Kashmir: A Paradise on Earth

Kashmir is often called "Paradise on Earth" because of its natural beauty. Located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, this region is famous for its stunning landscapes, snow-capped mountains, green valleys and beautiful lakes. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, adventure seekers and those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

                                           Top 10 Tourist Spots in Kashmir

Location and Area

The Kashmir region is divided into three parts: Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh with an area of ​​about 2,28687 sq km. India controls about 55% of the land (70% of the population) in these three regions; Pakistan controls about 30% of the land area comprising Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan; And China controls the remaining 15% (i.e. part of Indian Ladakh known as Aksai Chin) of the land. Among the three regions, the beauty of the Kashmir Valley attracts tourists the most.

• Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh under India 241+42000+59,146 = 101,387 sq km
• Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan under Pakistan 1680 + 82,420 = 84,100 sq km
• Aksai Chin and Shaksgam tract under Chin 38,000 +5200 = 43200 sq km

Jammu: Known for temples and religious places.

Ladakh: A high desert known for its dramatic landscape and Buddhist culture.

Distance from Dhaka

Kashmir is about 2,500 km away from Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Traveling from Dhaka to Kashmir may take time, but the beautiful scenery and rich history are worth your effort.

How to reach Kashmir from Dhaka

There are multiple routes from Dhaka to Kashmir. Since Kashmir does not have a direct international airport, you have to travel through Indian cities like Delhi or Kolkata.

By Air:

Dhaka to Delhi/Kolkata: First you need to take a flight from Dhaka to Delhi or Kolkata. This flight takes about 2-3 hours. Airlines like Biman Bangladesh and Air India offer direct flights.

Delhi to Srinagar: From Delhi, you can take an internal flight to Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir. The flight from Delhi to Srinagar takes about 1.5 hours. After that, you can travel to various locations in Kashmir from Srinagar.

By train:

Another option is to travel by train from Dhaka to Kolkata, which takes around 8-10 hours. From Kolkata, you can take a train to Jammu, which takes around 35-40 hours. Then, from Jammu, you can either take a bus or a flight to Srinagar.

By road:

After reaching Delhi or Jammu, you can go to Kashmir by road. It takes about 12-14 hours by bus or car to reach Srinagar from Delhi. The scenic drive passes through the beautiful Banihal Pass and the Pir Panjal Range.

Cost of Traveling to Kashmir

Flights : Flights from Dhaka to Delhi/Kolkata cost between 20,000 to 40,000 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka), depending on the airline and season. Domestic flights from Delhi to Srinagar cost around INR 5,000 to 10,000.

Accommodation: Kashmir offers a wide range of accommodation options from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Budget guesthouses cost around INR 1,500 to 3,000 per night, while mid-range hotels can charge INR 5,000 to 10,000 per night. Luxury resorts and houseboats can cost upwards of INR 15,000 per night.

Food: Food prices in Kashmir are reasonable. A traditional Kashmiri meal costs 200 to 500 INR per person. If you dine in a high-end restaurant, the cost may be higher.

Local Transport: Travel within Kashmir is affordable. Local buses, autorickshaws and taxis are widely available. You can hire a taxi for the whole day for around 2,000 to 3,000 INR.

Safe and Reliable Accommodation

In Kashmir, you will find plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some popular places to stay are:

Houseboats in Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake

Luxury Hotels: Lalit Grand Palace, Vivant Dal View, Hotel Pine Spring

Mid-Range Hotels: Hotel Heevan, Hotel Dar-es-Salaam

Budget Guesthouse: Hotel New Green View, Young Bombay Group of Houseboats

Restaurants and Notable Foods

Kashmir is known for its unique and tasty food. Some foods you must try:

Rogan Josh: A flavorful lamb dish cooked in curd and spice rich gravy.

Yakhni: A creamy curd-based mutton dish with a subtle flavor.

Kashmiri Pulao: A rice dish made with saffron, almonds and dry fruits.

Kahwa: A traditional green tea with saffron, almonds and cardamom.

Restaurant:

Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar is one of the oldest and most popular places to try authentic Kashmiri food.

Another well-known restaurant offering traditional Mughal Durbar foods.

Top attractions in Kashmir  

Srinagar                                       Top 10 Tourist Spots in Kashmir

Dal Lake: One of the most famous lakes in India, known for its houseboat and shikara (wooden boat) rides.

Mughal Gardens: Famous Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh are beautifully landscaped gardens built by the Mughal emperors.

Houseboat: Staying in a houseboat on Dal Lake is a unique experience.

Gulmarg

Known as a popular skiing destination in winters, Gulmarg also offers green meadows and cool weather in summers. Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a picturesque town situated on the banks of the Lider river. It is a great place for hiking, trekking and river rafting. Betab Valley and Aru Valley are nearby scenic spots.

Sonamarg

Sonamarg, meaning "meadows of gold", is a stunning valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is the gateway to the famous Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy trekking and horse riding.

Ladakh

Although part of the larger region of Kashmir, Ladakh offers a completely different landscape. Known for high-altitude deserts, monasteries and lakes like Pangong So and So Moriri, Ladakh is a paradise for adventure seekers and those who want to experience Buddhist culture.

Jammu

Vaishno Devi Temple: One of the holiest Hindu temples located in the Trikuta Mountains, attracts millions of pilgrims every year.

Yusmarg

A lesser-known destination, Yusmarg is a tranquil meadow with rolling hills and alpine forests, perfect for a peaceful escape.

Nubra Valley

Located in Ladakh, Nubra Valley is known for its unique sand dunes, Bactrian camels and Diskit Monastery. The valley is home to the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield.

Aharbal Falls

Located in Kulgam district, Aharbal Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Kashmir, surrounded by pine forests and perfect for a day trip.

Kargil

Famous for its role in the 1999 Kargil War, Kargil is now a peaceful town with a war memorial. It is also a gateway to the beautiful Zanskar Valley.

Accommodation in Kashmir

Kashmir has a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts.

Houseboat on Dal Lake: Staying on a houseboat is a unique experience. These houseboats offer all modern amenities while floating in the pristine waters of Dal Lake. Prices range from 2,000 to 10,000 INR per night.

Luxury Resorts: If you prefer luxury, there are high-end resorts like The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg or Taj Vivanta in Srinagar.

Budget Guesthouses: For budget travelers, there are many affordable guesthouses in Srinagar, Pahalgam and other areas.

Best time to visit Kashmir

Summer (April to October): This is the best time to visit Kashmir, especially for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. You can enjoy beautiful gardens, lakes and valleys.

Winter (November to March): If you love snow and winter sports, this is the perfect time to visit Gulmarg for skiing and snowboarding. Temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius in some areas, so be prepared for the cold.

Warning

Check Travel Advisories: Since Kashmir is a sensitive region, it is important to check current travel conditions and any advisories before planning your trip.

Carry warm clothes: Even in summer, evenings can be chilly, especially at higher altitudes.

Health Precautions: If you are visiting a high-altitude region like Ladakh, give your body time to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.

Safety: Although Kashmir is generally safe for tourists, it is always best to be aware of local conditions, avoid isolated areas after dark and travel with a guide if possible.

Kashmir is a mesmerizing destination whose blend of natural beauty, rich culture and unique experiences will enchant you. From the calm waters of Dal Lake to the rugged peaks of the Himalayas, there is something for every traveler. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or a deep connection with nature, Kashmir is sure to give you unforgettable memories.