Kashmir

 

Kashmir is rightly known as the heaven on earth. Also called as 'Paradise on earth" Jammu and Kashmir is one of India's most treasured and favoured  tourist destinations. Blessed and gifted with immense natural beauty of the snow clad peaks, apple orchards, and lush greenery, Kashmir proves as to why it is the most cherished place in India as well as the world. The state is popular for its picturesque beauty, the Pashmina shawls and the crystal clear blue lakes that dot the Himalayan terrain. It is a religious state consisting of people practising Islam , Buddhism and Hinduism. And don't forget the mouth watering Kashmiri cuisine 'Wazwan'.

HOW TO REACH: 

By air: You can fly to Sheikh Ul Alam airport in Srinagar, the Jammu airport in Jammu or the airport in Leh depending on which part of the valley you are headed to. Some of the popular airlines flying to this state are Jet Airways , Air India  and Spice Jet.

By rail:

If you are travelling by train, you need to disembark at Udhampur , Jammu Tawi or Banihal railway station.

By road:

If you are travelling by road , you have to go via National highway 1A as it connects to different cities of Jammu and Kashmir. There are comfortable and cost effective private buses travelling from neighbouring cities like Manali, Shimla , Ludhiana and Delhi.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The winter months are the best time to visit the Jammu region whereas the summer months from April to October are ideal to visit the Kashmir region. March and April mark the spring season and early summers in the Kashmir valley.- the hills are lush green and flowers blossom all around , making this a beautiful time to visit.

WHAT TO EAT: Rogan josh and Yakhni are the most popular mutton dishes , whereas 'dum olav' can be enjoyed by vegetarians. Don't forget to try the street food served in this state.

SHOPPING: Kashmiri shawls and carpets should be a must in your shopping list especially the 'Pashmina' wool shawls. Dry fruits and handicrafts are also popular shopping items here.

 

PLACES TO VISIT:

1) Srinagar

2) Leh 

3) Ladakh

4) Gulmarg

5) Sonmarg

6) Dal lake

7) Vaishno Devi

8) Jammu

9) Kargil

10) Nubra valley

11)  Udhampur

12) Rajouri

13) Pulwama

14)  Kupwara

15) Amarnath

16) Pahalgam

17) Mughal gardens

18) Kashmir valley

 

THINGS TO DO : Shikara ride, adventure sports , visit Buddhist Monasteries

Kashmir is famous for its scenic beauty, flower gardens, apple farms and more. Its so beautiful that anyone would fall in love with this place. On seeing Kashmir, I felt like  I was the king of the world. It is sad that this place is facing a lot of turmoil due to conflicts between India and Pakistan as to who would conquer this region.  Along with enjoyment , this area has become scary as no one knows what would happen next. Inspite of all odds, the people of Kashmir have risen up positively by  maintaining the beauty of this place and facing whatever comes in their way.  Tourism is the main source of income here.  This place has become a source of inspiration for the entire world by showing that inspite of all ups and downs in life, we can always come up strongly and carry on with our life. The beauty of Kashmir will always remain in my heart and soul.