Kashmir

With a history dating back more than 2000 years, and tourism as a chief component of its economy, Kashmir is one of India’s most popular destinations for both international and domestic tourists. Kashmir is located among the Himalayan, Pir Panjal and Karakoram mountain ranges. It is famously known as the "Paradise on Earth" because of its gorgeous valleys, mountains, lakes, forests and meadows.

History of Kashmir

Bounded by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to the south, Afghanistan to the north-west and Pakistan to the west; Kashmir is located in the north-western region of India. Since the partition of the Indian continent in 1947, as this region has become the subject of dispute between the two nations, India and Pakistan, its south and south-eastern portion makes a state of India. And, as per the agreement of 1972, the administered portions of the two nations are divided by a ‘line of control’.

Culture of Kashmir

Replete with a rich and varied culture, the lifestyle of Kashmiri people is mostly influenced by literature, dance, music, food and festivals that are celebrated there. With exposure to solidarity during the times of independence, the locals of Kashmir have become a part of new literature and learning. Blessed with glacial mountains, crystal clear waters, pine forests, Chinar groves, and pine trees, the region of Kashmir has been detached from the whole country for a long time. However, now it inhabits people from different races, making it a potpourri of different cultures. Tourism in Kashmir takes a glimpse into the culture of Kashmir as well Srinagar and other places in the state.

Places to Visit in Kashmir

1. Srinagar

Located in the heart of the Kashmir valley and at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, Srinagar is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. From boating to trekking, water skiing to bird watching, Srinagar has it all. The canopied Shikara boats, snow-capped mountains and the sparkling water of Dal all honour the capital city with an appropriate title of Paradise on Earth.

2. Gulmarg

Originally called Gauri Marg, Gulmarg is a hill station and popular skiing in Kashmir. This small yet wonderful town is a paradise for nature lovers and haven for the adventure seekers. Apart from just being a pretty place, this picturesque landscape has abundant activities that will keep yourself entertained throughout your vacation.

3. Sonmarg

Known as the Meadows of Gold, Sonmarg is the destination of sparkling lakes and glittering glaciers. Its two major landmarks; the Thajiwas Glacier and the Zojila Pass contribute largely to its popularity. The various options of camping, trekking makes Sonmarg one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.

4. Pahalgam

Pahalgam, also known as the “Valley of Shepherds”, located in the Anantnag District of Kashmir, is a nature lovers retreat, which makes us believe that paradise is not always far. Sitting on the banks of the foaming and gurgling Lidder River, this famous tourist place in Kashmir mesmerizes visitors with its lush meadows, verdant forests, sky-kissing mountains, apple orchards, and very peaceful environment.

It is counted among the top tourist destinations of Kashmir because there are opportunities for camping, sightseeing, trekking, pilgrimage yatra, white water rafting and fishing.

5. Aru Valley

Aru Valley is a famous tourist place in Jammu & Kashmir located in the Anantnag district around 12 kilometers from Pahalgam. Tourists are attracted towards it because of its lush meadows, pristine lakes & mountains, and it also serves as a base camp for trekking to the Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake.

It is an attractive tourist place to visit during your holidays in Kashmir not just for the gorgeous views, but for the various activities which you can enjoy here. During winters, when it’s covered with snow, it becomes a famous destination for skiing & heli skiing.

6. Betaab Valley

Betaab Valley in Pahalgam is one of the most serene spots to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. The valley was earlier known as Hagan Valley. The valley is known for gorgeous and breathtaking views comprising mountains which are covered in pine forests and deodar trees and beautiful Lidder River flowing through the valley. The valley has been an iconic place for Bollywood movies to shooting many romantic numbers.

Things to Do In Kashmir

From sailing in a Shikara and living in a houseboat to shopping some of the most exquisite shawls and carpets, there are plenty of things to do in Kashmir. From the terraced lawns and cascading fountains of the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar, to Gulmarg’s snow-capped peaks, Kashmir is home to many locales that will leave you awestruck with their pristine beauty. Just when you’ve had your fill of exploring the main towns, head to stunning destinations such as Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Amarnath (all are at a short distance from Pahalgam) and gaze at their picture-postcard scenery.

Cuisine

The Kashmiri food is further categorized into two - Kashmiri Pandits/Brahmins Cuisine and Kashmiri Muslim Cuisines. While the Pandits use generous quantities of curd along with asafoetida and ginger in their food, Muslims use all these ingredients in liberal amounts for food preparations along with ginger and garlic.

Kashmiris feast on meat and rice voraciously. Rogan Josh – which is lamb meat gravy cooked with local chilies – and Yakhni – mutton gravy with yogurt – are two of the most famous food of Kashmir. Locals also have a weak spot for crisp bakery goods. Sheermal, Baqerkhani, and Kulcha found in shops in Srinagar are to die for, especially for those craving sweet treats.

A traditional Wazwan or a Kashmiri feast is supposed to have as many as 36 delicacies. Replete with condiments, Kashmiri cuisine is strongly influenced by its location and fresh spices which are grown here.

Shopping

Shopping in Jammu and Kashmir can be a very enriching and exciting experience. In its bustling and colourful markets, you come across items like Pashmina shawls, dry fruits, paintings, spices and other items which are found exclusively in this region, and for a shopping enthusiast, this is nothing short of a paradise.

How to Reach Kashmir?

By Air

Srinagar International Airport (SXR), also known as Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport and Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh are the major airports in Kashmir. The airport in Srinagar is connected with major cities in India including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

By Train

Jammu Tawi, located in the state’s winter capital, is the busiest railway station in Jammu and Kashmir. It serves as the northern terminal of major trains connecting the city with the rest of India. Regular express trains from Jammu to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Trivandrum run efficiently.

The picturesque section between Banihal and Baramulla of Jammu–Baramulla railway line passes through several towns in Kashmir Valley. It is an excellent alternative for those wanting to take the tracks not often taken.

By Road

If you’re wondering about how to reach Kashmir Valley by road, follow the NH1 (A) that passes through the city of Jammu to Srinagar in Kashmir Valley. The highway continues to the east before terminating at Leh in Ladakh region. NH1 is a major and vital highway which handles the primary traffic coming in and out of the region. Government and private operators run buses and taxis between Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh.

The Jawahar Tunnel, 2.8 kilometres in length, connects Jammu with Kashmir Valley. The 3,528-m-high mountain pass Zoji La carries the Srinagar-Leh highway extending into Ladakh. The 474-km-long Leh-Manali Highway is another major road with serving the Ladakh region. Both Srinagar-Leh and Leh-Manali highways remain vulnerable to weather conditions in winter as the snowfall blocks the road access.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir

Kashmir is well and truly a year round destination if you’re waiting for the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir. All seasons, be it summer or winter in Kashmir, have their allure that beckons travellers from all over India and abroad. So, never mind when to visit Kashmir and just pack your bags and get up here.

The winter season, December through February, is the best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall. Spring, March through May, is the best time to visit Kashmir for a honeymoon as the flowers in the famous Mughal gardens in Srinagar are in bloom. Early spring till mid-April, which is also the offseason in Kashmir, is ideal for those looking to get the best deals on hotels in Kashmir.

The best time to visit Tulip Garden in Kashmir is in the month of April when the whole garden blooms and looks vibrant with different species of colourful tulips.

If you are planning to visit Gulmarg, then the best season to visit Gulmarg depends on the type of activity preferred by you. If you are someone who is looking for snowfall and activities like skiing and snowboarding then October to February is the best time to visit. If you want to explore the true beauty of Gulmarg then March to June would be the best time to visit when Gulmarg blooms with colourful flowers and lush greenery.