Welcome to Srinagar, the paradise on earth! Begin your romantic journey by checking into your luxurious houseboat on Dal Lake. In the morning, take a shikara boat ride on the serene lake, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens, like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, adorned with vibrant flowers and fountains. As the evening sets in, stroll hand in hand through the local markets, exploring the handicrafts and savoring the local cuisine.
Shikara Boat Ride on Dal Lake: Cost Estimate - INR 500 ($7), Time Spent - 2 hours
Exploring Local Markets: Cost Estimate - Variable, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Cafe Mosaic: Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Cafe Mosaic, located near Dal Lake. This charming cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, from fluffy pancakes to traditional Kashmiri delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Shamyana Restaurant: For lunch, head to Shamyana Restaurant, known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni Pulao, prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Ahdoos Restaurant: Treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant, a popular fine dining establishment in Srinagar. Known for its exquisite Kashmiri specialties like Wazwan, this restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and impeccable service. The average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Friday, September 15: Gulmarg Escapade
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a stunning hill station renowned for its snow-covered peaks and lush meadows. In the morning, take a picturesque drive to Gulmarg, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. Once there, indulge in various adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, or simply take a romantic cable car ride to Kongdori Mountain. Spend the afternoon wandering through the blooming meadows hand in hand with your loved one. In the evening, head back to Srinagar and enjoy a cozy dinner.
Day Trip to Gulmarg: Cost Estimate - INR 3000 ($42), Time Spent - Full day
Adventure Activities: Cost Estimate - Variable, Time Spent - Flexible
Exploring Meadows: Cost Estimate - Variable, Time Spent - Flexible
Saturday, September 16: Srinagar City Exploration
Discover the cultural and historical treasures of Srinagar. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Shankaracharya Temple, perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting old city area of Srinagar, wandering through the narrow alleys filled with bustling markets and traditional Kashmiri architecture. Don't miss a chance to try the famous Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine at a local restaurant. In the evening, enjoy a romantic shikara ride during the sunset on Dal Lake.
Exploring Old City: Cost Estimate - Variable, Time Spent - 3 hours
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake: Cost Estimate - INR 1000 ($14), Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Mombai, known for its wide range of Indian and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Shamyana Restaurant, famous for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in mouth-watering Rogan Josh or Yakhni Pulao. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, experience fine dining at Ahdoos Restaurant, a local favorite. Enjoy their signature dish, Gustaba, a traditional Kashmiri meatball curry. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, September 17: Pahalgam Serenity
Escape to the serene town of Pahalgam, known for its breathtaking natural beauty. In the morning, embark on a scenic drive through lush valleys and pine forests to reach Pahalgam. Explore Betaab Valley, named after a famous Bollywood movie, and enjoy a romantic picnic amidst the picturesque surroundings. Afterward, you can go for a leisurely horse ride or take a tranquil walk by the Lidder River. In the evening, return to Srinagar and spend a relaxing evening at your houseboat.
Day Trip to Pahalgam: Cost Estimate - INR 4000 ($56), Time Spent - Full day
Horse Ride/Walking by Lidder River: Cost Estimate - Variable, Time Spent - Flexible
Monday, September 18: Sonamarg Adventure
Conclude your honeymoon by experiencing the adventurous side of Sonamarg, the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, embark on a thrilling drive through the picturesque Zojila Pass to reach Sonamarg. Explore the Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by snow-clad mountains, and indulge in activities like pony rides or a nature walk. Enjoy a memorable picnic in the lap of nature. In the afternoon, head back to Srinagar and spend some quality time exploring the vibrant local markets. In the evening, savor a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
Day Trip to Sonamarg: Cost Estimate - INR 6000 ($84), Time Spent - Full day
Exploring Local Markets: Cost Estimate - Variable, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Coffee Day in Srinagar, where you can enjoy a delicious spread of sandwiches, pastries, and hot beverages. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar, known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like Rogan Josh and Kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Shamyana Restaurant in Srinagar, which offers a romantic setting with stunning views of Dal Lake. Delight in a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the enchanting Doodhpathri Valley, located about 42 km from Srinagar. It offers breathtaking views, lush green meadows, and crystal-clear streams. Another hidden gem is the Shikara Museum, where you can learn about the history and craftsmanship of Kashmiri shikaras. Locals love spending time at Nigeen Lake, a quieter alternative to Dal Lake, where you can relax in tranquility and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of nature.
For hotel and flight bookings, check out the best prices on Kayak.