Planning to spend a wonderful holiday amidst the snow-capped hills, lush valleys and expansive alpine meadows of Kashmir? Well, this place is truly Earth’s natural heaven where you’ll find plenty of picturesque destinations to go to. As it’s difficult to cover all the gorgeous spots in Kashmir together in one go, we’ve picked out some of the most prominent attractions in this state that’ll blow your mind! Connect with the best tour agency in Kolkata to avail cost-effective travel packages to experience a blissful vacation in Kashmir!
1) Dal Lake, The Jewel of Srinagar
Spread across 26 sq kms, the lovely Dal Lake flowing along the hillside boasts of eye-catching Shikaras, wooden houseboats and floating shops. Once you arrive at this stunning lake, you should go for a ride in the colorful Shikaras which are actually wooden boats that are uniquely decorated with overhead canopies. From the lake markets you can buy original Kashmiri products, including saffron and handicraft items. The houseboats exhibit beautiful floral patterns and detailed carvings and offer enthralling sights of the enchanting lake. If you visit Kashmir during winter season, you can opt for iceskating on the solid frozen lake.
2) Nishat Garden, the Garden of Bliss
This is the second biggest Mughal garden in India which is in fact, a magnificent 12-terraced garden that’s bordered by tall Chinar trees. Home to a water channel in the middle and many lovely fountains, this spectacular garden is designed according to Persian architecture with its landscape consisting of Kashmiri water streaks and terrain. The Nishant Garden is the perfect place for you to catch dreamy panoramic views of the magical Dal Lake with the majestic Zabarwan Mountains in the background.
3) Shalimar Garden, the Crown of Srinagar
The amazingly scenic Shalimar Bagh is the largest of the three beautiful Mughal gardens in Srinagar which overlooks the glistening waters of the charming Dal Lake. This pretty garden whose name Shalimar means the Abode of Love in Sanskrit was originally constructed by Jahangir and dedicated to his wife Nur Jahan. Right from well-manicured green patches and intricately built structures to the fascinating architecture and natural exquisiteness, the Shalimar Garden offers various tantalizing features for you to be enamored by!
4) Chasma Shahi
The Chasma Shahi Gardens is one of the most spectacular Mughal Gardens in Kashmir. This ancient garden came to life at the order of Shah Jahan for his older son, Prince Dara Shikoh. In the middle of the garden, there is a freshwater spring flowing in terraces. The gorgeous flowering lanes comprise of strikingly designed structures of Iranian origin, reflecting glimpses of Kashmir’s architectural splendor that makes this garden one of Kashmir’s most historic places.
5) Pari Mahal, the Palace of Fairies
Popularly known as the abode of fairies and angels, the Pari Mahal comprises of a beautiful seven-terraced garden situated above the marvelous Chasma Shahi Gardens close to Srinagar. A site for bright flowers and exotic fruit varieties, the historical Pari Mahal or Palace of Fairies was constructed by Dara Shikoh on top of the Zabarwan Range, overlooking Srinagar and the mesmerizing Dal Lake. Depicting typical Islamic architectural style, this lovely palace has well-maintained gardens surrounding it.
6) Jama Masjid
Having its exact location in Kashmir’s downtown area, the Jama Masjid is the biggest, oldest and most significant mosque in Kashmir which was initially built by Emperor Sultan Sukder in the early 15th century and then renovated by Aurangzeb. This grand masjid showcases Indo-Saronic architecture and has about 370 wooden pillars enclosing it. You’ll be amazed to see a wide courtyard flanking its entrance.
7) Dargah Hazratbal Shrine
With Hazrat meaning ‘holy’ and bal standing for ‘place’, the Hazratbal Shrine is the holiest mosque and shrine that’s positioned on the banks of the idyllic Dal Lake. Home to the Moi-e-Muqqadas relic which is believed to be a strand of hair from Prophet Muhammad’s beard, this sacred mosque exhibits a marvelous domed structure that’s wrapped inwhite marble.
8) Shankaracharya Temple
Situated atop the Shankaracharya Hill and named after the famous philosopher Shankaracharya, this temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of the most ancient shrines in Kashmir. Visit this holy temple to cherish the divine feel in its atmosphere and enjoy picture-perfect views of the valley and that of the snow-covered Pir Panjal range.
9) Vaishno Devi
This is one of the distinguished religious places in Jammu and Kashmir that’s held to be a trio of Goddess Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali. Vaishno Devi attracts a huge number of devotees every year. The shrine is in honor of Goddess Durga and consists of a holy cave where visitors come to offer their respects. From this religious site, you can go for a trek, marvel at the scenic setting and take memorable photographs.
10)Aru Valley
This is one of the less-crowded places in Kashmir which deserves recognition for its pristine beauty. Want to go for a day’s outing or a weekend escapade? Then, you can definitely arrive at this charming valley full of serene lakes and green meadows. The several lakes serve as wonderful picnic spots where you can spend a fun time fishing trout. Aru is the perfect spot to go for horseback riding and trekking, especially since various trekking trails pass through its hills. You can also opt for thrilling winter sports such as skiing and Heli skiing!
11)Dachigam National Park
Nestled a bit outside of main Srinagar, the Dachigam National Park exclusively houses the endangered Kashmir stag. Being carpeted with grasslands that blossom in spring and become frozen in winter, this National Park is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Kashmir. Besides the Kashmir stag, here you can spot musk deer herds, black bears, several beautiful birds and much more. So, you can go for exciting jeep safaris, watch birds or undertake trekking to have an awesome time inside this protected park!
