Is this India? A winter vacay in Paradise
Kashmir – we’ve heard about it. We’ve read about it. Seen countless movie songs shot there. But how many of us have really experienced the wonder that is Kashmir?
People ask: What is there to see in Kashmir? Is it even safe to go there? I don’t know Kashmiri? What if I don’t like the food?
There always a million reasons to not go to a place, but a bazillion more as to why you should go there. There is a reason why Kashmir is known as ‘Paradise on Earth’ and ‘Switzerland of India’ and the only way you will understand why is by experiencing it. Beautiful mountains and valleys surround Kashmir, and it truly is a sight! Whether you want a relaxing getaway to immerse yourself in nature or get your heart pumping in adventure activities – the place has something to offer for everyone.
We spent a total of 8 days in Kashmir including travel and we covered 3 places Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.
Srinagar
Srinagar – Our first stop and more like a quick pit stop before heading to the next location; But we still managed to squeeze in a few places to see.
- Enjoy the traditional Kashmiri Kahwa which is saffron tea flavored with spices and served with finely chopped almonds.
- Ride on Shikara on the never-ending Dal Lake. Beautiful, serene, peaceful and everything you need to relax and feel calm.
- Feast like kings at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba. Their food is a culinary delight and it doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket either. Don’t forget to try their Rajma Chawal – it is definitely the best in the world.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg – Our second stop and we could see why this is a favourite among many.
Take a ride on the famous Gulmarg Gondola, which reaches a height of 13,000 feet. The Gondola has 2 stages and if you are lucky and the weather Gods are in your favor you will be able to see K2 from the 2nd stage. For those of you who wish to Ski / learn to ski, you can do that at stage 1 of the Gondola. While we did give it a try, it wasn’t that great of an experience. For those of you who are really keen on skiing, I would suggest to take a week or 2-week package and learn, rather than do it the way we did where we spent Rs. 1000 per head for an hour but really did nothing.
The Hotel – Where you stay in Gulmarg is equally important. We stayed at a Highlands Park which has one central building surrounded by 8 cottages. Each cottage has 4-5 rooms with 2 caretakers. If you want to experience a more rustic vacation this is the route to go with. The rooms are equipped with traditional wood fire room heaters called Bukhari and have a nice cozy home-like feel. From the cottages, you can view the mountains on one side and a stunning world famous 18-hole Golf course on the other. Since we had been there at the end of winter the entire place was covered in a blanket of snow and it looked more beautiful than words can describe.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam – The city of valleys. And even if you visit every single valley you wouldn’t get bored of the sight. Beetab Valley, Aru Valley, different viewpoints – while they are similar, they are different in their own way. Get a guide who will show you around the place while sharing little interesting stories.
Head to Kashmir for your next vacation and you will understand why it is called ‘Paradise on Earth‘!
For more images check out our Instagram page @wearetheweirdcouple
26 Comments
Jhilmil
Pahalgam, I so much want to go there right now..lovely post, and a must visit place in India. It’s beautiful
Sangeeta
Thank you, Jhilmil. I will add more images to the post – the place is truly unreal. Very beautiful and serene.
Minakshi Bajpai
I really want to visit Kasmir again and again. It is a true heaven in India
Sangeeta
I really want to go there again so that I can see the place blooming with flowers 🙂
Nisha Malik
It’s one of my biggest wish to have a vacation in Kashmir. I too want to see the beauty of Kashmir with my naked eyes. Beautiful article.
Nisha Malik recently posted…Stay Classy, Stay TimeLess With High Valley Fashion : Giveaway Alert
Sangeeta
Thank you, Nisha. And do go there – the place is truly a gem to India.
Jiya B
These are some amazing tourist places you have mentioned here. I would love to go especially shrinagar.
The valley is beautiful.
Sangeeta
Mountains all around. The views is stunning.
archana natraj
Oh! Such a gorgeous place. This has been on my list for long. You have covered the perfect tourist list 🙂
Sangeeta
You must go there one day, Archana. The place is truly ‘Paradise on Earth’ 🙂
Jhilmil D Saha
I would love to go to this paradise. The article is a very nice take on Kashmir.
Jhilmil D Saha recently posted…Importance of Weekly Skin Care with Pure Bubbles
Sangeeta
Thank you Jhilmil. And you have to go there someday. The place is so beautiful.
Deepika Verma
Kashmir has been on my travel wishlist since long!! Can’t wait to be there 😀
Sangeeta
Something to add on to your next travel location 🙂
Prerna Sinha
I have no idea whether it’s really safe to go in there or not. But surely it’s India’s Switzerland. It’s on one of the most beautiful places..
Sangeeta
As long as to stick to traditional tourist places you don’t have to worry about any safety issues.
Papri Ganguly
Kashmir is always been in n my bucket list. Hope to visit there soon.
Sangeeta
Hope you visit there soon 🙂
The place is so beautiful.
Snigdha Prusti
Kashmir is really heaven . I seriously want to visit kashmir again and again.. very nice post.
Snigdha Prusti recently posted…10 Summer Fashion Hacks for Woman
Sangeeta
Thank you, Snigdha. The place is heaven.
Indu srimal
I so want to travel to Kashmir and ur write up makes me wish I could visit it very soon.
Sangeeta
Hope you get to go there soon 🙂
Seema Wadhwa
This looks so damn pretty
Sangeeta
The place is gorgeous. Beyond words.
Kim Mibram
thanks for the sharing this beautiful blog. Kashmir is one of my favourite places in India. I visited the Tulip festival long long long time back when it had just started. It was such an amazing experience.
Sangeeta
Thank you, Kim. This was our first time in Kashmir and we absolutely loved it. Would love to go there again in spring so that we can see the Tulip festivals and all the greenery.