Srinagar Tour Packages

Imagine mornings in a floating houseboat, watching mountain reflections shimmer on the water, and soaking in complete peace. If this is your idea of the perfect vacation, then Srinagar is the place for you. Srinagar is one of India’s most loved travel destinations. It lies in the Kashmir Valley and is surrounded by the Himalayas. The location is famous for its scenic lakes, Mughal gardens, and traditional houseboats. The city offers many places to visit and experiences that are sure to make your trip memorable.

Want to explore Srinagar in 2026? This guide explains everything you need to know about Srinagar tour packages before booking your journey.

What Makes Srinagar Different From Other Hill Stations

Unlike other hill stations with crowds and noise, Srinagar brings peace and tranquillity. It carries centuries of Mughal influence, Kashmiri craftsmanship, peaceful Temples and a culture shaped by its unique geography.

The Lake City Experience

Dal Lake defines Srinagar's character and serves as a working ecosystem where people live, work, and travel. Houseboats line the edges, shikaras ferry passengers, and floating vegetable gardens operate throughout the year. Travellers can expect to see mist over the water in the morning, while the evenings present golden lakes and sunsets as part of Srinagar tour packages.

Mughal Gardens That Still Breathe History

Kashmir was the summer retreat of the Mughal emperors. Mughal gardens with terraced gardens, flowing water channels, planned symmetry, and strategic mountain views are one of the most visited gardens. Nishat Bagh sits directly on Dal Lake's edge. Chashme Shahi features a natural spring. These aren't just historical sites.

A City Where Crafts Haven't Died

Srinagar is a city with traditional crafts passed down from many generations. Crafts like pashmina weaving, papier-mâché work, walnut wood carving, and carpet knotting are still done traditionally in workshops and homes. Visitors can watch artisans work, not as staged performances but as daily labour. The city's old quarters house families who've practised these crafts for centuries.

Food That Reflects Persian And Central Asian Roots

Kashmiri cuisine differs from typical North Indian food. Wazwan, the traditional multi-course meal, centres on slow-cooked meat dishes with gentle spicing. There are many vegetarian options like nadru (lotus stem) and haak (collard greens). Travellers often try kahwa, the saffron-infused tea that remains one of the region’s most popular beverages.

Top Places Covered In Srinagar Holiday Packages

Srinagar offers rich experiences within the city and quick access to nearby attractions. Many travellers extend their itinerary to explore multiple destinations, often offered by Gulmarg Trip Packages.

Dal Lake And Houseboat Stays

Staying on a Dal Lake houseboat is the heart of the Srinagar experience.  Houseboats range from basic to luxurious, most featuring carved walnut wood interiors. Mornings start with shikara rides. The lake remains active throughout the day. Sunsets turn the water into a golden mirror with the mountains reflecting in it.

Mughal Gardens Circuit

Kashmir was the summer retreat of the Mughal emperors. Mughal gardens with terraced gardens, flowing water channels, planned symmetry, and strategic mountain views are one of the most visited gardens. Nishat Bagh sits directly on Dal Lake's edge. Chashme Shahi features a natural spring. These aren't just historical sites. Spring brings tulips to these gardens, summer fills them with roses and other flowers, and autumn colours the chinar trees in shades of red and gold.

Shankaracharya Temple

This temple, often included in Srinagar tour packages, sits atop Shankaracharya Hill. The site dates back to 200 BCE, although the present structure was built in the 9th century CE. Travellers reach the temple by climbing steps carved into the hillside. The summit offers panoramic views of Srinagar, Dal Lake, and the surrounding mountains.

Hazratbal Shrine

Hazratbal is located on Dal Lake's western shore and holds significant religious importance in Kashmir. The shrine is known for its white marble structure, which reflects beautifully in the lake waters. The shrine is open to all visitors, though respectful dress and behaviour are expected. The surrounding area includes lakeside paths that offer a calm walking experience.

Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal, also known as the Palace of Fairies, is located on the Zabarwan mountain range overlooking Dal Lake. It is built with seven terraces and was originally a Buddhist monastery in the mid-1600s, and was later converted into an observatory and library. Gardens once filled these levels. This palace is most popular for its historic architecture and sweeping views. 

Nigeen Lake

Nigeen Lake is connected to Dal Lake, but is more peaceful and has a quieter atmosphere. Fewer houseboats and limited commercial activity make it appealing to travellers seeking calm. Residential areas line its banks, and water chestnuts grow in the lake. Shikara rides here feel more private than those on Dal Lake.

Tulip Garden

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest tulip garden, spans 30 hectares and showcases over 1.5 million tulips across 64 varieties. Its short blooming season draws large crowds each spring. Located at the foothills of the Zabarwan range, the garden displays terraced slopes filled with organised colour patterns. It remains closed outside the spring season.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg lies about 51 kilometres from Srinagar at an altitude of 2,650 metres. The name translates to “meadow of flowers”. In winter, it becomes a popular skiing destination. The Gulmarg Gondola is among the world’s highest cable cars, reaching up to 3,979 metres. Summer brings green meadows suited for walks and pony rides. Golf enthusiasts also visit for one of the world’s highest green golf courses as part of Gulmarg trip packages.

Sonamarg

Sonamarg, meaning “meadow of gold”, is located around 80 kilometres from Srinagar at an altitude of 2,800 metres. The drive passes through scenic mountain landscapes and river valleys. Thajiwas Glacier attracts most visitors and is accessible by pony ride or a short trek. Sonamarg also serves as a stop on the Srinagar–Leh highway, which usually closes from November to April due to snow. Many Gulmarg trip packages include Sonamarg as a destination as part of the itinerary.

Best Time To Visit Srinagar

Srinagar experiences distinct seasons, each offering different experiences. Choosing the right time shapes your entire trip.

Activities Covered in Srinagar Trip Packages

There are many activities in Srinagar that people with different interests can enjoy. Various geographical features allow for lakeside recreation, cultural experiences, and mountain adventures. Many Srinagar tour packages include these types of activities, depending on the locations of the destinations visited and the preferences of the traveller.

These are some popular activities travellers enjoy in Srinagar tour packages:

Shikara Rides On Dal Lake

Shikaras, wooden boats traditionally used by local fishermen, have been used by visitors in Dal Lake for generations. The duration of these rides is usually one to two hours, depending on the route chosen. Some rides in Srinagar holiday packages include stops at floating vegetable gardens where locals cultivate produce on the lake itself.

Houseboat Living Experience

Travellers who wish to experience Srinagar’s lake culture can stay on Dal Lake houseboats through Srinagar holiday packages. Traditional Kashmiri meals are typically prepared and served on board by houseboat staff. Shikaras provide transport from the houseboat to the shore whenever needed throughout the day. Breakfast served on the deck whilst watching sunrise over Dal Lake becomes a daily highlight for most guests.

Heritage Walks In Old Srinagar

Old Srinagar’s narrow lanes contain centuries of history and traditional architecture. Guided walks explore wooden houses, historic mosques, traditional bazaars, and residential neighbourhoods that have remained unchanged for decades. Local markets sell spices, dried fruits, and handicrafts. Many Srinagar holiday packages include these walks, allowing guests to interact with craftsmen and gain a deeper understanding of local culture.

Visiting Craft Workshops

Visitors can find some craft workshops throughout the city where they can observe how artisans create high-quality pashmina shawls and garments using fine thread. Artists show the Papier-mâché making process from start to finish, while carpet workshops show how they make complex patterns by traditional knotting techniques that have been passed down through generations. Many artisans allow people to ask questions about their craft and share more about their culture and craftsmanship.

Photography Opportunities

Photography lovers can expect beautiful scenic views throughout the year. From high snow-covered mountains in Gulmarg as part of Gulmarg trip packages to golden lakes during sunsets, there are many opportunities to take stunning photographs. Sunrise at Dal Lake provides misty, atmospheric views with houseboats and shikaras. Snow-covered mountains surrounding the valley create dramatic backdrops during the winter months. Traditional architecture in old city areas presents unique structural details and cultural scenes. Autumn chinar trees provide stunning red and golden colours throughout the city. Even daily life activities, as offered by Srinagar trip packages on shikaras and in markets, carry a strong aesthetic appeal for documentary-style photography.

Food And Cuisine In Srinagar

Kashmiri food is largely based on traditional cooking methods passed down through generations, with several regional variations and seasonal specialities. Meals in Kashmir often feature balanced flavours with subtle use of spices. Many Srinagar tour packages include wazwan meals, street food walks, and visits to local bakeries.

Nadru

Kashmiri vegetarian cuisine features unique preparations not commonly found elsewhere in India. Nadru or lotus stem is a common ingredient in many dishes; for example, Nadru Yakhni is made with yoghurt-based gravy. Nadru Monje is also a dish with lotus stem in it, where the lotus stem is fried in gram flour batter.

Kashmiri Breads

Bread is a major component in Kashmiri dishes that is prepared in several traditional varieties. Girda is a thick, round bread baked in traditional tandoor ovens, most commonly eaten with butter and noon chai. Bakerkhani is a slightly sweet, layered bread with a flaky texture. Sheermal is a saffron-flavoured, slightly sweet bread often served during special occasions.

Kahwa

Kahwa, the signature Kashmiri tea, uses green tea leaves, saffron strands, cinnamon bark, cardamom pods, and crushed almonds in its traditional preparation. The brewing follows specific steps to extract proper flavours and aromas. Sugar is added according to individual taste preferences. Some variations include rose petals for additional fragrance. Kahwa accompanies breakfast and appears throughout the day as a warming beverage.

Noon Chai

Noon Chai, also called pink tea or salt tea, gets its distinctive pink colour from special preparation involving baking soda and repeated aeration. Salt is used instead of sugar in this tea. Milk adds a creamy texture, and crushed nuts are often sprinkled on top. First-time tasters may find the flavour unusual, though locals drink it several times a day throughout the year.

Phirni

Phirni is a popular dessert in Kashmiri cuisine. Ground rice is slowly cooked in milk with saffron and cardamom, then served chilled in traditional earthen bowls. Shufta is another well-known sweet, prepared as both a beverage and a solid dessert, featuring cottage cheese, dry fruits, and saffron soaked in sugar syrup. 

Book Your Srinagar Tour Packages With EaseMyTrip

Srinagar has it all. From natural beauty and cultural depth to regional history and easy accessibility, it stands out as a strong choice for a relaxing holiday. It is important for travellers to plan their trip properly for the best experience of their visit to Kashmir’s summer capital.

There are a number of Srinagar tour packages that make it easy to match your interests, your budget, and the amount of time you plan on being in Srinagar. EaseMyTrip offers clear pricing and does not charge booking fees on flights, making trip planning simpler. Visit EaseMyTrip today to explore tour packages for your Srinagar journey.