Where to stay in Srinagar

Srinagar is a city in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an Indian-administered union territory.

The name "Srinagar" (Kashmiri: sih-REE-nuh-guhr) is a compound of two Kashmiri words. The word nagar (نَگَر) means "city"; and the word sirī (سِری) comes from either Sanskrit Śrī (श्री), an epithet for Hindu goddess Lakshmi, or from Sanskrit sūrya (सूर्य), meaning "sun". So, the name "Srinagar" means either the "city of Lakshmi" or the "city of the Sun". Most people visit the city in the summer months. The temperature at this time is cool to pleasant. Light sweaters may be needed for occasional cool nights in the summertime.

Due to the conflict in Kashmir, hundreds of hotels and houseboats lie empty, check in person if the hotel/houseboat still looks as nice as when they put pictures online- and that advertised services are still available as many have stopped paying for example for Wi-Fi. The upside is that the prices of accommodation have plummeted, owners will optimistically demand full rates but can be talked right down; the phrase "how many guests do you have now" saves a lot of time here. Srinagar is popular for its houseboats, which do not float free around the lake, but are anchored off-shore. It is a great and unique way to enjoy your stay in the city.

Getting in

Due to the delays in completing the Kashmir Railway (Jammu–Baramulla), many people still take a train to Jammu followed by a taxi or bus ride to Srinagar. The journey from Jammu to Srinagar is costlier in the summers because the capital is being shifted from Jammu to Srinagar, both in buses and taxis. Buses are safer but take more time and are a bit uncomfortable. Foreigners are required to register upon arrival at the airport or at their hotel or houseboat.

Getting around

Auto-rickshaws can be found everywhere. Taxis and buses area also available. Motorcycles can also be rented for enthusiasts. Negotiate a price with a rickshaw driver before getting in; they are notorious for overcharging and generally being dishonest. Their usual ploy is: "no problem" or "up to you". As soon as you reach your destination they will have a volte-face! Drivers usually don't speak English but there will always be a passer-by to help translate for you. A rickshaw from Nigeen Lake to Boulevard is approximately​ ₹70 depending on negotiation skills (August 2009).

Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.