Best places to visit in Kashmir
Kashmir valley is no doubt the most beautiful tourist places in India. The heaven on earth tag is always linked to Kashmir for its evergreen landscapes and snow-filled mountains. A visit to Kashmir should be included in your bucket list of every nature lover. The Shalimar gardens, the Dal Lake and the shikaras and Gulmarg are the utmost attractions here.
Main tourist attractions of Kashmir
Srinagar
Srinagar is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir and a capital of Jammu and Kashmir. One can take a shikara ride on the peaceful Dal Lake, view the city from the top of Shankaracharya Temple and stay in the iconic houseboats on your next trip. Srinagar is home to the Shalimar Gardens that are on the back of the Rs. 10 Indian Currency Note.
Kashmir Valley
Kashmir Valley, the largest Himalayan valley, is an elliptical saucer shaped landmark of Kashmir. Surrounded by the Karakoram and Pir Panjal ranges, Kashmir Valley has a mesmerizing view in all the directions possible.
Pahalgam
It is surrounded by Lidder Lake and Betaab Valley, Pahalgam is the place you visit to experience clear water rivers and exhilarating deep valleys. This place is famous for river rafting at Lidder Lake, golfing and shopping for traditional Kashmiri items.
Gulmarg
It is the snow paradise of Kashmir. This skier’s paradise is popular for having one of world's highest and largest ropeways with an aerial distance of approx. 5kms. The view from top of the mountains at 3979 meters above sea level is bewildering. Snow falls are regular even during summer, giving every tourist a fair chance to enjoy the fall.
Sonmarg
It is also known as ‘the meadow of gold’ has one of the most picturesque views in Kashmir. Snow-clad mountains, green grasslands and ponies to ride on, this place is what they call, 'Jannat’ or heaven. Sonmarg is also one of the base points for starting the Amarnath Yatra. River rafting, zorbing, trekking are the various events conducted around the popular tourist spots. Sonmarg is inaccessible in winters due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
Best time to visit Kashmir
Best time to visit Kashmir is during the months of March to August. During this period two seasons are covered in Kashmir. Spring (March-early May) and Summer (early May-late August). The blossoms of spring and the cool weather of summer creates the perfect season to visit Kashmir during this time.
Major fairs and festivals of Kashmir
Shikara Festival
The lifeline and identity of the Dal Lake in Kashmir, Shikara needs to be celebrated once in a year. To promote tourism, Kashmir's government began this festival in 2016. During the festival, Shikaras are painted and dressed beautifully. Shikaras participate in Shikara Race, Dragon Boat Race and Canoe Polo Match. Other cultural programs are also organized which will give you a glimpse of the culture of Kashmir. It takes place in the months of July or August.
Gurez Festival
People of Gurez hosts an annual festival in which they showcase their handicrafts, cuisines, and culture each year. Everyone comes together for the fest which also involves fun activities like river rafting, trekking, zorbing, cycling, etc. Many competitions such as painting and drawing also take place which witnesses huge participation. Many musical programs displaying Kashmiri culture are also a pleasure to attend. Gurez Festival is celebrated at the time of July or August in the scintillating valley of Gurez.
Lohri
Celebrated on 13 January every year, Lohri festival marks the end of peak winter celebrates the harvest of crops. It is a festival to celebrate the harvest of sugarcane crops in January. People light up a bonfire, sing songs, dance and eat winter delicacies made of corn, peanuts, sesame and jaggery. It is a popular festival in Punjab and Jammu.
Hemis Festival
Hemis Gompa is the largest and richest monastery in Kashmir, located in Ladakh where Hemis is celebrated with full zest and enthusiasm. It is considered as the state holiday. It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava who is known as the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a two-days celebration commences in the fifth month of the year, also called as Tibetan lunar month.
