India is a proud mother to one of the most beautiful places on earth – Kashmir. Nature sure was biased when it created land. It gave us something like Kashmir to feel what it might feel like in heaven. From barren mountains to perennial rivers, Kashmir has the most extraordinary sites I have come across. The land, despite the insurgency, is so mystical that you might need more than a couple of visits to gasp in the majesty and wonders of the state.
Jammu & Kashmir put together is huge and diverse. Therefore, either pack your bags and spend over a month or take more than one trips to Kashmir to visit all the awe-inspiring places.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is an enchanting valley. The more you go deeper in its lap, the more it unveils itself to you. The surrounding districts and places are equally magnificent. From the picturesque meadows of Gulmarg to the ferocious river waters of Pahalgam, there is nothing that didn’t give me goosebumps at first sight.
There is no best season to visit Kashmir as each season has its own charm. If you love crowd and greenery and want to escape the scorching heat of flat lands, visit the valley in summers. If you are a snow lover, take a trip in winters. Fall season has a different kind of beauty to it as the roads are covered with red Chinar leaves and the mild chilliness is beautifully poetic and romantic.
I have mades a list of few places in and around Srinagar I would recommend you to visit. Do not forget to try some Kebabs at Mughal Durbar bakery. Also shop for Pashmena shawls and Paper Mache craft items.
1. Dal Lake – I have not experienced anything as beautiful as the Dal Lake in my life. It is not just because of its splendor, but because of the amount of adventures I have had there. In my three years in Srinagar, I have made the most memories in the Dal Lake. It has so much life to it. Sitting in a Shikara, listening to the water splashing against the oar, and looking at the mountains visible at a distance, there is no better meditation than this. The experience is enhanced at night, under the moon, the darkness, and the quietness. The Shikara moves along the lined up houseboats – well decorated floating abodes – and moves towards the exquisite garden of Char Minar and further takes you through a floating garden of the lotus flower. After you have relished the peacefulness and natural beauty, the royal boat then takes you to the market and colony built on the lake waters. The whole experience is overwhelming and romantic. Spend a night in one of the extravagant houseboats. Watch the setting of sun as you enjoy a beer in peace or in company. Dal Lake also offers some water sports like water skiing and kayaking.
2. The gardens – Situated on the banks Dal Lake, the historical gardens of Nishat and Shalimar are like a historical bonanza for history lovers. Built by the Mughals, these Baghs laden with flowers offer much amusement and joy. Also, the botanical gardens covered with a sheet of tulips are a hot-spot for picnic lovers.
3. Shankaracharya temple – The more enthusiastic travelers trek through the hill rather than driving to famous Shankaracharya temple situated atop Takht-e-Suleiman hill. You need not be a religious person to visit this devout Hindu pilgrimage destination. Visit it for its architectural beauty and the view it offers.
4. Hazratbal Mosque – Hazratbal mosque is the holiest shrine of Muslims in the valley. The marble mosque contains a relic believed by many Muslims to be a hair of Prophet Muhammad. The only domed mosque of Srinagar looks spectacular.
5. Pari Mahal – Pari Mahal is a seven terraced garden built under the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It is an attraction because of its Islamic architecture. It overlooks the enormous Golf Course of Srinagar.
6. Apple orchid – We made friends in Srinagar, who owned an apple orchid at a little distance from Srinagar. The orchid was huge and had apple and other trees scattered around. We spent a day exploring the orchid and roaming around in a Tonga.
7. Gulmarg – Lush green meadows (I call them Heidi fields) spread over vast lands will captivate you as you enter Gulmarg. The meadows are fully enclosed by Pine and Deedar trees and overlook snow-capped hills. Ride a horse around the meadows to enjoy the full view. In winters the sight is even more enthralling as the entire area is laden with a carpet of white. Gulmarg is famous for winter sports, especially skiing. Take a Gondola ride from Gulmarg to Kongdoor and Aparwath.
8. Pahalgam – Pahalgam is located at a distance of 2.5 hours from Srinagar by car or bus and falls in the Anantnag district. My most distinct memory of Pahalgam is riding a horse independently through land and shallow waters of Lidder River. The river becomes fierce as you move further ahead. Take a dip in the cold water and enjoy a meal by the Lidder. River rafting is a popular sport in the river.Betaab valley, where Sunny Deol’s hit movie Betaab was shot, is located at a distance of 15 kms from Pahalgam. Pahalgam is also one of the starting points of the annual Anantnag treks.Try arranging your stay in the tourism huts in Pahalgam. These huts are built at a considerable distance from one another on small flowery meadows and staying there feels like no less than a fairytale.
9. Sonmarg – Sonmarg (Meadow of Gold) is yet another incredible hill station 87 km north-east of Srinagar. It comes under the Ganderbal district and is famous for the Thajiwas Glacier. You can either walk your way or hire a pony to reach the Glacier, which is at a distance of around three kms from the town.
10. Aru –Aru is a small village 12 kms from Pahalgam. The road that leads to the village is patchy. The Aru village is situation amid grasslands and you can see shepherds with their herd around the place. Take a pony ride through the inconsistent and sometimes dangerous hills. It is a base camp for trekking to the great Himalayan Kolhoi Glacier.