Overview

For a visit to Srinagar, what one would choose place-wise about accommodation really paves the way for a complete holiday. From high-end houseboats to boutique hotels, guesthouses, and budget hotels, down to the quaint heritage ones, the options are so numerous that knowing exactly what one would want from this Srinagar trip, before zeroing in on a room, is quintessential.

From old fashioned houseboats to the present luxurious amenities in high-class hotels, you’re spoiled for choice. Only the general atmosphere, quality of service, and experience of the locality of the hotel you opt for add value to your trip to this pretty city. The following guide aims to help you make your way through all these choices so that you can opt for a hotel that fits your requirements and enhances your experience in this beautiful region.

Importantly, location is always on the top of your list to consider before you book for a hotel. Well, in Srinagar, you can save quite some time and transportation when you stay near the major attractions found in that city. For example, if you’ll spend most of your holidays in Dal Lake, it would be best for you to stay within that area. However, for local markets and city activity, Lal Chowk could be more suitable. Access to amenities and the vibe during your stay will depend much on the location of the hotel.

How to Book a Hotel in Srinagar

Booking a hotel in Srinagar can be made easy following a few structured steps as outlined below:

i. Doing Research Online

Begin with surfing a few online portals. Popular ones include MakeMyTrip, Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb. These portals not only offer an elaborate list of possible accommodation but filter it according to your preference, whether it is within the price range, locations, or available amenities.

Key Tip: You can use the map feature accessible on the websites to plot the location of hotels in respect to attractions you may wish to visit, so you may understand distances and accessibility.

ii. Special Offers

Many hotels in Srinagar post special offers or seasonal discounts on their websites. It is worth looking for deals that include free breakfast, guided tours, or perhaps even a shikara ride. That could increase the value of your stay quite a bit.

Key Tip: Sign up with the newsletters of hotel or travel websites for special deals. Sometimes, you can score attractive discounts if you make a booking around special events or festivals.

iii. Read Reviews

Consumer reviews are your best friend. Places such as TripAdvisor and Google Reviews enable previous guests to write about their stays-they can be as nice as they can be unkind. Pay particular attention to comments on how clean a destination is, service to clients, noise, and closeness to attraction centers.

Key Tip: Any specific review about the friendliness of the staff or the quality of food may turn to be the key of your stay. Recent guests, who have stayed in the same hotel, will tell you the best things about the place.

iv. Direct Booking Advantages

Now, you may even want to book straight at the hotel website from here on. Sometimes it will give you the best deals in the line with extra freebies or greater flexibility for cancelation policies. Most of the hotels appreciate direct booking and offer room up gradation, discounts at the restaurants, or others.

Key Tip: Dial the hotel’s number to confirm about special deals or room availability. Sometimes, direct contact will yield a better deal.

v. Cancellation policies

Life is full of surprises, so it is always good to know what will happen in case the plan has to change and cancel your booking. Always look for a place with a flexible cancellation policy when you visit at peak times where one might want to change their plan.

Key Tip: Book a hotel that allows you to cancel free of charge up till a certain date so you do not lose your advance deposit. This can particularly happen when staying in a place such as Srinagar, where the change in weather conditions is drastic.

vi. Package Deals

Package deals are also offered that give you a chance to have flights and accommodations in one package taken either from travel agencies or even from booking websites. You can find packages that would save you time and money if you want to book an entire trip. Make sure, though, that the hotels included meet your standards of quality.

Key Tip: Compare the total cost of booking separately versus the package deal to see which option provides better value.

What to Look for in a Hotel in Srinagar

Find a good hotel in Srinagar that considers such factors that have many influences while staying there include:

i. Location

The location of your hotel will significantly influence your stay. Which attraction do you wish to give priority? You may choose a hotel next to the attraction. In that case, if you are interested in visiting Dal Lake and its surroundings, staying next to it will save you enough time and transportation costs.

ii. Facilities

Different hotels provide different facilities. Here are some common ones that you should pay attention to:

Wi-Fi: It is a facility which you would need in order to stay connected to the rest of the world and to plan your activities for the day. It should be free of cost.

Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast saves your time and money. You get a great breakfast if it’s a buffet.

Transport Services: Shuttle services are available going to the airport and any other attraction. That would really save time, because by that long distance traveled you can’t waste your time.

Recreational Facilities: You could have pools and gyms in a hotel. If it is a spa, then perfect. Just forget your worries and lie there.

iii. Room Facilities

Room type including air-conditioning and with room service along with the facility having a coffee machine in your rooms would definitely be a prime concern one would take into account upon deciding an accommodations.

Types of rooms
Of course, the kind of room in which one prefers having a room would impact much on its comfort; following are the room types that are divided into:

Single Rooms: When there are people traveling alone, these room types will suit the travelers, they are spacious.

Double Rooms: A couple and friends will prefer it. You need a private room with quality amenities.

Family Suites: The room will be family-friendly. The children would be an added facility. Maybe an extra bed or some other play area would suffice.

Luxury Suites: It provides fine decoration and quality service in order to give the luxury feel. Generally, great view and exclusive privilege accompany with it.

iv. Cultural Experience

A houseboat on Dal Lake is a traditional houseboat, an experience which are reflective of the local culture. Heritage hotels can also give you a sense of Kashmir’s long history and architectural beauty. Often such places are traditional in décor and hospitality which enhances your experience of Kashmiri culture.

Where to Stay in Srinagar

There are many neighborhoods in Srinagar, and each one of them is a different experience for the visitor. Here are some of the better places to look for hotels:

i. Dal Lake Area

Perhaps Dal Lake is one of the most iconic locations in Srinagar. This place offers beautiful views, lively houseboats, and proximity to shikara rides. Staying here would be an experience never to forget. Hotels around this area usually have breathtaking views of the lake as well as traditional Kashmiri architecture. This area best suits those who wish to get drenched in the serene beauty of the lake and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

ii. Rajbagh

Rajbagh is a quieter locality, with high-end hotels and guesthouses. It is extremely convenient for visiting major attractions and makes an excellent base for further city exploration. This is an area of beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance, ideal for the traveler seeking some respite from the chaos of city life.

iii. Lal Chowk

Lal Chowk is a thriving hub in Srinagar filled with local life and commercial activities. Budget and mid-range hotels are available at this place. The stay in Lal Chowk is handy for shopping, diners, and local markets to enable easy access to any traveler interested in the vivacity of the city. The need arises because of the pulsating atmosphere and easy availability of all services.

iv. Gupkar Road

Some of the luxury hotels and heritage properties of Srinagar can be found on Gupkar Road. The views of mountains from here are just great, and for people looking for serenity and elegance in their sojourn, this place is ideal. Most of the hotels here have fabulous gardens and costly luxuries which just perfect to retreat into after a long day of exploring.

Places to visit around

Srinagar has a number of places that you can visit within a walking distance from your hotel, such as Dal Lake.

i. Dal Lake

No tour of Srinagar is complete without a visit to Dal Lake. Take a quiet shikara ride or stroll over the floating gardens and spend the night in a houseboat. The lake is an aesthetic delight but is also an important center of local culture and commerce. Morning rides are especially magical with the soft glow of sun illuminating the mountains all around.

ii. Mughal Gardens

Mughal Gardens are known for most beautiful and impressive landscaping. Famous among tourists are Shalimar Bagh for the perfectly landscaped terraced lawns and beautifully ornamented fountains. The ideal spot for strolls as well as for clicking some lovely photographs.

Nishat Bagh: Known as the “Garden of Joy”. Valley and mountain scenery surrounds it, behind it stands serene vistas of Dal Lake. Splendid multicolored flowers, neat grass, this gives a soothing environment.

Chashme Shahi: It is a minor Mughal garden yet very beautiful, the source is a very natural and great springs location, besides good landscape with tranquil atmospheric atmosphere to live.

iii. Hazratbal Shrine

Hazratbal Shrine is an important religious place and is famous for housing a relic believed to be a hair strand of the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH). The place is calm because the architecture is beautiful and the surroundings are peaceful, so it is a quiet place to visit. When the shrine is reflected at sunset in Dal Lake, it is a breathtaking scene not to be missed.

iv. Shankaracharya Temple

There’s a Shankaracharya Temple atop a hill from where the view of Srinagar is quite breat-taking. It is among the important pilgrim centres dedicated to Lord Shiva and has exquisite ancient architectures. The trek to this place can be refreshing, as the spiritual ambiance adds all the more to the overall experience.

v. Jamia Masjid

Located in the heart of the old city, Jamia Masjid is believed to be one of the largest mosques in Srinagar. Famed for Indo-Saracenic architecture, this mosque consists of beautiful wooden pillars and serene courtyards. A visit to this place during prayer hours would expose one to direct religious practices followed by locals.

vi. Pahalgam and Gulmarg day excursions

If you spare the time, you can take a one-day excursion to such nearby attractions as Pahalgam and Gulmarg. Pahalgam is known for the lush green meads and trekking options. Gulmarg is most famous for hosting the skiing events and those breathtaking landscapes. Both of these are accessible from Srinagar and can be easily explored with other unique experiences.

Activities to Enjoy While in Srinagar

There is a lot of things that can be done in Srinagar, depending on what one wishes to do. Here are some of the most common activities you should try when visiting Srinagar:

i. Shikara Rides

You can enjoy the serenity of Dal Lake peacefully through a shikara ride. The float on wooden boats that the traditional boat offers you gives an opportunity to see those floating gardens and other sites surrounding the lake while viewing an extraordinary beauty. Many of them offer sunset rides, hence giving you a romantic and unforgettable experience. You will also enjoy a traditional dinner on a floating restaurant offering the beauty of the lake along with local food.

ii. Trekking and Hiking

Freaks for adventures have options of treks and trekking in and around the city of Srinagar. Some notable treks are:

Gulmarg: Known for breath-taking landscapes, winter sports, and gulmarg is a prime destination for trekking as well as skiing. Easy access to breathtaking views with the highest cable car, the gulmarg Gondola.
Pahalgam: For first-timers, adventurous trek, and for someone to look at the lustrous meadows, which look beautiful, is one destination.

iii. Shopping of handicrafts

The best attractions of Srinagar include its exquisite handicrafts, such as Pashmina shawls, carpets, and wooden carvings. Local markets, like Lal Chowk and Polo View Market, are a must-visit for authentic Kashmiri products. You could also seek to interact with local artisans and understand how the craft is made. Do not forget to negotiate prices. Haggling is prevalent and expected at local markets.

iv. Culinary Experience

Enjoy the food of Kashmir, do not miss the specialities such as the Rogan Josh. A rich lamb curry cooked in aromatic spices. Ideal for meat lovers, this dish surely will please you. Yakhni is another another similar mutton dish but cooked in yogurt instead of a gravy, hence its delicacy.
Kashmiri Wazwan: It is the multicourse meal that does have regional heritage at the site. Most restaurants offer such meal as it is well combined experience.
You might be able to join the cookery classes so that you are able to prepare this by yourself. It does bring a great hands on the experience in the pursuance for better acquaintance of local food and their cultural importance.

v. Photography Tours

The sceneries and way of living are just simply breathtaking in that place. One can indulge in photography tours where one may be taken around scenic spots, local markets, and cultural events that may then provide some unique perspectives and opportunities in capturing the essence of the region.

vi. Cultural Experiences

Experience the local cultures of Kashmir by participating in festivals, music programs, or art exhibitions. The locals can also be consulted regarding their traditions and other aspects of lifestyles. In addition, the local newspaper or the hotel can give you information about the available activities for your stay in Srinagar.

Srinagar Hotels Reservation

There are seasons wherein one can reserve his stay at hotels in Srinagar. These seasons include the following:

i. Summer (March to August)

Summer is the tourist season in Srinagar city. During this time of the year, the flowers start blooming and the weather becomes pleasing. Mercury varies between 15° C to 30°C thus making it ideal for doing outdoor activities such as sightseeing. Hotel tarrifs may be in the peak during this particular time. So, hotel booking in advance is ideal. There are also some wonderful festivals and events during summer. This makes the tourists experience a vibrant atmosphere along with their visit.

ii. Autumn (September to November)

Srinagar is also lovely during autumn. The weather is nice during the changing foliage. It is a budget-traveler time since most of the hotels in Srinagar offer discounts during this time. It is photographer’s paradise with the colors of the trees so bright and vivid.

iii. Winter (December to February)

Winter makes Srinagar a wonderland full of snow, and it tends to attract several tourists wishing to participate in many activities including snow. If you have passion for skiing then you should be in Gulmarg during winters when the area hosts the winter sports. Temperatures will be freezers which might even freeze sometimes. Hotel prices can be very reasonable, hence, offer them to budgeting individuals. The sceneries during winter are gorgeous especially in terms of the mountains being snow-covered, together with the sight of lakes.

iv. Spring (February to March)

Spring is that transitional season where flowers bloom, and the temperature of weather raises. It’s that silent season to visit with fewer tourists and a more moderate rate. The gardens are a treat to wander in when spring blooms there with such beauty. It becomes a great time for all the nature lovers and also for those people who seek a peaceful, lovely, and wonderful beauty of the region.

Conclusion

Booking a hotel in Srinagar is one serious decision when planning your visit to this beautiful city. The sheer number of places to stay, from very expensive hotels to houseboats with their own traditional charm, will make all the difference in your stay. A hotel, taking into account the location, available amenities, and proximity to nearby attractions, will ensure a comfortable stay.

All await you in Srinagar, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. The adventure, rest, or culture brings you to this city, and an appropriate hotel will be a gateway for all that lies in store for you from this picturesque region. Get started today and book the perfect hotel for you, get ready to make the most of your time at the very heart of Kashmir!

Going towards Srinagar, one learns how to embrace the local culture and fine cuisine while enjoying the beauty all around. This booking is only the precursor to what promises to be a rich and unforgettable experience at one of India’s most captivating destinations.

How to book hotels in Srinagar online?

Contact Brown Chinar at +91 6005039532/+91 9906188874 or Email us at brownchinartourtravels@gmail.com

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