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The Mughal Emperor Jahangir is said to have once
written about Kashmir, "Gar firdaus bar rue zamin ast hamin
ast, hamin ast, hamin ast! ("If there is paradise on
the face of the earth, it is here, it is here, it is here!"). He was
writing about Kashmir, a land divided between the northern half of
the northern-most state of India, Jammu and Kashmir and the district
of Kashmir in Pakistan.
The most famous places to visit in Kashmir are
Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg. Other places include Sonamarg and
Verinag.
Kashmir Travel Information:
Language People Speak
The most commonly spoken language in the Vale of Kashmir is Kashmiri
(or Kashur). The younger generation speaks English quite well. Most
of the sign-boards and directions are written in English. English is
one of the official languages of the government apart from Kashmiri,
Urdu, Gojri and Dogri.
How to Reach Kashmir :
Almost all the domestic airlines in India fly from
New-Delhi to Srinagar Airport. You can also hire a Taxi or take a
bus form New Delhi. The Travel time by road is about 20 Hrs.
Get around:
The best way to travel across the known destinations in Kashmir is
to hire a Taxi. If you want to visit high altitude lakes and
mountaineering destinations you can hire a horse to carry your stuff
up the mountains. We also provide guides, maps and equipment to
mountaineers and takers.
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Enjoy a Shikara ride in the Dal Lake, which you will
remember rest of your life! You can also swim in the lake.
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Stay in a houseboat.
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Take a walk on the streets of Old City [downtown
Srinagar].
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Go trekking.
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In winters you can go on a skiing/snowboarding
adventure at Gulmarg.
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If you are lucky enough to find the lakes frozen
during winters, take a walk on the Dal Lake. But be careful.
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Enjoy white water rafting at Pahalgam and Gulmarg.
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Visit the Gardens made by Mughal Kings on the banks
of the Dal Lake in the foot hills of Zabarwan mountains.
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During Spring season visit the Asia's Largest tulip
garden.
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Go fishing in any of the lakes in Srinagar.
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If you are visiting high altitude lakes (some of the
few zero pollution lakes on the planet). Enjoy eating and fishing
brown trout.
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Eat according to you appetite, don't diet. You need
extra energy.
What to Eat
Kashmiri Wazwaan. The royal cuisine of Kashmir, its a preparation of
a number of meat dishes served with rice by professional chefs
called Waza. Kashmiri foods are salty, might not be palatable they
seems, but the fruits are!
Drink
Kashmir being a Muslim society does not have drinking as a part of
her culture. However, many hotels in Srinagar serve liquor and other
alcoholic beverages
Stay safe
The past decade of turmoil has left traces in the Valley. Its
important that you get yourself registered with the Foreigners’
Registration unit of Tourism Department. The registration counters
are at Tourist Reception centers at Srinagar Airport, Srinagar City,
Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Phalgam and other places. Incase of an emergency
you can contact the nearest tourist police office or police station.
The emergency number of Police Control Room is 100.
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