Ladakh is one of the few places I have visited more than twice. I don’t normally like to go to the same place again and again, not when there are new moments and experiences waiting to be explored. It could be the spectacularly arid and craggy peaks, the serene gompas (monasteries), the infinite valleys and people as sweet as the fruits grown here. Continue reading
Kashmir is one of the popular tourist destinations in India. And this is the reason, popular hotel aggregation chain- Oyo Rooms have active presence in the state. There are over 46 hotels under Oyo label. These Oyo Rooms are available in affordable category as well as in premium range and in different parts of the city. However, unlike other cities, Oyo offers Oyo Homes as well as Oyo Houseboats in Srinagar and at very affordable rates. Continue reading
The season of romance is back in Kashmir and that too quite literally. Leading travel magazine Lonely Planet has ranked the state as the best romantic destination in India.
Known as the paradise on Earth, Kashmir has been ranked as the world’s second most romantic destination, only next to Switzerland.
Tourists visiting the Valley say it’s this romance in the air that brings them back here.
The perceptions of unrest in Kashmir hasn’t stopped tourists booking Shikara boats to cruise Srinagar’s Dal lake – a picture postcard of romance.
Efforts by successive governments for past many years to make Kashmir a safe and comfortable tourist destination are paying off. Around 4000 tourists arrive in Srinagar daily.
“We came here in 1999. Now, after 18 years, I have come again with my kids” said Jayesh Daga, a tourist from Mumbai.” It’s really beautiful. You can’t find a better place than this,” said Mr Daga
Before militancy struck, Bollywood romedies milked the Kashmir landscape and the Valley also benefited from the traffic the films generated. Now Lonely Planet’s ‘most romantic’ tag has revived hope.
Source: NDTV
You might have always wondered what makes ‘living on houseboats’ an unusual experience? But, believe me there’s a lot to it… a lot which could not be expressed in mere words. In fact, the entire concept of houseboats is too lavish to explain. Historically, Mughal emperors used to spend their vacations on houseboats whenever they wanted to spend some quality time with their better halves. Since then ‘houseboats’ had snobbish tag attached to it.
These are wooden houseboats which have very fancy interiors. To suit the climatic conditions, these boats remains heated during winters. Most of the architecture Continue reading
Like mountains, Kashmir is also famous for its exquisite cuisine which mainly includes meat curries and other flesh related items that are actually treat for people who have appetite for delicious food. Here is Kashmir’s most famous dishes and their recipes:-
Light rain and snowfall occurred in Jammu and Kashmir today breaking the nearly two-month long dry spell in the state.
“There has been light snowfall in the higher reaches and rainfall in the plains of Jammu and Kashmir during the night,” an official of the Met department told IANS.
“Gulmarg received Continue reading
The minimum temperature at most places in Kashmir division, including Ladakh region, went down after showing an upward trend for the last three days, even as the Meteorological Department here predicted fairly widespread wet weather spell over few days from tomorrow.
Mercury in Srinagar decreased by over two degrees Celsius from the previous night’s 2.2 degrees Celsius to settle below the freezing point at a low of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, Continue reading
Cold weather conditions prevailed across the Kashmir Valley as night temperature, which was already below freezing point dipped further, as Leh recorded the lowest temperature of the season at minus 16.4 degrees Celsius.
Temperature at Leh went down by over five notches to minus 16.4 degrees Celsius from minus 11.1 degrees Celsius the previous night, a spokesman for the Met department said Continue reading
‘Kashmir Gaye or Shikara pe na baithe to Khaak Kashmir Gaye’
Dal Lake in Srinagar is famous for more than one reason. Shikara ride is one of them. Houseboat stay is another reason while beautiful view of water field is the third one. Here are some of the important things you shouldn’t forget-
– If you are going in off season, chances are high that you strike a good deal with the rowers. (I paid just Continue reading
If you are planning to go on a family trip to Kashmir, you need to plan your itinerary in the way, so that you didn’t miss out anything. However, understand the truth that for spending unforgettable holidays in Kashmir, you need to spend heavily and mind you, Kashmir can actually burn a hole in your pocket. But don’t worry, it’s worth it.. completely! And you won’t regret it.
Check out with your travel agent, If he can arrange a hotel which have bigger rooms with triple occupancy facility. Local travel advisors are more equipped with such information. Therefore, look for organizer Continue reading
If you have decided to honeymoon in Kashmir, congratulations! You have chosen just the right place to spend some wonderful time with your better half. But before you pack your bags, make sure you keep these 10 things in your bag without fail. All the best-
Finding a chemist shop can be a problematic in Kashmir. Hence carry a first aid box, a medical kit which have all basic medicines for Continue reading
Kashmir has always attracted the fancy of newly wed couples and those who have been planning honeymoon on hills. However, couples always get confused as when to plan the trip to enjoy to the maximum. Hence, here is the cheat code for those planning trips any time soon.
If you are expecting a snow-clad honeymoon, plan your trip in February end or in March. The temperature would be moderate to handle and you can enjoy visiting Sonamarg and Gulmarg where there is enough snow to enjoy.
A pleasant honeymoon can be enjoyed between April and June. There are too many tourists during this period. However, the services are too expensive during this time as the demand is too high. Hence, a pleasant honeymoon can go awry if you haven’t made all arrangements beforehand.
If you plan not to go out of a hotel and stay all day and all night in a cosy quilt, December and January is the best time to do so. Extreme temperature, snow fall and blocked roads are some of the most common sights here. Hence, plan smartly if you want to spend a romantic vacation with your partner.
Write to us if you want to know something about an ideal honeymoon vacation.
Kashmir is not just the heaven on earth but a lover’s paradise as well. Not just Indians, couples from foreign countries can be spotted, enjoying the beauty of the valley. In fact, sometimes it really becomes confusing for travellers what to skip and what to include in their itinerary so that they didn’t miss the real essence of Kashmir. Here are top 5 destinations that you shouldn’t miss while you are on the trip to heaven-
Missing Srinagar from your Kashmir trip is certainly not an option and you shouldn’t think of it also, In fact, if you are not in favour of hopping hotels every day to different getaways, choose Srinagar as base place where you can come back every evening and can spend leisure night at ease. Do spend a romantic evening on Shikara and Dal Lake. Don’t forget to taste the authentic Kashmiri food which also includes ‘Kaaba’, a herbal tea which is very different from what is available in other parts of India.
If skiing is on your mind, missing out Gulmarg would be a sin. You can also try sledging if you love to slide over snow. Gondola is another attraction of Gulmarg which appeals tourists the most. Carry some heavy winter wears to Gulmarg or you have to rent the jackets and boots, which are although not that hygienic but you wont be left with much options as the temperature is close to freezing point, if you are visiting Gulmarg between December to March.
This is the highest golf course in India
Interested in catching up some popular film shoot locations? If yes, Sonamarg is the place for you. The glacier here boasts the history of getting shot for Bollywood movies maximum number of times. Even here the temperature remains negative. Hence, do carry your winter wear here as well. You would be amaze to see the vegetation dotting the road sideways. There are many beautiful sceneries that you would like to capture for your drawing room.
Is trekking on your mind? Don’t forget to experience Pahalgam’s valley which is a heaven for all active trekkers. Walk around the trail or enjoy the scenic view, it is up to you. Betaab Valley is another attraction here which is also a popular location amongst Hindi film directors. There are number of movies which have been shot here in 80s and 90s. Pahalgam is also the starting point of holy Amarnath Yatra.
Jammu can be your base point if you are considering to pay homage at Vaishno Devi and then carry on to Kashmir trip. Travel to Katra from Jammu, trek for 11km and come back to starting point. Rest for overnight and start your road trip to Srinagar that would take nothing less than 12 hours. Patnitop, Udhampur are some of the popular sightseeing points on the way to Srinagar.
If you want us to add few other destinations of your choice, just leave your comment:) Honey
Know the best time to visit Kashmir
Honeymoon is that special time for couples which if not fancy but should be romantic enough to give you memories for your entire life. And for living such special moments, you need to find a destination which can live up to your excitement level and should offer you the best in class experience for the first outing with your better-half. Here we give you few reasons why it is extremely intelligent to celebrate your honeymoon in Kashmir-
Houseboats have fancy rooms with exquisite interiors. Spend overnight over the water and live the once in a lifetime experience. You can order cake for yourself or can get the bed decorated.
If you are visiting the place between December to April, you are surely going to see snow all around. Throw ball, snow man or even skiing, do everything that you can enjoy or even imagine.
Get clicked at Dal Lake, in Shikhara, in Gulmarg, in Gondola, in Sonamarg, at glacier, at Shalimar Garden, at Tulip Garden and everywhere
Skiing, paragliding, mountaineering, trekking and fishing are some of the most popular adventure sports that you can experience with your better half.
Check out adventure sports in Kashmir
Honeymoon packages for Kashmir are available in various budget ranges . These may start from Rs 10,000 and can range up to Rs 21,000 for a 4 night stay. Choose, compare and select the packages as per your requirement or you can also create a customised package.
Kashmir is one of those destinations where more you stay is less. There are so many things to do in the valley that you might get confused where to start from. Therefore to make it an easy experience for you, here we have shortlisted the 10 best things to do in Kashmir which shouldn’t miss at all-
Srinagar will be your base place hence you would be having ample time to explore the town. Start with Shikara Ride where you can enjoy the wonders of water body. The water here is still but you won’t find a single mosquito breeding here. You can float around and relish the beauty of Srinagar landscape.
Gulmarg is famous for the kind of skiing experience it offers. The white snow sheath in the town is luring enough to be resisted by anyone. So what you don’t know the trick, hire the instructor or try out by yourself, just by looking others.
Sonamarg is one of the famous getaways around Srinagar where you have to visit compulsorily. Driving through Sonamarg is an ultimate experience in itself. You can’t escape the beauty of snow clad mountains which will take your heart away.
Wherever you go, you stay in hotel. But Kashmir offers you the chance to spend a night in waters. Hire a houseboat for overnight and experience the luxury of riches and royals.
Wherever you go, whether its Gulmarg or Sonamarg or local Srinagar, just don’t miss the orange sunset in the valley. The best time to experience the beautiful moment is Dec-Feb.
Get some of the original Kashmiri handicraft from the local market. However, it would be tough for you to identify the authentic one, hence take your guide along. You can also buy pure saffron, the speciality of Kashmir.
Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable car ride in the world. You can experience the breezy winds here while exploring LOC from you naked eye. It is an experience of lifetime, which you shouldn’t miss.
Although it would taste a bit different but believe me it would give your taste buds the most amazing experience that you couldn’t forget.
If you have something to add in this list, leave your comment below:)
If you have a leisure day to spend in Kashmir, fishing or angling is one of the activity which you can enjoy. The crystal white water attracts tourists from all around the world to experience the fishing fun in the Kashmir.
In fact Kashmir is one of the unique places which offers best angling experience to tourists. Cold springs, high altitude, turbulent streams and wide variety of fauna are some of the features that makes fishing in Kashmir a must-to-do activity. People say, there is a different kind of thrill that one can feel while angling in the valley.
Here is more you need to know about Fishing in Kashmir
Extending or shortening of duration is sole discretion of Directorate of Fisheries, J&K Government.
Here are some of the points that you need to remember before you plan to go for angling in Kashmir-
Cost of licence – Rs 1000 for local while Rs 2000 for foreign anglers.
Sindh, Lidder, Erin, Ferozpur, Aharbal, Doodh Ganga, Daksum, Noobug, Ahlan, Krishen Ganga & Hirpur. For trout fishing, the most famous ones are Kokernag, Verinag, Sukhnag.
Important tip: If you want to enjoy trekking along with fishing, choose Veshnusar & Gangbal where 3km trek is required.
Kashmir valley not just attracts the nature lovers but also those who love adventuring into new cores. People having interest in mountaineering visit Kashmir to fulfil their desire of climbing some of the most difficult ranges of the world.
Alpine and Himalayas- there are two types of mountain ranges in Kashmir.
Usually, the climbing zone is divided into four region-
Avoid visiting the place once monsoon begins.
Do you desire to explore aero sports and that too in a very modest price? If yes, then Kashmir is the place for you! There are multiple destinations in Kashmir valley where you can enjoy para gliding, even if you are an inexperienced one.
Astanmarg is a small getaway near Srinagar which has state government backing to develop the place as a picnic spot. Currently, Para Gliding activity is operational here, provided the weather remains pleasant.
View: Pir Panjal ranges!
Best time to glide- April-May and August-Sept. (Avoid rainy days!)
Who can do this- Anyone! (You can hire an instructor who would take flight with you and will keep controlling the sway)
How to Reach Astanmarg- It is just 15km from Srinagar from Nishat-Shalimar Road. You can take a private cab to reach here. You need to walk through last 1.5km as the take off point is at heights.
Cost- Rs 2700 per jump
Sanasar is close to Patnitop and is known as hub of adventure sports activities. Paragliding and camping are the most common ones.
View: Brammah Massif
Best time to glide- April-May and August-Sept. (Avoid rainy days!)
Who can do this- Anyone! (You can hire an instructor who would take flight with you and will keep controlling the sway)
How to Reach Sanasar- It is close to Patnitop. You can travel in state run buses or in private cabs that would charge you Rs 300 per person.
Cost- better you negotiate!
Adventure sports tourist loves skiing in snow rift valley of Gulmarg. The place holds records for being one of the highest ski destination. Travelers from around the world visits Gulmarg to practice their passion for skiing. There is a golf course in Gulmarg which in winters gets covered with snow where tourists can enjoy skiing. While in summers, the area becomes lush green and golfing becomes popular sport.
There are various packages offered by private players which you can choose as per your budget.
Best time to visit– Mid December to April
Packages- Usually there are three type of packages available, depending upon the duration-
-Four day package
-Seven day package
-Fourteen day package
You can also hire an instructor to learn tricks and techniques of skiing. Accommodation is provided in these packages. However, you need to check with your tour operator as well.
The tentative cost of Skiing guide/instructor varies in range of Rs 4,000-6,000.
White water rafting is very popular in Kashmir, especially in Pahalgam. There are multiple stretches which you can choose according to your stamina and budget and can go for the adventure. Since this type of rafting is done in gushing river, this is popularly known as White Water Rafting.
There are different grades of rapids which also defines the distance and the cost of the entire package.
Stretches |
Distance |
Tentative Cost |
Varganpal to YaneerBride |
2.5km |
Rs 400 per person |
Varganpal to Ganeshpora |
5km |
Rs 800 per person |
Langabal to Ganeshpora |
8km |
Rs 1200 per person |
Sonamarg (Sindh River) |
3.5km |
Rs 400 per person |
Sonamarg (Sindh River) |
7km |
Rs 800 per person |
Sonamarg (Sindh River) |
24km |
Rs 3500 per person |
However, if you are planning water sports in Kashmir, you need to visit the state between April and September. Here are other things which should be kept in mind while planning rafting adventure here-
Keep yourself safe and enjoy the best rafting of India.