Lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. Known for its scenic beauty, historic gardens, beautiful houseboats, and pleasant climate, Srinagar is among the top hill stations in India and among the most beautiful summer getaways in North India. Besides, Srinagar is one of the best places for shopaholics as the city boasts of several bustling local markets, studded with shops selling all authentic Kashmiri products right from the famous Kashmiri saffron and Kahwa to the warm pashminas and exquisite handicrafts. Are you wondering what to buy and from where? Then check here, our list of some of the best places for shopping in Srinagar as part of Kashmir tour packages.
Polo View
Located just beside Polo Ground, the Polo View is one of the most popular markets in Srinagar. The area is dotted with several shops selling everything from authentic Kashmiri Handicrafts and clothes to traditional jewelry boxes, papier-mache, trinkets, walnut wood carvings, and pashmina shawls. This market is perfect for buying souvenirs for your friends and family. Attracts large number of tourists, it is among the best places to visit in Srinagar.
Kashmir Government Arts Emporium
Positioned inside the famous Bahu Plaza Shopping Complex, the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium serves as the paradise for all art lovers and shopaholics. Run by the state government, the Emporium exhibits and sells wide varieties of beautiful handicrafts, starting from home decor products to apparels. Reflecting the rich culture of Kashmir by their distinct art forms, all the authentic items found here are handmade by the indigenous people of the region. It is one of the best places to shop for some wonderful Kashmiri handicrafts as part of Srinagar tour packages.
Residency Road
Located close to Lal Chowk, the Residency Road is one of the busiest markets in Srinagar, among the must include places in India tour packages. If you are looking for some quality dry fruits like raisins, cashews, dates, and other spices like cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom etc., then you should definitely visit this market area to take back home. Besides, one can also find ethnic Dogra jewelry and Kashmiri handicrafts here. Also, try out some of the best local breads like Bakirkhani and Katlam at Ahdoos Bakery.
Lal Chowk
Lal Chowk is one of the oldest and the most famous shopping places in Srinagar, one of the top tourist places in India. Lined with several shops, the area is filled with large assortment of goods and remains crowded with tourists as well as locals. The authentic handicrafts made of walnut wood, copperware, silver jewelry, Pashmina Shawls, Kashmiri clothing, shoes, spices, furniture, photo frames, bowls, and utensils etc., are found in this market. One can also buy beautiful Kashmiri carpets with best quality that are available in different designs and patterns here.
Zaina Kadal Road
Zaina Kadal Road is another prominent market in Srinagar, among the popular places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir. The small shops and stalls here sell a plethora of goods and products at a reasonable price that draws a large number of shopaholics. Traditional Kashmiri wares, ranging from Kashmiri attire to handicrafts, are abundantly available for purchase. If you love putting on your favorite tattoo, then it is the best place to indulge in the same.
Badshah Chowk
If you are looking for a handwoven traditional Kashmiri carpet and the famous Pashmina Shawls, Badshah Chowk is one of the perfect places to shop while in Srinagar. These shawls and carpets are available in different designs and patterns that you love to buy. Also, some shops even sell the Kashmiri Namda made by felting wool instead of weaving, which is considered a winter essential in Kashmir. Apart from these, one can also find beautiful home decor items, handicrafts, and apparels. Don’t forget to bargain while shopping in Badshah Chowk, among the best places to visit in Srinagar.
Floating Market
Set against the beautiful backdrop, Floating Market in the famous Dal Lake is one of the most special and unique experiences for the visitors of Srinagar. It is the only floating market in India and considered as one of the topmost tourist attractions in Srinagar. This floating market is an essential part of local people who sail in small boats and sell fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers that is surely a sight to behold. The market starts every day early in the morning. So, book a Shikhara or a boat in advance to catch the early morning sights and bargains. Apart from fruits and vegetables, you come across hawkers selling jewelry, shawls, bags, trinkets, kahwa, and more.