Kashmir
Every year millions of tourists visit Kashmir valley to enjoy their summer vacation, winter vacations, Honeymoon trips and so many type of vacation could be! But most of worried what to do during Kashmir trip? Our blog is all about top attractions and things to do in Kashmir valley. Here we give answers to most of your questions about what are the things I should do, activities to undertake and what are the most fun things which should not be missed during my trip to Kashmir.
Shikara Ride at Dal Lake
Shikara ride is one of the most recommended activity for any tourist to Kashmir valley and unarguably count as one of the best things to do in Kashmir. Shikaras are gondola- type light rowing boat dotting the surface of the Dal lakes. They are used for getting back and forth from the houseboats or for longer tours. During Shikara Ride in Kashmir you can hear chirping of birds, snow capped peak in the background creates a cherished memory for lifetime. You can also shop from floating shops and buy eatables during your ride.
Houseboats in Kashmir
Apart from luxury hotels and resorts, you can enjoy your stay in Kashmiri houseboats. These houseboats are designed in pleasant Kashmiri architecture generally having luxury bedrooms, separate dining and lounge rooms, as well as a balcony facing the lake with snow covered mountains in the horizon. Many houseboats have rooftops that are accessible for leisurely evenings. Some even have floating gardens. Guests are treated to some of the most beautiful views and lavish amenities. These houseboats are exquisite. Unlike Kerala, these houseboats are moored on the lake and do not travel.
Mughal Gardens in Kashmir
The ‘Heaven on Earth’ Kashmir is blessed with picturesque beauty. The verdant gardens in the valley are proof to its beauty. Visiting Mughal gardens built in charbagh style of architecture by various Mughal princes and courtiers definitely count as one of the top things to do in Kashmir. The concept of gardens for leisure came from the valleys. Beautifully laid paths amidst green beauty, gurgling fountains and vibrant blossoms make the Mughal gardens all the more captivating for its visitors. Walk around to explore the magnificence of the verdant spreads.
Gondola Ride in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is nestled at 2650 m above sea level at the base of Mount Apharwat. The gondola (cable car) extends almost to the peak of Apharwat, which is at an elevation of 3980 meters above sea level. The cable car provides access to 1330 vertical meters of vast snow covered slopes. With the setting-up of Gondola Cable Car Lift from Gulmarg to Apharwat top, Gulmarg has become one of the highest lift-served ski resorts in the world. The total aerial distance covered by Gulmarg Gondola is 5 kilometers and when you viewed from the cable car it becomes a sight not forgotten easily.
Pony Ride in Kashmir
Scenic landscapes enchants all visitors but sometime your feet might not carry you through the dizzying heights and long distances, in such case ponies take you to theses magical locations. You can find horse (ponies) in popular holiday resorts especially in those places where some roads are not motor able in highlands. Tourists hire ponies to carry out trekking activity in the highlands of the valley. At pocket friendly costs you can hire the beasts. Make sure to carry food and water along with you on your rides.
Golfing in Kashmir
There are four world-class golf courses in the Kashmir with each one of them ensuring beautiful landscapes. Gulmarg and Srinagar are the top destination for golfing in Kashmir. The mesmerizing locations of emerald greenery surrounded by Pine and Chinar trees is awe-inspiring. Another pleasant reason to go for golfing in these courses is that they are never fully crowded. You can completely relax and complete rounds at your pace.
Camping in Kashmir
If you want to enjoy fresh air of the mountains with breathtaking views! No place will be batter from Kashmir valley! Actually Campers can enjoy the paradisiacal beauty in the valley. Go for camping, trekking at places by the rivers on the top of mountains and wherever you heart wants. Savor the natural bliss so abundant here. The days spent away from chaos of cities, breathing in pure air of mountains, sleeping under the unpolluted skies opening up to inspiring views of the Milky Way is simply unforgettable.
River Rafting in Kashmir
River rafting has been introduced quite recently in the Kashmir valley. The challenge of the rafting the turbulent rivers fresh from glacial origins is exhilarating. The icy summits of the Himalayas are the birthplace of some of India’s mighty rivers. these waterways fed by innumerable streams race along meandering boulder strewn river beds, cutting deep gorges and dividing into silvery white rapids. The sport of white water river rafting calls for a triumph over the swift swirling river as it gushes past. River rafting is mainly popular in the upper reaches of Kashmir where the water is wild and white as it froths and foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep gradients. River rafting too has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty. Go for guided tours as these can be threatening for the first timers.
Shopping in Kashmir
Kashmir does not disappoint the shopaholics. There are various rare finds to take home. Row upon row of shops filled with handicrafts line the streets. The selection is awesome. There are objects to suit every pocket, the diversity is fascinating. Kashmiri handicrafts are prized things to purchase for their exquisite craftsmanship. The carpets in Kashmir, in both wool and silk are an investment. The simple works or the Persian designs, these masterpieces glorify your homes for generations.
The papier-mâché items are quite eye catchy. Ranging from jewellery boxes to mirror frames, intricately carved walnut wood furniture and accessories, stone jewellery boxes, beautiful woolen shawls, crewel embroidery on furnishing material sold by the meter and more prizes. You shall absolutely love to bring home few remembrances of the earthly paradise.
Top things to shop in Kashmir
Kashmiri shawls are exquisite souvenirs to shop for. Made from three fibres, wool, pashmina and Shahtoos, these soft fabrics make wonderful warm shawls. The handmade embroidery is also superb. Be aware of the fake ones.
Silk carpets are among Kashmir’s most famous creations. A carpet may well be the most expensive purchase from your trip to Kashmir but it is a lifelong investment.
Wood Carving are extremely beautiful and worth buying as Kashmir is the only part of India where the walnut tree grows.
Kashmir has a wide range of varieties in silk textile designs. ‘Chinon’ and ‘Crepe de chine’ are some of the fine qualities produced from the silk yarn.
The old city abounds with shops where objects of copper line the walls, the floor and even the ceiling, made generally for the local market. The silverware is equally exquisite.
At first glance, all paper Mache objects look roughly the same, but there is a price differential which depends on the quality of the product. These make some amazing souvenirs to take home.
Willow rushes grow plentifully in marshes and lakes in Kashmir. These are used to make charmingly quaint objects.
Dry fruits like walnuts, almonds and spices like saffron, shah zira and honey are some of the unrivalled specialties of Srinagar.
Phiran, the commonly worn garment in the valley, made of wool with appealing embroidery are also worth purchasing.
Best markets for Shopping : The best markets to check out in Kashmir are Lal Chowk, Residency Road, Badshah Chowk, Polo View Road, Floating Vegetable Market, Kashmir Government Arts Emporium, etc. walk about the markets, explore some good bargains and bring home souvenirs of your cherished holiday.
Kashmiri Cuisines
Even if you are not a food connoisseur, savoring delectable Kashmiri cuisines tops the chart when we talk about best things to do in Kashmir. Cuisines of Kashmir have a unique flavor and aroma that make them hard to resist for any tourist. The rich delicacies of Wazwan and Kashmiri meals with exquisite specialties of rista, tabakh maaz, rogan josh, gushtaba and many other dishes.
The feast of Wazwan is a part and parcel of celebrations in Kashmir. It is an attribute of royalty but having it in the perfect ambiance and amidst the traditional music and songs makes it truly a life time experience. The elaborate preparation of food and their ancient presentation adds to the charm of the nobility of Kashmiri cookery.
The meals in Kashmiri is served on massive copper plate referred to as Tram that contains the steamed rice on that the types of meat that embody mithi, kebab, Tabakh Maaz, Chiken and Daniphul are terribly superbly placed dividing the tram into four and four person take meals on one plate. To savor the style of eater dishes of wazwan attend a wedding of Kashmiri Pandits and it’ll be wonderful to style the dum aloo, chuk wangun, zaffran pulao and far a lot of. Richness of the style of those dishes is enough to enchant your style buds.
Kahwa additionally referred to as tea, is formed during a kettle with numerous spices another with sugar to present it a sweet style. The delectable style of this tea is known everywhere the globe. Besides being good for the atmospheric condition of Jammu and Kashmir, it additionally aids digestion.
