Are you planning to vacation in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir? Srinagar is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in India and for good reason! Nestled in the heart of the Kashmir valley, spread on both sides of the Jhelum River, Srinagar is famous for its scenic landscape, beautiful gardens, pristine lakes, and waterfronts. It is known as the City of Lakes with the picturesque backdrop of the majestic Himalayas, these glittering lakes are surrounded by charming little houseboats and timeless Mughal architecture. The city is home to the famous Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Tulip Garden, and Wular Lake.
And you get to experience the best of Srinagar if you’re staying at a homestay. Homestays offer tourists and guests the warmth of your home and a taste of the local culture and heritage. By choosing a homestay, you also get the chance to directly engage with the locals and get to explore secret spots in the city that only the locals know of. With homestays, you get unique and personalized rooms, the best of local cuisines, and some of the most peculiar experiences that no hotel or resort would ever be able to offer! And homestays set in this quaint and fairytale-like city, against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains and sparkling lakes, are bound to bring in some unforgettable memories along with them. If you’re looking for the best homestay options for your next vacation to this paradise on earth, then look no further, as we bring you the best homestays in Srinagar.
This stunning homestay is located in the heart of the city of Srinagar. Super accessible and centrally located, it takes literally a hop-skip-and-jump from here to get to the main shopping hub and the colorful markets of Srinagar. Even though the homestay is so centrally located, the winding narrow lanes and streets from the homestay offer a secluded feel to the homestay, away from the hustle-bustle of the city. The homestay is run by the Mahatta family who have been residents of the beautiful city since 1918, so there’s simply no doubt that they will be the perfect hosts and guides for your Srinagar exploration!
The homestay offers 12 boutique rooms, of which 9 overlook the beautiful blooming gardens and the rest are their standard suites, which are equally well-furnished and have all the amenities as the other deluxe suites, barring the view. Their tariffs include free vegetarian breakfast, and if you wish to have dinner at the homestay itself, you simply need to inform the staff a few hours in advance. The Mahatta family has made conscious efforts to maintain the ambiance of this Kashmiri villa brought down from generation to generation, since the beginning of the 19th century. So you’ll surely see the timeless charm and the Kashmiri heritage embedded here during your stay at the Mahatta Homestay!
Food Availability: The homestay provides its guests with an amazing buffet breakfast with dishes ranging from a vegetarian English breakfast to a vegetarian Indian breakfast. For dinner, you get to choose from the local favorites, whether it's the Kashmiri or the North-Indian Thali. You can also avail of snacks through the homestay’s room service facilities.
Accessibility: the closest airport is the Srinagar Airport, located 11 km from the homestay, while the Srinagar Railway Station is 9.4 km away. Sri Pratap Singh Museum, Shankaracharya Temple, Nigeen Lake, and Dal Lake are all located nearby.
Ideal For: Families, children, married couples, and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at this homestay.
Rate: The prices at Mahatta Homestay start at INR 4,000 per night.
Location: C-26, Rajbagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Also Read: Srinagar Travel Guide
Naivasha is a quiet and tranquil homestay and is located near the town center ensuring all the necessary urban amenities. This studio homestay overlooks a beautiful blooming orchard and has turned into a green oasis in the hectic urban setting. The homestay is at a walkable distance from the pristine Dal Lake and the beautiful Naseem Bagh, offering its guests the best of both worlds – both the colorful markets and city center as well as the picturesque view of the orchards and the lake.
Your stay at Naivasha guarantees a morning that begins with the sweet melodies of birds and a cool breeze coming in from the lovely orchard. This orchard is also a haven for a diverse variety of birds and little critters, so if you’re a nature enthusiast, then you’re thoroughly going to enjoy a stroll through the orchard. You’ll find a traditional Kashmiri bakery just around the corner from Naivasha where local bread is pulled fresh out of the oven in the mornings that are definitely worth a try. And the old Hazratbal market, with fresh vegetables and its famous wicker-work shops, is also close by.
Food Availability: The homestay provides free breakfast. You can have food delivered from several local eateries or choose to cook your own meal. You can also avail yourself of the seasonal fruits that are grown in the homestay’s gardens for extra charges.
Accessibility: The homestay is located in close proximity to the beautiful Naseem Bagh and the pristine Dal Lake. The closest airport is the Srinagar International Airport while the nearest railway station is the Srinagar Railway station, both of which can be reached via taxis.
Ideal For: Families, children, married couples, and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: Naivasha, unfortunately, is not open to hosting pets.
Rate: The prices at this homestay start at INR 4,150 per night.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Also Read: Best Restauraunts And Cafes In Srinagar With A View
Dove Cottage is a boutique homestay situated in the heart of the picturesque city, in the posh locality of Rajbagh. Just as the dove symbolizes peace, the Dove Cottage also revolves around the theme of peace and calmness. It aims to provide a tranquil and quaint environment throughout your stay so that you can have the most relaxing and soul-enriching vacation. With an abundant lounging space lined with beautiful fruit-bearing trees to enjoy over a cup of Kashmiri Khawa, the overall ambiance of the cottage is enough to capture your heart and make you fall in love with your stay in Srinagar.
The rooms in the cottage are individually and elegantly designed and fully furnished. They exude an eclectic vibe in terms of style with their interiors that showcase the subtle blend of tradition and modernity. Here, you will find the famous Khatamband wooden ceilings, papier-mache accessories, and popular local furnishings that add to the charm of the cottage. Dove Cottage is ideal for both long and short stays, for tourists and business executives looking for a relaxed homely atmosphere. It’s a perfect base for travelers exploring Srinagar City due to its central location.
Food Availability: The homestay provides its guests with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has an extensive menu to choose from. All the food is prepared and served in a homely manner by the cooks.
Accessibility: The closest airport to the homestay is the Srinagar International Airport, located 10.9 km from the homestay. You can visit the Dal Lake and enjoy a stay at one of the houseboats and the Sri Pratap Singh Museum, too – all of which are located at a short distance from the cottage.
Ideal For: Families with children, married couples, and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: Dove Cottage welcomes your pet pals with open arms.
Rate: The prices at Dove Cottage starts at INR 2,500 per night.
Location: 6, Rajbagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190008.
Also Read: Jammu Travel Guide
Nestled between the abundant apple, pear, and cherry orchards in the foothills of the Zabarwan mountains, the Shangraff Mountain House offers some of the most stunning views of the beautiful Srinagar. The mountain house overlooks the crystal blue Dal Lake and the iconic Shalimar gardens, making it a homestay like no other! Being a mountain house, the homestay is located on an elevated spot and offers a vibrant view of the colorful and charming Nishat village below.
Shangraff Mountain House seamlessly blends together the traditionalist Kashmiri wood-and-stone aesthetic of a Himalayan lodge in the mountains with the luxury, comfort, and technological conveniences of a modern bungalow in the city. Shangraff is a perfect sanctuary for those seeking some creative inspiration or simply some alone time away from the chaotic noise of city life. The hand-crafted fireplace is an ideal spot to pop open a bottle of wine, sit back, and catch up on your favorite book. While the interiors boast traditional Kashmiri interiors with a contemporary flair, the outdoors show off two spacious private gardens – the Shangraff Mountain House truly showcases the best of both worlds!
Food Availability: The homestay provides its guests with complimentary breakfast. You’ll find numerous restaurants and cafes in the vicinity, that are worth trying. And if you’re all about cooking for yourself, the homestay also has a fully equipped kitchen at your service.
Accessibility: The nearest airport from the Shangraff Mountain House is the Srinagar International Airport which is located 22.9 km away from the homestay. A few famous tourist spots like Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, and Shalimar Bagh are also located near the homestay.
Ideal For: Families with children, married couples, small groups, and solo explorers.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, the Shangraff Mountain House has a strict no-pet policy.
Rate: The prices of the homestay start at INR 6,000 per night.
Location: 1, Syed Baba Rd, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191123.
Also Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Kashmir
As the name suggests, The Manor is a beautiful, majestic villa that is tucked away amidst the misty mountains surrounding Srinagar. The homestay is an absolute oasis of greenery that adds to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the homestay. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the markets and the noisy traffic on the foothills of the Zabarwan ranges, look no further than this fairytale-like villa to escape the heat and noise of the city existence. While the homestay may seem quite isolated in terms of location, it’s located at just half an hour's distance from the colorful markets of Srinagar. The famous Dal Lake and Heritage Gardens can be reached within 10 minutes from The Manor.
The Manor has a regal entrance and spacious bedrooms that are fully furnished and have all the necessary amenities. A posh living room and drawing room are common for all guests. The entire property is surrounded by beautiful and expansive lawns where you can sit back and relax with a cup of the special Kashmiri tea. The Manor brings you back into the arms of nature, with the comforts of all modern amenities. What more does one need?
Food Availability: The Manor provides its guests with breakfast. In case of meals, you would have to inform the staff beforehand, so that they can make the necessary arrangements. If you’re in the mood to do some cooking yourself, then the fully equipped kitchen is at your service!
Accessibility: The homestay is located near the famous Dal Lake and the Heritage Mughal Gardens, which can be reached within 10 minutes. The nearest airport is the Srinagar International Airport which is 21.3 km from the homestay, while the Srinagar railway station is located 22 km away.
Ideal For: Families, children, married couples, small groups, and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: The Manor welcomes your pet pals with open arms.
Rate: The prices at The Manor start at INR 3,500 per night.
Location: 4VPM+XC5, Syed Baba Road, Gupt Ganga - Ishber Rd, Nishat, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191123
As its name suggests, this beautiful cottage is located on the banks of the famous Nigeen Lake, right at the edge of Srinagar city. The homestay is a cozy, two-storeyed cottage, that is run by a Kashmiri couple and offers its guests a warm homely feeling. The cottage is located amidst lush greenery, in a quaint and quiet neighborhood that is surrounded by a beautiful lawn that has pine, rose bushes, tulips, hyacinth beds, lilies, and flowering shrubs lined around the property.
The cottage was built decades ago and carries a timeless charm even today. There are four guest rooms, each having a different view. The cottage has old-time Kashmiri heritage architecture, and the owners have preserved its vintage look with its covered Khatam band (wooden ceiling) balcony. The cottage is furnished with beautiful pieces of the walnut chest, divans, teak wood furniture, and Tibetan choksi. The garden sit-out is a perfect place to start the day, with homemade jams, muraba, and tarts prepared by the owners. The cottage has a library for all the book lovers who simply wish to curl up in a corner with a good book.
Food Availability: The homestay prepares traditional breakfast for all of its guests every morning. If you wish to avail yourself of dinner options, you would have to inform the staff beforehand. There are several restaurants and cafes located near the cottage as well that have some really great food options.
Accessibility: The closest airport to the property is the Srinagar International Airport, which is located 16 km from the homestay. There are several tourist destinations located close to the homestay like Shankaracharya Hill, Tulip Garden, Nigeen Lake, and Dal Lake.
Ideal For: Families with children, married couples, small groups, and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, the homestay does not allow pets.
Rate: The prices of this homestay start at INR 3,920 per night.
Location: Mirza Bagh Nigeen Hazratbal Srinagar, Kashmir Srinagar Jammu, and Kashmir, near Nigeen Lake, 190006
Imy Homestay aims to provide its guests with the ultimate Indian hospitality experience. They try to cater to their guests with personalized services, whether you’re a tourist, a business traveler, or simply here with your family. You’ll surely notice the warm, home-like ambiance as soon as you step through the homestay’s doorway. The owner of the homestay strives to make your stay as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible, and you’re bound to take back with you a bundle of joyful memories!
The homestay is situated amidst a vibrant and lively neighborhood and truly lives up to the true definition of a homestay. You get to interact with the locals and get to experience first-hand the local culture, taste the local delicacies and cuisines, and get to explore some unknown spots only known to locals. The rooms of the homestay are cozy, with a common living area and two terraces. The lawn that stretches in front of the homestay is a perfect place to sit back and relax, with a cup of steaming hot tea and the cool breeze that simply refreshes your mind. You also have a stunning view of the snow-capped peaks of the Zabarwan ranges right out of your bedroom window! The homestay is simply a walking distance of many beautiful gardens in the neighborhood and is closely located near Nigeen Lake.
Food Availability: For those who want to cook up a storm at this homestay, you can avail of their kitchenette facility or the barbeque grill available here. The homestay does not allow food from outside.
Accessibility: The closest airport to the property is the Srinagar International Airport, which is located 15 km from the homestay. There are several tourist destinations located close to the homestay like Shankaracharya Hill, Tulip Garden, Nigeen Lake, and Dal Lake.
Ideal For: Families, married couples, small groups, and solo explorers.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, the homestay does allow pets.
Rate: The prices at Imy Homestay starts at INR 2,300 per night.
Location: Near Daar-Ul-Uloom Bilaliya, Nawabagh, Nageen Lake, Srinagar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001
Why Do People Prefer Homestays?
Homestays tend to provide a culturally authentic experience. With homestays, you get to interact directly with locals and get to know some insider knowledge about the place you are visiting. While hotels are more readily accessible, they can be quite similar to one another. They can seem quite a lonely place to return to at the end of your touring day. Homestays offer distinctive stay options and tend to offer an inclusive and ‘family-like’ belongingness that reminds you of home.
Is Srinagar Worth Visiting?
Sometimes, Srinagar is simply visited as a base location to travel to Ladakh, but the City of Lakes has a lot more to offer. Home to several sparkling lakes, beautiful gardens, breathtaking mountain views, and blooming orchards, Srinagar is definitely worth visiting by itself! The city is bound to add some of the most picturesque memories to your travel scrapbook.
Which Is The Best Month To Visit Srinagar?
The best time to visit Srinagar is from April to October as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and is perfect for sightseeing. The cool pleasant climate is the most comfortable for exploring this beautiful city.
How Many Days Are Enough For Srinagar?
A week-long trip is a good chunk of time to explore the gorgeous city of Srinagar. A week’s time is good enough to visit Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Yousmarg, and Dudhganga. A week would be perfect if you want to absorb and keep memories of Srinagar afresh.
How Far Is Ladakh From Srinagar?
Ladakh is 418 km from Srinagar by road.
Which Are Some Of The Best Homestays In Srinagar?
Some of the best homestays in Srinagar are Mahatta Homestay, Naivasha Homestay, Dove Cottage, Shangraff Mountain House, The Manor, The Cottage Nigeen, and Imy Homestay.
Is Srinagar In India Or Pakistan?
Srinagar is located in the northern region of India.
What Languages Are Spoken In Srinagar?
Hindi, Urdu, and Kashmiri are the primary languages spoken in Srinagar.
