Kashmir is called a paradise on earth which is no exaggeration. You will agree with the statement for sure if you have ever visited the place before. A person is immersed in an unforgettable experience in Kashmir if he chooses this place as the next travel destination. Packed with flowers in spring and snow in the winter, Kashmir offers myriad landscapes, gardens, mountains, and lakes, offering something for every taste and preference.
The place is picturesque and enchanting and is cradled high in the lofty green Himalayas. It is hailed all over the world for its incredible natural beauty. Surrounded by mountain peaks, lush green valleys, attractive lakes, temples, and spectacular Mughal-era gardens, the place has inspired poets for centuries. Kashmir is covered. It is home to bustling bazaars, Sufi shrines, and forts. Adding to the place’s charm, flavorful Kashmiri cuisine and apples and walnuts from the lush orchards plays the role very well.
Kashmir is a land of unimaginable and untouched beauty that would leave you wanting for more. It is a valley between the Great Himalayan range and the Pir Panjal mountain range. Kashmir is a place of beautiful simplicity and pristine natural attractiveness that makes you feel connected. Kashmir is blessed with a unique culture that keeps you attached throughout your journey.
How To Reach Kashmir
If you are someone who loves an artistic vibe and a place full of unexplored beauty, Kashmir is a must-visit place for you. The experience will be unforgettable, and this trip will give you a chance to rejuvenate your mind. If you are planning your Kashmir holiday, you should make yourself familiar with the ways in which you can reach this heaven on earth.
Following Are The Ways To Reach Kashmir:
Travel By Air:
Traveling to Kashmir by air is very common and a popular way to reach the destination. The airport in Srinagar is an international airport. However, it mainly serves domestic flights from different cities in India such as – Chandigarh, Delhi, Amritsar, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. A traveler must note an important point that Srinagar airport is very strict in terms of its security and follow strict measures.
To reach the place, you have to travel beyond a 1.2 km security barrier. The distance between the city and airport is minimal, still it’s a good idea to come here before time as there are many long queues for luggage and body screening that must be fully completed. There are regular flights of airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, Go Air and Air India to Srinagar airport.
Travel By Train:
If you are travelling to Kashmir by train, it means you have to take a train to Jammu Tawi Railway Station in Jammu. This is the only railway station in Kashmir. Although, there is also an airport in Srinagar - a railway station at Nowgam which is around 10kms (about 6.21 mi) away from the city. It covers just a few cities such as Baramulla, Anantnag, Qazi Gund, and Banihal. This railway station is not yet linked to the Indian Railway network. If you are visiting Kashmir from other cities, Jammu Tawi is a better idea as it is well-connected to numerous Indian cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Udaipur, Kanpur, and Pune.
Travel By Road:
A network of state and private buses connects Kashmir to other cities. There are bus services from cities like Chandigarh and Delhi that will take you safely to Kashmir or Srinagar. Srinagar is connected to Jammu via National Highway 1-A. There are also private deluxe buses available which travel to Kashmir from various states.
Best Time To Visit
Kashmir is a year-round travel destination. Every traveler has his preference when it comes to exploring a place. Therefore, the best time for a traveler to visit the place depends on what he is looking for in his trip to Kashmir.
Summers In Kashmir:
Summers, from June to August, is a season of joy in Kashmir. This season draws the constant flood of tourists from different parts of the country and world to the Kashmir valley. Solitude is hard to find in these months and the rates of hotels are at a peak. However, you can still enjoy your me-time on a shikara ride or on a night stay in a houseboat. This will make your trip to Kashmir worth it.
This season is time for festivities and people enjoy Ramzan and weddings. If you are on a honeymoon, you can enjoy your time in Dal Lake with a trek in the mighty Pir Panjal range.
Monsoon In Kashmir:
Monsoons in Kashmir are in between September to November. It is a good time to explore the Valley as summer crowds have thinned out by this time, which means that best deals on hotels and packages are on offer. The Monsoon season is an off-season in Kashmir Valley. However, you don’t have to discourage your plans. While you are in Kashmir, apple picking is the most rewarding activity to do during this season.
Winter In Kashmir:
The winter season in Kashmir usually lasts between December and February. There are some places in the Kashmir Valley that witness a lot of snowfall this season, while the winters of Jammu have milder winter temperatures. It is because of the entire snow-clad Pir Panjal range that makes winter the best time to visit Kashmir for a honeymoon.
During this season, thousands of tourists come here to enjoy snowfall in Gulmarg and Srinagar. Patnitop in Jammu is another option for couples and families to spend their wintertime in Kashmir.
Therefore, a traveler can decide as per their preference which season suits him the most.
Best Places To Visit In Kashmir
The places in Kashmir are known for their over-the-top beauty. This state in India, sprawling across the lap of the Pir Panjal mountains owns some of the most exotic places that demand to be explored.
It doesn’t matter if you are on a solo trip, in a group, as a couple, or in whatever possible way, once you reach the place, it has a lot to offer for travelers of every kind. The places in Kashmir are famous for their natural splendor, and all the tourists who visit the place realize the truth. These places are not just famous for their aesthetics, but they also have a lot to offer in terms of adventure, like – skiing, rafting, trekking, etc.
The List Of Places That Are Must-Visit In Kashmir Is Hereunder:
Heaven On Earth: Srinagar
When it comes to the most beautiful place to visit in Kashmir or even in India, Srinagar is undoubtedly the one you can’t miss. The activities like boating, trekking, bird watching, water skiing, and many more, Srinagar is ready with everything for its visitors. All the locals call this place – ‘a mirror to the mountains. For every traveler who visits Kashmir, Srinagar is a first stopover. It is the largest city of Kashmir, and the place is beautifully enclosed by green mountains. The main highlight or gem of the city as they call it is – Dal Lake.
Ski Your Way To Gulmarg
The place is popularly known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’. Gulmarg is a treat to the eyes because of its spread of vibrant flowers against snowcapped mountains acting as backgrounds. For all the right reasons, Gulmarg is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. The region is also known as the adventurer’s paradise. It is because of its vast options for skiing in the snow. If you want to visit Kashmir for snow, the best time is from December-January.
Explore The Land Of Gold – Sonamarg
As the name suggests, Sonamarg is famous as the ‘Meadow of Gold’. It is an endless stream of stunning flowers and undulated trekking routes. Sonamarg deserves to be on every visitor’s list of places to visit in Kashmir because of the mesmerizing aura and breathtaking views. The best season to visit Sonamarg is in summer i.e., May June. At this time the valley is blooming with variegated flowers.
Location Of 3 Idiots – Leh
During Summer, one of the best and safest places to visit is - Leh. The alpine lakes, the lofty mountains, and the quaint settings make it one of the best places to visit. Every biker dream of visiting this place at least once in a lifetime. No visitor will leave the place disappointed because of the breathtaking views that it has to offer.
Delight Of Kashmir – Kupwara
A small district located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is Kupwara. It is situated at a distance of 90 Kilometers from the capital, Srinagar. The place is undoubtedly blessed with nature’s finest views, astonishing meadows, alpine mountains, and gushing clear water. All this makes Kupwara a must-visit destination in Kashmir. This city epitomizes the natural beauty of Kashmir.
Lesser-Known Gem – Kathua
The place is commonly called the “city of Sufis”. This city shares the southern borders with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Within its boundaries, the city has a large presence of Sufi shrines of Pirs. For those travelers who are willing to have a glimpse of Kashmir’s past, Kathua should be on your list of top places to visit in Kashmir. It is situated on the banks of a river and offers scintillating views and a serene atmosphere. The city is known as a gateway to a state and a big industrial town with a strong army presence.
A Witness Of Wars – Kargil
It is a small town in Kargil district in a region of Ladakh. The place has the capacity to bring shivers to every Indian with its strong history of bloodshed and wars. It is a part of Ladakh that is a must-visit for every traveler who is in Kashmir for the first time. A chance to capture the undaunted beauty of the place will be given. It will give you a chance to escape in nature’s lap as it is the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh. Not only does this city fill your heart with touching memories but it also provides breath-taking views. The atmosphere of this city is full of emotions.
Natural Springs And Apple Orchards Of Pulwama:
The place is popularly known as the “Rice Bowl of Kashmir”. This quaint village is a great place to witness the natural real beauty of the state. It is situated at 40 Kms from Srinagar. This place has many tourist sites for the first-time travelers to explore. The weather here is amiable, with pleasant odor saffron fields and polite citizens. A person can’t get enough of the saffron fields and the rich culture in Pulwama.
Food To Try In Kashmir
Kashmir is heaven when it comes to food. The cuisine of the place is varied and flavorsome. You will find an influence of Arabs and Mugals in every dish you eat. Many dishes also have a touch of Kashmiri pandits in them.
The Following List Of Mouthwatering Dishes Will Leave You Wanting For More:
Rogan Josh:
When it comes to Kashmiri food, Rogan Josh must be the first mention. This is a signature dish which has put Kashmir on the food map. It is an aromatic lamb curry made with the fusion of various spices, yogurt, and browned onions. It is best savored with rice or naan bread. A non-vegetarian won’t be able to stop himself at one serving.
Modur Pulao:
It is definitely not the regular Pulao that every mother gives in the tiffin. While preparing Modu Pulao the goodness of milk, saffron, ghee, and cinnamon is added to make it special. That’s not it! The rice prepared is then garnished with dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins. You will also get a hint of sweetness because of sugar that goes into making this dish.
Dum Olav:
Do not confuse this dish with the one you ordered in a restaurant. That was Dum aloo. If you want to taste real and authentic Kashmiri cuisine, you should take a trip and have Dum Aloo Kashmir food style. In this process, baby potatoes are cooked in yogurt, ginger paste, fennel, and hot spices. The aroma of the dish is enough to water your mouth. You can have it with roti or naan bread.
Yakhni Lamb Curry:
You will find that a lot of Kashmir food is yogurt-based, and Yakhni Lamb Curry is one of them. It is a famous name for Kashmir’s food and culture. In this, lamb is cooked in a special gravy constituting yogurt, mawal flowers, onion paste, and dry mint leaves. The aroma that rises out of black and green cardamoms will make you hungry in a minute. You can have this authentic Kashmir delicacy with rice.
Things To Do In Kashmir
A place like Kashmir is always ready with a plethora of experiences for all its visitors. There is no shortage of the things that you can do to make your trip memorable in Kashmir.
Following Are The Things That You Must Do On Your Visit To Kashmir:
Shikara Ride:
All you must do is lay back and admire the beauty of the distant mountains. The boatman will take you through a ride across the lake. A shikara ride ranks at the top of the list of the best things to do in Kashmir. This is because it takes you away from the hustle bustle of the polluted city life. Imagine this - No smoke or sound of the vehicles, no high-pitched angry crowd, nothing. Just you and the soft sound of the boatman’s oar breaking the surface of the water and the touch of the cold water as you trail hand on the surface of the lake.
Houseboat Stay:
One of the top things to do in Kashmir is spending a night at the houseboat docked at the Dal Lake jetty. Be it couples, families, or solo travelers; you can’t simply miss a night’s stay on one of the houseboats in Srinagar. There is Wi-Fi and airport transfer facilities available. You can also avail yourself of the amazing facilities of the meal provided by them. If you are here with your family, a group of friends, or with your partner, the houseboat stay facility in Jammu and Kashmir is the best to experience.
Cable Car Ride:
One of the most exciting and fun things to do in Kashmir is - riding the Gondola cable car. People of all ages can enjoy the experience. Tourists get the best views of snowcapped mountains via cable car. I the month of May, taking a Gondola ride is one of the best things to do in Kashmir. This is because during this month, the summers are coming to an end and the view is really great.
Golf Club Of Gulmarg:
One of the off-beat things to do in Kashmir. The Gulmarg Golf Club is known as one of the largest and highest 18-hole golf courses in the world. Who won’t love playing golf in the ‘Meadow of Flowers’. It is indeed one of the most fun-filled activities to do when you are in Kashmir. Be ready to enjoy the game in the lap of nature.