Interesting facts about Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is the northern most state in India. The state is Asia’s ‘Heaven on Earth’, rich in premium cash crops like walnuts and saffron, blessed with jaw-dropping natural beauty all year long. With the Himalayas lining it from north-east side.You open your eyes, and the surroundings would plunge you into a beautiful reverie, a reverie when snow-capped mountains would shape shift into beautiful damsels, dancing to the tune of time.  And you realise there is a paradise on earth and its name is Kashmir.

The following are some interesting facts about the Kashmir Valley

1.About Kashmir Houseboats

Houseboats first appeared in the 1800's in Dal Lake by Pandit Naraindas to house English visitors.Better known as the floating houses, houseboats in Kashmir provide a unique staying option. Anchored on the banks of the two beautiful lakes in Srinagar, Dal and Nigeen, houseboats tour are perfect for people of age and traveller of all types. Therefore, they are deemed ideal for family vacationers, honeymoon couples as well as solo travellers who can take houseboat tour packages to enjoy this exclusive experience. The houseboat holiday experience in Srinagar also includes a shikara for a leisure ride in the lake or to get to the nearest shore. Tourists can also enjoy shopping on houseboats too, several vendors sail around these floating boasts and sell anything from Kashmiri handicraft to barbequed dishes.

2.About Chashma Shahi (Royal Spring) Garden in Srinagar, Kashmir

Primarily famous for its natural spring, Chashme Shahi Garden is part of the Mughal Gardens, and is a must-see in Srinagar. The natural spring in this top attraction in Srinagar catches the eyes of the tourists. Believed to have been discovered by great female saint of Kashmir, Rupa Bhawani, the spring got its name from her clan and was originally called 'Chashme Sahibi'.

Tourists visit this attraction in Srinagar to drink the water from the spring which is believed to have medicinal properties. It is to be noted, even in the peak summer season, the water from the spring is always cold.

The Chashma Shahi Garden is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of Srinagar, on the way to Harvan. Get there via taxi or prearranged tour bus. Visit in the blooming season of May or June to see the gardens at their most colorful. The gardens are open every day.

3.Interesting Facts About Amarnath Cave

4.Floating Post Office

The “Floating Post Office, Dal Lake” – claimed to be the only such in the country – is built on a houseboat, now moored on the western edge of the Dal Lake.This post office lets you avail all the regular postal services available in the country while being afloat. The seal used on everything posted from the Floating Post Office is unique – along with the date and address, it bears the design of a boatman rowing a shikara on the Dal Lake.“This is actually a heritage post office that has existed since British times. It was called Nehru Park post office.

The post office’s houseboat has two small rooms – one serves as the office and the other a small museum that traces the philatelic history of the state postal department.

5.Wazwan Traditional Dish of Kashmir

Have you ever heard the word called Wazwan? It is known as the traditional dish of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a 36-course meal. It is sometimes known to be influenced by Arabic and other cultural influences, but it always remained unique.

Wazwan is a multi-course meal in Kashmiri cuisine, usually served in a Trammi or traem. Mostly served during weddings.Just say the word “Wazwan” in any Kashmiri home and there is not a single person who would not say “Aab ounthe mei, bathe taraem wathiha” (You made my mouth water wish someone could send me a Traem).Trammi or traem is a large and beautifully engraved copper platter. Trammi is covered with sarposh (sought of lid, that keeps food warm)

Another thing is that Wazwan has been popular among the tourists due to its flavors which are relished by many. And what would you think about the floating market in Srinagar? If you are into surrealism you would like it.

6.Shopping Items must buy in Kashmir

Kashmir is not just about the stunning scenic views but also known for its handicrafts and Kashmiri gift items. Kashmiri artwork is known worldwide for its unique artistic work and the grandeur. Whenever you visit a place, you always pick something that is unique and for which the place is famous for. You take that thing as a memory of that place. Hence, shopping becomes an essential part of your trip. If you are planning to fly to Kashmir then you should also be familiar with the famous shopping items that you should buy as a token of memory on your trip.

The traditional Kashmiri dress, Pheran, the unique copper kettles called Samovar, the earthen fire pots wrapped in woven wicker called Kangiri, handcrafted walnut furniture and souvenirs, etc. are some uncommon things to check out.

7.About Gulmarg Gondola

Apart from being the world's 7th best skiing destination, Gulmarg also boasts of having the 2nd highest cable car in the world - the Gulmarg Gondola. The Gondola is a two-phase rope way that can carry as many as 600 people per hour (single Gondola can carry 6 people at a time). From Gulmarg resort you board the Gondola to the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley, which constitutes Phase 1. The rout from Kongoori to Apharwat peak constitutes Phase 2. It takes around 9 minutes for the Phase I ride and 12 minutes for the Phase II ride.

All things said, a Gondola ride is an experience not to be missed when you are in Gulmarg. Just pray for a clear day and keep your camera ready!

8.About Floating Vegetable Market in Srinagar, Kashmir

On Dal Lake, the Floating Vegetable Market is a unique site to savour in Srinagar. This colorful floating market, set against the beautiful backdrop, marks it as a photographer's heaven. The pretty picture it proffers makes it one of the must-see places in Srinagar, Kashmir. One has to reach early in the morning to witness the bustling floating market.The floating gardens in the natural wetlands of Srinagar are the prime source of vegetables cultivation and these fresh vegetables are then sold on the floating shikara boats on the lake.

It’s ideal to reach the market by 5:00 am as it the peak hour.March to October is the best time to visit the Floating Vegetable Market as the weather is quite pleasant.Shikaras are available for visiting the Floating Vegetable Market which can cost around INR 500-700. It is advised to negotiate the cost to prevent over charging.