Top 15 Things to Do in Srinagar

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is a city that unfolds like a Persian miniature - each corner revealing a new delight. Here are the 15 experiences no traveller should miss.

1. Dawn Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Start before sunrise. The floating vegetable market, the mist on the water, and the sun rising over the Pir Panjal create one of Asia's most photographed scenes.

2. Stay on a Heritage Houseboat

Spend at least one night on a traditional carved-wood houseboat - an experience found nowhere else on Earth. The best ones date to the 19th century.

3. Walk the Mughal Gardens

Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi & Pari Mahal - four 17th-century Persian 'chahar bagh' masterpieces along the eastern shore of Dal Lake.

4. Floating Flower Market

At dawn, shikaras laden with lotus flowers and marigolds gather near Dal Gate - a moving mosaic of colour.

5. Hazratbal Shrine

The white marble shrine on the lake's edge houses a sacred relic and offers one of Srinagar's most serene views.

6. Shankaracharya Temple

Climb the 240 steps to this ancient Shiva temple atop a 1,000ft hill for panoramic views of the entire city.

7. Old City Bazaar Walk

Wind through the wooden-latticework houses, spice stalls, and copper workshops of the old quarter near Maharaj Ganj.

8. Pashmina Shopping

Srinagar is the world's capital of genuine pashmina - seek out certified Grade-A shawls, not the machine-made imitations.

9. Wazwan Feast

Order the traditional 36-course feast at Ahdoos or Mughal Darbar - Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Rista and more, served on a trammi platter.

10. Pampore Saffron Fields

A 15-min drive to the saffron fields - visit in October-November during the harvest and buy the world's most expensive spice at source.

11. Tulip Garden (April)

Asia's largest tulip garden blooms in April - 1.3 million bulbs on a terraced hillside overlooking Dal Lake.

12. Nishat Bagh at Sunset

The 12-terrace 'Garden of Joy' turns magical as the chinar shadows lengthen and the fountains glow.

13. Indus & Jhelum Boat Cruise

Take a sunset cruise on the Jhelum - the old city's wooden bridges and houses glide past like a faded postcard.

14. Paper-Mâché Workshop Visit

Watch artisans turn papier-mâché into intricately painted boxes, vases and Christmas ornaments - a 500-year-old craft.

15. Kahwa at a Local Khandar

End the day with a cup of saffron kahwa (green tea) at a riverside tea stall, watching the sun set behind Hari Parbat.