People love to travel with their family but often cancel it because of financial constraints. The budget has always been a major problem while planning a trip. Srinagar is a place that you can explore with your family within the budget. Srinagar is the paradise on earth but this paradise can be experienced without breaking your bank. Proper planning and taking care of a few things can help you in planning a budget-friendly Srinagar trip.  

Planning a trip is a difficult task. Nitsa Holidays will help you plan and offer you the best Srinagar tour packages within your budget. They will have the itinerary which will have all budget-friendly items but still, you can have fun. Nitsa Holidays offers you the opportunity to customize your Srinagar package.  The Srinagar package by them will provide you with an insight on how much approx expenditure will happen. 

In this blog, let’s have a look at a few budget-friendly tips that you can use to enjoy your trip without spending a lot of money.

Travel during the off-season

Traveling during the off-season is the best way to explore this stunning beauty. Numerous benefits can be enjoyed by travelers on their visit to this mesmerizing valley. Let’s look at the benefits enjoyed by travelers during the off-season.

The prices of accommodations often reduce during the off-season. Srinagar is filled with different types of accommodation from budget-friendly to luxurious. The prices of almost all the accommodations are reduced during the off-season. The prices of flights and other transportation options also become cheaper. Another benefit enjoyed by travelers during the off-season is that the charges for different activities are reduced by activity operators. If you’re a person who doesn't love to be in crowded places then traveling during the off-season is the best. Srinagar offers a peaceful experience during the off-season. Travelers can experience unique seasonal views that might not be seen during peak season. 

There are a few points to consider during the off-season.

No doubt the travel options are available during the off-season but it may be less than peak season. The operating hours of a few things in Srinagar also lessen during the off-season.

Use Public Transport

Using public transport for exploring the beautiful city of Srinagar is economical. You can have wonderful experiences within your budget as well as contribute towards the sustainability of the environment by using public transport. Different public transport in Srinagar is:

Buses: In Srinagar, both private and state-owned buses are there. State-owned buses have a network of buses that operate throughout the city and surrounding area. These buses are affordable. On the other hand, private operators own minibusses. They are slightly more expensive than state buses but they are frequent and faster. 

Shared Taxis- Shared taxis are the most famous transportation mode among travelers in Srinagar. They have fixed routes and destinations along with fixed stops. They are more comfortable and faster than buses. Travelers can hail auto-rickshaws to cover small distances. 

Shikaras- Though it is not the cheapest still negotiation can make it affordable. These are water boats that are used to enjoy the scenic views of the city and commute between different points on the lake. 

You have to properly plan your route before choosing public transport. You can ask locals or hotel staff regarding the routes, timings, and stops of the public transport.

Stay in Budget Accommodation

Staying in budget accommodation is the best way to make your Srinagar travel under budget. You can find budget-friendly accommodation according to your preferences. You can search for or book accommodation on various online platforms. By checking the reviews on these websites you can ensure that accommodation is clean and safe. You can ask locals for recommendations about hotels. You can book a hostel as they are affordable and safe. As a single traveler, staying in a hostel is the best option.

Tips for finding a comfortable stay are:

Book in advance: You should book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season. During peak season, the budget accommodations are booked faster. 

Location matters: The location of the accommodation also matters. The accommodation should be near the attractions so that it can be easy for you. 

Amenities: you should check the amenities provided by accommodations. Ensure that the room is cleaned. There should be free wifi and breakfast should be included. 

Some of the budget-friendly accommodation options are:

Kashmir Cottage- They offer affordable rates along with cleanliness and breakfast included.

Address- Arjumad Lane, near Shah Cinema, Qamarwari

Welcome hotel- This hotel offers competitive pricing and also has a restaurant.

Address- Boulevard Road, Shikara Ghat no.7, Dalgate

Iram Guesthouse- They offer simple rooms with great hospitality and local insight.

Address- Ghat no. 2, Dal Lake, Buchwara-Dalgate Rd

Eat like a Local 

Eating like a local gives a unique experience that comes under a budget. Eating in local streets, stalls, and open dhabas is affordable and provides you with authentic Kashmiri food. You can experience rich culture and unique taste by eating in local streets. You can experience different varieties of street food and explore famous street food markets. If you want to sit down and dine then small restaurants are the best place. You can find rich authentic food, rich in flavors along with your budget food in local restaurants. Some of the homestays offer home-cooked meals to their guests. This is the best way to experience authentic food prepared with old methods and there is nothing like home-cooked food. 

Tips for budget-friendly dining:

You can share food dishes with others. This will help you to try a variety of food. You should look for hygienic street food. Nothing is more important than cleanliness when eating at stalls. You can buy and pack snacks from local markets as they are affordable. 

Visit Low-cost Attractions

Srinagar has numerous attractions to visit which makes this city rich in culture and history. You can experience this city’s beauty without breaking the bank by visiting free or low-cost attractions. You can easily find places in Srinagar that have no or minimal entry fees. Some of the attractions are:

Shalimar Bagh: This is one of the largest and famous Mughal gardens in Srinagar which has stunning lawns, fountains, and other things to see. The entrance fees of this bagh are minimal.

Address- Chinar Chowk, Shalimar, Srinagar

Shankaracharya Temple: This is one of the oldest Hindu temples which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is no fee to visit this temple. 

Address- Durgjan, Srinagar

Lal Chowk: This is the most bustling marketplace in Srinagar where you can experience the local vibe. You can freely stroll in the market and look at different shops and some unique items. 

Tips for visiting low-cost attractions

You should arrive early at famous attraction spots to avoid unnecessary crowds and have a peaceful experience. Few attractions are there which should be visited during the special season. You should bring food and water with you on your visit to gardens and parks. Few attraction places don't have any stalls for food. 

Take Advantage of Nature

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of this valley is to explore the natural sites of this place. 

Some of the famous natural sites of Srinagar are

Dal Lake- Dal Lake is the most famous lake in Srinagar which offers a great site of sunrise and sunset. The view of the mountains from Dal Lake is stunning. You should definitely visit this place on your trip to Srinagar. You can do activities like walking, cycling, shikara rides, and others. 

Nigeen Lake- This is another stunning lake after Dal Lake but it provides a peaceful experience to visitors. The most famous activity of Nigeen Lake is swimming because it is a clean and less crowded place. If you want to have a peaceful experience then visit this lake. 

Pahalgam- This is a stunning natural beauty near Srinagar. This place is a few distance from Srinagar and is famous for its scenic views. You can enjoy different types of activities on your visit to this mesmerizing place. 

Tips for enjoying nature on a budget

Do proper planning and research beforehand about all the attractions and activities. You need to carry essential clothes and other items. You should also carry snacks and water in case of an emergency. 

Negotiate Price

Negotiating prices is a common practice that is prevalent in the market. It can help you save a lot of money on all the activities. Negotiations should be done respectfully without damaging the interests of both parties. No doubt large hotels do not negotiate with the price but guest houses and small restaurants do negotiate the price. You can negotiate prices with Shikara ride operators as they charge high prices initially. The stalls in the local market also charge high prices after seeing the visitor but you can negotiate the price with them. 

Tips for negotiation price is

Understand the average price of the item and then make a fair offer to the seller. You should stay polite and patient when negotiating the price. Vendors prefer to have cash deals rather than cards. Sometimes vendors don’t agree with the negotiated price so it's better to walk away from that place. You can also negotiate prices when traveling through an auto rickshaw. 

In conclusion, by following these budget-friendly tips you can have a memorable trip with your loved ones without breaking the bank. This stunning beauty of Srinagar will leave you speechless at every spot. The mountains filled with snow, beautiful lakes, and lush greenery all add to the charm of this city. This place not only has a natural beauty but is also famous for its cultural, spiritual, and historical richness. You can take help from Nitsa Holidays in planning your Srinagar trip and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can book your Srinagar package from Delhi and spend your vacation in this beauty.