Kashmir - The Paradise on Earth
A visit to Kashmir will surely be a memorable one for anyone. And why not so? Here the saying ‘‘Agar Firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o Hameen ast-o Hameen ast’’ holds very true. This saying beautifully depicts that if there is a paradise on Earth, it is here.
Kashmir, often called "Paradise on Earth," is a top tourist destination in India. Nestled in the Himalayan mountains, it boasts stunning landscapes and serene beauty. With its lush valleys, sparkling lakes, and snow-capped peaks, Kashmir offers a perfect escape for nature lovers. The famous Dal Lake in Srinagar is a must-visit.
Tourists can enjoy houseboat stays and shikara rides on the lake. The Mughal Gardens, with their well-manicured lawns and vibrant flowers, are another highlight. Gulmarg is a haven for adventure seekers, offering activities like skiing and snowboarding in winter, as well as hiking and golfing in summer. Pahalgam, known for its picturesque meadows and the Lidder River, is ideal for trekking and fishing.
Sonamarg, meaning "Meadow of Gold," is another beautiful spot, especially popular for its scenic beauty and adventurous trekking routes. Kashmir is also rich in culture and tradition. Visitors can experience the local lifestyle, enjoy traditional Kashmiri cuisine, and shop for unique handicrafts like Pashmina shawls and handwoven carpets.
History Of Kashmir
The ancient period in Kashmir was mostly influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism religions. This period gave the world several spiritual philosophies such as Madhyamaka, and Yogachara which is a combination of Shaivism and Advaita Vedanta.
Buddhism Era
Before Kashmir came into the dominance of Hindu and Muslim rulers, Buddhism was already very well-established in the region. This was so between the 1st century to 8th century A.D. According to historians, King Kanishka from the Kushan Dynasty even organized the 4th Buddhist Council at Kundalvana in Kashmir. It was presided over by Vasumitra whose deputy was Ashvaghosha.
Hinduism Era
Earlier, the land of Kashmir was greatly influenced by Hinduism and interestingly, one can still witness the traces of that era in this region. A major section of Kashmiri residents consists of Kashmiri Pandits who follow the Hindu religion. During the 9th century, Vaishnavism also flourished in Kashmir.
Medieval Era
The period between the 13th and 15th centuries was the time of the Mughal Era in this region. It is said that this era led to the downfall of Shaivism. The first Mughal ruler of Kashmir was Shah Mir who reigned in 1339. The rule of Mughals continued for the next five centuries, Muslim monarchs ruled Kashmir, including the Mughal Empire, which ruled from 1586 until 1751, and the Afghan Durrani Empire, which ruled from 1747 until 1819.
The medieval era was mostly ruled by Mughal Emperors. The first Mughal ruler of Kashmir was Shams-Ud-Din Shah Mir of the Shah Mir Dynasty who ruled between 1339-42. After that, the Great Akbar conquered Kashmir and ruled between 1585 to 1586. Then, it was captured by Afghan rulers from the Durrani Dynasty who ruled till the invasion of the Sikh Dynasty in 1890 who continued to rule Kashmir until the invasion of the British.
Places To Visit In Kashmir
Here's the list of the best places to visit in Kashmir.
1. Srinagar
Srinagar is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. If you are looking for something peaceful, serene, beautiful then, Srinagar is the kind of place that you should be visiting with your loved ones.
2. Sonamarg
Sonamarg is an endless journey of happiness throughout the valley. Here you would be encountering various enchanting and breathtaking views of nature that will charm you and sweep you off your feet. What Sonamarg has to offer, everyone must experience that at least once in their lives.
3. Leh
The huge mountains of Leh are out and out amazing. Leh is a great place to visit with your loved ones, especially during the summer months. Moreover, this place is on the bucket list of every biker as their dream destination.
4. Gulmarg Golf Club
Now, this is one of the most offbeat things which you could do in Jammu and Kashmir. Interestingly, the Gulmarg Golf Club in Gulmarg is known as one of the largest clubs consisting of 18 holes altogether. Yes, it is the highest green golf club all over the globe. Nothing like you would have ever seen in life.
5. Gondola Cable Car Ride
Considered as one of the longest and highest cable car rides, riding the Gondola cable car would be the most exciting as well as fun things to do in Kashmir for people of all ages. Tourists travel via cable car often to enjoy the most relishing views of the snow-capped mountains.
6. Pahalgam
- A base for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
- Stunning spots like Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Lidder River.
- Famous for trekking, river rafting, and nature walks.
7. Jammu
- Home to the Vaishno Devi Shrine, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages.
- Famous for the Raghunath Temple, Bahu Fort, and Ranbireshwar Temple.
8. Kupwara
- Offers lush green meadows and breathtaking mountain views.
- Known for Bangus Valley and Lolab Valley.
9. Kargil
- Visit the Kargil War Memorial and learn about its historic significance.
- The gateway to Zanskar Valley and Drass, one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth.
Things to Do in Kashmir
- Stay in a Houseboat
- Take a Shikara Ride
- Trekking & Adventure Sports
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Shopping for Kashmiri Handicrafts
- Taste Kashmiri Cuisine
Festivals of Kashmir
- Tulip Festival (March-April)
- Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha
- Navroz (March 21st)
- Shikara Festival (July-August)
- Hemis Festival (Ladakh – July)
- Amarnath Yatra (June-August)
- Lohri & Baisakhi (January & April)
Best Time to Visit Kashmir
- Spring (March-May) - Ideal for blooming gardens and pleasant weather.
- Summer (June-August) - Best for sightseeing and adventure activities.
- Autumn (September-November) - Enjoy golden Chinar trees and clear skies.
- Winter (December-February) - Perfect for snowfall lovers and winter sports.
How To Reach Kashmir
Kashmir is a place that is known for its amazing charm and aura. This is a kind of place that is all about enjoying the vibe of this place. Kashmir is situated at a distance of 1,813, 1,917, 2,570 km from Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Let’s discuss how you can reach here by the following means of transportation.
- Nearest metropolitan city. Delhi
- Nearest airbase. Srinagar Airport
- Nearest railhead. Jammu Tawi Railway Station
- Distance from Delhi. 687 Kms
By Air
The nearest airport is the Srinagar Airport (SXR). It is fundamentally a civil enclave that serves Srinagar and its nearby regions. This airport is owned and managed by the Indian Air Force and Airport Authority of India.
This airport has an integrated terminal that covers both domestic as well as international flights. Due to its geographical location, a special roof has been incorporated which facilitates snow removal. Many flights operate to and fro Srinagar airport connecting nearby Indian cities.
- Distance from Srinagar Airport. 167 Kms
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Srinagar
By Train
Depending upon your location, you can decide to deboard at either Jammu Tawi Railway Station or Srinagar Railway Station. Both of these railheads are considered major operating train stations.
- Distance from Jammu Tawi Railway Station. 147 Kms
By Road
Depending upon your location you can consider traveling to Kashmir by road as well. Apart from that, you can also choose to travel via buses of J&K State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC). Depending upon your budget you can choose between a luxury or regular bus.
Here is how you can reach Kashmir by road.
- Distance from Amritsar. 195 Kms
- Distance from Patiala. 206 Kms
- Distance from Dehradun. 336 Kms
- Distance from Delhi. 401Kms
- Distance from Bikaner. 628 Kms
- Distance from Agra. 632 Kms
- Distance from Jaipur. 664 Kms
Book Kashmir Tour Packages
Frequently Asked Questions About Kashmir
Q1: Where is Kashmir located?
A1: It lies in the Himalayan region and is known for its picturesque landscapes.
Q2: What is the historical significance of Kashmir?
A2: Kashmir has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It has been a cultural and religious centre for Hindus and Buddhists and later became a prominent region in Islamic history. It was also a major trade route between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Q3: What is the climate like in Kashmir?
A4: Kashmir experiences a diverse climate. The valley has cold winters with heavy snowfall and pleasant summers. The higher altitudes experience subarctic and alpine climates, while the lower regions have a more temperate climate.
Q5: What are the major tourist attractions in Kashmir?
A5: Major tourist attractions in Kashmir include Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Mughal Gardens, and the historic city of Srinagar. These places are known for their stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage.
