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.


Related Blogposts -

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Tourism Development is a very important aspect in many ways, but doing it right way is equally important. Different regions, states and countries put lot of efforts to develop tourism, which are much needed for overall economy. But many tourist-places remind you about unorganised ways of doing things and somehow our recent Kashmir experience was the worst ever. Before you read further, I want to share that it's a rant along with some useful tips to avoid irritable factors to enjoy your visit well.


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6. Sonmarg follows the same pattern as Pahalgam, so will not repeat it. Am I saying that don't go to these places or these are not worth visiting? No. Mainly I am recommending to not get influenced by locals, do your own research, make your own plan and enjoy your trip instead of let these tourism vendors decide what you want to see and how. Kashmir is beautiful and probably I would recommend taking your own car if possible. That will cut lot of chaos for you. Related Blogpost - A short Pilgrimage Tour to Jammu and it's surrounding - by Shankar Rajaram


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Kashmir Travel Guide covering Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, hidden valleys, food, photography, itineraries and practical tips for a memorable


Bottomline - Think how you want to spend your time in Gulmarg and also think about the crowd you need to deal with when you go with obvious options. Also be aware of the scams like pony rides which are forced upon you because you are new to the place. Don't get the jacket/boots when you are there in summers and pick when you are sure you are going to indulge in snow activities. Even then it's worth when there is lot of snow. Phase-1 doesn't have that much snow, so save your money and energy to carry this unnecessary stuff with you.


To say that we were excited to go to Pahalgam during our visit to Kashmir, would be an understatement. The excursion, from what we had heard, promised to be the first glimpse of real paradise. While there will be another post about Pahalgam and its realities, this post is about the journey from Srinagar to Pahalgam, because the journey is at least as important as the destination.


Kashmir Travel Guide covering Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, hidden valleys, food, photography, itineraries and practical tips for a memorable


All of us have heard of Dal Lake in Srinagar, but I was not aware of Nagin Lake before I visited Kashmir Valley. During this visit, I stayed at Centaur Hotel which is close to Nagin lake and that's how I got a chance to explore this lake well in Srinagar. During my 3 days stay at Srinagar, I had various Shikara rides in Nagin lake and explored different parts of the lake. This PHOTO JOURNEY shares some of the photographs clicked around Nagin Lake and information about houseboats, markets, vegetation, Shikara rides, shopping and lot more. In fact, I found Nagin lake better than Dal lake. Less crowded, better maintained, cleaner and peaceful. The lake looks awesome during sunset time whenever most of the Shikaras move towards the shoreline and lake market closes down by handing over all the tourists & travellers to houseboats. Glittering lights of houseboats and their reflections in Nagin lake look amazing. Evening is best time for Shikara ride in Nagin lake. There are multiple reasons for that. I prefer Nagin lake over Dal lake because of less commercialization and hence peace :). Lot of families can be seen sitting around the lake during evening time. Some of them also enjoy fishing, although not sure if that's legal or not. There are some houses around the lake and hence you can see lot of local folks riding their boats to commute to other side of the lake. In morning, mothers can be seen riding their boats to drop kids on other side for joining school. Shikaras can be seen at various places around the shoreline. After every 300 meters you can find Shikaras waiting for tourists. There are different kinds of Shikaras and tariff varies accordingly. The Shikara ride is usually 45 mins to 1 hr 15 mins. These Shikaras take you to lake market, which is in the middle of lake. All the shops are floating over the lake. On your way, you see some of the brilliant and popular houseboats in Srinagar. If not staying in these houseboats, you can plan to have lunch at one of those. Only few of them have restaurants. It can be a great experience to enjoy lunch on the lake, while listening to local folk songs. We were fortunate to board the Shikara, who's owner was a singer. He sang few Kashmiri songs for us. Unfortunately we forgot to make videos, otherwise that could have been a great addition to this blog-post. After visiting lake market in the middle of Nagin lake, the Shikara takes you little further and exposes you to clusters of houses in the lake. Like we own cars to commute in cities, these folks own a boat to go to other side of the lake. In above photograph you see a boat, which is being used by a local to go back home after day job. Some of my friends had told that Nagin lake is little dirty, but when we were there it was much cleaner and cleaning project was under progress. The colorful lotuses were looking brilliant with millions of lotus-leaves all around. If you are having a Shikara ride during day, you can relax and have a nap :) and we did that when coming back from Lake market. There are lot of Shikaras in Nagin lake, which would come to you and sell snacks, bhutta & handicraft. You can enjoy fruit chats, bhutta, tea, local snacks when enjoying shikara ride. At the same time, if you don't have much time, you can do little shopping in lake only. One of my friends bought Kashmiri Jewelry for his friends & family. I would rate Nagin lake experience much better in Srinagar and in my next trip, I intend to stay in one of the Houseboats in Nagin Lake.


Dal Lake is one of the most popular lakes of India, which is located in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is nicknamed the 'Jewel in the crown of Kashmir' or 'Srinagar's Jewel'. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.The shore line of the lake is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir) and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras. Dal Lake has some Floating gardens as well. The floating gardens, known as 'Rad' in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins - Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as an independent lake). During our trip to Shrinagar, we stayed in a hotel around Nagin lake only. Oldest Five star of the city is located on the bank of Nagin Lake. Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively. There are some personal houses around Dal Lake and people have their own boats to travel from one place to another for getting stuff from Lake-Market, which is again located inside Dal Lake only. Houseboats and the Dal Lake are widely associated with Srinigar and are nicknamed 'floating palaces', built according to British customs.The houseboats are generally made from local cedar-wood and are graded in a similar fashion to hotels according to level of comfort.Many of them have lavishly furnished rooms, with verandas and a terrace to serve as a sun-deck or to serve evening cocktails.They are mainly moored along the western periphery of the lake, close to the lakeside boulevard in the vicinity of the Dal gate and on small islands in the lake. They are anchored individually, with interconnecting bridges providing access from one boat to the other.The kitchen-boat is annexed to the main houseboat, which also serves as residence of the boatkeeper and his family.Many boats on Dal Lake are used for selling stuff to tourists. Anything like Artificial Jewellery, Corns, Fruits, Cloths, Wooden Articles, Flowers etc. Some of the vendors can be seen selling digital-cards for still/video cameras. Each houseboat has an exclusive shikara for ferrying guests to the shore. A shikara is small paddled taxi boat, often about 15 feet and made of wood with a canopy and a spade shaped bottom.It is the cultural symbol of Kashmir and is used not only for ferrying visitors but is also used for the vending of fruits, vegetables and flowers and for the fishing and harvesting of aquatic vegetation.All gardens in the lake periphery and houseboats anchored in the lake are approachable through shikaras.The boats are often navigated by two boatmen dressed in 'Phiron' (traditional dress) and carry 'Kangris' or portable heaters on the boat.A shikara can seat about six people and have heavily cushioned seats and backrests to provide comfort in Mughul style.All houseboat owners provide shikara transport to their house guests free of charge. The shikara is also used to provide for other sightseeing locations in the valley, notably a cruise along the Jhelum River, offering scenic views of the Pir Panjal mountains and passing through the famous seven bridges and the backwaters enroute.


Kashmir Travel Guide covering Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, hidden valleys, food, photography, itineraries and practical tips for a memorable


When in Kashmir, we drove to Daksum, Anantnag, Sinthan Top and Kishtwar from Srinagar. This road also connects Srinagar with Jammu, but we had taken Mughal road to hit Kashmir Valley when drove from Delhi. These is one of the most beautiful terrains of Kashmir Valley. In fact, it would be unfair to compare various terrains in Kashmir Valley, because all of these have unique character and equally beautiful. This Photo Journey shares more about this route, it's terrains and some important facts.Daksum is surrounded by dense forests with Bringhi River flowing right through its center. Daksum has been a popular destination for explorers and adventure lovers. Green meadows around Daksum look amazing and if you are lucky, you can find few shepherds singing some local songs. We met a gentleman, who loves playing flute. Unfortunately we didn't want to get clicked, so I don't have his photograph. All this may sound filmy but that's what you experience in Kashmir Valley.Clouds of Kashmir Valley are very interesting and naughty. They keep playing games with you, especially hide-n-seek.I clicked hundreds of cloud photographs in Kashmir. If you are lucky, these clouds also try to surround you from closer distance. Especially in early morning and late evening. Most of the times, these hills get drizzle. On these terrains around Sinthan Top, you feel like stopping your car and sit around the edge to experience the cool breeze blowing through the valley and green landscapes all around. It's a must do experience at a place where you find peace around these hills.Road connecting Srinagar with Sinthan Pass goes through beautiful landscapes full of green meadows, dense forests, cities, some beautiful mosques and paddy fields.Above photographs is clicked during Mughal Rally (A motorsport event organized by Himalayan Motorsports). The Sinthan pass connects Kashmir valley with Jammu Province through Kistwar. Pass is 12500 feet above sea level and is snow-capped for most of the year. It is located at the Anantnag-Kokernag-Kishtwar NH1B Highway and is 130 km south of Srinagar and 72 kilometers from Anantnag and approximately 50 kilometers from Kokernag.These curvy hills offer you unmatchable views of snow capped hills shimmering with sunlight and intense shadows of clouds. Flora and fauna of Kashmir valley welcomes you with open arms on the way to Sinthan top. There are very few tourists come to this part of Kashmir valley. Some of the most popular destinations in Kashmir are Srinagar, Pehalgaon, Gulmarg and Leh.Sinthan Top has no local population. Shepherds from adjoining places like Kokernag, Duksum, and tourists and those working in the tourism industry may stay overnight in tents. There is a small tea shop at top, which serves tea and basic snacks to tourists and army folks roaming around.This post is sharing only the landscapes of green meadows and some of the hills full of snow. But the drive from Srinagar to Sinthan Pass offers you lot more than that. Foothills of Sinthan Pass on both sides have very beautiful villages full of wooden houses, which are usually seen in movies. All of those seemed old and most of the newer houses near road were all modern with concrete construction. From Sinthan pass, there is an uphill trek to Sinthan top. The uphill climb to Sinthan top is a difficult and steep. Initially we hesitated to take this challenge but when did it, we found it worth. That was one of the best moments from our kashmir valley.How to reach this part of Kashmir Valley -Srinagar has nearest airport. Anantnag railway station is also connected with Kashmir Railway that runs from Baramulla to Qazigund. If you are in Jammu or Srinagar, you can hire a taxi or take bus for this part of Kashmir Valley.Lodging around Sinthan Pass, Anantnag -There are not many places to stay in Daksum. A few decent options can be found in Anantnag or Kokernag. Now some of the NGOs are actively running homestays in this part of Kashmir. One can find some goods option to stay in Anantnag. There are enough dhabas and restaurants serving local and Indian cuisine. It's recommended to do more research about the place and do advance booking. Also keep a track of local news, before you head there.This part of Kashmir and Peer Panjal mountain ranges are like heaven on earth. These grand views hypnotize all travellers and tourists crossing through Sinthan Pass. Every turn offers you new surprise and journey remains interesting.You can find lot of snow around Sinthan Pass, but remains of snow can be seen at distant places as well. Above photograph share true colors and mood of Kashmir - the bright blue sky, pure white clouds and snow covered green meadows.Two companions of Travellingcamera who were accompanying me in Kashmir exploration.

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