Introduction
“If there is a paradise on earth. It is this, it is this, it is this.”
No better words to introduce the “Crown of India” than Amir Khusru’s Persian couplet. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, Kashmir is renowned for its rich cultural heritage & internationally famed enchanting beauty. Holding historical as well as geographical significance, tourism was introduced by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir establishing magnificent gardens & canal system. Then the introduction of house-boats by the British along with choosing the heavenly destination as their summer retreat & health destination.
Kashmir’s landscapes diversify into beautiful plains, lush-green & flower filled valleys, jagged hills, frozen lakes, snow-capped peaks & adventurous roads inviting scenic beauty & adventure lovers equally. The rich culture offers traditional feast – “Wazwan” with delicious dishes like Rogan Josh & the friendly locals in traditional Pherans offering Kahwa Tea warmly sets an example of hospitality which our country is celebrated for.
Srinagar: The Heart of The Valley
Srinagar the capital of Jammu & Kashmir has its own charm & nostalgia mixing the bygone ages with modern lifestyle. Srinagar’s main attraction being Dal Lake which has a bustling market around it & also in it. Experience the traditional & unique Shikara ride, drifting through floating markets & gardens while sellers sell products on these moving Shikaras. One needs to spend a night in these wonderfully sculpted houseboats which is a quintessential Kashmiri experience.
Mughal Gardens are a testament to the city’s rich history & architectural grandeur, these gardens are not only good for the eyes but also shows the advancement in the way their terraced nature & flowing fountains were made. Namely Nishat Gardens, Shalimar Gardens, Chasme Shahi, Tulip Garden, etc. Other places to visit are the Hazratbal Shrine, Shankaracharya Temple, Pari Mahal, Hari Parbat & Jamia Masjid.
Pahalgam: Valley of The Shepherds
The name suggests why is it called so, the lush green pastures opened it up to the Shepherds and their sheep for roaming freely. With time the place has gained tourists due to its picture-perfect landscape, green valley, flowing streams & friendly locals. Pahalgam also known as Mini-Switzerland due to its natural beauty, surrounding pine forests & majestic peaks provides one with peace and tranquility.
Visit Betaab Valley which is enchanting and other worldly, the valley with its surrounding peaks provides the perfect spot for picnic & walks alike. You may take a horse ride across the stream to the top of the mountain & back. Other places to visit nearby are Chandanwari & Aru Valley (here one can trek & go camping - but with proper permissions).
Gulmarg: Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg at a height of 2682 mts, also known as the Valley of Flowers due to its scenic & stunning landscapes which gets filled with flowers during spring & in the winters whole valley turns into a stunning winter landscape where nothing goes untouched by snow making it look like a place out of fairytale. The road to Gulmarg takes you through pine forests & twisted roads is so stunning that will make you breathless.
Adventure seekers throng to this very popular destination trying to dig into the snow by skiing in the valley which is amongst the best natural skiing spots in the world acclaimed globally. Travelers takes the Gondola ride one of the highest cable cars in the world to the very top, providing unparalleled & stunning views of the Himalayas like you have never seen. Must tries are the Organic Honey grown by the locals from the very flowers of this famous valley. Also visit the Apple Gardens in the area to see & taste the famous Kashmiri Apples.
Sonamarg: The Meadow of Gold
Sonamarg gets the name from the Golden-Hued flowers that blooms during spring season filling the valley & making it look like a Valley full of Gold & thus the name. It is at a height of 2730 mts, & historically it had been a major trading town on the famous Silk Route connecting to Tibet.
The road to Sonamarg is a treat for the eyes with the marvelous towering peaks & stunning glaciers (Thajiwas Glacier) is a very famous tourist destination. With the beautiful Alpine forests & Lakes one can go on a trek & the fast-flowing river provides an opportunity for water rafting. Sonamarg is also known as the Gateway to Ladakh another beautiful & ragged natural beauty of that state.
Rich Culture & Warmest Hospitality
Beyond all these natural wonders & splendors, Kashmir is famous for its rich cultural heritage, history & the warmest hospitable hosts in local Kashmiris is something one cherishes on even after years. The local cuisines are actually a fest for the senses specially the world famous Kashmiri Wazwan & many other dishes handed down the generations. Being in Kashmir do not miss the chance to purchase local exquisite handicraft items like Papier-Mache artifacts, Pashmina Shawls, Kashmiri Saffron, Kashmiri Willow Bats, Organic Honey & many more perfect for taking a piece of this Paradise on Earth with you back home.
Kashmir it’s just not about the destination or the landscapes, this is an experience of a lifetime which stays with you forever. Book your trip with us to take home a slice of this Paradise & also why one should see Kashmir to believe that “If There Is a Paradise On Earth, It is This, It is This, It Is This”.
