Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Srinagar that is family-friendly:
Day 1: Arrival and Local Sightseeing
Arrive at Srinagar airport and check-in to your hotel.
After freshening up, head out to explore the local markets of Srinagar. You can visit Lal Chowk, Badshah Chowk, and Residency Road for some shopping and street food.
In the evening, take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Day 2: Visit Mughal Gardens
Start your day with a visit to the famous Mughal Gardens - Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. These gardens are known for their beautiful fountains, terraced lawns, and stunning views of the mountains.
After lunch, you can visit the Shankaracharya Temple, which is located on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the city.
Take a day trip to Gulmarg, which is about 50 km from Srinagar. It is a popular ski resort and has some of the best slopes in India.
You can take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks.
You can also indulge in some adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, and sledging.
Day 4: Visit Pahalgam
Take a day trip to Pahalgam, which is about 90 km from Srinagar. It is a scenic town located on the banks of the Lidder River.
You can visit the Betaab Valley, which is named after the Bollywood movie "Betaab" that was shot here. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and has a beautiful waterfall.
You can also visit the Aru Valley, which is known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities like trekking and camping.
Day 5: Departure
On your last day in Srinagar, you can visit the Hazratbal Shrine, which is a famous Muslim shrine located on the banks of Dal Lake.
After that, you can do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Finally, head to the airport for your flight back home.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Srinagar. Have a great time!
Places of interest
Lal Chowk
Lal Chowk is a bustling commercial center located in the heart of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its vibrant markets, street food, and historical significance.
Dal Lake is a beautiful and serene lake located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its picturesque views, houseboats, and shikaras (traditional boats). Visitors can enjoy a peaceful ride on the lake while taking in the stunning scenery.
Mughal Gardens (Nishat Bagh) is a beautiful garden located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1632 AD and is known for its stunning views of the Dal Lake and Zabarwan Mountains.
Shankaracharya Temple is a Hindu temple located on top of a hill in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Betaab Valley is a picturesque valley located in the Pahalgam area of Srinagar. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, and a glistening river that flows through it.
Aru Valley is a picturesque valley located in Srinagar, surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped mountains. It is known for its scenic beauty and offers various adventure activities like trekking, camping, and horse riding.
Hazratbal Shrine is a revered Muslim shrine located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It houses a relic believed to be a hair from the Prophet Muhammad's beard.