Create meetup in Srinagarchevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
explore Srinagar Guides
Budgeting for Srinagar in 3 months
If you're not staying right on Dal Lake, you can knock 500 to 800 rupees off that hotel estimate. Areas like Rajbagh or Sonwar have decent guesthouses for around 1,000 a night and are a short auto ride from the main spots. For transport, shared minibuses to places like Shalimar Bagh or Nishat Bagh cost about 20 rupees per person, which beats paying a cab driver 500 for the same route. Just factor in an extra 200 a day for entry fees to the Mughal Gardens, since non-locals pay more than locals.
For a mid-range budget in Srinagar, I'd plan around 3,500 to 5,000 rupees per person per day. That covers a decent hotel near Dal Lake (like around 1,500-2,000), two meals at a local restaurant, and a shikara ride or a cab to Mughal Gardens. You'll save a lot by eating at places like Ahdoos or Mughal Darbar instead of the touristy houseboat dining. Just keep in mind that houseboat stays often look cheap but tack on extra fees for meals and taxes, so read the fine print.
honestly, a lot depends on whether you're okay eating at the street stalls near the Jama Masjid or sticking to sit-down restaurants. I usually spend around 200 rupees on breakfast and lunch from a local baker like Noor Bakery for some fresh girda and chai, then maybe 400 for dinner at a place like Shamyana on the Boulevard, which has great views without the houseboat markup. if you skip the touristy shikara rides on Dal and instead take a short walk to the quieter Nigeen Lake side, you can get a rowboat for half the price and it's way more peaceful