kani shawls, papier mache, walnut wood carving and carpets
- Lal Chowk and Polo View market for general shopping
- Buy from registered craft outlets and ask for GI tags on pashmina
Two days without backtracking
Build around neighbourhoods rather than zigzagging across the city. A sunrise floating market excursion needs a particularly early shikara arrangement and is not part of every standard lake ride.
| Day | Morning | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Lake and gardens | Nishat and Shalimar on the Dal side | Chashme Shahi or Pari Mahal, then a sunset shikara |
| Old city and food | Jamia Masjid area and old bridges | Craft workshops or market lanes, then Kashmiri dinner |
What to agree before a shikara ride
- Boarding ghat and ride duration.
- Private boat or shared boat, and total fare rather than a per-stop price.
- Whether any market or floating-garden visit is actually on the route.
- Return time before dark if you have a dinner reservation.
Common questions
How many days do I need in Srinagar?
Two full days is ideal, plus day trips to Gulmarg or Sonmarg.