Srinagar is where nearly every Kashmir trip starts and ends - the airport, the houseboats, Dal Lake, the Mughal Gardens and the Old City are all here. It's also the city most people picture when they ask "is Kashmir safe," so it's worth answering specifically rather than only pointing to the general assessment.
Short answer
Srinagar's tourist zones - Boulevard Road, Dal Lake, Hazratbal, the Mughal Gardens - are heavily policed and heavily visited, with an operational international airport and direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
Houseboats and Dal Lake safety
Staying on a houseboat is one of the signature Srinagar experiences, and a common first-time question is whether it's safe. Registered houseboats moored along Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake are a long-established, licensed part of Srinagar's tourism infrastructure, reached by shikara from a fixed ghat. The genuine practical advice here is the same as any lake activity: wear the shikara operator's life jacket if offered, don't overload a shikara beyond its stated capacity, and book through a verified operator rather than an unlicensed one approaching you on the ghat.
The Old City and everyday walking around
Srinagar's Old City (Nowhatta, Jamia Masjid area) is a dense, historic market district that's perfectly safe to explore on foot during the day, and rewarding for anyone interested in Kashmiri crafts and architecture. As with any dense old-town market anywhere in India, keep the usual city-centre habits: mind your belongings in crowded lanes, and take a local guide or driver along on your first visit if you'd rather not navigate the lanes solo.
Airport and arrival
Srinagar International Airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata, and a ₹1,677 crore expansion was approved in February 2026 - a real signal of long-term infrastructure investment, not a marketing line. Airport security screening is standard and thorough (expect it to take a little longer than a typical domestic airport), and pre-arranged airport pickup is the norm rather than relying on the taxi queue outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to stay on a Dal Lake houseboat?
Yes, registered houseboats are a licensed, long-established part of Srinagar's tourism infrastructure. Book through a verified operator, and wear a life jacket during shikara transfers if one is offered.
Is Srinagar Old City safe to walk around?
Yes, it's a busy, well-visited market district safe to explore during the day with normal city-centre awareness of belongings in crowded lanes.
Is Srinagar airport safe and well-connected?
Yes - it's an operational international airport with direct flights from six major Indian cities and an approved expansion underway as of 2026.
Start your Kashmir trip in Srinagar, sorted from the ground up
Verified houseboats and hotels, pre-arranged airport pickup, and a local team on call throughout your stay.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.