How to Plan 2 Perfect Days in Srinagar?

If you have never been to Srinagar, here’s a disclaimer. This blog will make you want to book your flight. I shall not lie – Srinagar feels like a dream. It is probably one of the most beautiful state capitals. And even though it is a tourist destination, you must visit this place at least once in your lifetime. 

Tucked away in the majestic Himalayas, Srinagar is a dreamland of snow-capped peaks, shimmering lakes, and timeless Mughal gardens. Whether you’re drifting along the Dal Lake on a traditional shikara or wandering through the bustling lanes of the old city, there’s magic in every corner. The best places to visit in Srinagar offer a mix of natural beauty, spiritual depth, and cultural charm that’s hard to match. From the iconic Mughal Gardens and houseboats to the tranquil Hazratbal Shrine and the vibrant floating markets, there’s no shortage of places to see in Srinagar that will enchant you.

If you want to explore beyond the city, there are also plenty of places to visit near Srinagar, Kashmir, including lush meadows, charming hill towns, and hidden valleys that are just a short drive away. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a culture enthusiast, the things to do in Srinagar are sure to make your trip unforgettable.

When I reached Srinagar and got out of the shared taxi, a man approached me and asked me to stay in his houseboat. He called me his sister. 

I had food along with his family – elder brother, wife, son, and daughter. This was a classic example of how Kashmiris treat tourists with deep respect and warmth. 

Here, you will find all the updated details on how to spend two days in Srinagar, including accommodation, budget, itinerary, and the best places to visit in Srinagar.

Accommodation

Shangri La HouseBoat – 9906629903

There are many accommodation options in Srinagar. You can stay in a hotel or hostel (Zostel has now opened in Srinagar), but I personally prefer staying in a houseboat, especially the Shangri La Houseboat. I haven’t met such a kind family! They truly cared for me like a younger sister, and I am genuinely thankful for it. The rooms, washroom, and amenities are clean and hygienic. They also serve delicious home-cooked food and have a separate dining area where you can enjoy meals while gazing at Dal Lake.

Houseboats in Srinagar offer a unique way to experience the culture of Kashmir. Each houseboat is ornately carved and reflects traditional Kashmiri architecture. They are usually moored on the edge of Dal or Nigeen Lake, offering scenic views right from your room. You also get the chance to meet local hosts and understand their way of life.

Cost: During the off-season, a room costs INR 1,500, while in the peak season (May and June), it goes up to INR 3,000. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Contact: Wahid: 9906629903 | Ajaz: 9831183948

Best Time to Visit Srinagar

Srinagar is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit Srinagar is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is lush. Winters are extremely cold, and the Dal Lake often freezes. I visited in September and found it to be the perfect balance – not too cold, and very peaceful.

Spring (April to June) brings blooming tulips and almond blossoms, making it one of the most photogenic times of the year. Summer offers clear skies and warm days, perfect for sightseeing. Autumn (September to November) turns the Chinar trees golden and red, adding a magical hue to the city. Winter (December to February) is best for snow lovers and offers a chance to see frozen lakes and snow-covered mountains.

Spring is arguably one of the most beautiful times to visit Srinagar. As the snow begins to melt, the valley awakens with colourful flowers and fresh greenery. The world-famous Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest, is in full bloom from late March to mid-April, attracting tourists from across the globe. The Mughal Gardens in Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are at their vibrant best, making spring perfect for sightseeing and photography.

Average temperature: 10°C to 20°C

Summer is considered the peak tourist season in Srinagar. The weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for things to do in Srinagar, like boating on Dal and Nigeen Lakes, exploring old Srinagar city, and taking day trips to places to visit near Srinagar, Kashmir, like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, or Pahalgam. 

Average temperature: 15°C to 30°C

If you’re a fan of golden hues and crisp air, autumn is one of the best times to visit Srinagar. The Chinar trees turn red and gold, casting a surreal charm over the city. Fewer tourists mean you can explore places to see in Srinagar peacefully, while enjoying lower hotel rates and a more laid-back atmosphere.

Average temperature: 10°C to 25°C

Winter transforms Srinagar into a snowy wonderland. While the city is cold, it is breathtakingly beautiful, especially when Dal Lake freezes and snow blankets the rooftops and trees. This season is perfect for places to visit near Srinagar, like Gulmarg, which becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding.

Average temperature: -2°C to 8°C

How to Reach Srinagar?

Reaching Srinagar is quite easy. Here are my recommendations. Since I was based out of Delhi, I am giving you the route from Delhi. If you are coming from other parts of India, you can come via Delhi to take a flight to Srinagar directly. 

By Bus

• Direct from Delhi: Sleeper non-AC buses leave from Sarai Kale Khan (cost: INR 1,500), and Volvos cost around INR 2,000. These go directly to the TRC Bus Stand, Srinagar.
• Via Jammu: Overnight buses from Delhi to Jammu (INR 1,000) are available from Majnu Ka Tilla or RK Ashram. From Jammu, take a JKSRTC bus or a shared taxi (INR 1,000, 10-12 hours) to Srinagar.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Jammu. Take a train to Jammu (10-13 hrs), then a shared taxi or JKSRTC bus to Srinagar.

By Flight

Srinagar Airport is well-connected to all major Indian cities. Book in advance to get fares similar to bus or train travel. 

Tip: Arrive early at the airport while departing, as security checks are strict.

From Airport to TRC

Shared taxis cost INR 100. Airport shuttles from TRC run at 9 AM, 10 AM, and 11 AM and cost INR 90.

2 Days Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Srinagar by 10 AM. Take a shared taxi or cab to the ghats and check into your houseboat. After settling in, enjoy a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake, visiting some of the most scenic places to see in Srinagar:

• Char Chinar: A peaceful island in Dal Lake with Chinar trees at all corners. The view is magical, especially during October when the leaves turn red. It’s one of the best places to visit in Srinagar in autumn. You can even carry snacks and spend time relaxing in the shade.
• Hazratbal Shrine: A serene white marble shrine with strong spiritual vibes. Women are not allowed inside, but can appreciate its beauty from the outside. Don’t miss the nearby market and local sweets. This is among the top religious places to visit in Srinagar.

• Nigeen Lake: Connected to Dal Lake via a narrow water channel, this quiet lake is less crowded and more peaceful. It’s a top choice among places to visit near Srinagar, Kashmir, if you prefer calm surroundings. The lake is also ideal for kayaking and birdwatching.

• Chai Jai: Spend your evening at this beautiful cafe with warm interiors and great food. Try their tea, pizzas, and shakes. A must-visit among things to do in Srinagar. Their kehwa (Kashmiri tea) is particularly delightful.
• Shopping in the Local Market: Shop for Kashmiri dresses, papier-mâché artefacts, pashmina shawls, and spices. The lane is full of shops and gets especially beautiful during sunset. Truly one of the charming places to see in Srinagar.
• If you are not living in a houseboat, then the Dal and Shikhara Ride (in the morning) should be on your bucket list as well. Float past floating gardens, houseboats, and local vendors selling saffron, flowers, and Kashmiri handicrafts. It’s one of the most iconic places to see in Srinagar and a postcard-perfect experience.

Day 2

• Vegetable Market (5 AM): Accessible by shikara, this floating market is a must-see among the top places to visit in Srinagar. Watch locals trade vegetables on boats as the morning light casts golden hues over the water. It’s a rare glimpse into the local life of Dal dwellers.

• Pari Mahal: After breakfast, take a cab to this beautiful Mughal garden on a hilltop. It offers panoramic views of Dal Lake and Srinagar city, making it one of the most underrated places to visit in Srinagar. The architecture here is unique, and its seven-terraced garden structure makes for perfect photography spots.
• Shankaracharya Temple: Perched on a hill, this is one of the highest places to see in Srinagar. You can only reach halfway by vehicle; the rest is a short uphill walk. No cameras are allowed inside. The temple offers panoramic views of Srinagar city and is spiritually enriching.
• Mughal Gardens (Late Morning to Afternoon): Irrespective of when you are visiting, Mughal Gardens must be on your to-do list. It is a trio of spectacular terraced gardens along Dal Lake. The Shalimar Bagh is the largest of the gardens, built by Emperor Jahangir. The Nishat Bagh is known as the garden of joy, and offers panoramic views of the lake. The Chashme Shahi is a relatively small garden with natural springs and Persian-style layouts. 

If time permits, consider day trips to beautiful places to visit near Srinagar, Kashmir, like Gulmarg or Sonamarg. Gulmarg is great for cable car rides and skiing (in winter), while Sonamarg is ideal for a day trek or pony rides. These are ideal places to see near Srinagar for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Have extra time on hand? Consider going on a trek – Tarsar Marsar Trek

What to Wear and Carry?

• Wear ethnic suits to blend into the local culture. Men can try wearing a kurta for a day. I wore ethnic throughout my stay since I wanted to blend in. I was comfortable as well as stylish. 
• Get photographed in local Kashmiri attire at Nehru Park.
• Carry:
  • Valid ID (required at several checkpoints). Although there’s no risk as such, many times the police may ask you for an ID as part of their routine check-up. 
  • Postpaid SIM (only postpaid works in Kashmir)
  • Warm clothes (even during summer, early mornings and evenings are chilly). Don’t mistake the season for being too warm. When you go for a Shikhara ride in Dal Lake, it will be quite breezy as well. 

If you are going to Ladakh after Srinagar, read our Ladakh guide here – Leh Ladakh Itinerary
For Leh Ladakh Packages, check this out – Leh Ladakh Tour Packages

Connectivity in Srinagar

Prepaid SIMs from other states do not work in Kashmir. Ensure you carry a postpaid SIM, preferably Jio or BSNL. You can also rent a SIM locally for 10 days (approx. INR 100), which I got after bargaining intensely with a local. However, Jio has a network in Kashmir, in case you have a Jio postpaid SIM. 

Typical Budget for 2 Days in Srinagar

• Transport (To & Fro): INR 3,000 – 4,000 (buses/flights)
• Stay: INR 1,500 – 3,000 (includes food at Shangri La House Boat). If you book Zostel, it will be even cheaper. 
• Shikara Ride: INR 1,000 – 1,500 (full day), which covers quite a lot of places such as Dargah, Char Chinar and Nigeen Lake.
• Cab for Pari Mahal & Shankaracharya: INR 1,200, for a cab. However, for the Shankaracharya Temple, you can take a bus halfway to the temple and then cover the rest of your journey on foot. 
• Food: INR 300 – 400 for meals at places like Chai Jai or INR 200 in local markets

Srinagar is undoubtedly a treasure trove of beauty, warmth, and culture. From serene lakes to vibrant markets and historical monuments, the best places to visit in Srinagar will leave you mesmerised. Whether you have two days or more, there’s no shortage of things to do in Srinagar. Plan well, and don’t forget to explore the scenic places to see near Srinagar and other peaceful places to visit near Srinagar, Kashmir, to complete your Kashmir experience.

Enjoy your trip to Srinagar!