The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir sits along the Jhelum River, with traditional houseboats dotting Dal Lake and centuries-old Mughal gardens throughout the city.
Srinagar sits at 5,200 feet in the Kashmir Valley, where wooden bridges cross the Jhelum River and shikaras glide across Dal Lake. You'll find vegetable sellers paddling through morning markets, craftsmen weaving pashmina shawls in centuries-old workshops, and gardeners tending to the geometric patterns of Mughal gardens. Walk through the 378 wooden columns of Jamia Masjid, or watch sunset reflect off the white marble dome of Hazratbal Shrine.
Exploring Dal Lake
Dal Lake spans 18 square kilometers, with floating gardens where farmers grow vegetables and flowers. Visit the floating market early morning to buy produce directly from wooden boats. The lake's edges have houseboats with carved walnut interiors decorated with local textiles and copper work. Take a shikara ride across the lake at sunset, when the Zabarwan mountains create long shadows on the water.
Mughal Gardens
The gardens of Srinagar follow Persian designs with terraced layouts and flowing water channels. Shalimar Bagh (built 1619) spreads across four terraces with stone pavilions and fountains. Nishat Bagh's twelve terraces represent zodiac signs, while Chashme Shahi contains a natural spring. Visit in April to see thousands of tulips blooming with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Religious Architecture
The Jamia Masjid's 378 wooden columns each come from a single deodar tree, showing the skill of medieval Kashmiri builders. The white marble Hazratbal Shrine reflects in Dal Lake from its western bank. Climb to the 5th-century Shankaracharya Temple for views across the valley. These buildings use interlocking wooden beams without nails, a technique specific to Kashmir.
Local Markets and Crafts
Walk through the old city's lanes to find artisans at work. In Polo View Market, weavers create pashmina shawls and embroider traditional patterns. At Zaina Kadal, copper workers hammer designs into cooking vessels and decorative items. Visit the Sri Pratap Singh Museum to see historical manuscripts, traditional costumes, and archaeological finds from the region.
Kashmiri Cuisine
Local cooks prepare wazwan feasts with multiple meat dishes cooked overnight. Try gushtaba (meatballs in yogurt gravy) and rogan josh (slow-cooked lamb). The vegetarian dishes include dum aloo (potatoes cooked with Kashmiri spices) and haak (collard greens prepared with local seasonings). Drink kahwa, a green tea made with saffron strands and crushed almonds.
