Discover Kashmir beyond the Postcards

Srinagar, June 23: Srinagar, at the heart of Kashmir, offers more than just scenic beauty—it’s a living experience filled with culture, memory, and a sense of belonging.

Kashmiri festivities and small celebratory outings one could argue are deeply rooted in nature—be it the first blossoms of spring, the season’s first snowfall (sheen), the arrival of fruit season, saffron harvests,  the Nawruz, the Urs and the family trips to Mughal Gardens on Baiksahi etc.

These outings are more than simple family get-togethers—they foster brief but meaningful connections with others esp. tourists in public spaces.

The city offers a tapestry of culture, nature, and heritage that can’t be captured by the usual tourist checklist. To truly embrace Srinagar, one must slow down, walk its old bridges, sip chai with locals, and reflect beside river Jhelum. Srinagar’s beauty isn’t just in its landscapes—it’s in its people, so one must let the city reveal itself one local story at a time.

Here are 10 immersive ways to explore the city more deeply not just as a tourist, but as a traveler.

Evening stroll along the Bund

As the sun begins to set behind the Zabarwan hills, Srinagar’s residents make their way to the Bund—the historic embankment along the Jhelum River. Families, young couples, and the elderly all come here for a walk, to share stories, or to simply breathe in the calm. Join them, and you’ll experience a slice of local life that’s both ordinary and deeply poetic.

Zero Bridge is no longer just a crossing point—it’s a vibrant youth hub. On a typical day, you’ll find art pop-ups on the bridge, students gathered and musicians or local artists humming against the backdrop of the flowing river.

Seek Calmness at Dargah Hazratbal

On the eastern curve of Dal Lake lies Hazratbal Shrine, a place of profound spirituality. Come here at dusk, as the call to prayer echoes over the water, and you’ll feel a stillness that’s hard to describe. Walk from the University of Kashmir toward the shrine, letting the serenity of the place slow you down. Locals often sit quietly for hours, lost in reflection. These bits of history and culture, often intangible.

Shehr e Khaas (Downtown)

To truly understand Srinagar, immerse into shehr –e-khaas, the soulful downtown areas where stories live in every alley. The markets of Zainakadal, Saraf Kadal, and Sada Kadal still buzz with old-world charm. Here, spices are sold loose, copperware gleams under antique shop lights, and the scent of traditional bakeries lingers in the air. For many locals, this is where childhood memories were made— I remember shopping trips with my mother, bargaining in old Urdu dialects, and absorbing the hustles of everyday life. The lanes of shehr e khaas areas in downtown- zainakadal, raziakadal, the bridges of downtown, the market places and local architecture are the heart of Srinagar city.

Jamia Masjid – Where Faith Meets Architecture

The Jamia Masjid is not just a mosque—it’s a marvel of  Islamic architecture. Wooden columns, serene courtyards, and a garden where birds chirp freely make this more than a place of worship. One can see local kids people in the masjid’s courtyard.

On Fridays, the area buzzes with prayers and zest, while on quieter days, it becomes a peaceful retreat. Sit in the garden, talk to the locals, explore the architecture and you’ll begin to understand the layers of Srinagar’s cultural history and deeply woven religious sentiments.

There’s also Pather Masjid close by, a historical marvel.

Short Trip to Dhara & Fakir Gujri

For those seeking light yet soul-stirring nature scenery, not too far from the city, Dhara, is a lesser-known gem. Above the Harwaan, surrounded by pine forests and shepherd trails, the place is beautiful.

Locals especially youth visit Fakir Gujri usually for a day trek with friends or colleagues. The area is inhabited by mostly Gujjar families, and they are very welcoming and friendly, you might be invited for a sip of salty noon chai in their homes.

Savor the Calm of Nigeen Lake

Dal Lake is usually the popular face of Srinagar but Nigeen Lake is its introspective heart. Quieter, less commercialized, and fringed by willow trees and houseboats, Nigeen is where you go to escape. The houseboats there are less crowded than at Dal Lake. Many foreign tourists usually prefer staying at Nigeen houseboats. Early mornings here are quiet and in the evenings, you’ll often find locals sipping tea on their verandahs.

Chashma Shahi – An Evening with Chai and Lights

Picnicking is deeply woven into the Kashmiri way of life—perhaps shaped by the influences of the Mughals, Central Asians, or the British—but over time, it has become distinctly our own tradition.

Of all the Mughal gardens Nishat, Shalimar – the popular ones, Chashma Shahi holds a special charm in the evenings. Local people with families along with elderly and children bring their tea flasks (or samovars) and bakery biscuits, settle under the trees, and stay late until the garden lights flicker on. I remember so many of my childhood holiday evenings spent there. It’s a kind of community ritual—slow relaxed, beautiful, and filled with laughter and conversations. There is street food too with the tea and kehwa—monjegool, nader monje, halwa parata and water chestnuts.

Dal Lake Interiors – A World Floating on Water

Beyond the shikaras and tourist photo ops places lies a different Dal Lake—its where people live, where real life happens. Wooden houses sit atop water, vegetable markets operate at dawn. Walk or boat through these areas, explore the life of  these families who live on the lake, and witness a lifestyle that has adapted uniquely to its environment.

At the dawn, right after Fajar witness the floating market come to life with hundreds of Shakira selling all kinds of vegetables and fruits. It’s a splendid scene at dawn

Cafés and Culture

Before restaurants became only fancy Instagrammable, there were small cafes that blended authentic culture in small corners. One can visit Mahatta Gallery—a quaint café combined with a photography exhibit that documents Kashmir’s visual history. Also nearby is Ahdoos’.

There are numerous other cafes and restaurants open which are feel goods and cozy. Step in for a cup of Kehwa at places nearby, or enjoy tea at small tea stalls in Dalgate or  lalchowk.

Trek through Dachigam National Park

Just a short drive from the city, Dachigam National Park offers a gentle escape into nature. Home to the endangered Hangul deer, it’s a haven for bird watchers, hikers, and families. Whether you’re up for a short trek or just a leisurely stroll, the mix of alpine forests and wild meadows makes for an invigorating outing.

(Note: All images featured in this article are from the author’s own archive collection)