Kashmir - Paradise on Earth
Though it is a place in dispute between India and Pakistan, there are many safe places to visit in Kashmir. You can enjoy a great vacation if you plan your route well. As some places are under strict security, you have to obtain a pass to enter there. So make sure to plan your trip accordingly to avoid problems. The delightful places and mountainous geography of Kashmir will surely relax your nerves and fill you with joy. If you are an adventure lover, you can take part in thrilling activities in the valley. The cool weather will soothe your soul, tormented with the scorching heat in the Indian subcontinent. So plan your next vacation to this gorgeous land.
The valley is famous for its ancient history. During the medieval periods, the land gained popularity for its Hindu-Buddhist syncretism. Later Muslim religion also was introduced into Kashmir. Many great people are associated with the place. Abhinavagupta — the great philosopher and mystic — was born in Kashmir valley. Emperor Asoka is credited with founding the capital of Srinagar. It is here that the great monist philosopher Adi Shankara assented the throne of Sarvajna Pitha. Many dynasties like Karkota, Shah Mir, Mughal, Durrani, and Sikh ruled over Kashmir. Everyone left their footprints on the land, which has now become a famous pilgrim and tourist center.
Many enchanting locations dot the valley. The charming beauty of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar are exceptional. There are very few places in the world like them that overflow with natural beauty. You can enjoy a great picnic in these locations. The historic places like Bahu fort, Martand Sun Temple, Dastgeer Sahib mosque, Gateway of Enclosure, and so on evoke respect. The pluralistic culture of the land proclaims the welcoming mindset of India. Hence plan your next trip to this beautiful land.
Top attractions in Kashmir
Best Time To Visit Kashmir
Kashmir is a year-round tourist location. There are many seasonal attractions in the valley. Nevertheless, October to March is considered the best time to visit Kashmir. The weather during this time will be comfortable and will promote sightseeing.
The summer season begins in March here and lasts till May. The place experiences a warm climate during this time. But the nights are still cold. If you are not a fan of cold winters, you can choose this time of the year for your Kashmir tour. It is also the time for the famous pilgrimage to Amarnath called Amarnath yatra.
Monsoon sets in Kashmir in June. The place receives a moderate rainfall till September. It is also the time when the valley sees a thinning in the tourist crowds to the region.
November marks the onset of winter. The temperature can go well below 0 degrees Celcius. The heavy snowfall covers the landscape in a thick white coat of snow. Tourists love to visit the place during this time of the year. But the adverse climate can cause road closures and thus affect connectivity to different places. So it is better to visit Kashmir in October when the snow starts but not so severe as to block the tourist activities.
How To Reach Kashmir
- By Air: Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport, also known as Srinagar International Airport, located just 15 kilometers away is the closest one to the tourist destination. You can also reach Kashmir through Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. Both the terminals have frequent flights to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and so on. You can hire a taxi from the airport at an affordable rate to reach Kashmir in no time.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Kashmir is the Jammu Tawi railway station. There are trains connecting the different parts of India to the station. You can reach the destination is easily by hiring a taxi from the station.
- By Road: Kashmir is served by a network of state and national highways. National Highway 1 passes through the region. Regular bus services run by the state government and private operators connect the nearby cities to Kashmir. You may also enjoy the panoramic view of the landscape by driving through it.
