If you are interested in drifting to one of the most fascinating tourist spots in India, this Srinagar travel guide will offer you details on how to spend 3 days in Srinagar. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a place of natural abode, baron culture, and serene sightseeing. There is much to do in Srinagar, whether on a strictly leisure or a moderately active vacation.
In this post, we will share a 3-day Srinagar itinerary to help you cover all the popular tourist destinations. Here is the list of Srinagar tourist attractions, things to do in Srinagar, places to visit in Srinagar, and what to do in them. It doesn’t matter if this is your first visit to Srinagar or if you have visited several times; there are many ways to explore Srinagar more efficiently and closely.
Day 1: Exploring Srinagar’s Beautiful Lakes and Gardens
a) Morning: Arrive and Settle in
Start your day with a good breakfast at the hotel or a nearby café. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the areas of interest in Srinagar in the morning since the weather is cooler then. Once settled, it’s time to visit Dal Lake, a prominent site in Srinagar.
Dal Lake: Shikara Ride and Mughal Gardens:
Shikara Ride: Begin your day with a Shikara ride on an impressive wooden boat. While traveling on Dal Lake, you can see the fantastic view of the mountain exits and floating gardens.
Mughal Gardens: For the next activities, visit several Mughal gardens around the Dal Lake, such as Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. These gardens are a fine example of Mughal architecture; one can see the lake’s natural beauty here. Various Trees, water fountains, and well-maintained lawns and gardens make these places suitable for a leisurely walk.
Afternoon: Visit Hazratbal Shrine and Local Markets:
Hazratbal Shrine: Within the vicinity, the next place of interest is the Hazratbal Shrine, which is one of the famous shrines of Muslims. : Located on the terminal point of the Dal Lake, the shrine was established to enshrine the hair of Prophet Muhammad. The calmness of the place and religious setting propel this site to one of the most popular tourist interest areas.
Srinagar Local Markets: After offering prayers at this shrine, take some time to shop in the local Srinagar markets. Traditional things to buy include Pashmina shawls, carpets, and made items such as wooden items. Some popular shopping markets in Islamabad include the Lal Chowk, a spot that offers the authentic feel of the city.
Evening: Relax by Dal Lake:
Stay at Dal Lake in the evening. You can take a peaceful walk around the lake or just sit with a coffee on a café terrace and watch the mountains and the water.
Day 2: Discover Srinagar’s Culture and Heritage
Morning: Visit the Shankaracharya Temple
On the 2nd day of the trip to Srinagar, you can start your journey in the capital city of Srinagar.
The second day should be spent at Sankaracharya Temple, which is one of the most significant spiritual destinations in Srinagar. This is the temple of Lord Shiva, which is quietly marked on the upper face of the hill to provide a refreshing view of Srinagar city. To get to the temple, one needs to climb some stairs. Nevertheless, the view from the upper level is worth the effort.
Afternoon: Mughal and Colonial Influence:
Next on the list is Jamia Masjid – a beautiful wooden mosque exhibiting the true essence of the traditional architecture of Kashmir. The wooden carving teaching and the place’s ambience make it a good area of interest.
Nishat Bagh: Go to Nishat Bagh again to understand the city’s Mughal architecture. This garden is one of the largest Mughal gardens located on the bank of the famous Dal Lake in Kashmir Valley. With the magnificent fountains, the green surroundings, and the view of the lake in the background, it is an excellent place for taking photographs.
Afternoon: Indulge in Kashmiri Cuisine:
Take a snack, taste the Kashmiri flavors, and experience the richness of Kashmiri food. Even in the restaurants or cafes nearby, you may find a delicious meal to taste, like Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Yakhni, and Kahwa (Kashmiri tea). Being tropical, Kashmiri food is heavily influenced by spices, especially red chilies, and any food lover must visit the place to taste the food.
Evening: Explore the Night Markets and Local Attractions
Night Markets: Srinagar has many night markets where tourists can find an assortment of souvenirs, clothes, and food items. The two popular places include Dalgate and Floating Market, which are ideal for visiting in the evening.
Srinagar Sightseeing: There are other equally interesting places to visit in Srinagar that are still relatively unknown, such as the Shalimar Bagh or the Pari Mahal, which is actually a garden located outside Srinagar.
Day 3: Adventure and Nature in Srinagar
Morning: Visit Betaab Valley and Aru Valley:
Devoted the last day in Srinagar to visiting its beautiful valleys. Firstly, you may go for a morning trip to the scenic Betaab Valley, which is named after a Bollywood film named Betaab. The beautiful steep meadows, sparkling streams, and towering snow mountains are extraordinarily ideal for bird watchers and are loved by photographers.
Secondly, travel to Aru Valley, which is approximately 12 kilometers from Betaab Valley. It is popular for trekking, has enthralling views, has lush green meadows, and offers breathtaking rides along crystal-clear water streams. It is an excellent place of interest, especially for people who love to trek, camp, and ride horses.
Afternoon: Visit Sonamarg for a Day Trip:
The next destination is Sonamarg, which is also known as “The Meadow of Gold”, after traveling from Betaab and Aru Valley. It is nearly a two-hour drive from Srinagar and is musically famous for the meadows, rivers so crisp, and mountains so high. You can also decide on a short hike in the area, like the Thajiwas Glacier Trek, where tourists enjoy snow.
Evening: Visit Shalimar Bagh:
As for the earlier suggestion, end your day at Shalimar Bagh, which has one of Srinagar’s most beautiful Mughal gardens. The garden is an architectural marvel with a well-planned symmetry structure, lawns, fountains, boats, and the Tranquil Dal Lake view. It is delightful to take a leisurely walk around Shalimar Bagh in the evening because that would be his/her final time to capture the essence of what Srinagar has to offer.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Srinagar is a fascinating city that can suit different types of tourists since it is rich in natural landmarks and cultural attractions. The following 3-day Srinagar itinerary will show you the best places to visit in Srinagar, feel its rich spirit, and have a great time. Srinagar always presents tourists with amazing sceneries, whether using the Shikara ride in Dal Lake or trekking in the valleys. So grab your luggage, read this Srinagar travel guide, and set off on some of the most incredible journeys of your life.
