Kashmir, a Land of Gurgling Brooks, Snow- capped Himalayas, Festooned with Tulip Gardens, Pristine Lakes, Orchard Trees weighing down with Blushing Apples, Long stretched Lush Meadows dotted with Sheep and Shepherds – “TRULY A HEAVEN ON EARTH!”
The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is where Mother Nature has showered all its beauty in abundance. Sitting on the banks of river Jhelum, the summer capital, Srinagar, is at the height of 5,200 ft above sea level and is bestowed with abundant Gardens, panoramic views of Alpine Peaks, iconic Shikaras, decked up Houseboats and crystal clear Waterfronts.
THINGS TO DO
Venice Of The East
Srinagar is the Land of Lakes. The ‘Jewel in the crown of Srinagar’ is Dal lake, surrounded by the snow-clad mountain ranges of Pir Panjal with colourful Shikaras and House boats mirroring on the serene waters of the lake. Another popular lake is Nagin Lake, skirted by deciduous willow and chinar trees, and is often known as ‘Nageena Lake’ meaning the jewel in the ring.
The Land Of Royal Gardens
The Gardens of Kashmir are at the site of the visual link between the hills and lake, giving an extended panorama of the lake and the mountain peaks beyond. Nishat Bagh is located along the eastern bank of the Dal Lake with a terraced layout, the central axis with the ornamental play of water cascades, architectural structures, fountains and terraced orchard plantations. Appreciate the beauty of the largest Mughal Garden and ostentatious architecture, Shalimar Bagh. Sitting along the northeast bank of Dal Lake, the Shalimar Bagh is a testimony to the lavish Mughal lifestyle. Situated on the south-eastern side of the Dal Lake, the Garden of Chashma Shahi boasts vibrant flower beds. Nestled at the foothills of Zabarwan Range in Srinagar and exhibiting the grandeur of the Dal Lake is The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden having the most charming flower beds of full bloomed tulips, cherry blossoms and many other colourful trees.
The Wonder Land Of Adventure Sports: Gulmarg
The tiny hamlet of Gulmarg is a little adventure paradise juxtaposed against the snow- clad mountains of the Pir Panjal range, with rolling emerald green meadows decorated by wild flowers and deep ravines. Gulmarg is 56 km southwest of Srinagar and is the world’s highest golf course. Catch an adventurous Gondola ride on Asia’s largest and highest ropeway to reach the Kongdoori Mountain peak. Experience a mix of excitement and fear with chair car rides from Kongdoori to Marry Shoulder, one of the famous skiing destinations
One can try their hands on snow skiing, snowboarding or sledging in Gulmarg. Trekking along the vale to the mighty Pir Panjal, fishing from the streams of Ferozepur Nallah and River Bahan and golfing on the largest 18-hole golf courses are some other adventurous options here.
The Valley Of Shepherds: Pahalgam
A quaint village cocooned by snow capped Kolahoi Glacier, gushing rivers of Lidder and Sesh nag, Saffron plants, Pine forests and Betab Valley. The mini Switzerland of India, Pahalgam is 95 km from Srinagar. Soak in the beauty of the valley by taking a leisurely stroll around the river , admire the nature’s bounty while you take a pony ride on the rough terrains or sit on a huge stone with a fishing rod beside the river to catch a trout fish. Adventure junkies can go for white water rafting or trekking to Chnadanwaari for skiing, sledging and snowboarding else sit back and sip in your coffee with the rising sun at the camp sites in Aru Valley or Betaab Valley.
The Meadow Of Gold: Sonmarg
Surrounded by the Snow clad Mountains, Scenic Meadows, Alpine Flowers, Cherry Trees and Walnut Orchards is the another serene valley of Kashmir, Sonmarg. Located at an altitude of 9,816 feet and 80 km northeast of Srinagar, Sonmarg is known for its verdant and picturesque valleys and serpentine roads where River Sindh nurtures the land with its azure waters. Walk along with the exotic grasslands near Nilagrad, the confluence of mountain rivers with the Indus river where river water is pure red in colour. Adventure seekers can drive an ice scooter at Thajiwas glacier or can do ice skiing else can opt for river rafting at Shutkari Bridge or enjoy trout fishing at Krishnasar Lake or Vishasar Lake.
The Taste Of Kashmir
Kashmiri cuisine offers a wide range of lip smacking and exotic delicacies. Marked by ample use of turmeric, yoghurt, spices and saffron, can be relished in Kashmiri pulao. A must try dishes in Kashmir are Wazwaan, a spicy preparation with meat and vegetables.
Pher (smoked trout fish), Rista (meatballs in red gravy) and Yakhni.
Keep yourself warm with Kahwa, a drink made of tea, dry fruits and cardamom or Noon Chai or Sheer Chai.
The Warmth Of Kashmir
The beauty of a place cannot be complete without its warm and friendly locals. And the same goes for Kashmir too. As soon as you set foot on this paradisiacal land, the warm people here will welcome you with great warmth and open arms.
Buy yourself a Souvenir ranging from handmade Pashmina Shawls, Pherans, Attar perfumes, Saffron, Kashmiri fabrics, Himalayan Shilajit from the vibrant markets of Kashmir.
Best Time To Visit
The weather in Kashmir is alpine.
Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rain between July and September and heavy snowfall from December to February. Sonmarg is inaccessible in winters due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
The best months to visit Kashmir are April to June when mercury remains between 11 to 25 degrees Celsius.
How To Reach
Srinagar has an International airport, Sheikh ul Alam Airport, located at a distance of 11 km from the main city, connecting it to other parts of India.
The closest railway station is the Jammu Tawi railway station, which is located 222 km from Srinagar.
Srinagar has a well- developed network of highways. National Highway 1A, connects the valley to the rest of India and National Highway 1D, connects it to Leh.
Travellers can hire a taxi to reach different locations in Kashmir.
Book you next Soulful Family Holiday or a Romantic escape to Kashmir with IndiaAtour…
