Take an early morning flight from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Intl (NAG) to Srinagar (SXR) with a change (most itineraries route via Delhi). Early departure maximizes your arrival day in Srinagar.
Arrive SXR, meet driver and transfer to your chosen hotel or a Dal Lake houseboat; check-in times are typically 2:00–3:00pm but most operators will hold luggage for early arrivals.
Ahdoos is a long-standing Srinagar favourite for Kashmiri dishes (try the rogan josh or a vegetarian option). It usually opens ~11:00am and stays open through dinner, making it a reliable first meal in the city.
Settle into a houseboat on Dal Lake (unique Srinagar experience) or a city hotel; houseboat check-in typically from ~2:00pm and gives great lake views for sunset.
Take a 45–90 minute Shikara ride to see floating gardens, local life and watch sunset reflections on the water; shikaras typically operate between about 7:00am–6:00pm, shorter hours in winter—confirm locally.
Enjoy classic Kashmiri cuisine (wazwan items available at Mughal Darbar) or a relaxed hotel meal; restaurants generally operate through the evening but check closing times with your hotel.
Start with Kashmiri kahwa (green tea with spices) and local breads on your houseboat or at a lakeside café; a peaceful and authentic morning choice before sightseeing.
Visit the historic Shalimar Bagh to see Mughal terraces, fountains and cypress-lined avenues; gardens are generally open around 8:00–5:00 — confirm seasonal hours as winter schedules change.
Walk a short distance to Nishat Bagh for broad views of Dal Lake and Himalayan foothills; typically open 8:00–5:00 and offers great photo opportunities.
Choose Shamyana for a varied menu or The Chinar (hotel restaurant) for lakeside dining; most city restaurants open by 11:00am and continue through dinner hours.
Visit the marble Hazratbal Shrine on the lake — a serene, important site for locals — and view the Char Chinar island; shrine visiting hours are roughly 8:00–6:00, but dress respectfully and check prayer times.
Drive or climb to the hilltop Shankaracharya Temple for panoramic city and lake views; temple access is usually open from early morning until dusk (~7:00am–6:00pm) and involves a short steep climb.
Return to town for dinner; try traditional Kashmiri dishes or a lighter North Indian meal depending on appetite. Many popular restaurants operate until late evening, but double-check hours in November.
Ride the Gulmarg Gondola up to Kongdori/Alpine areas for sweeping mountain views; gondola usually operates roughly 9:00–4:00 — Phase 2 can be weather-dependent and may close in early winter.
Stroll Kongdori meadow or take a short walk to enjoy Himalayan scenery and photo ops; accessible trails are generally open daylight hours but watch for sudden weather changes.
Visit Betaab Valley (well-known film location) and nearby Aru for riverbanks and pine-fringed meadows; parks typically welcome visitors 9:00–5:00 depending on season.
Reach Baisaran by pony ride or a 30–60 minute hike to see open meadows and Himalayan panoramas; pony/transport services operate best during daylight hours (approx 9:00–4:00).
Visit Thajiwas Glacier via a short pony ride or trek to see glacial snows and streams; rides/treks typically run 9:00–4:00 and depend on weather, especially as winter approaches.
Visit Dachigam to look for Himalayan wildlife (including the endangered Hangul deer) and enjoy forested mountain scenery; park typically allows visitors between ~9:00–4:00 and often requires prior permits or park fees—book your jeep/permit through your hotel or forest dept.
Return to town for a relaxing lunch and time to warm up; popular city cafés open through early afternoon and offer both Kashmiri and general Indian dishes.
Explore Lal Chowk, Polo View and the old city bazaars for pashmina shawls, carpets and local handicrafts — shops normally open 10:00–7:00 so plan purchases accordingly and bargain politely.
Finish the day with a calm dinner sampling any Kashmiri dishes you may have missed; many restaurants serve until late evening but check November hours.
If you want an iconic experience, take an early-morning Shikara ride (approx 6:00–9:00 window) to see the floating vegetable market and early lake life; this is best done at dawn for atmosphere and colour.
Book a massage or spa session at a reputable Srinagar spa or request an in-house massage on the houseboat to unwind after days of travel and excursions; many places operate 10:00–7:00.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch on your houseboat or try Dana Pani for homestyle Kashmiri meals; choose a lakeside setting for a calm final full day in Srinagar.
Visit Jamia Masjid in the old city to admire wooden architecture, then browse nearby lanes for last-minute shopping; mosques and markets are usually accessible until late afternoon/evening (respect local customs).
Book a Wazwan (traditional Kashmiri multi-course feast) at Ahdoos or a private arrangement to experience a ceremonial final meal; Wazwan is a special experience—reserve ahead.
Early morning transfer to SXR for your return flight; allow 60–90 minutes for airport transfer and check-in for domestic flights, especially in winter when weather can affect timings.
Depart SXR and connect via Delhi to return to Nagpur. Typical total travel time including layover is 5–7 hours—book a mid-day arrival to give buffer time on route home.