Srinagar In May – Places To Visit And Things To Do

Srinagar in May is a breath-taking paradise. Nestled in the picturesque Kashmir valley, it is nothing less than paradise on earth. During May, the city loosens the grip of the winter season and starts awakening to the vibrant burst of colours and life. It captivates the visitors with unparalleled beauty. Srinagar often referred to as the “Venice of the East” boasts shimmering lakes, majestic snow-capped mountains and verdant gardens creating an awe-inspiring scenic view.

( Decorative fountain in Mughal Garden. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. )

The iconic Dal Lake adorned with charming boathouses and vibrant floating gardens is an unforgettable experience. May brings forth a gentle warmth, making it an ideal time to visit the Mughal Garden, Nishant Bagh and Shalimar Bagh where the terraced lawns and fragrant blooms offer a sensory treat. The local warm hospitality and aroma of the Kashmiri cuisine allow you to engage with the region’s rich culture and history. Srinagar in May leaves an indelible imprint on the hearts of all who venture here.

If you are planning a trip to Srinagar in May then this comprehensive Srinagar guide for May is for you. It covers everything from the weather in Srinagar in May to road conditions in Srinagar in May, places to visit in Srinagar in May, things to do in Srinagar in May, and tips for planning a trip to Srinagar in May.

Srinagar Weather in May

Srinagar in May experiences a gradual transition from colder months to a milder and pleasant climate. The weather starts to warm up and the city begins to thaw from the winter chill. The average temperature of Srinagar in May during the day ranges from around 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F). However, evenings and nights are relatively colder with temperatures dropping to around 7°C to 13°C (45°F to 55°F).

May is one of the best times to visit the water bodies like Dal Lake creating a picturesque backdrop with blooming flowers and lush greenery. The gardens during this period are in their full bloom adding charm to the city.

Road Conditions in Srinagar in May

The road conditions of Srinagar in May are good and the routes are easily accessible. Routes such as the Jammu-Srinagar highway and Srinagar-Leh highway that remain temporarily closed or restricted due to snowfall in winter are also open in May. It is a great month for embarking on a journey in Srinagar.

How to Reach Srinagar in May

By Air

Srinagar has its airport located at an easy distance of 15 km from the city. Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport in Srinagar is well-connected to domestic and international destinations and has regular flights from all the major cities.
By Train

Srinagar Railway Station, the main rail hub in the city, is positioned 13 km away from the city center; however, it lacks connectivity to any place outside Kashmir.

Having said that, Srinagar Railway Station is connected to Banihal Railway Station in Kashmir which is the nearest railway station to Srinagar and located at a distance of 92 km from Srinagar. If you plan to come by road, it takes around 4 hours to reach Srinagar from Banihal Railway Station.

Other nearby stations to Srinagar are Udhampur Station (200 km from Srinagar) and Jammu Tawi Station (271 km from Srinagar).
By Road

Srinagar is well-connected by road to other cities like Delhi, Jammu, and Chandigarh. You can either hire a taxi or take a JKSRTC bus to travel to and from the city.

Places to Visit in Srinagar in May

Shalimar Bagh

( Mughal Heritage Building with snoe covered Zabarwan Mountains in the background during Autumn in Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden of Kashmir )

Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar is the largest Mughal Garden in Kashmir Valley. It is famous for its garden waterfall with arched walls. Nestled amidst the embrace of towering Chinar trees and an array of vibrant blossoms, Shalimar Bagh envelops visitors in a tranquil oasis. Its allure is heightened by a meticulously crafted canal that gracefully meanders through the heart of the garden, amplifying its enchantment. This splendid garden also enjoys a captivating vantage point, gazing out over the shimmering expanse of Dal Lake. This pristine garden was built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

( Tulip Garden in the valley of Kashmir, India )

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the largest tulip garden in Asia. Set in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range, the garden overlooks the Himalayas on one end and the Dal Lake on the other. Spreading across seven terraces, the garden is home to 48 varieties of tulips, roses, hyacinths, daffodils, and iris, among others. It is surely a must-visit place in Srinagar during May. The highlight of this garden is The Tulip Festival held during spring each year.
Dachigam National Park

( Dachigam National Park is a national park located, 22 kilometres (14 mi) from Srinagar
)

Dachigam National Park in May is a cool and pleasant time to see the park’s diverse wildlife including the endangered hangul (Kashmir stag). The park is also home to a wide variety of birds including monal pheasant, golden eagle, and bearded vulture. Visitors can enjoy watching the birds, hiking and camping in the park.
Nishat Bagh

( People enjoy summer in Nishat Bagh garden, NISHAT BAGH, SRINAGAR, KASHMIR )

Nishat Bagh is a Mughal Garden in Srinagar. It is one of the largest Mughal Gardens and is known for its fountains, flowers and pavilions. The pleasant weather makes it a good time to visit the garden and enjoy its beauty. It was built in the 17th century by Asif Khan the brother of Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir. The garden is divided into 3 terraces each of which is linked with a series of cascading waterfalls. The visitors can enjoy the view and relax.
Dal Lake

( A view of Dal Lake in winter, and the beautiful mountain range in the background in the city of Srinagar, Kashmir, India )

Dal Lake is one of the beautiful lakes in Srinagar. It is a popular tourist destination. The lake is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. It is home to a variety of birds and animals. Visitors can enjoy boating, Shikara rides and other activities at the lake. The lake is also a popular spot for weddings and other special occasions.
Nigeen Lake

( Morning scene of Nigeen lake with the native boat man and the small town behind the mountain range. )

Nigeen Lake is a freshwater lake in Srinagar. It is located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Srinagar city. The lake is believed to have been formed by a glacier that melted thousands of years ago. This lake is also home to a variety of animals and plants including lotus, the houseboat and the Kashmiri seagull. The lake is also a popular spot for bird watching and fishing.
Pari Mahal

( Unidentified people relax in the grounds of the Pari Mahal, a Mughal terraced garden palace on the banks of Dal Lake. SRINAGAR KASHMIR )

Pari Mahal in Srinagar in May offers a captivating view of its terraced gardens. It is also known as “Fairy Garden” and has a ruined Mughal Garden. The palace is made of white marble and sandstone and has several pavilions and terraces. The palace was once a popular destination for Mughal scholars and poets who came here to study and meditate. The visitors can also enjoy the stunning view of the city and the surrounding mountains from the palace.
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden

( Jawaharlal Nehru memorial Botanical Garden, this is a vast and beautiful garden. Situated around the foothill of Zabarwan mountain . )

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden was established in 1969 in memory of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The garden is home to a wide variety of plants that include Kashmiri tropical plants, oak varieties, and ornamental plants. The garden is located on the side of a mountain and is a popular destination among tourists. It is a great spot for nature walks, picnics and photography.
The Hari Parbat

( Hari Parbat, also called Koh-i-Maran, is a hill overlooking Srinagar, the largest city and the capital of the Jammu and Kashmir )

The Hari Parbat is a hillock in Srinagar and is a sacred site for Hindus and Muslims. It has several mosques and temples. The hillock is also home to a number of Sufi shrines. It is a good place to visit in May as the weather is pleasant and the greenery around is a good sight for picnics or walking.
Hazratbal Masjid

( The white Hazratbal Mosque situated near the Dal Lake stands out as a grand monument . its very calm and peaceful inside )

Hazratbal Masjid is a Muslim shrine in Srinagar. It is said to house a stand of hair from the Prophet Muhammad. It is a pilgrimage site for Muslims across the globe. May is a good time to visit the site and pay your respects. The shrine is a two-storey building with a golden dome. It is guarded by security forces 24 hours a day.
Char Chinar

( The snow coverd mountains behind the char chinar in Dal Lake in winter season.Srinagar, Kashmir, India )

Char Chinar or “Four Chinar” is a beautiful island on the Dal Lake in Srinagar. It is named after Chinar trees (Platanus orientalis) that grows on the island. The trees on the island are said to be 300 years old. It is a popular tourist destination in May when the weather is pleasant and the trees are in full bloom. The island is located in the centre of the Dal Lake and is easily accessible by boat.

Things To Do in Srinagar in May

Unique Floating Vegetable Market at Dal Lake

( The floating gardens in the natural wetlands of Srinagar are the prime source of vegetables cultivation and these fresh vegetables are then sold on the floating shikara boats on the lake. )

Floating Vegetable Market at Dal Lake is a unique market in Srinagar where the vendors sell fruits and vegetables from their boats on the Dal Lake. The market is held every morning from 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM. It is a popular tourist attraction. You can spend your time here photographing the unique sight of vendors selling their wares from the boats.
Incredible Shikara Ride On Dal Lake

( Beautiful view of the colorful Shikara boats floating on Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir, India. )

Shikara Ride is a popular way to explore Dal Lake in Srinagar. The shikara is a traditional wooden boat that is hand-carved and decorated. The ride is a great way to see the lake, the houseboats and the surrounding mountains. The best time for a shikara ride is morning or evening when the weather is pleasant.
Experience the Amazing Sound & Light Show at Dal Lake

( The Sound and Light Show at Dal Lake is a unique and captivating experience. )

The Sound and Light Show at the Dal Lake is a multimedia presentation that tells the history of Kashmir Valley. The show is held at 7 pm every day on the banks of Dal Lake. The show has a combination of narration, music and laser projection to create an immersive and dramatic experience. The length of the show is 45 minutes and is held in Hindi and English. Visit this tourist attraction place to learn the history of Kashmir valley.
Thrilling Horse Riding Adventure in Srinagar

( Horse rides in Kashmir are a popular tourist activity. Tourist enjoy the horse ride )

Horse riding is a popular activity in Srinagar and one of the best ways to explore the countryside. The best time for horse riding is morning or evening in May because of the pleasant weather. Some of the popular trails where you can enjoy horse riding trails include the Mughal Gardens, the Dal Lake, and the Zabarwan Hills. You can book horse riding through your tour operator or local horse riding stable.
Holy Trek To Shankaracharya Hill and seek blessings at Shankaracharya Temple

( Shankaracharya Hill, also called Takht-i-Sulaiman, is a hill overlooking the Dal Lake and Srinagar. )

Trek to the top of Shankaracharya Hil is a moderate one and takes 2 hours to complete. The trek destination is Shankaracharya Temple, a 1,500-year-old temple dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to seek blessing and peace of mind. During the trek, you will enjoy the stunning views from the top of the hills and panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Exciting Paragliding at Astanmarg

( Amazing view of paragliding activity)

Paragliding at Astanmarg is a popular activity and offers a stunning view of the valley. Astanmarg is located at a distance of approx. 27 kilometers from Srinagar. The thrilling flight offers a beautiful view of the valley that includes the snow-capped mountains, the Mughal Garden and the Dal Lake. It is a safe activity and people of all ages can try it.
Experience a Peaceful Stay at a Houseboat on Dal Lake

( Lifestyle in Dal lake, People living in ‘House boat’ and using small boat ‘Shikara’ for transportation, Srinagar, India )

Staying at a Houseboat on Dal Lake is an unforgettable and unique experience. The houseboats are traditional Kashmiri boats that have been converted into floating hotels. They offer incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Living in a houseboat is an experience in itself as they have their kitchen, living room and bedroom. Some also have rooftop terraces where you can relax and enjoy the view. May is a good time to spend time in them as the weather is pleasant and the Lake is beautiful.
Go on a shopping spree

( Sringar market view )

Beyond its allure to travellers, Srinagar emerges as a haven for enthusiastic shoppers. The city abounds with vibrant local markets that showcase genuine Kashmiri treasures like Pashmina shawls, carpets, saffron, dry fruits, traditional handicrafts, and renowned Kashmiri tea. Exploring destinations like Lal Chowk, Badshah Chowk, Residency Road, Polo View Market, and Raghunath Bazaar guarantees an exceptional retail adventure in Srinagar.

Basic Guidelines for Travellers Planning a Trip to Srinagar in May

If you are planning to travel to Srinagar in May, you will need to keep in mind a few things:

It is advisable to bring an umbrella along to protect from sunlight.
Since this is a pleasant season, you may carry clothes for both warm and cold weather. The days are warm to pleasant and nights may feel colder.
Pack sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer.
Ensure that you book a hotel that has a proper room heating facility.
When crafting your itinerary, factor in extra time as a buffer for potential travel delays.
Enquire about the roads and weather forecast well in advance.
Carry basic medicines for common ailments such as flu, fever, vomiting, upset stomach, and painkillers.
While you will be able to pay by your credit or debit card in Srinagar, it is still recommended to carry sufficient cash for local shopping.

Conclusion

Srinagar in May transforms itself into a sensory delight. With the garden abloom, the delightful weather and the beautiful Dal Lake, an enchanting ambiance unfolds. Strolling in the city amidst this splendour is an unforgettable memory. Srinagar is a city with rich history and cultural beauty, seen in the ancient temples and Mughal Gardens that people of all ages can enjoy.

If you are seeking a special travel experience, Srinagar in May is the perfect choice. Reach out to eKashmirTourism today to plan your adventure and get ready to discover the city’s stunning views.