Start your romantic honeymoon in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. In the morning, visit the beautiful Mughal Gardens, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, renowned for their stunning terraced gardens and serene ambience. Enjoy a leisurely shikara ride on Dal Lake in the afternoon, taking in the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and floating gardens. In the evening, explore the local markets, such as Lal Chowk, where you can shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.
Mughal Gardens: Estimated cost: INR 100 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Dal Lake shikara ride: Estimated cost: INR 500 per hour (approx.), Time spent: 1-2 hours
Local markets: No entrance fee, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Sunday October 1: Pahalgam
Embark on a scenic drive to Pahalgam, a charming hill station nestled in the picturesque Lidder Valley. In the morning, visit Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film "Betaab" and known for its breathtaking landscapes. Spend the afternoon exploring Aru Valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests, offering opportunities for horse riding and nature walks. In the evening, take a romantic stroll along the Lidder River and enjoy a cozy dinner at a local restaurant.
Betaab Valley: Estimated cost: INR 100 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Aru Valley: Estimated cost: INR 500 per person (approx.), Time spent: 3-4 hours
Lidder River walk: No entrance fee, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Log Inn, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
Stop by Dana Pani for a satisfying lunch, where you can enjoy a variety of Kashmiri dishes such as Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 400 per person.
Indulge in a romantic dinner at Ahdoos Restaurant, a popular eatery that serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Don't miss their specialities like Gushtaba and Kashmiri Kebabs. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 800 per person.
Monday October 2: Pahalgam Adventure
Indulge in adventurous activities in Pahalgam. Start your morning with a thrilling white-water rafting experience in the Lidder River. Afterward, make your way to the Chandanwari area, the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, and enjoy the scenic beauty of snow-clad mountains. In the afternoon, embark on a short trek to visit the enchanting Kolahoi Glacier, surrounded by breathtaking vistas. Spend the evening relaxing in the natural beauty of Pahalgam.
White-water rafting: Estimated cost: INR 1,500 per person (approx.), Time spent: 2-3 hours
Chandanwari: No entrance fee, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Kolahoi Glacier trek: No entrance fee, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Restaurants
Head to Café Log Inn for a hearty breakfast in Pahalgam. This cozy café offers a variety of delicious breakfast options, including omelettes, pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, visit Dana Pani Restaurant. Enjoy the serene ambiance and indulge in mouthwatering Kashmiri cuisine, such as Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo. The average cost for a meal here is about 600 INR per person.
For a romantic dinner, book a table at Nathu's Rasoi. This charming restaurant in Pahalgam serves a delectable range of Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their signature Kashmiri Wazwan dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday October 3: Srinagar City Tour
Return to Srinagar and explore more of the city's cultural and historical attractions. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Shankaracharya Temple, perched on a hilltop and offering panoramic views of Srinagar. In the afternoon, delve into the rich history of the region at the impressive Hazratbal Shrine and the historic Jamia Masjid. End your day with a romantic shikara ride during sunset, as the beautiful hues of the sky reflect upon the tranquil waters of Dal Lake.
Shankaracharya Temple: No entrance fee, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Hazratbal Shrine: No entrance fee, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Jamia Masjid: No entrance fee, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Dal Lake sunset shikara ride: Estimated cost: INR 500 per hour (approx.), Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Cafe Coffee Day - Start your day at Cafe Coffee Day, where you can enjoy a variety of breakfast options such as sandwiches, muffins, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Lunch: Ahdoos - For a taste of authentic Kashmiri cuisine, head to Ahdoos. This popular restaurant offers a wide range of delicious dishes including kebabs, biryanis, and traditional Kashmiri Wazwan. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Dinner: Mughal Darbar - Indulge in a royal feast at Mughal Darbar, known for its delectable Mughlai and Kashmiri dishes. Treat yourself to aromatic biryanis, succulent kebabs, and rich curries. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday October 4: Departure
On your last day, bid farewell to the beautiful land of Kashmir. Spend your morning leisurely exploring local markets or savoring a traditional Kashmiri breakfast. Afterward, check out from your hotel and proceed to the airport for your departure.
Local markets: No entrance fee, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Estimated travel time to the airport: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit Shamyana Restaurant which offers a variety of delicious Kashmiri breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Stream Restaurant where you can enjoy a peaceful ambiance along with mouthwatering Mughlai and Kashmiri cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Kashmir at Ahdoos Restaurant. Known for its authentic Kashmiri Wazwan, the average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Pahalgam, make sure to visit Baisaran Valley, also known as the "Mini Switzerland of India." This hidden gem offers stunning meadows surrounded by dense pine forests, making it an ideal spot for a romantic picnic or a leisurely walk hand in hand. Additionally, don't miss the chance to try traditional Kashmiri cuisine, such as Rogan Josh (spiced lamb curry) and Kashmiri Pulao, at local restaurants in both Srinagar and Pahalgam.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices and availability on Kayak.