Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Kashmir is one of the most stunning tourist spots in India. The Kashmir valley lies in the southern part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Here tourists can experience the joys of snowy mountain peaks, gushing hilly rivers and lush flower gardens. It is the perfect destination for a romantic honeymoon or to spend exciting vacations with family.
But due to the massive rush of tourists flocking to Kashmir every single year, it sometimes becomes a little difficult to book travel accommodations in the area. The best method to enjoy a relaxing Kashmir vacation is to purchase a Kashmir trip package.
There are plenty of Kashmir packages to choose from in the market but travelers must be aware of all the things to do and the places to visit in Kashmir before they make their choice.
Places to Explore in Kashmir
Kashmir has lots of beautiful places to explore and people come back for multiple visits to fully experience all facets and seasons of the Kashmir. But here are some of the top places that should feature in every Kashmir itinerary:
• Dal Lake – A houseboat stay on the Dal Lake is a once in a lifetime experience that travelers should not miss out on. Floating along on the crystal-clear waters in a traditional shikhara and watching the sunrise through snowy mountain peaks is a breathtaking experience.
• Tulip Garden – Very few visuals can ever top the view of miles of colourful tulips covering the slopes of the Kashmir valley. Tourists flock to Kashmir in the first half of April every year to see the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in full bloom.
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• Sonamarg – This hill station is one of the most beautiful spots in Kashmir. Kashmir honeymoon packages usually include a night’s stay in Sonamarg so that tourists can experience the beauty of pristine silvery snowed hill slopes.
• Gulmarg – This is another very popular Kashmiri hill station. In recent years Gulmarg has developed facilities for skiing and other mountain sports.
• Pahalgam – Pahalgam is another one of the stunning hill stations in Kashmir. There are plenty of hotels and homestays here that tourists can stay overnight at.
• Amarnath – From Pahalgam tourists usually embark on the journey to Amarnath temple. Amarnath is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and has a natural Shiva linga formation. Every year thousands of devotees make the arduous trek, Amarnath Yatra to this cave temple between the months of July and August.
• Nishant Garden – This beautiful garden is historically significant as it was built in the Mughal era. Reflecting classical Mughal aesthetics this open garden along the sides of the Dal Lake is the perfect spot for history buffs.
Of course, alongside all these spots one must not forget to take a stroll around Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the queen of this earthly paradise.
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History of Kashmir
Kashmir has a long history of human settlement. Neolithic settlement sites have been found in the area as well. Initially Kashmir was under the rule of independent rulers, till in the 16th century it came under Mughal control. After the Mughals, Kashmir gradually appeared as a princely state under the British colonial government. Unfortunately however, during India’s independence and the partition of Pakistan and India, Kashmir became a major dispute zone between the two newly formed countries.
Armed conflicts broke out and it took many years for the region to come back to a state of peace. In 2019 the government of India declared Jammu and Kashmir to be a Union Territory. The years of fighting and strife had seriously affected the travel and tourism industry of the region, but in recent years Kashmir has been more or less peaceful and the tourism in the area has received a new lease of life.
Weather of Kashmir
No Kashmir trip plan should be made without first considering the weather conditions in the area. Winters in Kashmir are quite cold and snowfall is frequent. If one wants to experience snowball fights, skiing and other snow related activities in Kashmir, then the winter months are the best time to book Kashmir tour packages. January is the coldest month of the year with temperatures falling to minus 7 degrees Celsius. Summers in the area are much more moderate. During the summer months, temperatures usually range between 16 and 30 degrees Celsius.
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How to reach Kashmir
The easiest way to reach Kashmir is to take a direct flight to Srinagar and then take a car to whatever location the travelers have booked their hotel. Srinagar is connected to many major airports of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kashmir valley. Travelers can get connecting trains to this station from Delhi. A number of government buses now also play along the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Travelers must be careful to check that their travel expenses are included in the Kashmir tour packages for families.
Local dishes to try in Kashmir
No vacation is ever complete without binging on some delicious food and Kashmir has plenty of local delicacies to satisfy even the most ardent foodies. Mutton Rogan Josh has become a popular dish all over India, but it is a local specialty of Kashmir, and there is nothing better than a bowl of this spicy meat dish served in the chilly winters of Kashmir. The Kashmiri Dum Aloo or the Paneer Chaman can be alternatives for the vegetarians of the group. The more adventurous eaters of the group can try out dishes made of lotus stem or minced meat and yogurt.
Conclusion
Kashmir has earned its title of paradise on Earth due to its stunning scenery. Over the course of its long history, many visitors, poets and authors have vividly described the beauty of this mountainous landscape. If you also want to personally experience Kashmir with your own eyes then a vacation in this northernmost part of the country is a must.
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Kashmir Tour Package FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
Kashmir is beautiful and exciting all year round, but travelers should choose their Kashmir trip package depending on what kind of experience they want to have. People who prefer more moderate weather and want to see lush green meadows in the Kashmir valley should visit between March and October. December to March, on the other hand, is more preferable for tourists who want to see snowy mountain peaks and experience the freezing temperatures of the area.
2. Are there enough ATMs all across Kashmir?
Kashmir has a good number of ATMs spread across the area. Of course, Srinagar has more ATM machines than more remote locations like Gulmarg or Sonamarg. But anyone taking a Jammu and Kashmir tour package should be careful to always carry some extra cash with them in case of sudden emergencies. This may come in handy if weather conditions become too harsh or the ATM machines in the area malfunction.
3. What is the local mode of transport in Kashmir?
Your Kashmir tour package operator should offer you complete clarity with regards to the kind of local transportation facilities that one may have to avail. Generally, tourists travel in taxis or take the mini-buses plying all over Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir government also operates a number of different state buses along popular routes. Small distances can be covered in auto-rickshaws.
4. Are there any direct flights from New Delhi to Kashmir?
There are lots of direct flights between the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and the Srinagar Airport of Kashmir. All popular airlines like SpiceJet, Indigo, AirAsia have multiple daily flights operating on this route. The flights generally take around one and a half to two hours to complete. People from smaller cities of north India often travel to Delhi and then take a connecting flight to Srinagar.
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5. When does the tulip festival in Kashmir take place?
The annual tulip festival of Kashmir is a major tourist draw and many Kashmir packages are designed to cater to this festival. The festival is organized in the first half of April every year at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. Tourists get to see huge swathes of beautiful, colorful tulips carpeting the ground for as far as the eye can see. In front of the backdrop of the Dal Lake, this tulip festival provides the most wonderful photography opportunities in India.
6. What are the things to do in Gulmarg?
Gulmarg is one of Kashmir’s most popular tourist locations and there are even dedicated Gulmarg tour packages. At Gulmarg, one can enjoy the scenic beauty of green meadows and snow-capped mountain tops. But there is also plenty of excitement for the more daring tourists. Tourists can go on the famous trek to the stunning Alpather Lake or they can take a cable car ride above the white glittering slopes of Gulmarg. In winter, tourists can take part in activities like skiing and snowboarding. But it’s essential to use trained instructors during the process. The Gulmarg Golf Course also attracts a number of tourists in the summer and fall months.
7. What are the places I can visit in Kashmir?
Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Amarnath, Dachigam National Park, Dal Lake, Aru Valley, and Tulip Garden are some of the most popular destinations that feature on almost all Kashmir tour packages. The most popular Kashmir packages start off with a few days in Srinagar, a night on the Dal Lake, a trip to Sonamarg and a night’s stay in Pahalgam and another night maybe in Gulmarg.
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