From Delicious Street Treats to Floating Markets, 8 Things You Must Do When In Srinagar

Travelling to another city requires exhaustive research on where to stay, what to eat & what to do...these are just a few of the several questions that every traveller is plagued with, before travelling. Srinagar is one city which has so much to offer, from scenic views to adventure sports & its food galis, here are a few things that you MUST do when in Srinagar:

1. Take On A Photo Shoot At Dal Lake

You'll definitely stumble upon a few professional photographers who are more than willing to click your pictures in the traditional Kashmiri attire but the ones in Nehru Park are the best since they have colourful props and gorgeous shikaras as backdrops! So take some time out and pose away! 

Where | Nehru Park

2. Hop On An Aero Balloon Ride

This one is for the brave hearts! The verdant Zabarwan Park houses a gigantic aero balloon that can hold up to 5 people at a time. It takes the passengers to an elevation of approximately 120 meters, giving them a bird’s eye view of the valley. The Dal Lake, multiple baghs, markets, Hari Parbat; everything comes into view. You will, literally, feel on top of the world!

Where | Zabarwan Park

3. Splurge Away On The Floating Market - Meena Bazaar

Srinagar takes the concept of ‘just chill’ to a whole new level! Hire a shikara and make yourselves comfortable! Buy a cup of tea and some pakoras from a tea stall somewhere in the middle of Dal. Buy a few trinkets from boats selling jewellery or flowers from another boat. Visit the small shops selling shawls, saris, paper mache products on the lake itself; minimum human effort required!

Where | Dal Lake

4. Stay in a Houseboat

How would you like to wake up in the middle of a calm lake, with some lilies around you and a pocketful of sunshine dotting the horizon? That is what mornings look like on a houseboat. Shikaras selling everything from souvenirs and flowers to junk food will come to you. All you need to do is sit back and soak in the beauty around you. The houseboats have a proper supply of water and electricity and they’re beautiful.

Where | Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake

5. Explore Old Srinagar

Visiting the oldest parts of the city is the perfect break from the monotonous touristy schedule of sightseeing. Here you don’t just see but also try to understand the culture of the community, their daily routine & modes of sustenance etc. Try to compare the architecture of houses and style of living in the old and new parts of the city. It's truly a learning experience! Do visit Zero Bridge, one of the oldest in Srinagar.

Where | Near Rajbagh

6. Shop Local At Lal Chowk

Shahid Kapoor's famous speech in Haider with a radio hung around his neck was shot in Srinagar’s shopping hub which has an interesting history fraught with politics. If you know your way through the market, you can actually get pretty good deals on dry fruits and clothing. The Koker Bazar in Lal Chowk sells some of the finest dry fruits. Even for Kashmiri embroidery, Tila work and Pashminas, Lal Chowk is highly recommended. It is a shopaholic’s paradise!

Where | Near Ghanta Ghar

7. Gorge On Street Food By The Lakeside

In the evening several street food vendors set up their stalls near Dal Lake or the Hazratbal area and whip up some amazing dishes. Even a passerby cannot resist the aroma of smoky Kebabs and Tikkas. Tujji Chicken is a Kashmiri version of the popular Chicken Tikka where the pieces are smaller and the marination is slightly different. They’re grilled more than your regular Tikkas which gives them a distinct smoky flavour. While in Kashmir, savouring them is a must.

Where | Dal Lake, Hazratbal Area

8. Head To Dachigam National Park

A short drive from the heart of Srinagar, Dachigam is perfect for a fun day in the woods. It used to house Black Bears and Hangul Deers but presently, it's quite popular for its trout population which, some believe, is better than the Gulmarg fishery. It is quite an uneven terrain with small streams, waterfalls, grasslands and cliffs. Nestled in the Zabarwan Range, it's a splendid site.

Where | Near Harwan Garden, Dachigam Road

So explore these places and let the city grow on you!