Kashmir Tourism: A Detailed Guide For Family Trips To Kashmir

Kashmir is known as the ‘Heaven on Earth’, and with good reason. The Valley of Kashmir will give you a million reasons to celebrate life; it is straight out of a postcard thanks to its magnificent snow-clad mountains and colourful tulips. Known for several picturesque locations and natural beauty, Kashmir travel never fails to mesmerise any person who goes there. Expect the sensual landscape and scenic beauty all around you on your Kashmir holiday.

Places To Visit In Kashmir

There are numerous places to visit in Kashmir. It is best to draw up a basic itinerary so you can cover all the places you cannot afford to skip. Here is a list of the places to visit in Kashmir:

Mughal Gardens

Known for exquisite, out-of-this-world beauty, the Mughal Gardens are located in Srinagar and are said to be built doing the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The gardens comprise Shalimar, Chashme Shahi Bagh and Nishat Bagh. They are one of the top tourist destinations in Kashmir and are known for their excellent flower arrangement.

Gulmarg

Known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg is almost like paradise for horticulture enthusiasts. It lies at a distance of only 51 km from Srinagar. Its ambience, too, invites travellers to experience nature in its best form. Gulmarg is a beautiful tourist destination in Kashmir and should feature at the top of your must-visit list.

Dal Lake

Located in Srinagar, the Dal Lake attracts tourists throughout the year. Book yourself a ride on the canopied houseboats known as ‘shikaras’. You can also opt for state-of-the-art amenities and comfort on the houseboat, making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a Kashmir tourist place you should not miss out on.

Pahalgam

There are very few places in this world that are as beautiful as Pahalgam. The place is also known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds’ and is a small town that is an allure for thousands of tourists each year.

Sonmarg

Known as the land of glaciers, Sonmarg is at the top of Kashmir tourist places. It was the gateway to the ancient Silk Road that connected Kashmir to Gulf countries and China. It is a vital base for trekkers and is also known for its glaciers. Sonmarg scores high on scenic beauty and has something for everyone.

Also there are various other places to visit in Kashmir such as Gulmarg and Kargil which one can visit with family.

Also Read: Jammu and Kashmir Tourism: Best Time to Visit and How to Travel

Things To Do In Kashmir

Cable Car Ride

A trip to Gulmarg is incomplete without a cable car ride. Known to be the highest cable car rides in the world, expect breath-taking views of the valley. The first phase is from Gulmarg to Kungdoor which is priced at INR 740 per person, while the second phase is from Kungdoor to Aparwath which costs INR 950 per person. It remains open from 10 AM to 4 PM every day of the week.

Water Rafting

Located near the river Lidder, Pahalgam offers an excellent opportunity for water rafting on the upper region of the river. Also, if you are a fan of trekking, the 35 km route will give you an adrenaline rush. There are numerous adventure activities promoted by Kashmir tourism.

Paragliding

Situated at a distance of about 15 km, Harwan is a spectacular spot for paragliding. Look at the scenic valley from the top; spot the Zabarwan Range, Pir Panjal Range and the Dachiga National Park. You can paraglide between 9 AM to 3 PM daily. The tickets cost INR 2700 per person for a 20-minute flight.

Shikara Ride

The Dal Lake is known for its splendid beauty, and the tranquil shikara ride will only add to the beauty of your surroundings. A number of songs from Bollywood movies have been shot on the Dal Lake, making it even more popular with tourists. Kashmir tourism ensures that a shikara ride on the Dal Lake is one of the most enjoyable experience for tourists.

Skiing

Gulmarg has some of the best slopes for skiers and is a top thing to do in Kashmir. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, skiing in Gulmarg is an experience you should not miss. It receives the heaviest snowfall in the Himalayas which has made the sport all the more popular with enthusiasts. It remains packed with global skiers in the month of January and February.

Also Read: Best Time To Visit Kashmir With Family

How To Reach Kashmir

By Air

The nearest airport is Srinagar, connected to numerous cities across the country and to many international countries. Kashmir tourism has made it easy and convenient for you to reach your destination.

By Road

There are private cabs, taxis as well as state transport buses which are easily available to ferry you around. The roads are usually in good condition to drive on. The distance from Delhi to Kashmir is 583 km and from Srinagar to Kashmir is a mere 293 km.

By Train

You can reach Kashmir by train. The Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station that is connected to some top cities in India like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Jaipur among several others.

Best Time To Visit Kashmir

Kashmir is a destination you can visit at any time of the year. Having said that, the best time to visit Kashmir is between March to October. This is the period when the weather is pleasant, and the fruits and flowers blossom. It is a peak tourist season and is perfect for sightseeing. However, if you want to enjoy the snow and ski, the ideal time for your Kashmir trip plan will be in the winter months beginning from the end of November. It could get really cold, but the view from the cable car will be ethereal and beyond words. While this Kashmir Travel guide will help you explore the splendours of the region, Club Mahindra offers you a comfortable stay at their legendary houseboats in Dal Lake. With snug rooms that offer a view of the lake, you can enjoy the view of the sunrise, sunset, and some lip-smacking local food at the in-house restaurant. Check out Club Mahindra reviews by happy customers who have spent their family vacations at the houseboat.