Planned Your Summer Holidays Yet? Here's Why You Should Go to Kashmir

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Last updated: Feb 3, 2023

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Kashmir lets you explore the snow-engulfed beauty of the Himalayas like no other place! India’s very own Swiss Alps, the scenic valleys of Kashmir take forms of white sheets of ice to lush green valleys depending on the season, but nothing beats the charm of the valley in the summer. It's not biting cold, the sunlight and fresh mountain air feel rejuvenating, and there’s enough greenery around for you to appreciate the gifts of nature. Here, we give you reasons why you should visit Kashmir this summer.

Written and spoken about umpteen times, Kashmir’s beauty has maintained its demeanour even after years of political volatility. But as you enter Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, you are convinced that security is the last thing you need to worry about here.

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1. A Serene Ride on the Sun-kissed Dal Lake in Srinagar is Unmissable

kashmir-heaven-on-earth-dal-lake

Laced with green hills and colourful flowers, Srinagar is stuff that postcards are made of. And the famous Dal Lake only adds to its ethereal beauty. Don’t miss a shikara ride on the Dal Lake even if you do not like to do touristy things or better still, stay on a houseboat to get the real flavour of life in Kashmir.

Climb up a few hundred steps to witness the grand Shankaracharya Temple, built on a hilltop which offers a divine view of Srinagar. As you move around, you cannot miss the flowers smiling at you, which are found in abundance at the famous Mughal Gardens—Chashme Shahi, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Built by the Mughals as their summer retreat, these gardens have various fountains with Persian carvings, giving them a royal look. It’s hard to find so much grace and elegance at one place.

2. Quaint Village of the Shepherds: Pahalgam will leave you spellbound

kashmir-heaven-on-earth-pahalgam

If you almost fell in love with Srinagar, then hold your heart for Pahalgam, also known as the ‘Village of Shepherds’. Almost 4 hours away from Srinagar, as you start approaching this quaint little village, you’ll find breathtaking views of snow-clad mountain peaks and gushing water streams. Soak in the beauty of this stunning hamlet by taking a stroll around or taking a pony ride; go for white water rafting and trekking or just camp at the lush green view points like Aru Valley and Betaab Valley.

Adrenaline junkies can move further up towards the mountain peaks and reach Chandanwaari where they can try their hands at skiing or sledging or challenge themselves to conquer the peak! And if all this sounds too tiring to you, then just sit beside the flowing river with your fishing rod, admiring nature’s bounty while you catch a trout or two. Some of the best things in life are free. Sigh!

3. A Gondola Ride in Gulmarg Will Make You Fall in Love with Kashmir’s Beauty!

kashmir-heaven-on-earth-gulmarg

To enjoy some more of these free things, you have to see Gulmarg, which is almost 2 hours away from Srinagar and 5 hours away from Pahalgam. Also known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, lovely wild blooms decorate your path here as you move ahead to catch a Gondola to reach the Kongdoori Mountain peak. The ride up to the peak is divided into two phases. Once you cover phase one, you will have to buy tickets for the second phase if you want to reach the peak. The total cost of tickets for both the phases will be Rs. 800 which is not a hefty amount for the kind of sights you will witness. Once you reach the peak, you will know what it means to be on top of the world with only snow and the sun around. It’s almost impossible to not think of giving skiing a try. Move downhill to Tangmarg to catch some fresh air and fragrance of strawberries coming from the orchards. Don’t forget to buy a carton of these juicy delights!

4. Lush Valleys and Cherry-laden Trees of Sonmarg Will Make You Never Want to Leave

kashmir-heaven-on-earth-sonmarg

From strawberries to cherries, nature has been kind to Kashmir. While Gulmarg will charm you with its out-of-the-world sights, Sonmarg, also known as 'Meadow of Gold', will startle you with sudden rains and sunshine. Just 3 hours away from Srinagar, Sonmarg is a good destination for a day-long excursion.

Sit down anywhere amidst lush greenery in Sonmarg and soak in the blissful environs or just ride up till the foothill for some of the most heart-warming views. Serpentine roads and cherry-laden trees will follow you while you drive in and out of Sonmarg and do not miss the cheerful faces of Kashmiri people who innocently smile at you.

5. Wazwan, Rista and Gostaba: Kashmir Offers Delightful Flavours for You to Sample

kashmir-heaven-on-earth-food

It is criminal to leave Kashmir without tasting Wazwaan, the famous Kashmiri cuisine, which is popular for its rich and spicy preparations with meat and vegetables. Rista and Gostaba are must-try dishes which are prepared with meat, dry fruits and lots of yoghurt. Served mostly during weddings, it is easily available at any restaurant in Kashmir.

Keep yourself warm with a hot cup of Kahwa, a drink made of tea, dry fruits and cardamom. Don’t forget to buy packs of kahwa for friends back home as well.

Natural splendour, benign faces, fresh air, beautiful mountains, mouth-watering cuisine and truckloads of memories, what else would one want from a holiday!

How to reach Kashmir: Take a flight to Srinagar, or take a train to Jammu and hire cabs from Jammu station.

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Comments

Renuka Schreck | on 13 September 2011

MakemyTrip sucks,

They change my itin and I had to go through so much on airport. Now they won't reimburse fees charged by jet airways.

I opened 10 Tickets and they are keep closing. Good Damm you guys.