Famous Tourist Places in Kashmir
Kashmir is having unlimited natural beauty and one can appreciate its beauty during the summer and winter seasons. Some of the most prominent attractions of Travel Ride's Kashmir Holiday Packages that are a must-visit mentioned below:
Srinagar
Srinagar is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains is famous for its Dal Lake and Mughal Garden. This place is a Dream place for honeymooners and Kashmir Family Tour Packages. Here one can have the unique experience of riding on a Shikara boat where you can stay overnight. Another amazing thing about this place is that there is a small floating vegetable market on the lake and the site of this market is so mesmerizing. In Srinagar, one can also explore Asia's largest Tulip Garden where the Tulip Festival is also organized each year in the month of March and April.
Sonamarg
Sonmarg is a real sense implies the place where there is gold and is probably the best spot to observe the excellence of nature in Kashmir. What draws travelers to this spot is the dynamic groups of various blossoms and a thick trekking course. If you want to explore this place in Kashmir Packages throughout the late spring months that is from May work June then you can observe a sprouting Valley with various sorts of blossoms and vegetation. A portion of the adventure exercises that can be appreciated in Sonmarg is exploring the great outdoors nature strolls and trekking.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is also known as the Meadow of flowers as it's having vast shading blossoms that make the view so astonishing. Gulmarg is probably the best spot that is to be investigated in Kashmir as it is the adventure Heaven and vacationers love to appreciate skiing in snow throughout the winter months. This place is visited by sightseers mostly throughout the cold weather months, that is from December to January. Other than skiing one can likewise appreciate trekking or mountain climbing here.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is situated at a proximity of 95 kilometers from Srinagar and is additionally viewed as the tranquility of paradise on earth. Pahalgam is encircled by the Glade of energetic-hued blossoms, lovely lakes, and thick woodland. Sightseers can encounter quietness and peacefulness by being here. Some of the fascinating things that you can do on your Kashmir Trip are visiting Betaab and Aru Valley. You can also appreciate kayaking and horse riding here.
Patnitop
Patnitop is having an interesting perspective and endless meadows. The excellence of the spot gets upgraded throughout the cold weather months when this spot is covered under a thick sheet of snow. Some of the adventure exercises that can be delighted in here are paragliding, skiing, and journeying. This spot is additionally the headquarters for journeying towards the Vaishno Devi sanctuary.
Jammu
Jammu is known for the sacred journey that is to Mata Vaishno Devi sanctuary. This spot is visited by different devotees and travelers also. Other than the Vaishno Devi sanctuary, there are some more prominent destinations like Friend Khoh, Mahamaya Sanctuary, and Companion Baba Sanctuary. Adventure lovers can likewise appreciate the delightful trekking path which will take you to the Vaishno Devi Sanctuary.
Activities to do in Kashmir
Here is the list of some interesting activities that can be enjoyed in Kashmir and will make your trip a memorable one for a lifetime:
1. Shikara Ride in Dal Lake, Srinagar
Shikara ride is one of the most opted activities in Kashmir Holiday Trip among the traveler. In the Shikara Boat Ride, you just need to lay back and admire destinations beauty of nature while being on a boat. The boatman will take you across the lake where you will be witnessing some of the vibrant colors of nature. This is one of the best things that is to be enjoyed in the peace and serenity away from the noisy city life. Shikara rides can be taken from the two locations such as the lake which is located in Srinagar and Manasbal lake that is located in proximity to Sonmarg.
2. Houseboat Stay in Dal Lake, Srinagar
The houseboat stays in Shikara over The Dal lake is totally different experience where you will be accommodating yourself in a houseboat. This type of accommodation is favorable for honeymooners, families, and even solo travelers. In this houseboat, you will be getting all the modern amenities such as wifi service, airport transfer, and other facilities. This is a not-to-be-missed activity in Travel Ride's Kashmir Holiday Package.
3. Skiing in Gulmarg and Snowboarding
During the winter month, Kashmir generally witnesses heavy snowfall which makes it one of the best destinations to experience snowboarding and skiing. Other than Gulmarg there are some more cities where skiing can be experienced such as Sonmarg, and Pahalgam. The skiing activity can cost you up to 6000 per person approximately and is generally held in the winter months from December to February.
4. Gondola Cable Car Ride, Gulmarg
Gandola cable car ride is one of the most alluring activities from where you can have a bird’s eye view of Kashmir. On the cable car ride, you can have the mesmerizing sight of valleys and mountains fully covered with the white cushiony snow. The Gondola ride generally happens in three phases wherein Phase 1 goes from Gulmarg to Kongdoori and in phase 2 it goes from Kongdoori to Apharvat peak, and in Phase 3 it goes from Kongdoori to Mary's shoulder. The cable car ride starts in the morning from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. in the evening time. The tickets for this Gondola ride can be bought between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5. Paragliding
You can also enjoy paragliding over mesmerizing and Majestic Valley of Kashmir that will increase your Adrenaline Rush. Through paragliding, you can have one of the most unique views of Green Valley which makes this activity the most thrilling one that can be exercised in Kashmir. Paragliding can be enjoyed in places like Gulmarg, Bhaderwah, Sonamarg, Sanasar, and Srinagar.
6. River Rafting in Pahalgam
River rafting is yet another thrilling activity that can be enjoyed in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Kashmir Travel Packages offer here to experience rapids of all levels from easy to moderate to very difficult. One of the most famous spots for river rafting is the Lidder river that is located in Pahalgam. The shortest stretch for river rafting is 3 kilometers and a medium stretch is 8 km long from Mamar to Saturn Margund and the longest stretch is 28 km from Mamar to Wayul Bridge.
Famous Markets in Kashmir
Kashmir is such a place where you wish to take back most of the memories along with you, so here is the list of some famous shops from where you can buy souvenirs and keep them as mementos forever:
Lal Chowk
Lal Chowk market is one of the oldest shopping places that is located in the Srinagar area. There are various shops for spices, copper vessels, woolen garments, jewelry, etc. This market usually remains crowded with the local people as well as with tourists. The Souvenirs you can take from this market are carpets, brassware, and product made out of walnut wood.
Floating Market
Floating Market is one of the famous markets that is located on the Dal lake of Srinagar. This market attracts a huge number of tourists and is the only Floating Market in India. Here one can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers that are sold by local people on their small boats. You can have the magnificent sight of this market while boating on the lake.
Badshah Chowk
Badshah Chowk is one of the best markets for home decor and handicrafts. This market is located in Srinagar and is famous for hand-woven, traditional Kashmiri carpets. Here you can get the different patterns, designs, and colors of carpets that look fascinating and enhance the beauty of your house.
Kashmiri Government art Emporium
Kashmir Government art Emporium is one of the best places for those who are keen to buy handicrafts, art pieces, traditional crafts, and other such home decors in the Kashmir Package. This market is located near Panama Chowk. This is a government on the shop which reflects the true culture and tradition of Kashmir.
Festivals of Kashmir
The green nature and the Valley of Kashmir get enhanced with the extra flavor of vibrant festivals that are celebrated in this state. There is a list of a few such festivals which can be enjoyed in the Kashmir region of India:
Urs
Urs is an important inter-communal festival that is celebrated among Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. This festival is celebrated in February month. It is celebrated on the death anniversary of Muslim Saints like Batamol Sahib, Bahauddin, and Meesha Sahib. It is also known as Ziarats. On this occasion Kashmir generally experience is bad weather but despite that, a grand celebration is done by the local people of the region.
Eid ul Azha and Eid ul Fitr
The most celebrated festivals of Kashmir are Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Azhar. These festivals are generally celebrated among the Muslim community. Although the festival of Eid is celebrated with great zeal all around the world but the Kashmir region of India celebrates this festival with great buzz and delight.
Tulip Festival
The Tulip festival of Kashmir is celebrated when the hundreds of tulips bloom during the spring season. Srinagar is having one of the largest Tulip gardens in Asia and this is the place where this celebration is hosted every year. The best time for Kashmir Tour Package to visit this Tulip festival is Monsoon, as during monsoon time the valley is bloomed with vibrant color flowers and the site it is so mesmerizing and breathtaking. During this festival, local Handicrafts, cuisines, and cultural programs are also projected.
Shikara Festival
Shikara ride which is a houseboat ride on the Dal Lake celebrates a festival named as Shikara festival. This festival was started in the year 2016 by Kashmir Government to promote tourism. During this festival Shikara race, Dragon boat race, and Canoe Polo match are organized which provides a glimpse of Kashmiri culture. This celebration is generally held from the month of July till August month.
Famous Food of Kashmir
Besides being famous for its beauty Kashmir is also having mouth-watering veg and nonveg cuisines. Here is the list of some mouth-watering dishes which you should have while your Trip to Kashmir:
Rogan Josh
Rogan josh is a nonvegetarian dish. This dish is made out of the lamp and is one of the signature recipes of Kashmiri cuisine. This was a Mughlai dish which is made using brown onions yogurts and different spices. This dish is best to have with naan or plain rice. This is the most popular dish in Kashmir.
Modur Pulav
Madur pulao is basically the sweet and Kashmiri rice that is most widely had in this region. The ingredients used in cooking this food are cinnamon, cashew, green cardamom, milk, ghee, sugar, almonds, and some saffron. This is one of the royal dishes of Kashmir having a distinctive taste that will leave you to crave for more.
Dum Aloo
Dum aloo is one of the most like dishes among the Kashmiri food. In this cuisine, potato is cooked with Ginger powder, fennel seeds, yogurt, and some other hot spices. It is having a different Aroma that attracts a huge number of tourists. This can be had along with naan or chapatis.
Matschgand
Matschgand is an aromatic Kashmiri cuisine that is like a treat for your taste buds. This is one of the best dishes that can be had by meat lovers. This is made out of minced meatballs. It is cooked in spicy thick gravy which will show you the gluttony side of your personality.
Famous Tourist Attractions in Kashmir
Kashmir is having some of the major attractions that allure a huge amount of both national and international travelers. Here is the list of some major attractions of Kashmir Holiday Packages:
Dal Lake
Dal lake is one of the most prominent attractions of Srinagar and is also the pride of Kashmir Tourism. This lake is generally visited by honeymoon couples, family vacationers, and even solo travelers who are seeking peace. This is also a prime location for shooting some Bollywood and Hollywood movies as it is having the alluring snow-clad mountains, Shikara cruising, and floating vegetable Market. One can also opt for an overnight stay in a houseboat that is well equipped with all the amenities.
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
It is one of the largest tulip gardens and most visited places of Srinagar that is located in the foothills of Zabarwan Mountain. Here one can find more than 48 species of Tulip flower. Other than tulips one can also find different flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths, roses, narcissus, and other ornamental plants. An extra charm is added by a stream of water running through the terrace that makes it a picture-perfect place.
Shankaracharya Hill
Shankaracharya Hill is located in the Srinagar region of Kashmir that is having a Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is having almost 250 steps and after climbing this step you will be reaching the ancient temple that was constructed during the 9th-century A.D. This temple is constructed using grey stone blocks and is having the oldest design. No electronic devices are allowed in the temple promises and they are deposited with military personnel before climbing the steps. This place is located at a distance of 4.5 km from Srinagar.
Amarnath Cave
Amarnath cave is located around 141km from the Jammu and Kashmir state capital-Srinagar. It is viewed as perhaps the holiest journey locales of India. The Amarnath Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The sanctuaries all through South Asia honor the area of fallen body portions of the Hindu divinity Sati. There is snow all around the Amarnath cave.
Betab Valley
Betaab Valley is located in the Pahalgam district of Kashmir which is also known as Hagan Valley or Hagoon Valley. This place got its name after the famous Bollywood movie Betab that was shot at this place. It is located at a distance of 15 km from Pahalgam and is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages and also a delight for nature photographers.
Pilgrimage Tours in Kashmir
Kashmir is one of the most visited destinations by devotees and pilgrims as a huge number of people visit this place for visiting Vaishno Devi yatra and Amarnath yatra. Here is a detailed explanation of these two pilgrimage sites of Kashmir:
Vaishno Devi Yatra
Vaishno Devi temple in Katra, located in the Jammu area is quite possibly the most visited Hindu sanctum in the world. A few pioneers visit this holy sanctuary consistently. This sanctuary is dedicated to Vaishno Devi and is accepted that whatever one wishes here gets conceded. The holy sanctuary is considered the most noticeable Shaktipeeths as it is accepted that the skull of the goddess Sati fell here. The sanctuary is a cavern-styled sacred sanctuary and is arranged at a height of 5200 ft above sea level so devotees need to travel 12 km distance to the top beginning from Katra as it is the headquarters for the travelers who come to give proper respect to Vaishno Mata sanctuary.
Another approach to arrive at this temple is by helicopter administration, horse ride, or cart. During Navratris that is from March till April month, and again from September till November month according to the promising tithi days it observes a significant group.
Amarnath Yatra
It is viewed as perhaps the holiest journey locales of India. The Amarnath Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The sanctuaries all through South Asia celebrate the area of fallen body portions of the Hindu divinity Sati. There is snow all around the Amarnath cave. In summers from July to August, the Amarnath cave is opened for the devotees.
The enchanted thing about the consecrated Amarnath cave is the ice lingam of Lord Shiva structure that increases in size during each period of Shravan and afterward steadily decreases after that. The shiva linga is joined by two other ice lingams which are alluded to as goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. The Amarnath yatra of Kashmir Trip Packages from Pahalgam is more extensive than different courses. The whole yatra can be done with horses. This course is the most secure course to arrive at Amarnath cave.
Honeymoon Tours in Kashmir
Kashmir is a heavenly Paradise on earth that attracts a lot of honeymooners and couples. This place is having magnificent mountains blue skies sparkling lakes and alluring surroundings. Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and Kullu are some of the most prominent cities of this state which witness the major number of tourist footfalls. Kashmir is a perfect place where you can have the taste of new married life with the blessings of nature. You can also book the houseboat for an overnight stay over the dal lake that will make your Holiday Trip to Kashmir even more romantic and memorable one.
Why Kashmir is best for Vacation?
Kashmir is a place that attracts a huge number of tourists and here you will feel like you are roaming in another world. Kashmir is blessed with some breathtaking landscape that not only attracts the nature lover but also photographers and even solo tourists. Kashmir is generally having pleasant weather throughout the year so the crowd of tourists remains attracted to this place in summer as well as during the winter months. One can also experience the beauty of Pristine Dal Lake while doing the Shikara boat ride and witnessing the breathtaking landscape. Adventure lovers can also enjoy trekking in Kashmir Travel Packages.
Other than adventure and nature Kashmir is also a famous religious place as there is Vaishno Devi and Amarnath cave that are the major pilgrimage places of India. One can also discover the heritage of this place as there are various museums which will take you to the deep history of this place. This place is also famous for its handicraft items that can be bought as souvenirs and kept in your house forever full stop one can also try the lip-smacking dishes of Kashmir.
How Can you visit Kashmir from your City?
Kashmir is located in the Northernmost part of India and is one of the top tourist destinations of India. If you are planning to visit this state from your place through Airways then you can take a flight to Srinagar Airport that is located in Kashmir. If you are an international traveler and want to explore Heavenly Kashmir then first you can reach Indira Gandhi International Airport of Delhi and from there you can take the flight to Srinagar Airport. If you wish to visit this place through a rail line then you can opt for Jammu railway station, which is located at a distance of 300 km from Srinagar. Kashmir can also be explored through Roadways where one can directly book a cab for Your Kashmir Holiday Trip from your place to Kashmir or can also opt for inter-state buses.
How to Reach Kashmir
By Air
The nearest airport to Jammu and Kashmir is the Srinagar airport that is located at a distance of 15 km from the city. You can get the regular flight of Indigo, Jet Airways, and Go air airlines for Jammu, Leh, and other cities. On arrival, you can hire any local transport to reach your preferred destination.
By Train
The nearest railway station is located in Jammu which is at a distance of 300 km from Srinagar. From the railway station, you can board any local transport to reach your respective destination.
By Road
Kashmir is having good road connectivity National highways like NH 1 & NH 44 are connecting Kashmir to other parts of India. You take the interstates buses to reach here from your respective city.
Best Time to Visit Kashmir
The best opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir Vacation Trip is in October and March when the climate is charming and is ideally reasonable for visiting wonderful locales in and around Jammu and Kashmir.
Winters
During the winter season that is from the month of December till February Kashmir attracts a huge number of tourists because the area experiences heavy snowfall. This time is perfect for Group Kashmir Holiday Tour Packages to enjoy some of the snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding. During the winter season Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Srinagar, Jammu, and Patnitop region welcomes a huge crowd of tourists.
Monsoon
Monsoon month is basically the offseason of Kashmir Tourism that is from September to the November month the crowd of tourist becomes really less during this period of time. Though at this time the rent of hotels become really cheaper as compared to the summer season.
Summers
A huge amount of tourists are attracted to this place during the summer season that is from June till August month. This is the peak season for tourists to explore this place in their Kashmir Tour Packages and you can also when the overnight stay at Shikara ride in Dal Lake. During the summer season, this place is filled with honeymoon couples as the area gets enhanced with the greenery and the beauty of this place becomes really alluring.