Located in the heart of the dramatic Himalayas, Srinagar is a diamond in the middle of the pristine green valley (Dal Lake). Known for its scenic gardens, traditional houseboats and friendly Kashmiri hospitality, this prayer in the sky is a major destination for tourists seeking adventure, peace and natural beauty. For both adrenaline junkies and peace seekers, Srinagar has something for all.
Come, set sail on a thrilling voyage to know How to Get to this bliss on Earth!
How to Reach Srinagar
By Air
The fastest way to reach Srinagar, especially if you are coming from major Indian cities, is by air. The Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) has good connectivity with several metropolitan cities.
– From Delhi: Direct flights to Srinagar take around 1.5 hours. The frequent operations of airlines such as IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet along this route make it the easiest option.
– Flying in from Mumbai: You should fly about 2.5- 3 hrs. Watch out for offers on MakeMyTrip or ClearTrip for cheap tickets.
– From Hyderabad: It will take about 2 hours and 45 minutes, with several carriers to choose from.
– From Bangalore: The flight isn’t direct, so you would need to account for a layover with total travel time usually around 6 to 8 hours, depending on layover duration.
– If you are from Chennai and Trivandrum: It is pretty much the same with layovers, which can take 8 to 10 hours to reach the destination Srinagar
– From Kolkata: Direct flights are under 2 hours so it’s quite a quick getaway.
– Bhubaneswar: With layovers, the travel time can be anywhere between 7 to 9 hours.
It is only a short taxi from the airport to the city once you touch down.
By Train
Srinagar does not have its own railway station, but its nearest is Jammu which is well-connected to major cities. From Jammu, you can travel to Srinagar by road through a scenic drive or a bus.
– From Delhi: Train takes approximately 12 to 14 hours to Jammu Tawi. A taxi or bus then takes you to Srinagar, which is around an 8-hour drive and scenic along the way.
– Mumbai and Hyderabad: Keep in mind that it’s going to take at least 24 hours to reach Jammu, so it’s an adventure!
– From Kolkata: Plan for 19 to 20 hours to Jammu, then the same road trip to Srinagar.
Train travel can be a defining experience, as you meet people and witness the scenery shift before your eyes.
By Road
If you are an adventure seeker, then a road trip to Srinagar can be a thrilling experience! The windy, winding roads through the mountains are a visual treat.
– About 850 km from Delhi: About 15 to 20 hours, depending on traffic and weather. The NH44 route is one of the most preferred routes to take, with gorgeous scenic views as well.
– Chandigarh: A 9 hour drive of about 600 kms.
– From Jammu: The distance between Jammu and Srinagar is around 270 km and takes anywhere around 7 hours, thus the journey is quite scenic with lush valleys and picturesque villages.
Renting a car or getting a taxi might be an adventurous way to experience the region at your own pace. Just be sure to check the weather and road conditions especially if it’s winter!
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Srinagar Trip
- Plan Your Stay: You can save valuable time and money by booking your stay well in advance. Alternatives are available on platforms such as EaseMyTrip or Booking. com for a range of hotels and traditional houseboats.
- Pack Smart: The weather is unpredictable, so layer. And don’t forget comfortable shoes for exploring the beautiful gardens and markets!
- Drink Water: Srinagar is at a higher altitude, so stay hydrated. A local kahwa (a traditional green tea) is refreshing and also helps acclimatize.
- Delight in Local Cuisine: Savor local dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni and the famed Kashmiri Pulao. Lal Chowk | Don’t skip street food options!
- Book Activities — Add a little adventure to your trip and book caption activities like Shikara rides on Dal Lake or trekking in the hills nearby via 【Thrillophilia】.
- Roll With It: It’s fantastic to have an itinerary, but reserve a bit of time for spontaneous adventures! You never know what little treasures are out there.
Srinagar is an experience in itself! Its not a destination you leave behind. Every moment harbors adventure, be it witnessing the snow capped mountains, exploring the vibrant markets or relishing a Shikara ride. Therefore, pack your bags and book your tickets to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of Srinagar!
Read articles on TripAdvisor and Thrillophilia for more information about getting to Srinagar and things to do there. Happy travels!
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