The apple orchards, saffron fields, glittering lakes, and magnificent meadows of Kashmir, located in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, attract visitors from all over the world. Kashmir is a wonderful vacation destination with tranquil settings, beautiful vistas, and pristine environment that everyone should see at least once in their lives. Kashmir is an ideal destination for a family vacation or a honeymoon in India. Gulmarg, Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg are all lovely spots to visit in Kashmir for a family holiday or honeymoon. Even the fabled Amarnath Cave, which attracts ardent Shiva worshipers from all over the world, is located in Kashmir.
THINGS TO DO WHEN IN KASHMIR
• Shikara Ride - As your boatman takes you on a cruise across the lake, sit back and observe the splendor of the distant mountains. A shikara ride is one of the best things to do in Kashmir when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the dirty city life. There was no smoke or noise from the vehicles, no raucous crowd, nothing.
• White river rafting - It is one of Kashmir's most adrenaline-pumping adventure activities. The rapids are mild to moderate, implying that rafting in Kashmir is not particularly challenging. You can also go rafting near Sonamarg. White water rafting on the Lidder River in Pahalgam, on the other hand, is more well-known.
• Paragliding - There is also the option of paragliding for all those adrenaline enthusiasts. The majesty and beauty of the valley below is breathtaking. Paragliding is one of the most thrilling activities to do in Kashmir because of the breathtaking views of the verdant valleys.
• Trekking - It has become one of the top things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, thanks to the abundance of mountains that blanket the terrain. Trekking in Ladakh is more well-known than trekking in Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists can go on short treks and hikes in the valleys of Kashmir. Vishansar Lake, Tarsar Lake, and other high-altitude alpine lakes can be found in Kashmir.
• Bike Riding - Have you ever considered riding your bike through the green valleys, snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, and still-clear lakes? If this is your idea of a good time, then Jammu & Kashmir is the place to be. This site is great for mountain biking because of its location, scenery, and terrain. Kashmir Valleys are ideal for gentler journeys.
• Hot Air Ballooning - When it comes to adventure activities, Jammu & Kashmir has a plethora of alternatives that aren't confined to land and water. The immensity of the landforms here, as well as the splendor of the beautiful views, make it an ideal spot for Aero sports. Hot air ballooning, like paragliding, is becoming increasingly popular.
• Camping - There are several trekking locations in the three areas of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, making it an ideal location for activities such as camping in Kashmir. Camping in Kashmir allows people to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. Pahalgam is the ideal location for a romantic camping trip.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The greatest time to visit Kashmir is during the winter months, from October to February. You can enjoy the snowfall, skiing, Gondola riding, and other adventurous sports during this season. This is the finest time to explore Kashmir Valley with your family or on your honeymoon. Summer and monsoon seasons, on the other hand, are ideal for exploring Kashmir Valley.
PLACES TO VISIT IN KASHMIR
• Amarnath - Amarnath is a pilgrim's paradise and one of Kashmir's most popular attractions. Every year, Lord Shiva worshippers come to this location to receive blessings and to see the encased figure of Shiva, known as Shivling. The well-known 'Amarnath Yatra' attracts visitors from all over the world.
• Aru Valley - Aru Valley, 12 kilometers from Pahalgam, is surrounded by Himalayan peaks that are covered in snow. It is a base camp for a number of treks and lakes, including Tarsar Lake and the Kolahoi Glacier. The Aru River, a tributary of the Lidder, also flows through the valley. This is a popular destination for nature lovers looking for solitude and relaxation in the woods.
• Patnitop - Patnitop is best described as endless meadows and lovely views. Patnitop, surrounded by the sky-high Himalayas and blanketed in snow, has carved out a place in the tourism business due to its surreal beauty. In addition, the location offers a variety of exhilarating activities to satisfy the adrenaline addict in you.
• Vaishno Devi - Vaishno Devi is a town in the Trikuta Hills known for the temple that bears the same name. Vaishno Devi is supposed to be a Hindu mythology form of Goddess Durga. This location is regarded as sacred since it is one of India's 108 Shakti Peeth, which attracts a large number of visitors each year.
• Sonamarg - Sonamarg is known as the 'Golden Meadow,' as its name implies. Its main attractions are an unending supply of beautiful flowers and undulating hiking trails. For its enchanting ambience and stunning views, Sonamarg should be on every visitor's list of places to visit in Kashmir.
• Kathua - This city in Jammu and Kashmir is known as the "city of sufis" since it borders Punjab and Himachal Pradesh on the south. Within the city's borders, there are numerous Sufi shrines of Pirs. Kathua should be on your list of top locations to visit in Kashmir if you're interested in learning about Kashmir's history.
• Jama Masjid - This mosque is located in Nowhatta and is regarded one of Srinagar's most important. Sultan Sikandar built the mosque around the year 1400 AD. Furthermore, Sikandar's son, Zain-ul-Abidin, expanded the mosque. This mosque has 370 wooden pillars and a fascinating patio.
TRADITIONAL DISHES OF KASHMIR
The cuisine of Kashmir's magnificent valley exhibits a wide influence of Persian, Central Asian, and Afghan cuisines. Spices like cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, and cloves are utilised in Kashmiri cuisine, making the food delicious and aromatic. Wazwan, a compilation of 32 vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, is the pinnacle of Kashmiri cuisine. Wazwan is required during all celebrations, including weddings and other significant events. Tabak Maaz, Shab Deg, Dum Olav/Dum Aloo, Aab Gosh, Goshtaba, Lyader Tschaman, Runwagan Tschaman, Riste, Yakhni, and the highly famous Rogan Josh are some of the prominent cuisines in Kashmir.
HOW TO REACH
• By Bus - The National Highways 1 and 44 connect Kashmir to India's major cities.
• By Train - There is currently no railway station in Srinagar; the nearest station is Jammu Tawi, which is around 300 kilometers away. The rails in Kashmir are being built, and we will soon have direct rail access to Kashmir.
• By Air - Srinagar's Sheik ul-Alam International Airport offers regular flights connecting Kashmir to India's major cities. It is also the most popular mode of transportation for visitors to reach Kashmir