Kashmir is referred as ‘Paradise on Earth’, and has been known for its unparalleled alpine beauty and breathtaking valleys. Every year Kashmir is visited by honeymooners, holidaymakers and adventure seekers from all across India and abroad.
The Kashmir Valley
Most tourist planning a trip to Kashmir often wonder how to reach Kashmir however, this beautiful valley is well connected with the rest of the country by means of air, road and rail.
Here is the complete information on how to reach Kashmir by air, rail and road services.
By Air:
It is a real pleasure to travel by air and get an aerial view of the snow capped mountains of the entire Kashmir region during winters and the same in summers when the mountains reflect different shades of greens.
The Majestic view of the Pir Panjal mountain range from an air plane
The city of Srinagar has an airport called ‘Sheikh – ul – Alam’ Airport which is also an international airport and is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Jammu. The airport is located about 15 km from the center of the city.
A Air India flight lands at Srinagar Airport
All major airlines operate their flights to Srinagar and tourist can even opt for cheap airline tickets to Srinagar from budget airlines operating on this route. Flights operate throughout the year with increased frequency during tourist season. This is the easiest and the most convenient way to reach Srinagar from any part of India via Delhi, Chandigarh or Jammu.
Please Note: All foreign nationals are required to register themselves at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, at the Airport counter.
By Rail:
Presently Srinagar does not have a fully operational railway station of its own. Jammu Tawi Railway station is the main rail head for the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the city of Jammu is connected with major cities of the country by both the fast and super fast trains that connects it to distant places like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Indore, Guwahati, Chennai, Gorakhpur, Mangalore, Bangalore and many more.
Jammu Tawi Railway Station at Jammu
During tourist or holiday season when there is a heavy rush of tourist visiting Kashmir, additional trains are operated for and from Jammu Tawi station.
After reaching Jammu – Tawi station from outside Jammu Railway station, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Srinagar. The distance between Jammu and Srinagar is about 300 km.
Upcoming Railway network in Kashmir Region:
Railway network in Kashmir Region (Please click to enlarge)
With a view to provide an alternative route besides roadways the government of India has planned a 345 km long railway network which will connect the Kashmir valley to the Indian Railway network. Officially termed as Jammu Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Railway link, the railway line will start at Jammu and will travel for 345 km all the way to Baramulla on the northwestern edge of the Kashmir Valley.
Kashmir Railway
Over the years a few sections and stages within the Railway network have began operating i.e. section between Anantnag and Rajwanshwer, Rajwanshwer to Baramulla and a section between Qazi Qund to Anantnag. The work is still in progress on various sections and the entire rail link is expected to be fully operational by the year 2020.
By Road:
If you want to explore the virgin beauty of Jammu and Kashmir then a trip by road from Jammu to Srinagar is the ideal way .The national highway (NH 1A) between Jammu and Srinagar is one of the most picturesque highways in India.
Jammu to Srinagar National Highway
The road is beautiful, smooth and hassle free as is being maintained by BRO (Border Road Organization) the road wing of Indian army. The distance between Jammu to Srinagar by road is about 300 km.
By Bus:
The best way to reach Srinagar by road is from Jammu, since the city is accessible from all major cities of India by both public and private transport. J&K State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC), Delhi Transport Corporation buses and Haryana State Road Transport Corporation (HSRTC) buses ply between Jammu and Delhi on a daily basis.
Private operators operate Super Deluxe, Deluxe, Volvo, Video Coaches and A-class buses between Jammu and Srinagar which are easily available outside Jammu Railway Station and at the Tourist Reception Center. B – Class or State run transport buses to Srinagar are easily available from the general bus stands at Jammu Bus Depot near the station. A Bus ride between Jammu to Srinagar is comfortable and cost effective and takes about 10 – 12 hours to cover the distance of 300 km which is full of ascends and descends on the mountainous route.
By Car:
Tourist can also hire a private cab or take a share taxi to Srinagar which is easily available outside Jammu Railway station.
There are several places enroute(Jammu to Srinagar) which have been developed for the convenience of the travelers i.e. places like Jajjar Kotli, Kud, Pantnitop, Batote, Ramban, Banihal and Qazi Gund have tourist bungalows, restaurants, petrol pumps, repair shops, ATM’s and other utility & service centers.
The charges of cabs for private and share taxis may vary depending whether it is a tourist season or not. By Car it generally takes about 8 hours to reach Srinagar from Jammu.
Distance between major nearby cities from Jammu
Delhi – 575 km
Chandigarh – 343 km
Amritsar – 243 km
Katra – 50 km
Getting around Srinagar
The main modes of transport for traveling in and around Srinagar are:
Luxury Coaches:
Luxury coaches are operated by Jammu and Kashmir tourism department(J&K TDC) and Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation(J&K SRTC) are easily available and is the best way to explore Kashmir economically .Public transport in Kashmir are functional on a daily basis from 04:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.
Taxi:
There are 2 types of Taxi’s operating in Srinagar i.e. ‘Full Hire Taxi’ and ‘Share Taxi’, which are easily available for sightseeing within Srinagar and for excursions from Srinagar, but before you hire a ‘Full Hire Taxi’ kindly fix the rates before boarding one.’ Share Taxi’ generally ply between nearby towns i.e. Srinagar to Anantnag or Srinagar to Gulmarg, etc they have fixed rates and carry about 8 – 10 passengers (Tata Sumo).
Luxury Cars:
Luxury cars are easily available and can be hired directly from tour operators in Srinagar or via hotel staff and is the best way to travel around Srinagar and nearby areas, but it is an expensive option especially during tourist season.
Mini Buses:
Mini Buses in Kashmir are privately run and are a common mode of transport in Kashmir for both locals and tourist. These buses operate throughout Srinagar and have fixed routes which also cover many tourist spots. This is an ideal way to travel for budget travelers and bag packers.
Auto Rickshaws:
3 wheeler rickshaws are easily available throughout Srinagar and is an ideal way to travel short distances, but make sure you bargain effectively with the drivers before boarding one.
Motorcycles:
Youngsters in groups and adventure enthusiast can hire motorcycles and explore Srinagar and its nearby areas at their own pace and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Every year Kashmir welcomes tourist from all over the world to its picturesque valleys, pristine lakes, snow capped mountains, exquisite gardens, historical monuments along with plenty of scope for indulging in adventure activities like trekking, camping, water-sports and a lot more activities.
Surrounded with the sublime mountains, these valleys echo nature, beauty and a certain level of mysticism. If only words could describe the stunning beauty of the landscape of Kashmir, such is the beauty that you will discover a poet in yourself.
Pristine Lakes
Nature has blessed Kashmir with many beautiful gifts and the most fascinating of them all are the numerous lakes. Whatever you crave for on a holiday, the lakes of Kashmir have it all. If you are looking for a peaceful and tranquil environment the scenic beauty and calmness of the lakes in Kashmir provide you with that. If you are water sport
enthusiast then the lakes of Kashmir offer a plethora of water sport and adventure activities. If you are looking for a royal stay on a luxurious houseboat then there is no other place than the Dal Lake in Kashmir.
A beautiful view of the Dal Lake with House boats at the backdrop.
Apart from that, the beautiful lakes are surrounded by snow capped mountains; the entire scenic beauty leaves one speechless. The most enchanting activity on the lakes of Kashmir is a boat ride in a decorated Shikara boat.
Furthermore the lakes of Kashmir also serve as a bird watchers paradise which is home to a numerous species of exotic birds.Not only are the lakes charming in its beauty but also serve as a source of livelihood for many locals of Kashmir, as they have numerous floating gardens which produce a variety of vegetables and fruits which are sold on the famous floating markets(lakes) of Kashmir.
The famous floating markets on the Dal Lake.
Famous Lakes: Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Manasbal Lake, Anchar Lake and Wular Lake and many other.
Activities: Shikara rides, Houseboat stay, Water sports, Fishing, Kayaking, Bird watching, Photography and watching marine life.
Exquisite Moghul Gardens
If you like visiting gardens, appreciate flowers and colorful plants of different types while adding a touch of history to it then visit the Mughal gardens of Kashmir.
A view of the sunset from Nishat Bagh
The Mughal gardens of Kashmir are a group of gardens (Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi) which were built by the Mughals in the Persian style of architecture. Terraced lawns, cascading fountains, bright flowerbeds, etc along with panoramic views of the Dal Lake were the ideas of paradise of the Mughal emperors in the bygone era, today these gardens serve as an ideal place for picnics and recreational activities.
The Tulip garden in Srinagar is open in the month of April to tourist.
Besides the Mughal gardens the beautiful valley of Kashmir boasts of a number of parks and gardens and with the advent of spring Asia’s largest tulip garden in Kashmir brings out the riot of colours adding to the majestic beauty of Kashmir.All year round the magnificent charm of the gardens of Kashmir draws a number of tourists from all corners of the world where they spend time sitting, relaxing and enjoying the scenic beauty.
The Chashme Shahi Gardens
Many enthusiastic tourists also get themselves photographed in traditional Kashmiri attires while exploring the beautiful gardens which are full of a variety of flowers, plants and ancient Chinar trees some dating back to 400 years.
The Botanical Gardens in Srinagar
Famous Gardens : Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Tulip Garden, Pari Mahal, Harwan Garden, Achabal Garden, Verinag Garden, Botanical Garden and Dara Shikoh Garden.
Activities: Sightseeing, Recreational Activities, Nature Photography, Try out a traditional Kashmiri dress, Enjoy a family picnic, Explore the ancient gardens, Sound and Light show in the evenings, Relax and Laze around.
Discover picturesque Valleys
While describing the beauty of Kashmir Mughal Emperor Jehangir once exclaimed “Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast”. It means “If there is a paradise on earth, It is this, it is this, it is this”.
The captivating beauty of the valleys in Kashmir cannot be described in words which are home to stunning natural lakes, streams, waterfalls, national parks, lush green meadows, alpine mountains and a variety of rare flora and fauna.
The valleys of Kashmir have played a significant role by being part of the scenic backdrop of many Bollywood movies and are perfect romantic destinations for the newlyweds as it’s here that both romance and nature come alive.
Besides that the valleys of Kashmir offer tourist scenic vistas and a pristine environment ideal for adventure activities like trekking, camping and photography.
Valleys : Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari, Nagin Valley, Dras Valley, Baltal Valley, Warwan Valley, Amarnath Valley and many more.
Activities: Trekking, Camping, Rock climbing, Pony rides, Photography.
Explore Historical Monuments:
Kashmir has a history of more than 5000 years and has been ruled by various dynasties, besides having enormous natural beauty; Kashmir has fascinated every traveler with its monumental heritage for time immemorial.
Hari Parbat fort in Srinagar
While walking through the lanes of Srinagar or other smaller towns of Kashmir you will find the majestic monuments that tell tales about the great rulers of Kashmir. Forts, palaces and mansions that stand tall on mountain peaks, lavish gardens or veil themselves behind scenic hills have always added to the rich historical heritage of Kashmir.
The ancient Martand Sun temple
While most of the historical monuments are still well maintained a few are in a ruined state but they still stand elegantly carrying their rich heritage and legacy to the curiosity of the onlookers. Today, efforts are being made by the locals and government organizations to restore and preserve these historical structures for the sake of future
generations.So come and get conquered by the magical charm of the historical monuments of Kashmir.
Popular monuments: Hari Parbat fort, Martand Sun temple, Pari Mahal, Sher Garhi Palace and many more.
Religious and Spiritual Places
From the presence of the mighty Amarnath temple on mount Amarnath to the shiny white marble structure of the Hazratbal shrine on the shores of the Dal Lake, most of the pilgrimage centers in Kashmir are located on picturesque locations making them a wonderful treat for the eyes.
The Amarnath Cave temple
The religious richness of Kashmir is very well represented by several sacred shrines belonging to Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, the best part of a pilgrimage to Kashmir being the peaceful coexistence of various religions in Kashmir. The living proof of this harmony can be seen at the Hari Parbhat hill where there is a temple, a mosque and a gurudwara standing side by side.
Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar
Besides that the Kashmir valley has several spiritual and meditation centers belonging to all faiths and are located amongst the most beautiful and scenic surroundings enough to leave visitors spell bound and speechless.
The beautiful Hazratbal mosque near Dal Lake in Srinagar
Mosque: Hazratbal mosque, Jamia Masjid, Khanqah e Moula, Makhdoom Sahib.
Gurudwara: Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Jungle safaris and visits to sanctuaries are right on top of every travelers list. The National parks of Kashmir are a good option for visitors who want to enjoy the view of carpeted grass lands, meadows and wildlife in their natural habitat.
A rare vew of a Kashmiri Stag at a National Park in Kashmir
Kashmir has almost half a dozen national parks and sanctuaries. These parks are home to the rare ‘Hangul’ or ‘Kashmir Stag’ and many more animals like musk deer, leopard, Himalayan grey langur, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan brown bear, jackal, hill fox, Himalayan weasel and more.
A Himalayan bear enjoys a dip in a pond
The best way to explore the national parks is through a jeep safari, tourist can also take their private vehicles or hike through the forest with a help of a guide and get a closer look at the area’s biodiversity. The weather inside the national parks remains cool making it the perfect place for a daytime picnic. The best time to visit these sanctuaries is at dawn when animals and birds are out in search of food and water or during dusk.
A snow leopard
National Park: Dachigam National Park, Salim Ali National Park, Daksum Wildlife Sanctuary, Overa – Aru Wildlife Reserve, Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary.
Adventure Sports
Kashmir is perhaps the only place in India where a variety of adventure sports can be taken up in a single holiday. Today it has emerged as hub for adventure sports activities.
Paragliding gives an awesome view of the Kashmir valley
Many peaks are covered with snow throughout the year which serves as a perfect play ground for adventure sports, the picturesque mountains of Gulmarg and Sonmarg will give you ample reasons for skiing. The beautiful deep valleys of Kashmir provide a perfect environment and terrain for aero sports like paragliding, hand gliding and hot air balloon trips.
Tourist enjoy the view while trekking in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir
For those who love to experience the challenging might of nature can take up mountain trekking through the famous trekking routes and enjoy camping in the valley by night. Furthermore, the restless streams and gushing rivers of Kashmir are perfect hot spots for river rafting and kayaking.
A tourist enjoys a water ski in the Dal Lake.
While those who prefer it quite, the fishing season spreads across the entire summer hence Trout fishing and angling serves as a another great adventure sport in the valley. Golf courses of Gulmarg are one their kind and provide excellent opportunities and experience for golfing to all.
White water rafting is fun during the summers in Kashmir
Popular sports: Trekking, Camping, Golfing, Aero sports, Water sports, Game Fishing. Best Places: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Drass and Khilanmarg.
Winter sports
While the spring and summer seasons in Kashmir are ideal for adventure sport activities like trekking, aero sports and water sports, visiting Kashmir in winter is totally a different experience to enjoy winter sports, which attracts tourist from far and wide and includes activities like snowboarding, sleigh riding, skiing, snow skating, snow trekking, ice hockey, ice skiing and heliskiing.
Enjoy skiing in Gulmarg
Gulmarg, Khilanmarg, Pahalgam, and Patnitop are the major places to enjoy winter sports in Kashmir which begins every year in the month of December and end by March. Kashmir the paradise on earth is thronged by tourist in large numbers during the winter months and Gulmarg is the ideal place for all skiers to test their skills be it beginners or advanced.
Helisking an exciting and adventurous Winter sport at Gulmarg
Gulmarg also offers Heliskiing, Asia’s only Heliskiing resort after Canada and is also the most economical ski resort in the world. Gulmarg being the winter sports capital of India also hosts events like Alpine skiing, Cross country skiing, Biathlon, Ice skating and Ice hockey championships every year which not only keeps tourist entertained but also gives them a chance to participate.
A tourist enjoys snowboarding down the slopes of Khilanmarg
Popular Winter Sports: Snowboarding, Sleigh Riding, Skiing, Snow Skating, Snow Trekking, Ice Hockey, Ice Skiing and Heliskiing.
Best Place: Gulmarg and Khilanmarg.
Cuisines of Kashmir
Just like its picturesque beauty the cuisines of Kashmir are heavenly too, the rich fragrant dishes of Kashmir are steeped in traditions and have evolved through many generations and are a blend of different cooking styles of mainly Kashmiri pandits, Muslims and Mughals.
The use of traditional spices in Kashmiri cuisines is highly intriguing and there is plenty on offer for both vegetarians and non vegetarians. But one must try the ultimate ceremonial feast known as ‘Wazwan’ popular as the ‘feast fit for kings’; it is a princely 36 course banquet and has 30 non vegetarian dishes.
A variety of non vegetarian dishes
Here is a look at some of the most popular vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisines of Kashmir do not miss to relish these delicacies during your trip to Kashmir.
Popular Kashmiri dishes: Wazwan, Gushtaba, Yakhni, Roganjosh, Tabakmaz, Seekh Kababs, Rista, Chaman and Dum Aloo.
Festivals and Cultural Events
The festive season in Kashmir represents a colorful mosaic of its people and the culture of the region. As part of its efforts to attract tourist, every year the Kashmir tourism department organizes many fairs and festivals to showcase the rich heritage of this region. Cultural programs, folk songs, art & culture programs are organized to entertain the visitors besides offering of traditional cuisines.
The Tulip Festival in the month of April in Srinagar.
The unmatched beauty and the unique festivals of this enchanting place is worth experiencing which amalgamates people from all spheres of life; castes and creeds get together and share their happiness with the tourist visiting Kashmir. Apart from religious festivals there are some widely celebrated festivals across Kashmir organized for visiting tourist and are celebrated with great zeal and gaiety.
Locals of Kashmir take part in the saffron festival
Popular festivals : Tulip festival, Gardens of Paradise Festival, Shikara Festival, Saffron Festival, Water sports Festival, Gulmarg Snow Festival, Mansar Food and Craft Mela and Kashmir Festival.
Friendly people of Kashmir
A place is only as beautiful as its people are, the people of Kashmir are very warm and welcoming and they truly believe in the ancient Indian adage ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, for a guest is really a God.
The friendly locals of Kashmir
Apart from the beauty of Kashmir, a trip here will always be memorable because of its warm hearted and hospitable people.
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