Table of Contents
Introduction
If you want to go to the heaven of the earth and spend some precious time, then definitely go to Jammu and Kashmir.Kashmir is a breathtakingly beautiful region that’s located in the northernmost part of India. The region has been a popular tourist destination for decades, known for its snow-capped mountains, stunning lakes, and rich culture.Here is an ultimate post-COVID travel guide to help you explore the best of Kashmir:
Planning Your Trip to Kashmir: Essential Information and Travel Guidelines
1)Covid-19 guidelines:
Make sure to check the latest COVID-19 guidelines before planning your trip. As of now, travelers are required to carry a negative RT-PCR test report, obtained within 72 hours of arrival in Kashmir. It’s also advisable to carry a few masks, sanitizers, and practice social distancing.
2) How to reach:
Kashmir is well-connected by air, rail, and road to major cities in India. Here’s how you can reach Kashmir:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir, is the Srinagar International Airport. It’s well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with regular flights operated by various airlines. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-paid cab to reach your destination in Kashmir.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Kashmir is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is located in the city of Jammu. It’s well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, with regular trains operated by Indian Railways. From Jammu, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Srinagar or other destinations in Kashmir.
By Road:
Kashmir is well-connected to major cities in North India like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar, by road. You can either take a private taxi or a bus operated by the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) or other private operators. The journey from Delhi to Srinagar takes around 24 hours by road.
It’s important to note that some areas of Kashmir are restricted for tourists and require a permit to visit. Make sure to check the latest guidelines and regulations before planning your trip.
3)Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Kashmir is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is lush and green. However, if you’re looking to experience the snow, then December to February is the ideal time to visit.
4)Places to visit:
Kashmir has numerous scenic places to visit, some of which include:
Srinagar:
The capital city of Kashmir, known for its beautiful Mughal gardens and Dal Lake. Take a shikara ride on the lake, and don’t miss out on trying the famous Kashmiri kahwa tea.Here’s a brief overview of what Srinagar has to offer:
Mughal Gardens: Srinagar is home to some of the most beautiful Mughal gardens in India, which were built during the Mughal era. Some of the famous gardens include Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. These gardens are known for their intricate design, fountains, and flowerbeds, and are a perfect place for a relaxing stroll.
Dal Lake:
The Dal Lake is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Srinagar and is known for its stunning beauty. You can take a shikara ride on the lake, which is a traditional Kashmiri boat, and enjoy the serene surroundings. You can also stay on a houseboat on the lake for a unique experience.
Hazratbal Shrine:
Hazratbal Shrine is a famous Muslim shrine located on the banks of the Dal Lake and is known for its holy relic, which is believed to be a hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad. The shrine is a popular place of worship for Muslims and is open to people of all faiths.
Jama Masjid:
Jama Masjid is a historic mosque located in the heart of the old city of Srinagar. It was built in the 14th century by Sultan Sikander Shah and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate design.
Shankaracharya Temple:
Shankaracharya Temple is a famous Hindu temple located on top of a hill in Srinagar. It’s dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 9th century AD. The temple offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular place of worship for Hindus.
Gulmarg:
A picturesque hill station famous for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Pahalgam:
Known as the “Valley of Shepherds,” Pahalgam is home to stunning waterfalls, lush meadows, and the Lidder river.
Sonmarg:
Known as the “Meadow of Gold,” Sonmarg is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is a popular base for trekking and camping.
Leh:
While not technically in Kashmir, Leh is a must-visit destination located in the neighboring region of Ladakh. It’s known for its stunning mountain landscapes and vibrant Buddhist culture.
5)Activities to do:
Apart from sightseeing, there are plenty of activities to do in Kashmir, such as:
Trekking: Kashmir offers numerous trekking routes, from easy day hikes to multi-day treks that take you through scenic mountain passes and beautiful valleys.
Skiing:
Gulmarg is one of the best places in India for skiing and snowboarding, with powdery slopes and stunning views.
Houseboat stay:
Spend a night on a traditional Kashmiri houseboat on Dal Lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Rafting:
The Lidder river in Pahalgam offers exciting rafting opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.
6)Food to try:
Kashmiri cuisine is a unique blend of Indian and Central Asian flavors, with some must-try dishes, such as:
Rogan josh:
A spicy lamb dish cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy.
Dum aloo:
A potato dish cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy.
Kashmiri pulao:
A fragrant rice dish cooked with nuts, raisins, and aromatic spices.
Gushtaba:
A famous Kashmiri meatball curry, made with yogurt and spices.
Sheer chai:
A pink-colored tea made with milk, salt, and green tea leaves.
Conclusion
Kashmir is a paradise for travelers, with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. With proper planning and precautions, you can have a safe and memorable trip to this beautiful region.
