Kashmir "paradise on earth"

 

Kashmir was described by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir as a "paradise on earth" and it is true, as it captivates tourists from all over the world. It is a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists and it was reported that 736,000 tourists, including 23,000 foreigners, visited Kashmir in 2010. Kashmir is famous for its juicy apples and rare saffron fibres. It is also world famous for its beauty, offering the green hills and meadows of Gulmarg and Pahalgam. 

The Dal Lake, unanimously considered India's most beautiful lake, is located in Kashmir. The Dal Lake remains frozen most of the year and attracts tourists in summer when the ice melts to make way for boathouses and numerous water activities. 

The major tourist attractions of the Kashmir Valley are Srinagar with its popular houseboats, Gulmarg with its ski resort, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and the Amarnath temple.

Every year, lakhs of Hindu devotees make a pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave, located in challenging mountainous terrain, to see an ice stalagmite formed inside the cave. 

At Sonmarg, enjoy the majestic view of the snow-capped Himalayas against the azure sky. 

Gulmarg is one of the most popular ski resorts in India and is also home to the highest golf course in the world. The cuisine of Kashmir is in complete contrast to the rest of India. Some other tourist attractions are the Jama Masjid, Shalimar Garden, Chashmashahi, Dachigam National Park, Shankaracharya Temple, Martand Sun Temple and Nishat Garden.

When in Kashmir, be sure to try rogan josh (lamb in strong spices), dum aloo (potatoes in curd and spices), zafrani pulao (saffron-spiced pulao), yakhni (delicately spiced yoghurt curry) and phirni (semolina-based dessert). Kahwa, a tea for festive occasions made with saffron and spices, is also very popular. 

Kashmir will enchant you with its picturesque mountains, an unforgettable ride on the Shikara, a walk through the Mughal gardens or the Yatra of Amarnath. You can even indulge in adventure sports like trekking, hiking, skiing, etc. So visit paradise on earth in all its glory.