10-Day Relaxing Itinerary from Delhi to Srinagar

  1. Day 1 - Delhi: Lotus Temple
    20 minutes (10 km) from Indira Gandhi International Airport

    Visit the Bahá'í House of Worship, surrounded by serene gardens and pools. Its unique flower-like architecture is a must-see for any traveler.

  2. Day 2 - Srinagar: Dal Lake
    30 minutes (18 km) from Srinagar International Airport

    Relax on a Shikara boat ride, surrounded by stunning scenery. Witness lake life by visiting the floating markets and savor traditional kahwa tea.

  3. Day 3 - Srinagar: Mughal Gardens
    30 minutes (10 km) from Dal Lake

    Visit the Shalimar and Nishat Bagh, two magnificent terraced gardens that once belonged to Mughal Emperors. Enjoy a picnic or simply relax in the lush surroundings.

  4. Day 4 - Pahalgam: Betaab Valley
    2 hours 30 minutes (91 km) from Srinagar

    Visit one of Bollywood's favorite locations, Betaab valley. Enjoy a horse ride around the local meadows and mountains.

  5. Day 5 - Gulmarg: Gondola Ride
    2 hours (52 km) from Pahalgam

    Take an exhilarating gondola ride, soaring to heights of almost 4,000 meters. See the snow-capped Himalayas and enjoy unforgettable views.

  6. Day 6 - Srinagar: Hazratbal Shrine
    1 hour (27 km) from Gulmarg

    Visit the famous mosque, known for its holy relic, the Moi-e-Muqqadas, or the Sacred Hair of Prophet Muhammad. Explore the tranquil gardens overlooking Dal Lake.

  7. Day 7 - Srinagar: Pari Mahal
    30 minutes (9.5 km) from Hazratbal Shrine

    Visit the almost fairy-tale like Pari Mahal, or the abode of fairies. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the panoramic views of Dal Lake, Srinagar city, and the mountains beyond.

  8. Day 8 - Srinagar: Shankaracharya Temple
    30 minutes (9 km) from Pari Mahal

    Visit the sacred temple set atop a hill within the city limit. Enjoy the splendid views of Srinagar city from the temple grounds.

  9. Day 9 - Srinagar: Rainbow Trout Farm
    1 hour 40 minutes (57 km) from Shankaracharya Temple

    Visit the fish farm and hatchery for a relaxing fishing experience. Try your hand at angling under expert guidance and enjoy scrumptious grilled trout on site.

  10. Day 10 - Srinagar: Shopping in Old City
    20 minutes (5.7 km) from Rainbow Trout Farm

    Explore the famous markets of Srinagar city. Buy handmade carpets, pashminas, spices, and antique silverware. Sip on some traditional noon chai and enjoy the local delicacies.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Lotus Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Dal Lake (2 hours, 500 INR for Shikara ride)
  • Mughal Gardens (3 hours, 30 INR entry fee)
  • Betaab Valley (5 hours, 1,500 INR for horse ride)
  • Gulmarg Gondola Ride (3 hours, 750 INR for gondola ride)
  • Hazratbal Shrine (1 hour, Free but separate fees for women-only entrance)
  • Pari Mahal (2 hours, 200 INR entry fee)
  • Shankaracharya Temple (1 hour, Free but separate fees for photography)
  • Rainbow Trout Farm (4 hours, 1,000 INR for angling and trout meal)
  • Shopping in Old City (4 hours, prices vary)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 3,980 INR

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit other famous gardens in Srinagar like Chashme Shahi and Botanical Garden. You can also visit the Sonamarg mountain range. For a shorter trip, you can skip the fishing experience and shopping in the Old City. Remember that many places are closed on Fridays, so schedule accordingly.

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