The crown of India, Kashmir is one of the most beautiful valleys of Northern India. Gifted with nature’s bounty, the valley of Kashmir is famed all over the world for its stunning natural beauty, blissful climate and vibrant culture. Also known as the “Paradise on Earth,” the valley with a backdrop of lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes offers a picture-perfect view of this place that attracts people from all over the world. Once used to be the major state of North India, Kashmir has been declared as the union territory in the year 2019.
The place is also popular among tourists for its variety of winter sports and multiple activities to indulge in. Gulmarg ropeway is the longest cable car in Asia which adventure seekers visit in huge numbers. The valley is also filled with numerous rugged terrains and hiking trails making it ideal for hiking and trekking adventures. Besides this, the region is widely known for producing one of the finest qualities of fry fruits that are exported all over the world. No matter if you are visiting Kashmir for adventures or to admire its scenic beauty, the place is sure to amaze you.
The iconic landmark and most popular attraction of the region, Dal Lake is the gem of Kashmir that attracts tourists with its mesmerizing lakes, houseboats and scenic surrounding beauty.
Popular for offering a variety of winter sports the Gulmarg is one of the most popular sites among adventure seekers. The Gulmarg Gondola is considered to be the second-highest ropeway in the world.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden houses the largest variety of tulips all over Asia and offers a vibrant atmosphere with vastly spread flower beds of Tulips. The place is located beside the Dal Lake.
Nigeen Lake is a small lake that offers its beauty with its pristine waters and stunning environment. The place is also popular for offering one of the best sunrise and sunset in this region.
The gem of Indian Bollywood, the valley has got its name from a popular movie “Betaab” that was shot here. The place feels nostalgic and is mostly common among old people.
The biggest pilgrimage site of the country, Amarnath Yatra is a popular journey among Hindu people dedicated to seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. With scenic natural beauty and numerous attractions sites, this is must must-visit place in Kashmir.
Placed above the Chenab River, Kishtwar National Park is widely popular for its saffron vegetation that grows for limited periods of time. Apart from this, the park is home to several endangered and rare Himalayan animal species.
Popularly known as heaven on earth, Srinagar is the gem of northern India that boasts its beauty with mesmerizing lakes, floating markets, and lush flower blossoms. Apart from nature, the place is also popular for offering some of the best food delicacies that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The month of September to November and March to May is considered to be one of the best times to visit the state. These are the best times when the weather and pleasant and offer picturesque views of the valleys making it ideal to explore the beauty of this place. Each season has its own benefits and offers distinct views.
Kashmir being a beautiful valley is also home to diverse communities that follow their own tradition and cultures. These communities belong to various religions with the majority being Muslim and Hindu. Being surrounded by international borders, the culture and traditions share similarities with Northern Pakistani cultures. Although Urdu is the major spoken language in this region people also speak Hindi and Sanskrit which shows the diversity of this region. Art and Craft are a major part of the traditional culture and can be seen in the local markets and shops. The people of Kashmir are also known for being poetic which has produced some of the biggest poets of the country.
Festival is a major part of their culture and this is the time when all of the communities come together to celebrate various religious and social events. The Festival also reflects the lifestyle of the Kashmiri people and acts as a platform to showcase the art and craft of the local people. Festivals offer a vibrant atmosphere with an opportunity to relish the local cuisine of Kashmir attracting tourists from all over the country. Some of the popular festivals of Kashmir include:
Despite being known for its mesmerizing landscapes and scenic beauty, Kashmir is highly renowned for serving a range of delectable food dishes. Most of the food items are made from meats and chillies with a blend of regional spices. Being home to one of the finest spices of the world, saffron, most of the foods of Kashmir have rich flavours and vibrant colours that are highly appetizing. Mutton and Beef are common meats that are incorporated into the majority of the dishes. Apart from meats the cuisine also includes a variety of vegetarian dishes each of which offers a distinct taste and flavour. Some of the popular foods of the Kashmir cuisine are:
Kashmir is such as destination that not only offers you a fun journey and adventure but forges a mark in your soul that can be relished over a lifetime. While the land is popular for its natural beauty and colonial charm, there are numerous activities that can be indulged in to experience one of the most thrilling experiences in your life while taking back bespoke memories.
Some of the must-do activities in Kashmir are :
Air: Travelling to Kashmir by airways is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach the place. Srinagar International Airport is the major airport of this place that connects travellers from the rest of Indian cities.
Road: Tourists can also reach Kashmir by travelling through roadways. National Highway 44 is the major highway that connects the place with other states of India. However, some parts of Kashmir come under the protected zones of the Ministry of Defense therefore it is necessary to acquire a permit pass before entering these zones.
Train: Srinagar Kashmir Railway Station is one of the largest and busiest stations located in Srinagar and can be reached from various parts of the country. The station operates both passengers as well as goods rail to the rest of Indian cities.
