6-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Mata Vaishno devi & Srinagar
Thursday, November 16: Arrival in Jammu
Start your trip by arriving in Jammu, the nearest major city to Mata Vaishno Devi. After checking into your hotel, spend the morning exploring the city's main attractions, such as the Bahu Fort and Gardens, which offer panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Raghunath Bazaar for some shopping and indulge in local delicacies. In the evening, take a relaxing walk along the banks of the Tawi River.
Bahu Fort and Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Coffee House: A cozy cafe with a wide variety of breakfast options including sandwiches and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Sharma Vaishno Dhaba: A popular local spot known for its delicious and affordable vegetarian thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
Jammu Delight: A fine dining restaurant offering a fusion of Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Friday, November 17: Mata Vaishno Devi
Embark on a spiritual journey to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Start early in the morning and trek to the shrine located atop the Trikuta Mountains. Enjoy the breathtaking views along the way and seek blessings at the temple. After visiting the shrine, head back to Jammu and relax for the evening.
Mata Vaishno Devi trek: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 10-12 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Sharma's Restaurant for a delicious start to your day in Jammu. They serve a variety of Indian breakfast dishes such as idli, dosa, and paratha. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Hari Niwas Palace Restaurant located near Jammu Tawi railway station. They offer a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes including Kashmiri specialties like Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Pahalwan Di Hatti, a popular eatery in Jammu known for its scrumptious Punjabi cuisine. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes like Butter Chicken, Tandoori Roti, and Dal Makhani. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Saturday, November 18: Travel to Srinagar
Leave Jammu and travel to the beautiful city of Srinagar. Upon arrival, check into your houseboat on Dal Lake and enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by stunning landscapes. In the evening, take a shikara ride on the lake and witness the enchanting sunset.
Houseboat on Dal Lake: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - Overnight
Shikara ride on Dal Lake: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
The Lakeview Cafe: Enjoy a delightful breakfast with a view of the serene Dal Lake. They offer a variety of options including omelettes, pancakes, and traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Mughal Darbar: Indulge in a delicious lunch at this popular restaurant known for its mouthwatering Mughlai and Kashmiri dishes. From kebabs to biryanis, they have something for everyone. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Shangri La: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at this rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of Dal Lake. With a fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines, you can enjoy a wide range of dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, November 19: Explore Srinagar
Spend the morning exploring the famous Mughal Gardens, including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. These gardens offer a serene escape with beautiful flowers and stunning architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Shankaracharya Temple, situated on a hilltop, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. End the day with a relaxing Shikara ride on the picturesque Nigeen Lake.
Shikara ride on Nigeen Lake: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Monday, November 20: Day Trip to Gulmarg
Take a day trip to Gulmarg, a popular hill station renowned for its snow-capped mountains and skiing opportunities. Enjoy a scenic gondola ride to Kongdori and Apharwat Peak, where you can indulge in various winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Spend the day amid the breathtaking landscapes and return to Srinagar in the evening.
Gondola ride to Kongdori and Apharwat Peak: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 6-8 hours
Winter activities in Gulmarg: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 4-6 hours
Tuesday, November 21: Pahalgam Excursion
Embark on an excursion to Pahalgam, a picturesque town surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains. Visit the famous Betaab Valley, known for its scenic beauty and Bollywood movie connections. Enjoy a horse ride or a leisurely walk along the Lidder River. In the evening, return to Srinagar and explore the local markets for souvenirs.
Horse ride or walk along the Lidder River: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While visiting Srinagar, don't miss the opportunity to explore the lesser-known gems and local favorites. Visit the Dachigam National Park, a wildlife sanctuary home to endangered species such as the Hangul deer. Enjoy a picnic at the picturesque Nishat Bagh Mughal Garden, and take a leisurely stroll through the quaint lanes of Old Srinagar, where you can savor traditional Kashmiri cuisine and shop for handicrafts.
For budget-friendly accommodations and flight options, you can check prices on Kayak.