Top Things to do in Kashmir
10 Free Things to do in Kashmir That You Shouldn't Miss
The valley of Kashmir is as rich with history and political controversy as it is with culture and natural phenomena. Sample exquisitely spiced native cuisines and festive teas, then walk off your meal along the rugged trekking routes to the north. Marvel at the famous houseboats of Srinagar and take a spiritual moment to reflect at one of the many pilgrimage sites and religious shrines that dot the region. Of course, native craftsmanship makes for excellent souvenirs—carpets and textiles are an especial shopping must.
Restaurants in Kashmir
1. Gangabal Lake
2. Amarnath Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Yatra to Baba Amarnath Holy Cave for which one has to trek a height of about 14,500 ft is full of thrill and joy .The feeling of divine which is always beneath ones' heart , burst out and one realises 'Moksha' as one attends the Cave and perform the prayer before the Shivlinga . Surrounded by beautiful valleys, mountains , one will always feel His presence on the paradise of the earth, the memory of which hardly vanishes with time A journey which will rediscover the nature and its love which is always inside but one has never felt.
3. Martand Sun Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By AmanKGupta2780 - Amritsar, India
Beautifully kept, the Martand Sun Temple is built in nagara style of temple architecture. It is a protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India. Built in 8th century AD, it is senior to the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha (13th century AD) and Modera Sun Temple, Gujarat (11th Century). “Martand” is Sanskrit name for Sun. Ancient and medieval Kings would often call themselves as “son of Sun” (Surya-putra). The impressive Martand Sun Temple was built during reign of one of the mightiest emperors of north India, Lalitaditya Muktapida. LALITADITYA MUKTAPIDA: Emperor Lalitaditya Muktapida (724 to 760 AD), a name surprisingly not mentioned in the school books of India, was the fiercest and the most powerful ruler of the Karkota dynasty of Kashmir region. His name Lalit+Aditya means “beautiful Sun God”. His empire stretched from Kabul in the west to present day Kolkata in the east. Lalitaditya had founded a number of towns and temples in the valley. The Martand Sun Temple stands as his most magnificent creation. SIKANDAR BUTSHIKAN: Muslim ruler Sikandar Butshikan, the idol breaker, (हिंदी: बुतशीखान – मूर्ति तोड़ने वाला; اردو - بت شکن) in the early 15th century ordered complete demolition of the Martand Sun Temple, an exercise that is said to have lasted for a year. It was done in his effort to convert Hindus of the Valley to Islam, which he succeeded in doing to a large extent by persecuting Hindus on large scale, destroying the Hindu-Buddhist icons of culture and infusing terror in the minds of Hindus and Buddhists of the Valley. He had also destroyed a large number of Buddhist temples and masterpieces.
4. Nigeen Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,095 reviews
Reviewed By syedibrahim1000 - Mumbai, India
Its a nice and cleaner lake then Dal Lake. Don't miss visiting the early morning floating vegetable market on this lake. Its really an amazing experience.
5. Shankaracharya Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,060 reviews
Reviewed By 376shaileshs - Navi Mumbai, India
The serene ambience of the temple amidst the Srinagar city makes this place a must visit for all tourists. If you're a Shiva Follower you will get the inner strength automatically to effortlessly climb the 243 steps to reach the shrine of Adi Shankaracharya ji. Mobile phones and Cameras aren't allowed for security reasons which all are aware of guys. So Jai Shiv Shambho.
6. Shah-e-Hamdan
7. Jama Masjid Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
Reviewed By linaadalgar - Bern, Switzerland
It's a very large mosque in the old city of Srinagar it has many wooden beams which looks quite good it is also quite historical. Architecturally unique, this monument has spires instead of domes and minarets. Interestingly, each of the 350 pillars of Jama Masjid is made from a single deodar trunk.
8. Gurez Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Tanzamathias - Mumbai, India
3 years ago during my search for Offbeat places to travel in India I happened to stumble upon this place named Gurez, which I finally managed to visit now - Sept 2020 Gurez - A place unknown/unexplored. Location : Gurez is a beautiful valley located in the northern district of Bandipora in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The valley is located 123 km from the state's summer capital Srinagar and 8,000 feet above sea level in the high Himalayan range Weather: Summer - May to September. Autumn sets in October onwards. Winter - November onwards Population - about 45,000. The area is full of forests and pastures and the beautiful scenery makes it a paradise on earth. The valley awaits tourists in summer (May to September). The place is cut off from the rest of Kashmir in winters due to heavy snowfall. Transportation becomes difficult in winter. How to reach Gurez : One can either hire a cab from Srinagar. Else travel in a local bus from Srinagar to Bandipore/ shared taxi from Parimpore to Bandipore. From Bandipore there are shared vehicles that take you to Dawar via the Razdaan pass. Razdaan Pass is the highest point Enroute Gurez and the views from there are breathtaking. On a day with clear skies one cannot miss the sight of Mount Harmukh. Cross the Razdaan pass (11700 ft) and you enter into the land of the Dards. Gurez also known as Dardistan the land of Dards with Shina as the local language. The river Kishen Ganga which originates from Pakistan, known as River Neelum, runs through Gurez and returns back to Pakistan. One finds multiple Army checkposts as you enter Gurez. Do remember to carry a valid Identity Card issued by GOI Dawar is an important town in Gurez where most of the offices and hospitals of Gurez are located. The moment you enter Dawar, you cannot miss the famous Habba Khatoon which looks beautiful and much more at sunset when the last of the sun rays kisses its peak. Around Dawar there are smaller towns like Khandiyal, Wanwore, Achhora, Chorwan. Chorwan is the last village on the Indian side where the Indian Army has its checkpost. From Dawar..the road forks in 2 directions..while one road takes you to Chorwan the other road takes for further into the Tulail valley. Brunei, Kashpat, Purana tulail, Badugam, Baduaab, Sheikpora,Neeru are few small towns in Tulail Valley. The last Indian town in Tulail is Chakwali. One needs to have the necessary permits to visit Chakwali. To visit these places one can either travel in the shared sumos that are also used by the locals to commute. The other alternative is to book a Sumo for the day to move around. There are a couple of stay options at Dawar with basic amenities. Additionally there is also a PWD stay option at Sheikpora where the rooms are big,spacious and clean. One can opt to stay at Sheikpora to get away from the hustle bustle of Dawar.. And to enjoy the serenity of the place. Further up from the guest horse you can also visit the village. People there love to speak to you and share stories of the place. They are all ears to what you have to share with them too. Overall the place is like a dreamland. The big mountains,the flowing blue river, the hamlets that look so tiny against the mighty mountains, the greenery that greets you, the changing autumn colors..It's all so magical. While the place is blessed abundantly with natural beauty, the locals of Gurez - the Dards - are Warm and kind hearted people who will immediately make you feel at home. While you walk around or visit the towns, you are sure to be invited for a cup of tea, at times even being offered a meal. There is always a twinkle in their eyes and smile on their face when you see them. The kids run around with pink cheeks and ruffled hair. The school kids, walking up to school seemed amused to see a traveller in their place . Some even gather courage to flash a smile or approach you to find out from where you are and how long you would be staying I so miss Gurez.. the love it has to offer, the beautiful vistas, the warm nature of the locals, the simplicity of the place, the beautiful Habba Khatoon. My heart goes out to all of it and last but not the least to our jawans posted there,far away from their loved ones, guarding and protecting the people and our country Just 1 visit to Gurez is not enuf..once you visit there your heart belongs to that place which longs to return back.
