Kashmir – Heaven on Earth
Planned Your Summer Holidays Yet? Here’s Why You Should Go To Kashmir
There are so many places to visit in Kashmir at least once in your life. Even Bollywood agrees. Whether you’re planning this trip to recreate some famous, romantic Bollywood moments or to click instagrammable pictures, Kashmir will make you lose your breath in the best way possible.
Famous Directors like Yash Chopra, Imtiaz Ali, Ayan Mukherji, and many more, all saw the alluring, natural charm of the union territory and used it as, what we now know as, iconic Bollywood movie spots in Kashmir.
Switzerland of India, with snowy peaks and sunny skies, luscious green fields, and juicy cherry trees. If you were possessed with an urge to travel to Switzerland after reading Heidi, let us show you why Kashmir is an even better option.
1. Take a tranquil ride on the romantic Dal Lake like Sharmila Tagore and Shammi Kapoor
Yeh chandsa roshan chehra, zulfon ka rang sunehra, yeh jheel si neeli ankhen, koi raaz hai inme gehra…
If you sang these lines and kept going, you are a true Bollywood fan! Taking a shikara ride is equivalent to doing the Titanic pose for us Indians. Staying on a houseboat is a no-miss if you want to experience Kashmir to its core. If you’re an early-riser, paddle out to witness the unique and colorful spectacle of the floating flower market.
Climbing higher to admire the angelic view of Srinagar and visit the majestic Shankaracharya temple. We suggest you stop by the Mughal Gardens- Chashme Shahi, Shalimar Bagh, and Nishat Bagh, to revere the blossoming, sweet-smelling flowers. Katrina Kaif’s 2016 movie Fitoor, was shot at the beautiful Nishat Bagh.
2. Fall in love with the picturesque ‘Village of Shepherds’ like you fell in love with Rekha in Silsila
Pahalgam is home to awe-inspiring snow-clad mountain peaks and serene water streams. Pahalgam offers many activities for you to do like pony rides, white-water rafting, trekking, and camping.
Don’t miss Aru valley or Betaab valley, both of which are hotspots for some famous movies like Jab Jab Phool Khile, Highway, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and how can we forget Betaab. The lovely Betaab valley gets its name from Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh’s debut film.
Chandanwaari awaits the thrill-seekers with rushing endeavors like skiing and sledding. Or more relaxing activities like fishing. Rivendell is an aesthetic restaurant you’ll want to visit for some delectable Kashmiri dishes.
3. Gulmarg offers you Gondola rides and enchanting trekking views like in Yeh Jawaani hai deewani
You can find out why Gulmarg is known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’ by taking a Gondola ride to Kongdoori Mountain Peak, enjoying the splendid views it offers. Movies like Haider, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Aap Ki Kasam, and Bobby were filmed here. Bobby inspiring the name of the famous Bobby hut.
As you enter the little hamlet of Tangmarg, you will be welcomed with the sweet fragrance wafting from the strawberry orchards. Don’t forget to get a taste of these juicy treats! Tangmarg is also famous for growing juicy apples and walnuts. Made your mind about Kashmir yet? As Shahrukh Khan says in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, “Done done London karo ji”!
4. Experience the glory of Sonmarg with its panoramic views as seen in the Salman Khan hit
Known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, Sonmarg boasts of many glaciers including the Thajwas Glacier. You can hike there for views of emerald meadows and numerous waterfalls. The Gadsar Lake is popular for its beautiful Alpine flowers and gentle serene water.
Salman Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s 2015 blockbuster, Bajrangi Bhaijaan was shot in the scenic Sonmarg. The blissful environment with its heart-warming views is home to some of the friendliest people! You will feel safe traveling here, even as a solo female traveler. Don’t forget to taste the juicy cherries. You’ll see many cherry-laden trees and cheery faces here.
5. Let Ladakh woo you with its sapphire-blue lakes and vast cold deserts
Ladakh has seen a rise in popularity thanks to movies like 3 Idiots for capturing the exquisite beauty of this place in their final and most heart-warming scene showing the re-unification of Rancho, Farhan, and Raju.
Hemis is the famous snow leopard capital, if you’re lucky you may spot these enigmatic beasts. Hemis Gompa is one of the visited monasteries by tourists for some spiritual exploration. It has a rich history and legend. Belonging to the Drukpa lineage, this prime attraction should be on top of your Kashmir itinerary. In the Farhan Akhtar starter, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag the song Zinda captures the essence of Leh Ladakh with its high altitude locations.
6. Popular delicacies it would be criminal to miss on your Kashmir trip!
Mutton Rogan Josh is meat cooked with browned onions, spices, and Yogurt. The liberal use of red chilies makes this a no-miss for spice-lovers. Naat Yakhn is lamb curry with yogurt, black and green cardamoms, onion paste, mint leaves, and get this, Mawal flowers. This curry holds the flavor of Kashmir to its very core!
Rista and Gushtaba though popular at weddings can be ordered at restaurants and we certainly advise you to. Kahwa is a hot beverage made with tea, dry fruits, and cardamom. You can buy some to make back at home or take as souvenir gifts for friends and family.
That concludes all the epic Bollywood movie spots in Kashmir for your Kashmir itinerary! Leave all the trip planning to us. CrossTrip will make all your magical travel plans come true! Contact us at +91 8758 223300 or email us: relations@crosstripworld.in. Stay safe and Keep traveling!