Srinagar Travel Guide: The Jewel of Kashmir - Capital Cities of Indian States [Jammu and Kashmir]

Peer Ki Gali is an amazing place on old Mughal road in Jammu & Kashmir State of India. This place is the highest passes on Srinagar Rajouri historic Mughal Road at 11300 Feets... Let's check out this Photo Journey to know more about this place with appropriate photographs...Various water streams can seen flowing through snow covered peaks of Peer-Ki-Gali hills. Cool freeze, freshening environment and roaming clouds all over makes this place wonderful. After talking to various folks at Peer ki Gali, we got to know that almost every day it rains on these hills. We spent two days around it and we also experienced rain showers both the days...Here is a photograph of a shopkeeper inside his small shop made up of stones. He had almost everything that is usually required for routine life in hills. These families come to these high hills with their cattle, as this place has got more than enough grazing land which becomes a problem during a particular time of the year. Ziarat of Peer Baba on hill top has gained its popularity. Almost every vehicle passing by Peer-ki-Gali stops here to enjoy the panaromic view as well as to take blessings of Peer Baba. Green layer on Peer-Ki-Gali hills looks amazing and it's a huge range of hills with green meadows...Shepherd sitting in these green hills around Peer ki Gali... Almost every alternate hill was full of sheeps and horses... This trend was only noticed around Peer-Ki-Gali on Mughal Road...In past this place have been of great interest for trekkers and now easily accessible for others as well. Tourism is picking up in this region of Jammu and Kashmir now. This will not only boost the economy of the state but also open new aspects to the residents.CRPF folks can seen here and there around these hills to make every person safe on these hills around Peer ki Gali. Really these folks are working really well to give confidence to common people to enjoy the beauty around Mughal Road.Sheeps all around in green hills of Peer Ki Gali, Kashmir, India.All these water streams make the whole environment more beautiful. All these streams have chilling water of melted snow of hill-tops. Dark clouds covering blue sky with lush green hills having multiple white-water streams - this whole combination makes Peer-Ki-Gali a unique place.Local folks on this stretch can organize various trekking trips with all arrangements for lodging in tents or some othe wooden houses, which can good source of income going forward.Jammu and Kashmir state of India is known as heaven on earth. In the seventeenth century the Mughal emperor Jahangir set his eyes on the valley of Kashmir and Peer-Ki-Gali is one of the place they used to stay. There is an old Mughal Residence in deep valley. Mughals said that if paradise is anywhere on the earth, it is here, while living in a houseboat on the mesmerizing Dal Lake.  In Jammu and Kashmir the most important tourist places are Kashmir, Srinagar, the Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Jammu, and Ladakh...It will take a long more time to further develop the area but nobody can deny that it's magical. This whole stretch is magnetic. It draws you closer and closer. As we packed up, the beauty of the place wanted me to linger more. But I returned home with some amazing memories to cherish forever; vivid pics in the heart and mind that won't fade or get lost ever. It is a place that can't be expressed in words and that can't be explained in pics; just plan a trip and experience it all yourself.Before militancy intensified in 1989, tourism formed an important part of the Kashmiri economy. The tourism economy in the Kashmir valley was worst hit. Many five stars in Srinagar can be seen which are not well maintained now and owners can't afford to spend more on those properties. However, the holy shrines of Jammu and the Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh continue to remain popular pilgrimage and tourism destinations. Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath which has had significant impact on the state's economy.The Vaishno Devi yatra alone contributes Rs. 450+ crores to the local economy annually.Tourism in the Kashmir valley has rebounded in recent years and in 2009, the state became one of the top tourist destinations of India. Gulmarg, one of the most popular ski resort destinations in India, is also home to the world's highest green golf course. However with the decrease in violence in the state has boosted the states economy specifically tourism.Peer ki gali has religious importance as well. Most of the folks crossing through this place, stop by and spend some time around the mazar of Peer baba. This is of the holy places for Muslim saints. Here people from almost all the religions comes in large number to pray, on Thursday.There are some beautiful waterfalls around Peer Ki Gali and number/flow depends upon the time of the year & amount the snow these hills have got. Some of them are seasonal and many of them can be seen during most of the year.Kashmir's official language is Urdu. However the main languages spoken are Kashmiri in the Kashmir Valley, Ladakhi in Ladakh and Dogri in Jammu. Most people can speak Hindi as a second language. As elsewhere in India, English is fairly widely spoken among the educated classes and those involved in the tourist industry.Here i a photographs showing typical style of houses in Peer-Ki-Gali on Mughal Road in Jammu & Kashmir state of India. Mainly made up of rock-stones and flat roof made up of wood & mud. They are quite spacious and are seasonal. People go down to their main towns during snowfall in this region.A view of deep valley with curved roads from Peer-Ki-Gali, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is one of India’s most enchanting destinations — often called “Paradise on Earth”. With its snow-clad mountains, lush valleys, shimmering lakes, and Mughal-era gardens, Srinagar offers a unique mix of natural beauty, culture, and history.

5. Don't get into the trap of those 7 Sight-seeing points shown at Taxi stand of Pahalgam, avoid ponies and prefer enjoyable hike through deodar forest to the meadows.     So here is the typical setup - Your taxi drops at the stand and there is high probability that his person is mainly waiting for your taxi. Your taxi driver has already made his person aware about the location. Driver has also influenced you that 6000 for 2 ponies is fine, so you feel good that the person has agreed for 6k instead of 10K. Soon after you realise that others got the same deal for 3.5-4K :). There is very good profiling of tourists done by taxi drivers and info shared with pony owners here.

Whether you’re gliding across Dal Lake in a shikara, strolling through terraced Mughal gardens, exploring bustling bazaars, or venturing into the surrounding valleys like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, Srinagar has something for everyone. This guide covers the best places to see, culture and crafts, food, nightlife, local life, and nearby excursions to help you make the most of your visit.


Main Places to Visit in Srinagar

Do Houseboat owners provide shikara for reaching road on other side of the lake?  Sometimes yes.    Are there houseboats which are connected to the road without the need for taking a Shikara?  Some of the Houseboats are connected to the road on back side.     Is Dal Lake better to stay in a Houseboat or Nageen Lake?  It's a personal choice. I personally prefer Nageen lake due to it's peace in comparison to Dal Lake. Dal Lake also has peaceful sections, so it depends which Houseboat you are choosing.

1. Dal Lake & Nigeen Lake

Dal Lake is the heart of Srinagar — famous for its shikara rides, houseboats, and floating markets. Early mornings are magical, when vendors row across the lake selling flowers, vegetables, and handicrafts.

👉 Experience Dal Lake’s charm on Travellingcamera.

For a quieter alternative, Nigeen Lake offers serene houseboat stays away from the crowds.


2. Mughal Gardens

Srinagar’s Mughal gardens are UNESCO-recognized and reflect Persian aesthetics combined with Kashmiri landscaping.

  • Shalimar Bagh: Built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor Jahan.

  • Nishat Bagh: Overlooking Dal Lake with terraced lawns and cascading fountains.

  • Chashme Shahi: Famous for its natural spring.

👉 Check Travellingcamera’s photo-story on Nishat and Shalimar Gardens.


3. Shankaracharya Hill & Temple

Offering panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is perched atop Shankaracharya Hill.



4. Hazratbal Shrine

Located on the northern shores of Dal Lake, Hazratbal Mosque is Kashmir’s most revered Muslim shrine, believed to house a relic of Prophet Muhammad. Its white marble structure with Dal Lake as the backdrop is stunning.


When it comes to the route, very few routes would beat the spectacular beauty of the drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg. For one, you follow the Sind River all through. So you have a mountain river flowing alongside all through.

5. Old City & Jama Masjid

The old quarters of Srinagar, with wooden lattice houses and bustling bazaars, are full of character. The 14th-century Jama Masjid, with its Indo-Saracenic architecture and 378 wooden pillars, is a must-see.

👉 Explore Srinagar’s local streets through Travellingcamera’s lens.


Nestled along Shanti Path, this floral extravaganza has grown into a cherished tradition. The festival typically takes place in Feb month of the year and is a testament to Delhi's commitment to blending nature with urban culture.

6. Tulip Garden (Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden)

Every spring (March–April), Asia’s largest tulip garden comes alive with over a million tulips in bloom. The festival draws visitors from across the world.

👉 Travellingcamera’s coverage of Srinagar’s Tulip Festival.


Pari Mahal is a seven-terraced Mughal Garden that has stone arches, lush green lawns, enticing views, and in short everything if you want to spend a few hours just sitting and admiring the view.

7. Pari Mahal

A 17th-century terraced garden with Islamic architecture, once an observatory, overlooking Dal Lake — best visited at sunset.


Please notice that your driver has already influenced you that 6000 for 2 ponies is good price, so you feel good that the person has agreed for 6k instead of 12K. Soon after you realise that others got the same deal for 3-4K :). There is very good profiling of tourists done by taxi drivers and info shared with pony owners here.

Excursions Around Srinagar

Srinagar also serves as the perfect base for some of Kashmir’s most breathtaking day trips and short excursions.


When we talk about some of the most popular tourist destinations in Kashmir, Gulmarg is one of those options but typically some standard things are sold to tourists in Gulmarg while you can enjoy it much better by cutting through the clutter and choosing unusual way of exploring this beautiful place, which is very rich in terms of natural beauty. In this blogpost, we shall talk about Gulmarg in details. We will talk about most popular activities in Gulmarg where lot of tourists go and indulge themselves in different kind of activities along with some standard scams run in these tourist places of Kashmir. and then we will share some other unsual things you can do in Gulmarg to feel special by ignoring the FOMO on obvious things everyone talks about Gulmarg.

Art, Craft & Shopping in Srinagar

Srinagar is a paradise for handicraft lovers, offering exquisite Kashmiri artistry:

  • Pashmina Shawls & Stoles: World-renowned for their softness.

  • Carpets: Hand-knotted Kashmiri carpets with intricate patterns.

  • Papier-Mâché: Decorated with bright colors and motifs.

  • Walnut Wood Carvings: Furniture and décor pieces carved with fine detail.

👉 Travellingcamera’s exploration of Kashmir crafts & shopping.

For local shopping, head to Lal Chowk and Polo View Market.



Culture & Music in Srinagar

Kashmiri culture is a blend of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian influences.

  • Music & Dance: Sufi and folk music (Rouf, Chakri) are an integral part of Kashmiri life.

  • Festivals:

    • Tulip Festival (April).

    • Navroz (Persian New Year).

    • Eid and Shivratri (locally called Herath).

👉 Travellingcamera’s Kashmir cultural photo series.


I am a little embarrassed to admit it, but I wasn't aware of Kashmiri Wazwan before our trip (my first-ever) trip to Kashmir this year. However once you land in Srinagar and visit any tourist destination, billboards inscribed with "Kashmiri Wazwan" keep popping up in your line of sight. So we were naturally curious.   After landing in the morning and then roaming around for half a day, we decided we were hungry and went into a small dhaba-like shop that was also serving Kashmiri Wazwan. It was then that we discovered that Wazwan was an elaborate, traditional meal with several meat-based dishes and rice.   We were in a dhaba, so we did not really get to experience the traditional way of cooking, serving, or eating wazwan, but a research on the internet and a conversation with our taxi driver did make it apparent that wazwan is not just about food, it is also about the pride Kashmiri's take in this tradition.   Our driver was delighted when we asked him about Kashmiri Wazwan. He informed us that households hire specialized chefs to prepare Wazwan for special occasions, and it is never a single-day affair. It lasts for at least a couple of days.

Food in Srinagar

Kashmiri cuisine is rich, aromatic, and unforgettable.

  • Wazwan: A multi-course royal feast featuring dishes like Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Yakhni, and Tabak Maaz.

  • Kahwa: Traditional green tea infused with saffron, almonds, and spices.

  • Street Food: Seekh kebabs, harissa (in winter), and nadru (lotus stem) fritters.

👉 Read Travellingcamera’s feature on Kashmiri food experiences.



Nightlife in Srinagar

Unlike Delhi or Chandigarh, nightlife in Srinagar is subdued — evenings are spent on houseboats, at lakeside cafés, or in hotels with cultural shows. The charm lies in quiet starry nights over Dal Lake rather than nightclubs.

👉 For comparison, see Travellingcamera’s Chandigarh nightlife guide.


Peer Ki Gali is an amazing place on old Mughal road in Jammu & Kashmir State of India. This place is the highest passes on Srinagar Rajouri historic Mughal Road at 11300 Feets... Let's check out this Photo Journey to know more about this place with appropriate photographs...Various water streams can seen flowing through snow covered peaks of Peer-Ki-Gali hills. Cool freeze, freshening environment and roaming clouds all over makes this place wonderful. After talking to various folks at Peer ki Gali, we got to know that almost every day it rains on these hills. We spent two days around it and we also experienced rain showers both the days...Here is a photograph of a shopkeeper inside his small shop made up of stones. He had almost everything that is usually required for routine life in hills. These families come to these high hills with their cattle, as this place has got more than enough grazing land which becomes a problem during a particular time of the year. Ziarat of Peer Baba on hill top has gained its popularity. Almost every vehicle passing by Peer-ki-Gali stops here to enjoy the panaromic view as well as to take blessings of Peer Baba. Green layer on Peer-Ki-Gali hills looks amazing and it's a huge range of hills with green meadows...Shepherd sitting in these green hills around Peer ki Gali... Almost every alternate hill was full of sheeps and horses... This trend was only noticed around Peer-Ki-Gali on Mughal Road...In past this place have been of great interest for trekkers and now easily accessible for others as well. Tourism is picking up in this region of Jammu and Kashmir now. This will not only boost the economy of the state but also open new aspects to the residents.CRPF folks can seen here and there around these hills to make every person safe on these hills around Peer ki Gali. Really these folks are working really well to give confidence to common people to enjoy the beauty around Mughal Road.Sheeps all around in green hills of Peer Ki Gali, Kashmir, India.All these water streams make the whole environment more beautiful. All these streams have chilling water of melted snow of hill-tops. Dark clouds covering blue sky with lush green hills having multiple white-water streams - this whole combination makes Peer-Ki-Gali a unique place.Local folks on this stretch can organize various trekking trips with all arrangements for lodging in tents or some othe wooden houses, which can good source of income going forward.Jammu and Kashmir state of India is known as heaven on earth. In the seventeenth century the Mughal emperor Jahangir set his eyes on the valley of Kashmir and Peer-Ki-Gali is one of the place they used to stay. There is an old Mughal Residence in deep valley. Mughals said that if paradise is anywhere on the earth, it is here, while living in a houseboat on the mesmerizing Dal Lake.  In Jammu and Kashmir the most important tourist places are Kashmir, Srinagar, the Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Jammu, and Ladakh...It will take a long more time to further develop the area but nobody can deny that it's magical. This whole stretch is magnetic. It draws you closer and closer. As we packed up, the beauty of the place wanted me to linger more. But I returned home with some amazing memories to cherish forever; vivid pics in the heart and mind that won't fade or get lost ever. It is a place that can't be expressed in words and that can't be explained in pics; just plan a trip and experience it all yourself.Before militancy intensified in 1989, tourism formed an important part of the Kashmiri economy. The tourism economy in the Kashmir valley was worst hit. Many five stars in Srinagar can be seen which are not well maintained now and owners can't afford to spend more on those properties. However, the holy shrines of Jammu and the Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh continue to remain popular pilgrimage and tourism destinations. Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath which has had significant impact on the state's economy.The Vaishno Devi yatra alone contributes Rs. 450+ crores to the local economy annually.Tourism in the Kashmir valley has rebounded in recent years and in 2009, the state became one of the top tourist destinations of India. Gulmarg, one of the most popular ski resort destinations in India, is also home to the world's highest green golf course. However with the decrease in violence in the state has boosted the states economy specifically tourism.Peer ki gali has religious importance as well. Most of the folks crossing through this place, stop by and spend some time around the mazar of Peer baba. This is of the holy places for Muslim saints. Here people from almost all the religions comes in large number to pray, on Thursday.There are some beautiful waterfalls around Peer Ki Gali and number/flow depends upon the time of the year & amount the snow these hills have got. Some of them are seasonal and many of them can be seen during most of the year.Kashmir's official language is Urdu. However the main languages spoken are Kashmiri in the Kashmir Valley, Ladakhi in Ladakh and Dogri in Jammu. Most people can speak Hindi as a second language. As elsewhere in India, English is fairly widely spoken among the educated classes and those involved in the tourist industry.Here i a photographs showing typical style of houses in Peer-Ki-Gali on Mughal Road in Jammu & Kashmir state of India. Mainly made up of rock-stones and flat roof made up of wood & mud. They are quite spacious and are seasonal. People go down to their main towns during snowfall in this region.A view of deep valley with curved roads from Peer-Ki-Gali, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Local Life in Srinagar

Srinagar’s rhythm is tied to its natural environment.

  • Morning Scenes: Floating vegetable market on Dal Lake.

  • Daily Life: Strolling along the Boulevard Road, sipping kahwa, or visiting local shrines.

  • Craftspersons: Artisans weaving carpets and embroidering shawls in old city workshops.

👉 Travellingcamera’s street captures from Srinagar.


Peer Ki Gali is an amazing place on old Mughal road in Jammu & Kashmir State of India. This place is the highest passes on Srinagar Rajouri historic Mughal Road at 11300 Feets... Let's check out this Photo Journey to know more about this place with appropriate photographs...Various water streams can seen flowing through snow covered peaks of Peer-Ki-Gali hills. Cool freeze, freshening environment and roaming clouds all over makes this place wonderful. After talking to various folks at Peer ki Gali, we got to know that almost every day it rains on these hills. We spent two days around it and we also experienced rain showers both the days...Here is a photograph of a shopkeeper inside his small shop made up of stones. He had almost everything that is usually required for routine life in hills. These families come to these high hills with their cattle, as this place has got more than enough grazing land which becomes a problem during a particular time of the year. Ziarat of Peer Baba on hill top has gained its popularity. Almost every vehicle passing by Peer-ki-Gali stops here to enjoy the panaromic view as well as to take blessings of Peer Baba. Green layer on Peer-Ki-Gali hills looks amazing and it's a huge range of hills with green meadows...Shepherd sitting in these green hills around Peer ki Gali... Almost every alternate hill was full of sheeps and horses... This trend was only noticed around Peer-Ki-Gali on Mughal Road...In past this place have been of great interest for trekkers and now easily accessible for others as well. Tourism is picking up in this region of Jammu and Kashmir now. This will not only boost the economy of the state but also open new aspects to the residents.CRPF folks can seen here and there around these hills to make every person safe on these hills around Peer ki Gali. Really these folks are working really well to give confidence to common people to enjoy the beauty around Mughal Road.Sheeps all around in green hills of Peer Ki Gali, Kashmir, India.All these water streams make the whole environment more beautiful. All these streams have chilling water of melted snow of hill-tops. Dark clouds covering blue sky with lush green hills having multiple white-water streams - this whole combination makes Peer-Ki-Gali a unique place.Local folks on this stretch can organize various trekking trips with all arrangements for lodging in tents or some othe wooden houses, which can good source of income going forward.Jammu and Kashmir state of India is known as heaven on earth. In the seventeenth century the Mughal emperor Jahangir set his eyes on the valley of Kashmir and Peer-Ki-Gali is one of the place they used to stay. There is an old Mughal Residence in deep valley. Mughals said that if paradise is anywhere on the earth, it is here, while living in a houseboat on the mesmerizing Dal Lake.  In Jammu and Kashmir the most important tourist places are Kashmir, Srinagar, the Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Jammu, and Ladakh...It will take a long more time to further develop the area but nobody can deny that it's magical. This whole stretch is magnetic. It draws you closer and closer. As we packed up, the beauty of the place wanted me to linger more. But I returned home with some amazing memories to cherish forever; vivid pics in the heart and mind that won't fade or get lost ever. It is a place that can't be expressed in words and that can't be explained in pics; just plan a trip and experience it all yourself.Before militancy intensified in 1989, tourism formed an important part of the Kashmiri economy. The tourism economy in the Kashmir valley was worst hit. Many five stars in Srinagar can be seen which are not well maintained now and owners can't afford to spend more on those properties. However, the holy shrines of Jammu and the Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh continue to remain popular pilgrimage and tourism destinations. Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath which has had significant impact on the state's economy.The Vaishno Devi yatra alone contributes Rs. 450+ crores to the local economy annually.Tourism in the Kashmir valley has rebounded in recent years and in 2009, the state became one of the top tourist destinations of India. Gulmarg, one of the most popular ski resort destinations in India, is also home to the world's highest green golf course. However with the decrease in violence in the state has boosted the states economy specifically tourism.Peer ki gali has religious importance as well. Most of the folks crossing through this place, stop by and spend some time around the mazar of Peer baba. This is of the holy places for Muslim saints. Here people from almost all the religions comes in large number to pray, on Thursday.There are some beautiful waterfalls around Peer Ki Gali and number/flow depends upon the time of the year & amount the snow these hills have got. Some of them are seasonal and many of them can be seen during most of the year.Kashmir's official language is Urdu. However the main languages spoken are Kashmiri in the Kashmir Valley, Ladakhi in Ladakh and Dogri in Jammu. Most people can speak Hindi as a second language. As elsewhere in India, English is fairly widely spoken among the educated classes and those involved in the tourist industry.Here i a photographs showing typical style of houses in Peer-Ki-Gali on Mughal Road in Jammu & Kashmir state of India. Mainly made up of rock-stones and flat roof made up of wood & mud. They are quite spacious and are seasonal. People go down to their main towns during snowfall in this region.A view of deep valley with curved roads from Peer-Ki-Gali, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Practical Travel Tips for Srinagar

  • Best Time to Visit:

    • March–May: Tulip season and pleasant spring weather.

    • June–September: Cool summers with lush greenery.

    • December–February: Snowy landscapes (especially in Gulmarg).

  • Getting There:

    • By Air: Srinagar Airport (well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh).

    • By Road: National Highway 44 from Jammu (be prepared for mountain roads).

  • Getting Around:

    • Shikaras and houseboats for Dal/Nigeen Lakes.

    • Taxis for excursions.

    • Auto-rickshaws within the city.

  • Stay Options:

    • Luxury: Lalit Grand Palace, Vivanta by Taj Dal View.

    • Mid-range: Houseboats on Dal Lake, boutique hotels.

    • Budget: Guesthouses in old city and homestays.


2. Be clear about your choices and make those clear to your driver and host, so that you are not pestered with things you don't like.    Drivers, guides or anyone who is associated with Tourism will encourage you to opt for commercially important activities instead of enjoying the nature for free :). A typical example is those vendors who are in almost all parks of Srinagar with Kashmiri dresses. Asking is one thing but they tend to impose that everyone should get dressed in those dressed to get clicked. Not sure if they assume that everyone wants to get clicked in those dresses or is it a desperation to make more money. I am not against making money through tourist activities, but it's important to let tourists make their own choices without adding stress for them. There are many examples like this and you will see below.    Related Blogpost - Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir || A Mughal Garden of Ethereal Beauty and stories in every nook and corner

Why Visit Srinagar?

Srinagar is not just a city — it’s an experience. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, crafts, and culinary delights, it lives up to its reputation as the crown jewel of Kashmir. Whether you’re gliding through Dal Lake, wandering Mughal gardens, shopping for pashminas, or venturing into nearby valleys, Srinagar offers moments that stay with you forever.

👉 Extend your journey: Check Travellingcamera’s Kashmir series here.

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