Paradisiacal Kashmir sees highest number of tourists in 75 years!

The ‘Paradise on Earth’ is famous for its unique natural beauty, streams and lakes, snow-covered Himalayan ranges, lush meadows lined with exquisite flower valleys, Alpine forests, and blessed snowfall! Jammu and Kashmir is at the top of the travel bucket list of most travelers and holidaymakers, and the year 2022 brought record tourists to the enchanting valley. A record 1.6 crore tourists have visited the UT of Jammu and Kashmir since January 2022 till October, breaking a 75-year-old record since the independence of India. Flyopedia features unlimited US to India last minute flight deals, allowing you to make a quick plan to visit the spectacular valley this winter.

Located between Pir Panjal and Karakoram ranges of the Himalayas, Kashmir’s incomparable beauty and scenic vistas can only be compared to the Garden of Eden mentioned in the religious texts, hence the name, “paradise on Earth”. The post-corona era has seen the allocation of  Rs 786 crore funds to the Union Territory for building infrastructure for the travel and tourism industry. The surge in direct flights to the Srinagar Airport/ Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport and the restoration of faith in law and order has seen a dramatic rise in tourist’s numbers. Foreign travelers can find unlimited affordable business class flight tickets from US to India online and make a plan to see the magical valley in winter.

Places to see in Jammu and Kashmir:

Srinagar:

Snow-capped Himalayan ranges, glittering lakes, Mughal gardens, and floating Shikaras, Srinagar’s exquisite beauty is simply unparalleled! It is a much-loved tourist destination that attracts domestic and international travelers in large numbers.

Dal lake or the ‘jewel of Srinagar’ is a hillside lake filled with canopied shikaras and wooden houseboats, and a floating market. The mesmerizing sunset view of the pristine lake, and traditionally dressed people selling fruits and vegetables on Shikaras create a stunning view for visitors. Tourists love to stay on the intricately designed wooden houseboats.

The lovely Shalimar Bagh/ Garden or Faiz Baksh overlooks the spellbinding Dal Lake. It was built by Mughal emperor Jahangir in the 17th century. The view of colorful flowers and tall trees of walnuts and almonds makes it a stunning location.

Nishat Bagh/ garden is also called the ‘garden of delight’ and is located on the eastern side of Dal Lake. The garden overlooks the Zabarwan mountain range in the background. The magnificent Mughal garden was built by Asif Khan, brother of Mughal empress Nur Jehan. There are no dearth of US to India last minute flight deals in the tourist season. Check online to make a quick booking now.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden:

The largest Tulip garden in Asia is a sight to behold! Spread over a 20-acre area, the garden is open in the blooming season (March-April). The garden is home to around 68 varieties of multi-colored Tulip flowers and was opened to promote horticulture and tourism in the valley.

Gulmarg- The vibrant ‘Meadow of Flowers’:

The lovely ‘meadow of flowers’ is one of the best locations for skiing in India. The valley is busy all year long- sightseeing in the summers and snowboarding and skiing in the winters. The slopes of Pir Panjal in the western Himalayas are perfect spots for skiing lovers.

A thrilling Kongdori Gondola cable ride to the top of Apharwat peak takes you to the skiing location. The cable-car line, which reaches 12,300 feet, ranks as the second highest in the world and consists of three phases. You can enjoy the ultimate view of LOC and Pir Panjal Ranges from the top location. January and February see a generous amount of snowfall, transforming the landscape into a white wonderland.

The view of the magical Alpather Lake is a must-see for enthusiastic trekkers. Additionally, the lake is located at a height of 4400 m. Furthermore, bird watchers and nature photographers visit Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve to witness a rich variety of flora and fauna, including species such as the Blue Rock Pigeon, Kashmir Roller, Snow Cock, European Hoopoes, Koklas, Griffon vulture, Kashmiri Stag, Spotted Deer, and the magnificent Snow Leopard.

Holidaymakers love to pay respect to some of the ancient temples in Gulmarg like Maharani Temple and Baba Reshi Temple. Find the US to India last minute flight deals on Flyopedia to plan a budget-friendly vacation to India this holiday season.

Sonamarg- The ‘Meadow of Gold”:

The ‘Meadow of Gold’ is located 90 km away from Srinagar. Moreover, the unparalleled scenes of flowery meadows, pixel-perfect lakes and rivers, luxuriant greenery, and ice-clad Himalayan ranges make Sonamarg a spellbinding tourist destination in India. Additionally, the valley houses wondrous Alpine valleys of Kolhoi and Machoi glaciers.

The ‘Meadow of Gold’ sees tourist influx all year long. Moreover, adventure junkies love Sonamarg for its numerous trekking spots, natural lakes, and peaks like Machoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, and Sirbal Peak.

Satsar lake located at an altitude of 3,610 m above sea level is a sight to behold. Satsar signifies seven, and this confluence interconnects seven alpine lakes. Gadsar lake or the ‘lake of Flowers’ or ‘Yemsar lake’ is popular as it houses the rarest endangered species of fish. The magnificent view of the lake amidst alpine meadows is a treat to the senses. Unlimited USA to India last minute flight tickets are available on Flyopedia for American tourists who plan to land in the national capital Delhi this holiday season.

Pahalgam or the “Valley of Shepherds”:

The surreal beauty of Pahalgam makes it a nature lover’s retreat. Moreover, located on the banks of the blissful Lidder river, the peaceful Pahalgam is abound with lush meadows, dense forests, snow-clad mountains, sun-kissing pines, and colorful Apple orchards. Furthermore, the scenic landscape remains pristine and clean, untouched by human hands.

Adventure lovers visit the stunning landscape to satiate their adventure cravings. Additionally, backpackers love camping at multiple locations like Tarsar Lake, Lidderwat, Kolahoi Glacier & Panchtarni. Moreover, the Betab valley and Aru valley are picture-perfect locations for photographers and vloggers who just can’t get enough clicks of the lush meadows, towering snow-capped mountains, and the clear blue skies.

Nature lovers go to watch the spectacular lake views at Sheshnag Lake, Tulian Lake, Lolab valley, Panchtarni, and Tarsar Lake. Pahalgam is also popular as a starting point for the annual Hindu pilgrimage, Amarnath Yatra. Find low-priced US to India last minute flight tickets online to make a memorable trip to the scenic Kashmir valley.

Owing to a huge influx of tourists this year, record-breaking, the paradisiacal valley is sure to welcome many more travelers, backpackers, and holidaymakers in the future, turning the tide for the blessed valley and its warm people!

Also Read: Visit Kashmir to Witness Saffron & Houseboat Festival in November