Begin your romantic honeymoon in the picturesque city of Srinagar, known as the "Venice of the East." In the morning, take a serene shikara ride on Dal Lake, surrounded by lush gardens and charming houseboats. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, with their beautiful terraces, fountains, and vibrant flower beds. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a romantic stroll along the banks of the famous Dal Lake, mesmerized by the reflections of the sunset on the tranquil waters.
Dal Lake Shikara Ride: Cost estimate - INR 500 per couple, Time spent - 2 hours
Mughal Gardens: Cost estimate - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Evening on Dal Lake: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Ahdoos, a popular local restaurant known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri platter with fragrant saffron-infused rice, flavored curries, and kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Mughal Darbar, a renowned restaurant that serves delicious Mughlai and Kashmiri dishes. Indulge in flavorful biryanis, succulent kebabs, and creamy koftas. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a romantic dinner at Shamyana Restaurant, located on the banks of Dal Lake. Savor a candlelit dinner with a stunning view of the lake and indulge in a variety of cuisines including Indian, Continental, and Kashmiri specialties. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Saturday October 14: Gulmarg
Embark on a day trip to Gulmarg, a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. In the morning, take a scenic cable car ride to Apharwat Peak, offering panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Indulge in thrilling activities like skiing or snowboarding during the winter season or opt for a leisurely walk amidst the alpine meadows during other seasons. In the afternoon, enjoy a romantic picnic surrounded by stunning landscapes. As the sun starts to set, return to Srinagar, cherishing the memories of a day well spent.
Gulmarg Gondola: Cost estimate - INR 750 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Adventure Activities: Cost estimate - Varies based on activity, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Escape to the charming town of Pahalgam, nestled amidst the scenic Lidder Valley. In the morning, explore the breathtaking Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film "Betaab" and adorned with lush green meadows, gushing streams, and snow-capped mountains. Enjoy a romantic horse ride with your partner along the Lidder River. In the afternoon, visit the serene Aru Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. As the evening sets in, savor a romantic dinner at a local restaurant, immersing yourselves in the natural beauty of Pahalgam.
Betaab Valley: Cost estimate - INR 300 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Horse Ride: Cost estimate - INR 600 per couple, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Aru Valley: Cost estimate - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Discover the captivating beauty of Sonamarg, also known as the "Meadow of Gold." In the morning, embark on an adventurous trek to the mesmerizing Thajiwas Glacier, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine landscapes. Experience the thrill of horse riding amidst the breathtaking mountainscapes. In the afternoon, enjoy a romantic picnic near the glistening Sindh River. As the evening approaches, witness a stunning sunset over the majestic Himalayas, creating a perfect backdrop for a memorable honeymoon moment.
Thajiwas Glacier Trek: Cost estimate - INR 1,000 per couple, Time spent - 4-5 hours
Horse Riding: Cost estimate - INR 800 per couple, Time spent - 1-2 hours
A charming breakfast spot is Cafe Blue Sky, offering a wide variety of freshly baked goods and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a delightful lunch, head to The River View Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious Kashmiri cuisine while overlooking the picturesque Sindh River. Average cost for a meal is about ₹700 per person.
Savor a romantic dinner at Shamyana Restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance and a delectable range of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹1000 per person.
Tuesday October 17: Srinagar Houseboat Experience
Immerse yourselves in the unique experience of staying in a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake. In the morning, indulge in a romantic breakfast served on the houseboat, surrounded by the serene waters. Glide through the lake on a shikara, exploring the floating markets and experiencing the local culture. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant local markets of Srinagar, like Lal Chowk, for traditional souvenirs and handicrafts. As the evening sets in, enjoy a candle-lit dinner on the houseboat, creating unforgettable memories.
Houseboat Stay: Cost estimate - INR 5,000 per night, Time spent - Overnight
Shikara Ride: Cost estimate - INR 500 per couple, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Shopping in Lal Chowk: Cost estimate - Varies based on purchases, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Kareem's Kashmiri Cuisine - Start your day with a delicious Kashmiri breakfast at Kareem's. Indulge in traditional dishes like Rogan josh and Gushtaba. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Shakti Saffron Bistro - For a delightful lunch, head to Shakti Saffron Bistro and savor their authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their special saffron-infused dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Chinar Garden - Enjoy a romantic dinner at Chinar Garden, known for its beautiful ambiance and delicious Kashmiri delicacies. Try their signature dish, Dum Aloo, and end the evening with their delectable phirni. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Wednesday October 18: Dachigam National Park
Explore the wildlife wonders of Dachigam National Park, located near Srinagar. In the morning, embark on an exciting safari through the park, spotting endangered species like the Kashmiri stag or hangul, musk deer, and various bird species. Enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the scenic surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the ancient shrine of Makhdoom Sahib, a spiritual retreat nestled in the mountains. As the evening approaches, return to Srinagar, where you can indulge in a romantic lakeside dinner.
Dachigam National Park Safari: Cost estimate - INR 1,000 per person, Time spent - 4-5 hours
Start your day at Cafe Arabica, a cozy breakfast spot with a wide selection of freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries. An average breakfast at Cafe Arabica costs about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to The Chinar Restaurant, known for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Indulge in flavorful biryanis and kebabs while enjoying the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. An average lunch at The Chinar Restaurant costs about $15 per person.
Experience a romantic dinner at Ahdoos, a fine dining restaurant offering a mix of Kashmiri and continental dishes. With its elegant ambiance and delectable food, Ahdoos is the perfect place to enjoy a candlelit dinner by the lakeside. An average dinner at Ahdoos costs about $30 per person.
Thursday October 19: Departure from Srinagar
Conclude your memorable honeymoon in Kashmir with a heart full of cherished moments. In the morning, take one last stroll along the enchanting Dal Lake, bidding farewell to its serene beauty. As you depart from Srinagar, carry with you the memories of the idyllic landscapes, warm hospitality, and the love-filled experiences shared with your partner.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, venture to the charming village of Yusmarg, located amidst the Pir Panjal Range. This hidden gem offers breathtaking landscapes, meadows filled with wildflowers, and tranquil lakes. Experience the local culture by interacting with the warm-hearted villagers and savoring traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Another local favorite is the Aharbal Waterfall, situated in a scenic valley and surrounded by dense forests. Explore the nearby hiking trails, enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, and relish the tranquility of this lesser-known spot.