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From London to Kashmir: Uncover the Beauty of India’s Hidden Gem

Like the dreams of many to travel to London someday, Similarly people out there dream to visit the Paradise on earth. Here in India you can get that simple heaven in Kashmir. Situated in the northern part of the country, traveling to Kashmir is an opportunity that everyone must see. The culture with a mixed blend of the Himalayan tradition of this region will make your mouth open in awe!

Here you will read about the insights of Kashmir, places to visit, what to shop for, and delicious cuisines to opt as well. Traveling from London to Kashmir reveals the unspoiled splendor and intricate customs of one of India’s most captivating areas.

Aways from the skyscrapers of the city, find peace here, go for adventures, blend with local culture which will give you a perfect vacation. Any part of this region, may be Dal lake in Srinagar or world class skiing experience in Gulmarg, Kashmir will stay in your heart forever.

Without any question, this place has very beautiful views. From alpine lakes, rivers, Pine forests, snow capped mountains everything is seen in one place. The locals are also so welcoming and friendly that it will give a home vibe here away from London, in the lap of India in Kashmir. You can explore this beautiful valley through these well designed Kashmir tour packages with customized itineraries.

The people that live in the valley are far more lovely than the valley itself. Everywhere you look, you’ll meet kind, nonjudgmental faces. And a cup of Kahwa will be offered to you as a welcome! The Kashmiris welcome visitors into their houses with the warmest hospitality with no trouble at all. You will remember them for their love and affection when you cover famous places like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg that are a must to visit.

How to reach Kashmir from London:

The only way of communication is through flight. In Kashmir the Srinagar International airport has daily flight services from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore. So you can book a connecting flight to these cities and then the next flight to Srinagar. The journey varies from 12-15 hours depending on the layover of the flight. As soon as you land here, it is advised to book in advance and ask the hotel staff for cab services or you can click here to book Kashmir taxi service yourself.

Things to Do in Kashmir:

Stay in a boat house

The Srinagar houseboat holiday package also includes a shikara for a leisurely cruise on the lake or to get to the nearest beach. Additionally, tourists can enjoy shopping on houseboats, where a number of vendors hawk anything from Kashmiri handicrafts to barbecued cuisine. The boats are designed both ways, like it is a hotel as well as a homestay. These are made up of wood with beautiful architectural design that boasts about the superior craftsmanship and superb artistic ability of Kashmiri craftsmen. 

Visit Mughal Gardens

Very renowned form of gardens in India, which greatly captivated the Mughal emperors during their time of rule. Hence the name is derived. Some of the famous gardens like Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashma Shahi, Achabal Bagh, Pari Mahal, and Nishat Bagh. These include gardens, fountains, which are meant for aesthetic gratification. Originally these were made for the enjoyment of the Mughal emperors. They have tiered lawns, flowing fountains, colorful flower beds, and sweeping views of the massive Dal Lake. 

Gulmarg Gondola

Known as the longest and tallest cable car trip in Asia, the Gulmarg Gondola attracts a huge number of tourists from London and worldwide. The journey includes two stages. Travelers are transported from the village to Kongdoori station, the mountain’s midway point, via the first section. After taking a short walk you reach the second station that is from Kongdoori to the area around Apharwat Peak. Every hour it carries 600 passengers as it is a two-stage ropeway.

Shopping at Lal Chowk

Lal Chowk which is a bustling market that symbolizes the rich cultural and historical legacy of the region and is easily recognized by its clock tower, which stands in for the political and social conflicts in Kashmir, is situated in the center of Srinagar, Kashmir. The market is a sensory extravaganza with its exquisite patterns of Kashmiri handicrafts, deep perfume of spices, and traditional Pashmina shawls and carpets. Street merchants and businesses provide everything from fresh food and local cuisines to expensive jewelry and antique relics. As they haggle over pricing, both locals and tourists can sense the vibrant energy of the marketplace. 

Try Kashmiri Cuisine

The mouth watering delicacies of Kashmir called the Kashmiri Cuisines have a unique blend of Indian spices that have been evolving over centuries. The eating habits of the Muslim populace and pandits have a major influence on Kashmiri cuisine that varies according to climate, place and cultural interactions. This has a major impact and the staple food is rice. Authentic biryani is made which is topped and seasoned with a variety of ingredients, from vegetables to meat and also  including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, saffron, and Kashmiri chilies. Kahwa, as the name describes every sip will make you say it’s name is a very popular tea here.

Visit Offbeat Destinations

Based on data such as minimal or nonexistent internet presence, relatively low social media engagement, and fewer tourist visits, this list of unique locales in Kashmir was created. 

Even while some of the names sound vaguely familiar, you will come across places you may never have heard of. Resorts or hotels are nonexistent in some of these places, leaving mainly JKTDC or homestays as lodging choices. However, these locations will surely give you the required seclusion and keep you off the beaten path. 

Visit the Tulip Gardens

Being encircled by millions of tulips in full bloom seems as though you are in a painting created by nature. Though it is open for a period in the springtime, people come here all over the world to see. This  Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden which stretches to an area of 30 hectares is also home to other flowers like daffodils and hyacinths. . This was done to provide a touch of natural charm to the state’s tourism and floriculture landscaping. Millions of tulips blooming in a variety of colors such as reds, yellows, pinks, purples, and more that makes the garden lively. 

Essential Travel Tips to Visit Kashmir

Carry all the necessary documents

It is advised that you carry identification and any necessary paperwork. In Kashmir they would be essential. It is advisable that you carry any supporting papers with you to Kashmir, including your passport, driver’s license, medical records in case of allergies or heart problems, and any other necessary licenses. In an emergency, you could want these documents in addition to identity verification because of the high level of military security there.

Carry warm clothes and sturdy shoes

In Kashmir, the seasons change with the seasons. When packing, choose layers of clothing that are easy to add or remove according to temperature. For the really chilly winter months, it is essential to carry heavy jackets and sweaters; for the summer, opt for breezy clothing and comfortable shoes. To minimize shoe bite, it is best to avoid wearing new shoes and opt for solid ones instead. 

Book your stay in advance

Kashmir is a popular tourist area that sees a constant influx of visitors throughout the year. To avoid regrets, book your hotel early in advance. As more people go, the price of the room may rise. There are options for every budget which may be from luxurious houseboats on Dal Lake to cozy guest houses in Srinagar. Do not forget to stay in the boathouse and wake up to views of sunrise and sunset on the water of Dal lake.

Conclusion

Here we cover and give a glimpse to the special appeal of Kashmir as you move from the busy city of London to the calm and picturesque valleys of Kashmir. It may be a taxi ride or self drive here on the mountainous road, enjoy to the fullest, live the life of a local which will make the trip an adventure. Every kind of transportation has a unique viewpoint on the natural beauty and tenacity of the area’s inhabitants. The food and artifacts things to shop here is only found which have their own originality.