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6 Amazing Places to Explore in & around Kashmir

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Kashmir, as heaven on earth, is enclosed by snow-clad mountains and glistening lakes, which create a picturesque landscape. The region is covered by the mighty ranges of the Himalayas and Pir Panjal. Owing to the beautiful and picturesque areas here, the place is often referred to as India’s Switzerland. So why we should miss being away from its beauty exploration? Book your hotels in Kashmir and witness these most scenic views and alluring places in and around-

1. Srinagar

Shikara Ride

Srinagar is a tremendously beautiful place to visit, not just in Kashmir but in the country too. The place offers everything from boating to trekking, bird watching and water skiing. This gorgeous city has it all when it comes to a serene vacation. The place is covered in green mountains and the beautiful Dal Lake. You can take a close look at the Kashmiri cuisine and culture here. Do not forget to enjoy the houseboat and Shikara ride when in Srinagar.

Also, know all what you can do in Kashmir.

2. Leh

Leh Palace

Just a day drive from Kashmir, Leh is a boon to visit in the summers. The lofty mountains, alpine lakes and quaint settings make it a perfect destination for a vacation with family and friends. Also, the place is every biker’s dreamland. Besides the natural scenic beauty and serene aura, the place offers breath-taking views for visitors. The best time to visit Leh is between April and June and from September to October. Adventure freaks can try trekking and mountain biking here.

3. Kupwara

Mesmerizing Meadows

Kupwara is a small district in Kashmir. But is blessed with beautiful natural views, thriving meadows, alpine mountains and gushing clear water, it is a must-visit destination in the city. The best places to visit in Kupawara include Lolab Valley, Qamar Reshi Sahib Shrine and Sheikh Baba Behram Shrines. Visit the place between the months of April and October to see the beauty at its peak.

4. Kathua

Commonly referred to as the “City of Sufis”, Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir shares its borders with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The city has its popularity due to the presence of large number of Sufi shrines of Pirs located here. For the history buffs willing to take a glimpse of Kashmir’s past, Kathua is a must-visit. Sitting on the banks of a river, the place has scintillating views and a serene atmosphere for a peaceful visit. If you are visiting here with family and friends, you can enjoy a picnic at Ujh Barrage.

5. Pahalgam

Serene Scene

Pahalgam is truly a depiction of heaven on earth. The place is located at an altitude of 2740 m. The spell-binding town is enclosed with dense forests, shimmering lakes and meadows of flowers. Tranquility and serenity are what you get here. The place will just suck out all your stress and will relieve you from your worries. It is therefore counted among the best places in Kashmir. The best time to visit here is from June to October and December to January. Adventure lovers can try horseback riding and canoeing in Pahalgam.

6. Hemis

Spot a Snow Leopard at Hemis

Hemis is counted among the unexplored destinations. It is a small quaint town located 40 km to the south of Leh. The place is the epitome of natural beauty like the other places in Kashmir region. The town is also known for its magnificent monasteries and national park. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, then Hemis is a must-visit for you during your trip to Kashmir. One can witness rare species of snow leopard and bharals at the Hemis National Park.

The northern region of India describes us with almost a fairy-wonderland in real. Give yourself a vacay to experience it.

Happy Traveling!!

Exploring Kashmir: A heavenly experience

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Source: Beautiful World

Nothing can touch a little kid’s heart more than the divine touch of a drop of beauty. And that drop of beauty which shines so charmingly in this vast expanse of India’s terrain is Kashmir. True, I was a little kid when I traveled to Kashmir, excited for a four or five-day trip, which would assemble for me loads of memories, but never did I realize that even years later, the same heap of memories would stay afresh in my mind, mesmerizing me even more and more. That’s the captivating charm of Kashmir, beholding your breath and taking you far along, away from the agonizing miseries of this world.

So here is day-wise experience of my 5 day long trip to Kashmir

Day 1: Delights of Dal Lake

After an hour-long flight from Jammu, we reached Srinagar. The first sight of Dal Lake was quite appealing. More than the deluge of water along its banks, what captured my attention was the dozens of houseboats which held their head high amidst the gush of that splendid lake. I remember shouting those exceptional houseboat names shining on each one’s roof. But what seemed more fascinating was the joyful Shikara ride which would actually take me to those heavens in water.  Things seemed fun – the boat ride was exactly a joyride. But what grabs my attention now is- how peaceful it was, the exquisite view of the mountains on one side, whilst you are sitting in the lap of the magnificent lake. Even loneliness would seem a perfect companion when you are bounded by this picturesque. Down below, I could notice a marsh, and growing in it was a gorgeous pink lotus. I had never seen a lotus in my life.

Source: Beautiful World

Our houseboat was a warm place. With beautiful engravings on the walls of our bedroom and living room, it was a treat to live in the midst of the vast lake. Especially at night, when lights sparkle around the mountains and you can sit on your balcony to gaze at the beguiling sights. Our caretaker Abdul was kind and caring. He would serve our meals on time and clean our rooms during the day. He also took us on a trip around the lake. It was indeed a soothing experience. It seemed these people have raised a whole society in water- from markets to houses and what not! Yet they have their share of struggles and the tales of dark mysteries related to this era old lake, inflicted pain in our heart. The beauty has survived, and it will keep on surviving, with such courageous and intellectual citizens.

Day 2: The Mughal Formations to Kashmir

God carved it this way so that the title JANNAT was apt for it. Maybe that’s why even our ancient Mughal emperors did not leave without the indications of their love for Kashmir. Proofs reside in Mughal gardens like Shalimar Bagh, Chashmeshahi, which harbor lively tinted flowers and swiftly cascading springs. We spent much of our time, sitting and adoring the beautiful gardens of Nishat Bagh. Also meaning the ‘Garden of Joyhour-long these gardens are situated very close to the Dal Lake. These gardens were planned in such a way so that they can fit the water source conditions.

The layout of these twelve terraces is unique and signifying the meticulousness of the Mughals. Similarly, Chashmeshahi, which was a gift from Emperor Shah Jahan to his son Dara Shikoh, was built around the fresh-water spring and its topography is majestic. Shalimar gardens are the largest of all the Mughal gardens in Srinagar.

Nishat Bagh in Srinagar

Later, we explored the local markets around Shankaracharya temple, which boasted of intricate Pashmina shawls, sold by the natives of this area.

Day 3: Glorious Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a beautiful hill station which lies in the heart of Kashmir valley, around two hours from Srinagar. We hired a taxi and reached the hour-long mountains of Gulmarg. I would have loved viewing heavy snowfall, but maybe luck wanted me to enjoy the green expanse which was just everywhere. Thanks to the Gulmarg Gondola which runs a few feet high and gives you the best moments to cherish. We had a great time landing close to the snow-covered peaks. Where we enjoyed activities like sledging on the patches of snow, along with a hot cup of coffee to warm up our chilled senses. We could not visit the Apharwat peak, which lies in the second phase of the Gulmarg Gondola and is a premier ski resort. However, skiing activities are open mainly from December to February.

On our way back, we stopped at Pahalgam to sit by the Lidder Lake. The river is surrounded by meadows, majestic hills & tall pine trees. Sitting by this river, I got absorbed in the solace inundating it. The water was too cold to touch, yet it was a wonderful adventure climbing on the rocks and getting clicked with the breathtaking view.  It was indeed great place for camping and photography!

Day 4: Stunning Sonamarg

We drove to Sonamarg, around 3 hours away from Srinagar which is also called the ‘Meadow of Gold’. It gives rise to some great Himalayan glaciers, which shine from a distance. On our way, we also crossed Nallah Singh, a major tributary of river Jhelum.

It was time to explore the peaks of Sonamarg on the back of a horse. As a kid, the very fear of getting up on those dark brown horses named ‘Badal’ or ‘Ramesh’ smacked a big NO out of me. Deep gorges below, and a whole line of these ‘Badals’ walking up in procession, looked good but scary. Now I realize!! Sitting there on the top of a horse, looking below to see Gondola mountains merge with the green panorama would have been pleasurable.   

Gondola, it would have been captured in my heart for a lifetime! The view of the Thajiwas glacier is hour-long must watch, when you reach Sonamarg.

I explored other options. I got myself pictured with the adorable furry sheep, that ran about in their vast territory! Do get pictured with them in the vicinity of their freedom, and if they aren’t infuriated when you touch them, you could get a lovely masterpiece for your homes!

We had snacks at some local shops which heralded the mountains. If going back home wasn’t on our agenda for the next day, I would have never left this heavenly place for a few more days!

Day 5: Adieu to heavenly days

It was time to bid Later, to Srinagar, Dal Lake, Shankaracharya temple(visible from our houseboat) and our caring houseboat keeper! For we had a flight back to Jammu, followed by our drive back to my city in Punjab.

Given a chance, I would love one more trip to Kashmir in my lifetime. As now I have a list of 5 reasons to visit Kashmir. I know it would welcome me lovingly with those moments of immense peace once again.

Bhawna Mohinani
Professional Travel Blogger and founder of The Ghumakkads. Bhawna Mohinani is graduate in Mass Communication & Postgraduate in Travel and Tourism Management.

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