Kashmir speaks for itself. Known as the Paradise on Earth, visit Kashmir for beauty, it requires no introduction, promotion, or branding to captivate. The heart knows what it desires, especially when planning a trip to Kashmir. Amidst the sheer excitement of being there, one might miss out on the absolute delights, cultural insights, or thrilling activities it offers.
Apart from the heavenly sightseeing and warmth Kashmir provides despite being a cold place, here are the top 10 reasons to visit Kashmir & nowhere else.
1. Gulmarg’s Gondola/Cable Car Ride
Asia’s longest & highest Cable Car in itself speaks a volume. The ropeway project, started together by J&K Govt. with a French firm, Pomagalski, offers an incredible view of picturesque Kashmir.
Gulmarg lies in the Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir. Apart from the plethora of adventurous activities that Gulmarg is famous for, including ice skating, camping, and snow biking, a Gondola ride is the most sought-after activity.
The ropeway has two phases. The first phase takes tourists from Gulmarg to Koongdoori, located at an elevation of 2,600 meters. The final phase ascends to Apharwat Peak, standing at an impressive height of 4,200 meters. This thrilling ride challenges you to ask yourself: How adventurous are you?
2. Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl
For luxury, people travel miles to have what is rare and exotic. Pashmina is one such name. The quality, texture, and handspun and handwoven design on the delicate fabric add to this soft gold one drapes loosely around their shoulder or head. Pashmina Shawls are a name to reckon with.
From sourcing the fiber from the Changthangi Goats (Capra Hircus), native to the Valley, to the meticulous craftsmanship of artisans (which can take months or even years to create a single Pashmina Shawl), it’s clear why authentic Pashmina is highly sought after.
While visiting Kashmir, add a regal charm to your attire of what was once royal upkeep. Keep an eye for the shops dealing with the hand-embroidered Pashmina and flaunt your own prized possession!
3. Shikara Ride at Dal Lak
Dal Lake, nestled among the peaks of the Pir Panjal Mountains, is one of Srinagar’s most romantic spots. This iconic lake, bordered by Mughal-era gardens, features four distinct basins: Bod Dal, Nagin, Gagribal, and Lokut Dal. As the city’s jewel, Dal Lake captivates visitors from around the globe.
When in Srinagar, the trip is incomplete without undertaking the wooden boat ride. Hop on to the colourful Shikaras awaiting your arrival. Get a glimpse of floating gardens, markets, and restaurants and feel awe with the vintage-styled houseboats moored along the lake’s western edge.
4. Golf Course as Golfing Destinations
It’s never too late to embrace a new activity, no matter how unfamiliar it may seem. In our socially distanced world, golf stands out as the perfect sport to pursue. Surrounded by natural greenery, discover the joy of golfing in the paradise that is Kashmir. Enjoy the game in the expansive open spaces, as the valley offers numerous golf courses. Whether it’s the enchanting Lidder Valley Golf Course in Pahalgam or the world’s highest golf course in Gulmarg, Kashmir leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.
Reopened after renovation in 2011, Pahalgam’s Golf Course is a 3 hr drive from Srinagar. It has an 18-hole layout enticing players to visit the arena. On the other hand, Gulmarg’s golf course is more than a hundred years old. Established in 1911, what started with a 6-hole golf course is now an 18-hole golf course boasting the largest & highest attraction point for golfers around the year.
5. Tulip Garden
Imagine yourself surrounded by millions of Tulips in their full bloom. And where else than in Kashmir, home to Asia’s largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar. The bloom of Tulips is limited to a certain month. However, it doesn’t limit the visitors advancing here to attend the marvellous festivals organised annually to mark the arrival of Spring.
A picture-perfect sight, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is situated on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range, overlooking Dal Lake. Stretched over an area of 30 hectares, Tulips bloom here with a few other varieties of flowers such as daffodils, ranunculus, and hyacinths in a terraced style. Since the lifespan of Tulips is short, the one-month-long attraction is as rare as the beauty of Kashmir.
6. Houseboats Stay
When it comes to Accommodation, nothing beats the luxury of Kashmir’s Houseboats. This is where comfort meets the culture. Kashmir dreamy houseboats, one of the reasons to visit Kashmir, offer a comfy stay full of facilities like any 5-star hotel, from deluxe rooms to luxury suite rooms.
A Shikara ride enhances the experience of staying on cedar wood houseboats. The furniture features intricate carvings crafted from walnut wood. On these Kashmiri Gondolas, you can enjoy a variety of amenities, including Wi-Fi, delicious cuisines, and airport transfer services. These floating havens offer a taste of paradise, serving as your home throughout your stay.
7. Hot Air Ballooning
Soar high into the sky as you ride the hot air balloon in Kashmir. As soothing as it is to take ample walks down the Valleys, capture the spectacular view from the top. Recently, Srinagar geared up with this fun-filled activity which is now a major attraction point inviting tourists from all across the States.
As cliche as it sounds, the hot air balloon is a must-try activity and one that is not to be missed. The ride accommodates four people at a time and offers a panoramic view of the Zabarwan Park, where it is based. After all, why miss the experience of a lifetime when in Kashmir?
8. Kashmiri Cuisine
Flavoured, scrumptious, wholesome! These can be best described for the delectable Kashmiri foods, including Wazwan, Dum Aloo, Rogan Josh, and Kahwa(beverage), among others that no Kashmiri can live without. And we bet you too once you are out exploring the traditional as well as street foods of Paradise.
Whether you’re sipping, dipping, or savoring Kashmir’s specialties, you’ll find yourself yearning to return or to bring home the recipes of these delectable dishes. Treat your taste buds to the divine flavors of this region’s cuisine. Pick your favorite dish and share your thoughts on Kashmiri food.
9. Pony Ride Excursions
Get acquainted with the natural lifestyle of Kashmir by taking a pony ride. The transporting life of Kashmir is the most assured way to slow down your travel and take into account the surreal beauty Kashmir is bestowed with. When the going gets tough, it is advisable to hire ponies or horse facilities to trek the tough terrain of Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, etc.
Mostly, pony rides are hired when travelling to religious sites or undertaking pilgrimages such as Amarnath or Vaishno Devi Yatra. The terrain, which is not accessible by any motor vehicles or where it has a steep inclination while trekking, is where ponies’ adventure awaits to ease the trip.
10. Exclusive Adventure Activities
Angling, Rafting, Trekking, not to forget, Skiing, Snowboarding, Heli-skiing, Snowshoeing and more; Kashmir is abundant with numerous adventurous activities and grants its visitors the same. Wherever you will go, adventure awaits at every doorstep. From Paragliding, Mountain Biking, Camping or Mountain Climbing, let the daredevil inside you explore freely the infinite possibilities you are born with. Expect no less from Paradise as it is a hub of all the sports one can only find here apart from sightseeing. Are you confused as to where to begin? We suggest you start with Gulmarg!
Author is a student who loves to explore new corners of learning. He likes writing and travelling while taking challenges that question his abilities and skills. His hobbies are helping people and spending time in nature.