Where to stay in Srinagar: the short guide
Staying on a houseboat is the classic Srinagar experience, and both Dal Lake and the quieter Nigeen Lake have hundreds of them, from simple to luxurious. A shikara takes you between the houseboat and the shore.
If you prefer a hotel, Boulevard Road runs along Dal Lake with lake-view rooms, while Rajbagh and the area near Lal Chowk are central, with shops, restaurants and easy access to the old city. Many visitors use Srinagar as a base for Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
Best areas to stay in Srinagar
Dal Lake houseboats
The iconic stay, with carved wooden houseboats reached by shikara. Busy, scenic and lively.
Nigeen Lake houseboats
A quieter lake north of Dal, with calmer surroundings and well-kept houseboats.
Boulevard Road
Hotels facing Dal Lake, close to the ghats, gardens and restaurants.
Rajbagh
A central, quieter area by the Jhelum, with mid-range and upscale hotels.
Lal Chowk and Residency Road
The commercial centre, with budget and mid-range hotels and shopping.
Near the Mughal gardens
Resorts and hotels around Nishat and Shalimar, with lake and mountain views.
Getting to Srinagar by air, rail and road
Srinagar International Airport is about 12 to 14 km from Dal Lake, usually 30 to 45 minutes by taxi, with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities.
Direct trains now run between Katra and Srinagar through the Kashmir valley. Jammu is about 250 km away by road, a long drive through the mountains.
Prepaid mobile connections from other states usually do not work in Jammu and Kashmir, so carry a postpaid connection or arrange a local option.
Find the right kind of hotel in Srinagar
Houseboats in Srinagar
Choose a registered houseboat on Dal or Nigeen Lake; confirm whether meals and shikara transfers are included.
Lake-view hotels in Srinagar
Boulevard Road hotels face Dal Lake; ask for a lake-facing room.
Honeymoon stays in Srinagar
Luxury houseboats and lake-view hotels are popular with couples.
Couple-friendly hotels in Srinagar
Many hotels and houseboats accept couples with valid photo ID for both guests. Check the policy before booking.
Family hotels in Srinagar
Rajbagh and Boulevard Road hotels with family rooms and easy parking.
Hotels near Srinagar airport
A few hotels on the airport road, useful for early flights.
Hotels for every budget in Srinagar
Budget hotels and houseboats
Lal Chowk area hotels and simpler houseboats on Dal Lake.
Mid-range hotels
Rajbagh, Boulevard Road and many deluxe houseboats.
Luxury hotels and houseboats
Five-star hotels with lake views and luxury houseboats on Nigeen and Dal.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake: best early morning or at sunset; agree the fare beforehand.
- Mughal gardens: Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal.
- Tulip Garden: one of Asia's largest tulip gardens, in bloom around late March and April.
- Hazratbal Shrine: the white marble shrine on the banks of Dal Lake.
- Shankaracharya Temple: a hilltop temple with views over the city.
- Old city and Jamia Masjid: wooden architecture, markets and Kashmiri food.
- Floating vegetable market: an early-morning market on Dal Lake.
- Day trips: Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg are each a few hours away.
When to visit Srinagar
| April to June | Spring and early summer, with tulips, flowers and peak tourist demand. |
|---|---|
| July to October | Warm summer days, then golden autumn colours. A good time for day trips. |
| November to March | Cold winters with snow, especially in Gulmarg. Some houseboats offer heated rooms. |
Good to know before you book
- Check the latest travel advisories before you book.
- Book houseboats registered with the tourism department and read recent reviews.
- Agree shikara and taxi fares before setting off.
- In winter, confirm heating and hot water in your room.
See live prices for Srinagar
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in SrinagarFrequently asked questions
Which is the best area to stay in Srinagar?
A houseboat on Dal or Nigeen Lake for the classic experience, or a hotel on Boulevard Road or in Rajbagh for convenience.
Is it better to stay in a houseboat or a hotel?
Houseboats are unique and scenic. Hotels offer more space, parking and easier access to the city. Many visitors spend a night or two on a houseboat and the rest in a hotel.
How far is Srinagar airport from Dal Lake?
About 12 to 14 km, usually 30 to 45 minutes by taxi.
When is the tulip season in Srinagar?
The tulip garden usually blooms from late March to April.
Can I visit Gulmarg and Pahalgam from Srinagar?
Yes, both are popular day trips, or you can stay a night in each.
When is the best time to visit Srinagar?
April to October for pleasant weather. Winter suits travellers who want snow.