Start your trip by exploring the famous Dal Lake, which is described as the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir." Rent a shikara, a traditional houseboat, and soak up the scenic beauty of the lake while enjoying a cup of Kashmiri Kahwa tea. While on the lake, you can also visit the floating flower and vegetable markets and the Hazratbal Mosque.
Spend your second day exploring the Mughal Gardens, a group of terraced gardens built by Mughal emperors in the 17th century. Visit the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi gardens and get lost in the maze of fountains, lawns, and flower beds. End the day by enjoying a picnic in one of the gardens.
On your third day, visit the Shankaracharya Temple, which is situated atop the Shankaracharya Hill and is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Srinagar. The climb to the temple is steep, but once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Srinagar city. After visiting the temple, head to the nearby Pari Mahal, a beautiful historical monument and garden.
End your trip by visiting the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, which is the largest tulip garden in Asia and is open only in the spring season. The garden is spread over 30 acres and boasts of more than 70 varieties of tulips. Spend some time strolling amidst the flowers and soaking up the beauty of the garden. Afterward, visit the nearby Botanical Garden and the Islamia College of Science and Technology.
If you have more time in Srinagar, consider taking a day trip to Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, or Sonamarg, a scenic valley. These places are located a few hours away from Srinagar and offer plenty of outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and horse riding. If you have less time, you can combine Day 1 and Day 3 by visiting the Shankaracharya Temple in the morning and spending the rest of the day on Dal Lake. Also, if you are visiting Srinagar in the winter season, some of the gardens and outdoor attractions may be closed due to snowfall, so plan accordingly.