Paradise is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Kashmir. Having traveled there now, I know it’s not just the immense beauty of the place but also the bigheartedness and kindness of people that makes it a heaven!!!
Kashmir opened its tourism in July after lockdown. It was among the first few states in India to open its tourism for domestic travelers. Initially we were not sure of travelling during pandemic but after having contacted a local there in Kashmir we got convinced and in no time we packed our bags.
In the last week of July, we traveled to Srinagar from Delhi. We got ourselves tested for Covid 48 hours prior to our flight. At Delhi Airport temperature and status in Aarogya Setu app was checked. At Srinagar Airport, we were tested for Covid for free.
This complete guide to Kashmir Travel is sure to help you in planning your first trip to Kashmir.
Table of Contents
Latest COVID guidelines for travelling to Kashmir
COVID test on arrival is mandatory for all travellers. If tested positive will be sent for 14 days home quarantine.
Our experience of traveling to Kashmir after lockdown
We have made a detailed YouTube video on how we traveled to Kashmir during Corona.
Note :- The guidelines as mentioned in the video, were applicable when we traveled to Kashmir in the last week of July, 2020.
Reaching Srinagar in Kashmir
When we traveled to Kashmir, only Air travelers were allowed. So, we booked a direct flight from Delhi to Srinagar. If you book your tickets well in advance, air travel gets economical as well.
Now there is no such restriction of travelling by Air only.
Srinagar can be reached via flight, train and road. The nearest Railway station to Srinagar is Jammu. After reaching Jammu (which is well connected to major Indian cities by trains, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Srinagar which is around 265 km.
How to travel within Kashmir after lockdown
When we traveled, Kashmir was under partial lockdown due to Covid-19. Public transport was not readily available and it was mandatory to pre-book taxis /transport facility through hotel / travel agency. We pre-booked our taxi from Shake Tours and travels. For airport pick up/ drop and for travelling within Kashmir, we used their taxi. You can contact them at +91-7006608852.
In normal times you can travel via bus, shared taxi or private taxi within Kashmir.
Accommodation in Srinagar
There are plenty of accommodations for every budget in Srinagar. There are hotels/ houseboats/ hostels and these can easily be booked online. Our favorite without any doubt is houseboat. Staying in a houseboat is definitely an experience of a lifetime.
During our stay in Srinagar, we stayed in Athena Palace Houseboat in Dal Lake. They charge INR 2000 per room per night in offseason and INR 4000-4500 in season for a day including a lavish Dinner and breakfast. It is a deluxe houseboat with all modern amenities and comfort. With its superb interiors and wooden carvings, it seems a little palace in itself. For booking this houseboat contact Yusuf Bhai at +91-9682139082.
A day in Srinagar after lockdown
Srinagar being the summer capital of Kashmir is filled with hustle bustle of city life. But there is also another side of Srinagar which is sure to lure you. There are lakes of incomparable grandeur, mountains overlooking these magical lakes, mosques to take you back in history, temples that speaks a lot of its past, gardens of which there is no match, food that is so lavish that you have never seen before!!!
We had an unbelievable time because of these experiences :-
Shikara rider at Sunset in Dal Lake
We were strolling by the periphery of Dal lake when a boatman invited us for a ride in his Shikara. Soon we agreed seeing his smile. At first what caught our attention was this beautiful paddled boat with a colorful cover and a spaded shape bottom. Its heavily cushioned seats and backrests took us back to luxurious Mughal Era. And when Shikara ride started, the fabulous surroundings of Dal Lake brought us back to the present moment. Dal Lake due to its beauty is known as Jewel in the crown of Kashmir. Spread over 18-22 sq km, it is a small town in itself with houses, vegetable fields, markets and houseboats. It was blossoming with lotus flowers when we visited. Entire backdrop looks no less than a dream with the setting sun.
The ride lasted for around 2 hours and we were left with craving for yet another ride.
Shikara ride costed us INR 500 because of off season. In peak season this costs around INR 1000 – 1500. We took the ride at Ghat no. 6 with ever smiling Aziz Chacha.
Floating vegetable market on Dal Lake
Every day at 5:00 AM, vegetable sellers in their boats gather together on Dal Lake to sell locally grown vegetables and flowers. This is one of the largest such markets in the world and will definitely turn you speechless. These vegetables and flowers are grown on floating grounds of the lake itself. The market lasts for an hour. Dal Lake feels more pristine during this time.
When we visited this market, it was eid (Muslims festival) on that day. We could find only a handful of sellers. But we has great time conversing and chit chatting with them.
Shop at Meena Bazaar on Dal lake
Yes, there is a market as well on Dal Lake. Its known as Meena Bazaar. And not just one or two shops, there are plenty of them. You can buy local spices, perfumes, handicrafts, Kashmiri handloom, sarees, carpets and what not. A few things are overly priced but its worth it when you get to shop at such beautiful place. We got sarees for our mothers. Even the window shopping here is enjoyable just as the experience of sitting in a boat, going through narrow waterways and stopping by at shops is something you will remember forever.
Eat at Zestos café, Lal Chowk in Srinagar
Although there is nothing Kashmiri about this café, but we really liked its Sizzler, Pizza and Cold Coffee. You can explore other restaurants as well in Lal Chowk, Srinagar.
Here is a youtube video of our time in Srinagar while exploring majestic Dal Lake.
After spending a day in Srinagar, we went to Aru Valley and did Tarsar Marsar Trek. Read about our unforgettable experience of Tarsar Marsar Trek.
Also, checkout our Tarsar Marsar Trek Travel Series on our youtube Channel and see with your own eyes why Kashmir is called Jannat (heaven) on Earth.
We had an amazing time in Kashmir. Hope you find this complete guide to Kashmir travel helpful in planning your trip to Kashmir!!!
Not only this, we further went for a 6 days long trek in Kashmir. Read our post on Tarsar Marsar Trek to know more about it.