A Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kashmir

1. 7:00AM: Dal Lake
   15 minutes (2 miles) from Srinagar City Centre

   Dal Lake is a perfect place to start your morning with a relaxing shikara ride amidst the gorgeous scenery. This lake is the icon of Kashmir and is famous for its floating markets, houseboats, and charming views of the Zabarwan mountain range.

2. 9:00AM: Shalimar Bagh
   30 minutes (8 miles) from Dal Lake

   After the boat ride, head to the magnificent Shalimar Bagh. This beautiful garden is a Mughal-era masterpiece and was built by Emperor Jehangir in 1619 for his wife Nur Jahan. The garden has four terraces, unique water features, and impressive flower beds.

3. 11:00AM: Hazratbal Shrine
   20 minutes (6 miles) from Shalimar Bagh

   The Hazratbal Shrine is a sacred shrine in Srinagar. This mosque holds a hair of Prophet Muhammad, making it one of the most revered places in Kashmir. The mosque is situated on the bank of the Dal Lake with a magnificent view of the Pir Panjal mountain range.

4. 1:00PM: Floating Gardens & Lunch
   25 minutes (8 miles) from Hazratbal Shrine

   The Floating Gardens is an amalgamation of several gardens built on the famous Dal Lake. You can enjoy a relaxing walk here, and have lunch on one of the floating restaurants or in a nearby restaurant. Try the local Kashmiri Wazwan, which is a multi-course meal, consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables.

5. 3:00PM: Pari Mahal
   20 minutes (5 miles) from Floating Gardens

   Pari Mahal was once a Buddhist monastery and later converted into a school of astrology by Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh. Today, it is a beautiful spot for evening views of the Dal Lake and Srinagar city. Don't forget to take a blissful walk in its terraced gardens, which offers stunning views of the old city.

6. 5:00PM: Tomb of Zain-ul-Abidin
   25 minutes (6 miles) from Pari Mahal

   Late in the afternoon, head to the Tomb of Zain-ul-Abidin, who was the sixth king of Kashmir. The tomb is a relatively small but beautiful occurrence of Indo-Islamic architecture. The garden surrounding the tomb will give you a serene feeling, making it a perfect place for meditation.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dal Lake Boat Ride (1 hour, INR 500)
• Shalimar Bagh Garden Visit (1 hour, INR 50)
• Hazratbal Shrine Visit (30 minutes, Free)
• Lunch at Floating Gardens (1 hour, INR 500)
• Pari Mahal Garden Visit (1 hour, INR 50)
• Tomb of Zain-ul-Abidin Visit (30 minutes, INR 20)
• Total Estimated Costs (INR 1,120)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add the following places to your itinerary:

• Nigeen Lake (1-2 hours) - Enjoy a peaceful shikara ride and indulge in watersports.
• Mughal Gardens (2 hours) - Visit the Nishat Bagh, Chashma Shahi, and Pari Mahal.
• Badami Bagh Cantonment (2-3 hours) - Visit this popular market that offers a vast range of goods, including souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothing.

If you have less time, you can subtract the following from your itinerary:

• Tomb of Zain-ul-Abidin - It's the least significant place on the list and can be skipped if you're short on time.