15 Things To Do While Visiting Heaven on Earth: KASHMIR

I was always told that when you visit a place, that place needs to be explored, or traveled, or lived. But contrary to that I believe that Kashmir is a place that must be FELT. The beauty of this place is such that it will be etched in your memory for a very long time. Kashmir is known as Heaven on Earth. The nature over there gives more peace of mind and the positive energy in oneself, it makes you feel fresh. Kashmir is the land of beauty. An inspiration for so much art, music and poetry, Kashmir is paradise; a nature lover’s wonderland and a shopper’s dream come true.

The Mughals called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’  where they journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the cool valleys in summer.

In winter, snow carpets the mountains. In spring, the beauty of Kashmir is at its peak. During summer, the whole valley is a mosaic of varying shades of green trees, rice fields, meadows, trees, etc. In autumn, Kashmir’s loveliest season, when green turns to gold and then to russet and red.

This curated guide highlights the 15- must have experiences in Kashmir in 3 sub sections:- Top things to do in Kashmir, Top adventurous activities to do in Kashmir, and Spiritual activities to do while visiting kashmir.

Top Things to do In Kashmir:

Mostly located in the Himalayan ranges, Kashmir offers a plethora of experiences that one must take. The location and the terrain make some of the things are exclusive to this destination, so go ahead and enjoy all of these:

1) SHIKARA RIDE:

Amidst the colourful world of Kashmir lies something sensuous and swift:- Shikara, the small wooden carved boat, usually seen at Dal Lake and Nagin Lake of Srinagar, is one of the mesmerizing attractions of the city. Regaining the old world charm, the swift movement of a Shikara provides a unique way to experience the eternal beauty of Kashmir. Shikara isn’t just about hitching a boat ride in the calm waters of Kashmir, they have a different lifestyle to offer altogether. Floating amidst the clean blue water of Dal Lake and enjoying the surroundings of snow-draped mountains is one thing, and then you will witness the Kashmiri lifestyle in your Shikara with markets offering various souvenirs and traditions of Kashmiri lifestyle. Dress yourself up in the Kashmiri attire and get clicked, enjoy the romantic boat ride covered in the variety of flowers. You can further visit the floating garden of Dal Lake and Nehru Park in your Shikara.

2) STAY IN A HOUSEBOAT:

While everyone chooses a decent hotel to stay in, do not let the luxuries deprive you of the raw beauty of nature. Moreover, isn’t traveling about experiencing the off-beat activities and places? At least, for one night, you must say goodbye to your hotel to enjoy the chills of Kashmiri winters in the houseboats. Away from the materialistic world, the houseboat will offer you the serene view of the stars lighting up the water bodies and the moonlight adding glitter to the white snow.

3) GONDOLA RIDES:

How would you enjoy the view of the serene lakes and majestic mountains covered in snow from up above the sky? Eye-pleasing, isn’t it? This is why you should definitely try the Gondola ride. Gondolas are the official cable cars of Kashmir. It is the world’s second highest operating cable car. The ride that takes you high in the sky to offer you the bird’s eye view of Gulmarg valley covered either in a white sheet of snow or lush green vegetation. Definitely it’s a feeling of being on cloud 9.

4) LUXURIATE WITH KASHMIRI DELICACIES:

It isn’t just the treat of beautiful landscapes of Kashmir that satisfy your wanderlust, but the food of Kashmir is equally good to please your bellies. The aromatic Roghan Josh, the mouth-watering Chicken Biryani, the famous Kashmiri Dam Aloo,  Kashmiri Muji Gaad and other authentic cuisines of Kashmir you must dig your spoons into to get your taste buds going.

5) MAGNETIC HILL:

Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is a wonderful phenomenon of nature that has put science in trouble. Also known as a gravity-defying hill, the hill is believed to have magnetic properties to pull heavy vehicle towards. The layout of the hill is such that the vehicles moving uphill seem to be moving downward and vice-versa. So, you can actually climb uphill in your vehicle with your vehicle’s ignition off and to move downwards you need to accelerate your vehicle

6) SHOPPING:

Shopping is one of the most common things to do in Kashmir. And no, I do not mean just antiques and other souvenirs. Tourists here can shop for exquisite Kashmiri handlooms and Pashmina shawls, antique copperware like samovars, Namda hand-woven carpets, local garments called Ferins, and expensive Doda Sapphire. And then there are flowers, fruits, and vegetables sold on the shikaras in Dal Lake. More than what you buy, how you buy will be the reason for your excitement here.

Top Adventurous Activities To Do In Kashmir:-

Kashmir is full of experiences and there is so much to do and see. And if you desire to something different from the regular tourist activities, then here are some Adventurous activities to do in this Heaven on Earth:

7) RIVER RAFTING:

White river rafting is one of the most adrenaline rush giving adventurous things to do in Kashmir. The rapids here are easy or moderate, which implies that rafting in Kashmir is not very difficult. You can go rafting near Sonamarg as well. However, the white water rafting in the Lidder river in Pahalgam is more famous.

8) PARAGLIDING:

For all those adrenaline junkies, there is also an option to go for paragliding. The majestic beautiful valley beneath is a sight to behold. The unique view of the green valleys makes paragliding one of the most thrilling things to do in Kashmir. Paragliding options are available in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Bhaderwah, Sanasar, and Harwan (Srinagar). Of these, paragliding in Harwan is most easily accessible as it lies on the route of the tour of the Grand Mughal Gardens.

9) TREKKING & MOUNTAIN BIKING:

With mountains generously covering the landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, trekking has become one of the best things to do here. There are many high altitude alpine lakes in Kashmir, such as Vishansar Lake, Tarsar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Alpather Lake, and Satsar Lake. Since these beautiful lakes can only be accessed after scaling the hills, trekking has become one of the best things to do in Kashmir for the nature lovers and adventure seekers. No matter how long the trek is, the final view from the top is definitely going to be breathtaking.

Also ever thought of exploring the green valleys, snow-capped mountains, gushing rivers and still-clear lakes on a bike? If this has been your idea of fun then there is no better place than Jammu and Kashmir. The location, the scenery, and the terrain make this destination ideal to enjoy mountain biking activity

10) SKIING & SNOWBOARDING:

Gulmarg valley accounts for one of the best locations in India that offer the alluring adventures of snow sports. Be it skiing on the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg or the fun of snowboarding, Kashmir offers the best of it! Gliding down the slopes and enjoying the chills of white snow is the bet feeling ever.

11) HOT-AIR BALLOONING:

When it comes to adventure activities, Kashmir is not just limited to land and water. The vastness of the landforms here and the beauty of the scenic views make it a perfect destination for aero sports too. Just like paragliding, hot air ballooning is also gaining popularity demand. The mesmerizing sight of the lush-green and floral hills, deep valleys, snow-covered mountain ranges, milky – white streams and those signature-style slope-roofed houses, from the top will really want you to extend your stay in this heaven on Earth. Valleys of Suru and Zanskar are the popular spots in Jammu for enjoying hot air balloon rides. 

12) CAMPING:

The three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have numerous trekking spots making it a wonder place for activity like camping in Kashmir. Camping in Kashmir allows visitors to feel the ambience of the beautiful place. Pahalgam is an ultimate destination to go for quaint camping. Other places include remotest valleys of Chatpal, Daksum and Karnah.

Spiritual Things To Do In Kashmir:-

It you ever that Jammu & Kashmir is only about the breath-taking scenic beauty or home for adventure, then here’s a surprise for you. It this is the Heaven on Earth, then there has to be Almighty’s abode too. From the mighty presence of Amarnath Temple on Mount Amarnath to the shining white marble structure of Hazratbal Shrine at the shores of Dal Lake. Here are some of the popular temples, shrines, and monasteries in Jammu & Kashmir that you must not miss on your visit:

13) AMARNATH CAVE & VAISHNODEVI TEMPLE:

Visiting Amarnath Cave & Vaishno Devi Cave Temple is among the most religious place that every indian wishes to visit once in their lifetime. The Amarnath Yatra is done to worship the ice stalagmite Shivalinga. It is said that here Lord Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati.

The Vaishno Devi Yatra is a pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi. The Trikuta mountain, where the shrine is located, has one base but three different peaks. A similar structure is seen inside the cave. The three heads are said to be of Mata Kali, Mata Laxmi, and Mata Saraswati.

14) BUDDHIST MONASTERIES:

You simply can’t return from Kashmir without having to visit their monasteries. Reflecting the true culture of Buddism they offer intense peace to the mind and soul. They just do not speak of Buddhist religion but reflects the architectural marvels too. Some of the famous monasteries of Kashmir are – Alchi monastery, Basgo monastery and Chemry Gompa and Hemis monastery in Leh, Korzok , Thikse monastery and Kursha Gompa among other important Buddhist monasteries of the state.

15) HAZRAT BAL:

Being a majority Muslim state, there are many note-worthy shrines all over the place with picturesque beauty. Out of all the shrines, the most famous one is HAZRAT BAL shrine, wherein it is said to believed by many people there that it contains the relic, the  Moi-e-Muqqadas, i.e. Muhammad's Hair.

This place is indeed a heaven on the Earth, isn’t it? So how can you afford to miss out Jammu and Kashmir from your places-to-visit bucket list? Plan a trip to Kashmir and head out to meet nature face-to-face and do try these things to do in Kashmir, so that when you return home, you take a piece of Kashmir along with you. “Nair khaudaayas havaal!” (‘Have a good journey’ in Kashmiri.)

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You can also check out other Family Vacation Destinations In India .