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When we talk about Kashmir, the first thing that strikes our mind is probably the ethereal beauty that encompasses the whole of Kashmir. Nestled between luscious green valleys and snow-capped mountains, the beauty of Kashmir is unparalleled. Kashmir has a piece to offer to anyone who wishes to visit the place.
Kashmir is one of the long-time crowd favorites, and I can fully understand why. It may relatively be considered a travel destination mostly for tourists or visitors seeking adventure, but don’t let that give you the impression that the array of activities and what attractions there are to see would be equally modest in its offerings. Your trip most likely will not be lacking in fun things to do! The numerous tourist points of interest and the things to do in Kashmir mentioned below are all you need for a wonderful holiday in Kashmir.
Unique Things to experience in Kashmir
There are certain things in Kashmir that every tourist must get indulged in to have an experience that would be worth remembering. Listed below are the things that will make your trip more happening.
3. Shikara Ride
4. Gondola Ride
1. A visit to the magnificent gardens
Travelling, like life, is a fast-paced adventure. There's just so much to do, so much to see in this world, and Kashmir is certainly no exception. The beauty of Kashmir comes not only from the city’s landmarks and stately buildings but also from its lush green parks and gardens. These gardens beckon locals and visitors alike to sit and relax, rest those weary feet, forget the cares of the day, and enjoy the trees and brightly colored blooms. A leisurely afternoon stroll outdoors with your dearest travel companions offers a whole new way to explore the city. So the next time you're in Kashmir, celebrate the natural beauty of the city, breath in the fresh air, and take time to smell the roses in these beautiful parks and gardens.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fees: INR 24 Per Person (Approx.)
Famous Gardens in Kashmir: Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, Chasmeshahi Garden, Pari Mahal Garden, Tulip Garden, Nehru Garden.
2. Kashmiri Houseboat Stay
One of the most loved and recommended activities in Kashmir is the Houseboat Stay and it attracts a lot of tourists. There are a lot of luxury hotels and resorts in Kashmir valley where tourists can spend their vacations comfortably, but it is the houseboat stay in Kashmir that makes this experience a unique one. 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 on 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.
Where to stay – Dal Lake, Nagin Lake
Best Time to Stay – Throughout the Year
Cost – INR 1,000 to 7,000 Per Night (Approx.)
3. Shikara Ride
Another loved activity that has garnered quite a lot of attention is the light rowing boat called the Shikara ride. Boat rides in Kashmir are a great way to experience the beauty, fun and adventure this place has to offer. Considered to be one of the best things to do in Srinagar, this simple Shikara boat ride brings instant joy and some quality quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Riding on a boat amidst the clean blue water of Dal Lake, enjoying the surrounding of the snow-draped mountains and the soft sound of the boatman’s oar breaking the surface of the water, this activity will surely be a breath-taking experience.
Where To Try: Dal Lake in Srinagar and Manasbal Lake near Sonamarg Timings: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm; all days of the week Cost Per Person: INR 150 – INR 250
4. Gondola Ride
One of the most exciting and fun things to experience in Kashmir is the Gondola cable car ride. A top attraction in Gulmarg, the Gondola cable car ride is Asia’s largest and highest cable car project. The ride that takes you high in the sky offers you a bird’s eye view of Gulmarg valley covered either in a white sheet of snow or lush green vegetation. One of the cable cars moves up from Gulmarg to Kongdoor, and another one goes up from Kongdoor to Apharwat. It is about 13,500 ft above sea level and offers a view like no other.
Where: Gulmarg
Who can be a part of it: All age groups.
Timings – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Cost: It will cost INR 600 per person from Gulmarg to Kungdoor and INR 800 per person from Kungdoor to Apharwat. Entry is free for kids below three years of age. (approx.)
5. Tulip Festival
One of the most beautiful flower festivals in the country, the Tulip Festival held at Tulip Garden in Kashmir is truly a treat to the senses. The garden proudly displays rows and rows of beautiful tulip flowers in an array of colors. The bright colors will impress your sight while the mesmerizing smell of the blooms will refresh your mind. Gazing upon this nature’s wonder from afar, you feel like the rainbow decided to descend on the earth and offer you a celestial view of what paradise would look like.
Best time to Visit: March and April
Timings: 8 am to 7 pm Mon-Sun. Entry Fee: INR50 for adults and INR25 for children
6. Srinagar Heritage Walk
The capital of Srinagar, formerly called 'Shahar-e-Khas' by Mughals, offers an excellent opportunity for city walks along its pathways filled with historical charms, ancient shrines, gurudwaras, churches, temples, mosques, forts, bazaars, and many more. Witness the magnificent structures of Jamia Masjid which features 370 pillars made out of the Maple tree. Take a walk through the lanes of the old Srinagar which has old markets of spices, dry fruits, and threads. This walk helps you get a deep insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Kashmiris.
Where: Srinagar
Who can be a part of it: All age groups
Difficulty level: Easy
7. Wildlife Tour
Kashmir’s vast expanse of land and lakes make it a perfect location to spy on animals, birds, and marine life that any visitors will find fascinating. The wildlife of Kashmir is rich and home to some of the most wonderful and rare species of fauna. But Kashmir’s wilderness environment doesn’t always make observing wildlife easy. However, visiting wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Kashmir can let help you experience the thrilling adventure of spotting exotic and rare species that are native to the Himalayan region. Tours can often provide better opportunities to encounter wildlife like Tibetan Wild Dog, Tibetan Gazelle, Himalayan Tahr, Markhor, Kashmir Musk Deer, Chiru, Snow Leopard, Hangul, Brown trout, Mahseer, etc.
National Parks to visit: Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park, Dachigam National Park, Kazinag National Park, and Salim Ali National Park.
Wildlife sanctuaries to visit: Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary, and Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kashmir offers tourists a wide range of things to do and places to see. The plethora of things that can be experienced in Kashmir is endless. Kashmir is a very safe travel destination given you take all the necessary precautions and get yourself vaccinated. The whole state is magical and you will feel the magic once you visit there. There is so much more to Kashmir, which surely can’t be missed. So, on your next trip to Kashmir, make sure you try out every place that has been mentioned and experiences the beauty of Kashmir with renewed vigor.