Is it Safe in Kashmir?

The Region is Prone to Civil Unrest

travel to kashmir now

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Tourists often have reservations about visiting Kashmir in northwestern India. This picturesque region often called " Switzerland of India"   is prone to civil unrest and violence and has been declared off-limits to tourists on a number of occasions. There have also been a few isolated incidents, with Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley being temporarily shut down. However, tourists usually return when peace is restored and can generally avoid dangers by taking precautions and staying in tourist-friendly areas. 

Travel Advisories

  • The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to "exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism." They urge people to avoid the Indian union territory of "Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest."
  • Canada states tourists should practice serious caution since terrorism is a threat throughout India, and they should avoid Jammu and Kashmir, which have sporadic terrorism and violent demonstrations. This excludes traveling to Ladakh via Manali, and air travel to Leh.

Is Kashmir Dangerous?

Because of the risks of civil disorder and acts of terrorism in many districts of Jammu and Kashmir, the state has a high security threat level and is considered dangerous for travelers. Sometimes violent clashes break out between militants and Indian security forces. The number of rapes are quickly growing, with assaults taking place at tourist destinations and other locations. Kashmir is one of most densely militarized places on earth, with more than 500,000 Indian troops estimated to be deployed to counter any incidents. The substantial military presence in Kashmir may be unnerving for tourists. Plus, repetitive shutdowns and curfews are disruptive.

However, safety depends a lot on what tourists do and where they go, so whether you should visit Kashmir really depends upon your personal comfort level. It is advised to make some local contacts before you get to Kashmir, such as with a reputable homestay or other accommodations where the owner or host is personally involved with guests. Tourists can also connect with a well-known local tour guide who only leads them to safe areas.

Scams in India include taxi drivers offering money to export jewels and carpets; refuse any offer. You may also receive invitations for cheap accommodation or transportation, extended taxi rides, and unwanted tours. Beware of inauthentic tour guide services and train tickets, or ATMs that have been tweaked so thieves can copy your bank card details.

Is Kashmir Safe for Solo Travelers?

Those traveling alone in Kashmir are advised to refrain from walking around at night and avoid the high-crime areas around the inner parts of the city where unrest takes place. You should steer clear of secluded spots and unfamiliar surroundings. Exploring with travelers from your hotels or other accommodations can create a safer adventure as well. People from Kashmir are quite hospitable, so should an emergency occur, you could look to them to guide you to safety.

Is Kashmir Safe for Female Travelers?

Foreign females are often stared at in India, and there is a growing risk of rape. Sexual aggression, serious assault, verbal abuse, and harassment also take place, as may groping. Avoid using public transportation, taxis, and auto-rickshaws when alone and especially at night. Stay in populated and well-lit areas. If you feel unsafe, contact the local police. There is a helpline for women reached by dialing 1091.

In keeping with local culture, women must also take care to dress conservatively, so as not to risk causing offense. This means covering up, and not wearing mini-skirts or shorts. *kashmir

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

LGBTQ+ travelers will benefit from discretion in this conservative country and should avoid public displays of affection. While sex between people of the same sex is not against the law, being gay is not accepted all over India.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Kashmir is a predominantly Muslim area, with the remainder of the population primarily Hindus. People from all over the world visit Kashmir and the country of India, so seeing a cultural blend of faces is not a huge surprise to locals, especially in areas tourists frequent. The local people are known to be particularly warm, respectful, and polite. The majority of the time, people of other races will be stared at more than discriminated against. However, some Black travelers have experienced racism in India. Colorism also exists, with some people associating dark skin tones with lower economic classes and castes.

Safety Tips for Travelers

There are various general tips all travelers should consider following when visiting:

  • Be alert to your safety in potential terrorist hotspots like government buildings, transportation hubs, places of worship, schools, tourist attractions, markets, hotels and other sites travelers frequent.
  • In case of an emergency in Jammu and Kashmir, dial 100 for police, 101 for fire, and 102 or 108 for an ambulance.
  • Your belongings should in a money belt or a crossbody bag close to you, rather than in a backpack or the pocket of your pants. When going out, lock your items up in hotel/hostel safes or lockers.
  • To the extent possible, dress like the locals to attract less attention. It is wise to bring warm clothing even for a summer trip. The higher elevations can be chilly and tourists catch colds and flus from the pollution as well.
  • Steer clear of eating street food (especially where the food is uncovered) and drinking the contaminated tap water in India, which can be contaminated. Mineral water, which is safe for drinking, is sold in bottles in Kashmir markets.

U.S. Department of State. " India Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." December 8, 2020.

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India Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 23, 2023, india - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

  • The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
  • Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

  • Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
  • Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report for India.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

Travel Advisory Levels

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How to Plan a Trip to Kashmir – A COMPLETE Travel Guide

How to plan a trip to Kashmir? For this, there are a lot of factors that you will have to consider like how to reach, where to stay, what to see, things to do, what to pack, how much will it cost, itinerary planning, etc. All of these questions cannot be answered in a single post if you truly want it to be detailed.

I have visited Kashmir a few times and have written several detailed articles that can be of help to everyone planning a trip. This information is scattered in several posts and getting the details that you need can be a little time-consuming.

For the sake of convenience and ease of navigation, I am cataloging these articles in the post below. Follow the links, take a look at the articles and every question that you have about visiting Kashmir will surely get answered. You will find complete information about popular destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gurez, and Aharbal, as well as some offbeat destinations like Drung Waterfall, Chatpal Valley, Sinthan Top, Daksum, and several other places.

If there are still some doubts left, you can contact me on Instagram and I will be happy to help in any way that I can. I would greatly appreciate it if you could also consider subscribing to my YouTube channel .

To get the best hotel rates, and taxi charges, and to organize your trip to Kashmir, you can speak with Kunal @ 9910 402 252 . Give him my reference and you will surely get a discounted rate.

An Evening at Dal Lake

Quick Navigation

Best Time to Visit Kashmir

When is the best time to visit Kashmir? There is actually no straight answer to this question because it will depend on what kind of trip you were looking forward to.

If you want to see snow, January and February are ideal times. If you want to see lush green views, September will be the best time. For a honeymoon trip, I will recommend April and September.

If you want to see flowers and the Tulip Garden, you should plan for April. If you want to see Apple orchards, August and September is the best time to go.

For photography, a trip in the post-monsoon season will be best. For budget travelers, August and November are good times to go.

This however is just a brief overview. For a more detailed and month-by-month breakdown of this information, please take a look at When is the Best Time to Visit Kashmir .

Mobile Network and Data Connectivity

BSNL has the widest network in Kashmir but Airtel is better in terms of the quality of the network. Jio works decently well but the services of Vodafone and Idea are not that great.

The important thing that you should know is that only postpaid connections work in the valley. Irrespective of which network you were on, your phone will be dead as soon as you enter Kashmir if it was a prepaid connection.

But if it was a postpaid phone, you would have good reception and data connectivity in tourist destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. If you went a little offbeat, your phone may or may not work depending on the service provider.

I have covered this topic in great detail in another article Mobile Network and Data Connectivity in Kashmir that you can take a look at. I have given a region-wise breakdown of the network reception in this post.

Kashmir Trip Cost

How much will a Kashmir trip cost? This will depend on a lot of factors like the number of travelers, duration of the trip, mode of commute, personal preferences, etc. But with that being said, there is still an average per-person cost that can be calculated.

Take a look at this post – How to Calculate the Total Cost of Kashmir Trip . While I cannot give you the exact cost of the Kashmir trip, I can still give you an idea of how you can calculate your own Kashmir trip budget. That is the information that I covered in this article.

Using the numbers below, you will get a fairly good estimate of how much you will end up spending in the valley. These are some of the minimum expenditures that you will end up incurring for accommodation, taxi, food, shopping, etc.

Clothes to Pack for Kashmir Trip

The next important question will be related to your packing. The clothes that you need for visiting Kashmir will vary according to the season and month of your trip. It will also depend on the places you have in mind to visit and your mode of commute as well.

I will recommend taking a look at Clothes for Kashmir Trip – Things to Pack for Kashmir Trip for more information on this aspect. In this post, I have talked in detail about the kind of clothes that you should be packing for a trip to Kashmir in different seasons.

Places to Visit in Kashmir

Now let us take a look at the tourist destinations in Kashmir, places that you just cannot afford to miss. These are the destinations that will become the very highlight of your journey.

I am adding Srinagar first to the list because that is where you will have to go first. Srinagar will be your base to explore the beautiful valleys of Kashmir.

But is it just that? The answer is no.  It is not just a base to explore Kashmir but rather a place that deserves to be explored, a place of both natural and man-made beauty.

Shah Jahan a long time ago aptly called Kashmir the paradise on earth, and Srinagar is the heart of that paradise. With its serene blue lakes and magnificent gardens ringed by an Arc of Majestic Himalayas, it is a picture-perfect town that looks straight out of a painting.

There is just so much to see here and so much to do. This I believe is the very reason that despite all the unrest and tensions, Srinagar continues to remain one of the most visited tourist destinations in our country.

  • Srinagar – How to Plan your Trip and Explore?
  • Places to Visit in Srinagar and Things to Do
  • Best time to Visit Srinagar – Best Month, Season, Tips
  • Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar – Entry Fee, Timings, Trip Planning
  • Nishat Bagh Srinagar – How to Reach, Timings, Entry Fee
  • Hazratbal Shrine Srinagar – How to Reach, What to See
  • Chashme Shahi Srinagar – How to Reach, Timings, Tips
  • Pari Mahal Srinagar – Timings, How to Reach, Best Time
  • Floating Vegetable Market of Srinagar – Flower Market
  • Shikara Ride in Dal Lake Srinagar – Cost, Timings, Best Spot
  • Sound and Light Show in Srinagar in Dal Lake
  • Astanmarg – One of the Best Viewpoints in Srinagar

Gulmarg in my opinion is the biggest tourist attraction in Kashmir. Known as the meadow of flowers, it is a heavenly place to tread in that offers mesmerizing landscapes and an enthralling possibility of various adventure activities.

Such is the beauty of this tiny hamlet that it attracts people from all over the country throughout the year. It is possibly one of those destinations where the tourist season never ends.

From families to adventure enthusiasts, Gulmarg has a lot to offer everyone. It not only draws tourists from other parts of the country but also is a favorite weekend getaway for the local Kashmiris as well.

Below is a list of articles that I have posted on Gulmarg. I will recommend taking a look at these before visiting this beautiful little town.

  • Gulmarg – A Complete Travel Guide and Itinerary
  • Gulmarg in Winter Travel Guide
  • Places to Visit in Gulmarg & Things to Do
  • Best Time to Visit Gulmarg – Best Month, Season, Activities
  • Gulmarg Gondola – Travel Guide, Sightseeing, Safety Tips
  • Alpather Lake Trek Guide
  • Baba Reshi Gulmarg – History, How to Reach, What to See

If you were planning a winter trip to Gulmarg, you may want to check out the video below. This was shot during one of my trips to Gulmarg in the month of January.

The next destination that you must visit during your Kashmir trip is Sonamarg. The place is easily accessible, remains open for most of the year, has plenty of hotels, offers amazing views, and is perfect for all kinds of trips.

Public transport is also easily available. There is a daily bus between Srinagar and Sonamarg. Other than that, shared cabs also travel on the route regularly.

For accommodation, there is a wide range of hotels to choose from, both for budget travelers as well as someone looking for a luxury stay. Read on to find out more.

Below is a list of articles that provide the information that you need to know in order to plan your trip.

  • Sonamarg – A Complete Travel Guide and Itinerary
  • Best Time to Visit Sonamarg – Season, Month
  • Places to Visit in Sonamarg and Things To Do
  • Thajiwas Glacier – Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier Trek Guide
  • Hotel Barzman Sonamarg – A Great Place to Stay
  • Taxi Rates in Sonamarg | Sonmarg Local Taxi Rates

If you were planning on visiting Sonamarg in the winter season, you can also take a look at the video below to get more details on the topic.

The name Pahalgam needs no introduction. It is one of the most visited destinations of Kashmir, one that receives tourists all year long. No trip to Kashmir is complete unless Pahalgam is a part of the itinerary.

Located at a distance of about 100 kilometers from Srinagar, Pahalgam is best known for its awe-inspiring vistas, lush green meadows, dense forests, and pristine waters. The place is also noted for the annual pilgrimage to the shrine Amarnath Yatra that starts here in July and August.

In the articles below, I have talked about how a trip to Pahalgam can be planned, places you should visit there, accommodation, public transport, and several other useful tips.

  • Pahalgam – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary
  • What to see in Pahalgam – Sightseeing in Pahalgam
  • Best Time to Visit Pahalgam – When to go to Pahalgam

But in my opinion, the actual fun of visiting Pahalgam is in the winter season. This is when the natural beauty of this place is at its best. Take a look at the video below to know what I am talking about.

Drung Waterfall

Drung Waterfall, also known as Drang Waterfall or Durung Waterfall, is a destination that must find a place in your itinerary if you are planning a winter trip to Kashmir. It may not be that large in size but the sight that it presents in the winter season is truly majestic and is sure to charm you off your feet.

As the temperature in the valley drops, the water of this fall starts to freeze. By early January, the entire face of the mountain that it falls from is covered by a thick layer of ice. The water still continues to flow down but is surrounded by huge icicles and snow.

The waterfall is located about 42 kilometers from Srinagar and 16 kilometers from Gulmarg. It remains accessible for all 12 months and can easily be included in your trip to Gulmarg. You can visit Drung at any time of the year but it is in the winter season when the waterfall is truly at its best.

For more details on this one of its kind waterfall, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Drung Waterfall and What to See . You can also take a look at the video below for more details.

Gurez Valley

Gurez Valley is one of the least explored regions of Kashmir and the one that can truly be called an offbeat destination. It is a place of high scenic beauty that does not really get the attention that it truly deserves. The vistas and the natural beauty of the mountains that you see here are very different than what you will see elsewhere.

Usually, when you talk about visiting Kashmir, it is mostly 4 places that come to mind – Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. Even Srinagar just acts as a base to explore the other three places.

But Kashmir is so much more. There are so many other places here that will leave you mesmerized if visited. Gurez is one such destination that I will highly recommend that you find a place for in your travel plans.

How you can plan your trip to Gurez are details that I have covered in the posts below.

  • Gurez Valley – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary
  • Places to Visit in Gurez Valley and Things to Do
  • Best time to Visit Gurez Valley – Month, Season, Snow, Road
  • Habba Khatoon Peak Gurez – The Legend of Habba Khatoon
  • Razdan Pass Gurez, Kashmir – Sightseeing & Trip Planning

how to plan a trip to kashmir

Let us now take a look at some offbeat destinations that do not find a place in everyone’s itinerary but are definitely worth visiting.

Yusmarg is located at a distance of about 50 kilometers from Srinagar in the Badgam district of Kashmir. At an altitude of 2,396 meters (7,861 ft), it is an alpine valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains and meadows of Pine and Fir.

It is one of those places in Kashmir that are immensely beautiful but do not get the attention that they rightfully deserve. But for someone wanting to go offbeat and stay away from the crowd, Yousmarg is perfect.

For more details on this destination, please take a look at Yusmarg – A Comprehensive Travel Guide & Itinerary .

Doodhpathri

Doodhpathri is a small hill station in Kashmir. It lies in a bowl-shaped alpine valley surrounded by snow-clad mountains and meadows of Pine Fir and Deodar. It sits at an altitude of 2,730 meters (8,957 ft) above sea level and receives heavy snowfall in the winter season.

The region does not have all-year road connectivity yet and in the months of peak winter, it can get very difficult to reach here. For the rest of the year though, a trip to Doodhpathri can actually be made in less than half a day.

To be honest, it is not yet a hill station as there is little to no development in the region. What you see is nature in its raw form. There are just a few houses of the local shepherds and that is the only sign of civilization that you will see here.

The area is largely unexplored and receives very little tourism. However, efforts are being made by the authorities to develop it as a tourist destination. JKTDC has also built a resort here for tourists who want to stay overnight. You can take a look at Doodhpathri – A COMPLETE Travel Guide & Itinerary to find out more.

Mughal Road

Not many people would know about the Mughal Road. Srinagar Jammu National Highway, also known as NH44, is often considered to be the only road connecting the cities of Jammu and Srinagar.

It is true that it is indeed a better maintained, wider, more traveled upon, and shorter way to travel between the two places but it is definitely not the only one.

There actually exists another route that is far more scenic, less crowded, takes you through some internal parts of Kashmir, and has existed for far longer than the regular NH44 highway. Yes, I am talking about the historical Mughal road.

This route is the alternate way to travel between Jammu and Srinagar and to reach some internal areas of Kashmir like the town of Rajouri. It is also a very scenic route that definitely deserves to be explored.

For more details on Mughal Road, you can take a look at the posts below.

  • Mughal Road – Route Detail, Sightseeing, Best Time
  • Peer ki Gali, Mughal Road – Trip Planning & Sightseeing

Aharbal Waterfall

Aharbal Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kashmir. It is also the most easily accessible one and yet never crowded. Located at a distance of only about 70 kilometers from Srinagar, it is a place that is amazingly beautiful but does not get the attention that it truly deserves.

If you are planning to visit Kashmir, I highly recommend that you find a day in your itinerary for a visit to Aharbal. How can you plan that is what I have talked about in the article below.

  • Aharbal Waterfall – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary

Can you visit Aharbal Waterfall in the winter season? It will depend a lot on the weather at the time of your trip but yes, a trip can be planned. Take a look at this short video below to see how this beautiful waterfall looks in winter.

Daksum Valley

Daksum, also known as Daksum Valley or Daksum Village, is a viewpoint or a picnic spot located on the Anantnag-Kishtwar road near Sinthan Top. Surrounded by lush green mountains and sitting right next to the Bringhi River, it is a popular spot among the locals for family outings and school picnics.

If you are someone who likes spending time in nature, away from the crowd in an offbeat place, Daksum may just be your cup of tea. It really feels like in the middle of nowhere and if you were here during the weekdays, there would hardly be anyone around. For more details, please read How to Plan a Trip to Daksum Valley .

Sinthan Top

Sinthan Top, also known as Sinthan Pass, is a mountain pass located in Kashmir’s Breng Valley, on the road that runs between Anantnag in Kashmir and Kishtwar in Jammu. At an altitude of 12,500 ft, the top of the pass is also known as the 360-degree viewpoint as it offers a charming panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and the valley.

It is a beautiful mountain pass that should find a place in every tourist’s itinerary who is coming toward Pahalgam. Due to its close proximity, Sinthan Top can be easily incorporated with a trip to Pahalgam. The drive from Srinagar to Sinthan Top through the Daksum Valley is also quite scenic and offers a chance to visit some other destinations like Achabal Gardens, Kokernag, and Daksum.

For more details, please read How to Plan a Trip to Sinthan Top and take a look at the video below. This video covers both Daksum Valley as well as Sinthan Top because both these places are right next to each other.

Chatpal Valley

Chatpal, also called Chattabal, is not really a name that many tourists know about. It is a small valley located near Pahalgam but while Pahalgam receives thousands of visitors each year, almost no one goes in the direction of Chatpal. It is one of those places in Kashmir that are still unexplored and yet to find their place on the tourist map.

The majority of the folks you will find in Chatpal will just be the locals from Anantnag or any of the nearby villages, out there for a picnic or a family outing. Even they visit Chattabal usually over the weekends, on Sundays. For the rest of the week, you will hardly see anyone there.

If you are someone who likes to go to offbeat places, away from the crowd, and spend some time in peace, then Chattabal will surely look charming to you. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a Trip to Chatpal Valley and check out the video below.

Public Transport in Kashmir

The best way to travel to Kashmir is either by your self-owned vehicle or a private taxi. But if you are a budget traveler, you can also opt for public transport which is available in the form of buses and shared taxis. The problem however is that it is not frequent.

It will be hard to find a JKSRTC bus anywhere in Kashmir. You will have to rely on mini-buses and shared cabs operated by the locals. They do not have a set schedule or timetable but are available throughout the day.

For more details on this topic, please take a look at How to Travel in Kashmir by Buses & Shared Cabs . In this post, I have provided complete details on how you can commute from Srinagar to other places by public transport.

VARGIS KHAN

If you are planning on renting a taxi for your trip, the posts below can help you get a cost estimate. An important thing that you should remember is that places like Pahalgam and Gulmarg have their own taxi rates.

What it means is that if you rented a taxi to Pahalgam from Srinagar, it could only drop you in Pahalgam. To visit local places like Betaab Valley, Chandanwari, and Aru Valley, you will have to rent a local cab in Pahalgam.

The same rule applies to Gulmarg. If you want to go for a drive to Bota Pathri, you will have to rent another cab in Gulmarg for that.

Similarly, this rule is also applicable if you intend to move on to Kargil, Zanskar Valley, or Ladakh after exploring Kashmir. Take a look at the posts below to find out taxi rates applicable for these particular regions.

  • Srinagar Taxi Rates
  • Pahalgam Taxi Rates
  • Sonamarg Taxi Rates
  • Gulmarg Taxi Rates
  • Kargil Taxi Rates
  • Ladakh Taxi Rates

Renting a Bike

Renting a bike in Srinagar is a great way to explore for people who reach Kashmir by flight. There are a few bike rentals in the city which you can get the bikes from.

Please take a look at How to Rent a Bike in Srinagar and Srinagar Bike Rental Rates . From both of these posts, you can get to know the procedure and the cost involved.

Self-Drive Rental

If you would however like to rent a car in Srinagar and drive it around on your own, that is also an option. Please take a look at How to Rent a Self-Drive Car in Srinagar for more details.

Itinerary Planning

Your final itinerary for Kashmir will entirely depend on the number of days you have in hand, your budget, and your preferences. But I will recommend taking a look at How to Plan Your Itinerary for Kashmir .

In this post, I have shared different examples of itineraries based on the time at hand. You can pick any one of the suggested itineraries and either follow it completely or modify it as per your requirements.

cafe liberty

Food to Try in Kashmir

Your trip to not just Kashmir but any place is incomplete unless you have tasted the local cuisine. That in my opinion is actually one of the best parts of traveling to different places.

The mouth-watering local food to try in Kashmir is an experience that you just cannot miss. Below is a comprehensive list of what to eat and where.

A common question that gets asked most often is about vegetarian food and its availability. You do not have to worry about that as well.

There are a lot of places all over Kashmir where they only serve vegetarian, even Jain food as well. So finding a place to eat will not actually be a problem.

The posts below provide more information on the food that you should try in Kashmir and where.

  • Food to Try in Kashmir – What to Eat & Where
  • Cafe Liberty Srinagar Review – You Must Eat Here
  • Kareema Restaurant Srinagar Review

In the posts below, I have reviewed some of the hotels that I have stayed at during my trips to Kashmir. You can take a look at the information and pictures that I provided and decide if you wish to stay at any of these.

Read through my reviews below. I have also posted pictures of the hotel rooms that you can take a look at and decide if you would like to stay at any of these hotels.

  • Hotel One Earth Trinetar, Jammu
  • Hotel Grand Valley Inn, Srinagar
  • Hotel Barzman, Sonamarg
  • Kashmir Tourist Camp, Sonamarg
  • Hotel Green Park, Gulmarg
  • Hotel Royal Park, Gulmarg
  • Hotel Affarwat, Gulmarg
  • Hotel Iceland, Pahalgam
  • JKTDC Resort, Yusmarg
  • JKTDC Resort, Doodhpathri
  • Hotel Kaka Palace, Gurez Valley
  • Hotel Kargil Heights, Kargil

how to plan a trip to kashmir

Travelogues

Below are the links to detailed travelogues that I was able to pen down of some of my Kashmir trips. If you would like to, you can take a look at these logs to gain further information and see pictures of the places.

I have tried to be as detailed as possible in these logs, providing several necessary details for anyone wanting to plan a similar journey.

This one was my longest trip to Kashmir and covered most of the tourist destinations.

  • Road Trip to Kashmir – Planning & Preparation
  • Delhi to Jammu by Road – Day 1
  • Jammu to Srinagar via Mughal Road – Day 2
  • Srinagar to Astanmarg – Day 3
  • Shankaracharya Temple – Day 4
  • Srinagar to Sonamarg – Day 5
  • Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier – Day 6
  • Sonamarg to Srinagar – Day 7
  • Srinagar to Pahalgam – Day 8
  • Pahalgam to Betaab Valley – Day 8
  • Betaab Valley to Chandanwari – Day 8
  • Pahalgam to Aru Valley – Day 9
  • Aru Valley to Srinagar – Day 9
  • Srinagar to Gulmarg – Day 10
  • Gulmarg to Bota Pathri – Day 10
  • Gulmarg to Srinagar – Day 11
  • Srinagar to Yusmarg – Day 12
  • Yusmarg to Doodhpathri – Day 13
  • Doodhpathri to Srinagar – Day 14
  • Srinagar to Dawar in Gurez Valley – Day 15
  • Dawar to Chakwali – Day 16
  • Gurez Valley to Srinagar – Day 17
  • Srinagar to Aharbal Waterfall – Day 18
  • Srinagar to Sonamarg to Kargil – Day 19 & 20
  • Kargil to Hambuting La Pass – Day 21
  • Kargil to Hunderman Village – Day 22
  • Drang Drung Glacier – Day 23
  • Zanskar Valley to Srinagar – Day 24, 25, 26
  • Srinagar to Gulmarg to Srinagar – Day 27, 28
  • Srinagar to Jammu to Delhi – Day 29, 30

The trip above was entirely in my Thar. Take a look at this second travelogue. This was a complete bike trip done in a different manner.

  • 9 Days Trip to Kashmir – Prologue
  • Delhi to Srinagar by Flight – Day 1
  • Srinagar to Gulmarg – Day 1
  • Sightseeing in Gulmarg – Day 2
  • Enjoying the Gondola Ride – Day 2
  • Alpather Lake Trek – Day 2
  • Gulmarg Sightseeing in the Morning – Day 3
  • Gulmarg to Doodhpathri to Srinagar – Day 3
  • Srinagar to Aharbal Waterfall – Day 4
  • Aharbal to Peer ki Gali to Srinagar – Day 4
  • Srinagar to Yusmarg – Day 5
  • Sightseeing in Srinagar – Day 6
  • Srinagar to Gurez Valley – Day 6
  • Dawar to Chakwali – Day 7
  • Gurez Valley to Srinagar – Day 8
  • Srinagar to Delhi – Day 9

This was the time when I caught a flight to Kashmir, hired a self-drive rental in Srinagar, and drove around some offbeat destinations.

  • Delhi to Pahalgam – Day 1
  • Achabal Mughal Garden – Day 2
  • Daksum Valley – Day 2
  • Sinthan Top – Day 2
  • Chatpal Valley – Day 2
  • Betaab Valley & Aru Valley – Day 3

Winter Trips

The travelogues above were both from the summer season. If you are planning to visit Kashmir during the winter season, the travelogue below can be of help.

  • Delhi to Gulmarg – Day 1
  • Sightseeing in Gulmarg – Day 3
  • Change in Plans & Another Day in Gulmarg – Day 4
  • Gulmarg to Delhi – Day 5

This one is another winter trip to Kashmir.

  • Delhi to Srinagar – Day 1
  • Srinagar Old City Tour – Day 2
  • Srinagar to Gulmarg – Day 3
  • Gulmarg to Drung Waterfall – Day 3
  • Shankaracharya Temple & Srinagar Local – Day 4 & 5
  • Srinagar to Pahalgam – Day 6
  • Srinagar to Aharbal Waterfall – Day 7
  • Winter Trip to Sonamarg – Day 8

How to Plan a Trip to Kashmir

Other Travelogues

These travelogues were written by other authors detailing their journeys. Take a look and I am sure you can get a lot of helpful details from their travel stories.

If you would like your travel story to be published on my blog, you can send it to me with the relevant pictures at [email protected] . I can give a final touch to the log, put it up on the log, and add the links here.

  • Delhi to Kashmir Road Trip in 4 Days
  • Bike Trip to Kashmir
  • Shankphal Trek from Jammu
  • Honeymoon Trip to Kashmir

If you would like to take a look at some of my images of places in Kashmir, you can take a  look at the posts below. This can help you decide whether or not you want to visit that particular place or not.

  • Doodhpathri Photos
  • Shalimar Bagh Photos
  • Alpather Lake Photos
  • Aharbal Waterfall Photos
  • Dal Lake Photos
  • Gulmarg Pictures

How to plan a trip to Kashmir – Conclusion

I believe that is it. This should cover the majority of the information that you need to get in order to plan an enjoyable and hassle-free trip to Kashmir.

If there is a specific question that you were not able to find an answer to, you can contact me on Instagram and I will be happy to answer. You can also consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and asking a question there.

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Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

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Zojila pass road status and condition 2024 –..., srinagar taxi rates 2024 – 2025 – updated..., kashmir taxi rates 2024 – 2025 | taxi..., 57 comments.

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Very helpful to plan a trip.

Thank you !!!

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I am also planning to visit Vaishnodevi and start from them to Srinagar. What is the travel options from Katra to Srinagar apart from cab?

You can find buses as well

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We are planning to visit Kashmir during end of May to 1st week of June for the first time with family. Can we see snow anywhere in Kashmir at that time?

Hi Prabal – No, not that late in the season. Snow this year is anyway very less everywhere

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Hello Mr. Vargis, I’m Rajarshi Roy from Kolkata and I must confess that your blogs are really superb and detailed and really helped me to plan my honeymoon tour to Kashmir on 6th May 2024. I’ve one question that is May a good time to spend 2 nights in Gulmarg or shall I plan a day trip to Gulmarg? Your reply will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Thank you Rajarshi Ji. If you have time, I will definitely recommend staying in Gulmarg for the night

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Thank you for this comprehensive guide on planning a trip to Kashmir! Your personal experiences and detailed articles make it easier for us to navigate and plan our visit. Grateful for the valuable insights!

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This is really a complete kashmir travel guide, this is very helpful for planning a Kashmir trip

Thank you Ankita !!!

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Hi Vargis, Your blog is very useful. I am planning to visit Kashmir from Delhi in my own micro suv with 2 year old toddler in May 2024? is it ok? I have atleast 12 days in hand. Places of interest – srinagar, gulmarg, sonmarg, doodhpathri, pehalgam, gurez …please guide…Regards

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Hello Mr. VARGIS, Refer aforesaid views, I am writing to you for your guidance and suggest good contact number for the entire Kashmir tour Myself and wife both are senior citizens , we are intend to visit Kashmir in the month of April 24 for 9 nights/10 days.

Sir you can talk to Faisal @ 907 000 0036

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Hello, Vergis sir, Shall I visit the gurez valley after mid november?

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Hello vargas.khan,I want ti travel kashmir after15th November. May I get snow fall at any place ?

Not in November Bhai, not int the lower areas

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Hello Do we need to change taxi at tangmarg while going to hotel stay at gulmarg in March? Or we can take taxi hired for 5 days to at least hotel in gulmarg?

You can take a taxi for 5 days but if you are planning a trip in winter, then you will have to change at Tangmarg. For rest of the year, it can be the same cab.

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Hello Vargis bhai, Thanks a lot for detailed information, Extremely helpful to people like us to build DIY travel plan.

I am considering trip to Kashmir from Oct 14 to 24, Mainly Srinagar, Gurez, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, , is this good time to visit Kashmir and all these places i want to cover.

I am planning below itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Srinagar Day 2: Srinagar Local Day 3: Sringar Gurez Day 4: Gurez Day 5: Gurez to Gulmarg Day 6: Gulmarg to Pahalgam Day 7: Pahalgam Day 8: Pahalgam Day 9: Pahalgam to Sringar and flyout

Please let me know your thoughts if i should make any adjustment to above plan.

This is a good plan Sachin Bhai. I am assuming that you are going to book a taxi for the trip?

Yep, thanks for your feedback , Yep I plan to book taxi for entire trip, few questions.

1) Is Toyoto Etiros/Dzire is good for Gurez trip of you need to have Innova /Scorpio ? Do you know if Razdan pass would be open during October or there is chance of closure ?

2) I changed my plan a bit to skip Gulmarg as I am not interested in doing Gondola, so is there anything else interesting to do there, I assume As i am covering Doodthpatri from Srinagar, the scenary would be similar., what is your suggestion ?

3) what is your opinion on doing Day trip to Yusmarg vs Doodhpatri, from Srinagar ?, doing both on one day could be hectic right ? which one I should do Yusmarg or Doodhpatri ?

Here is my final plan with and without gulmarg as below, let me know your suggestion.

Itinerary 1: without Gulmarg Day 1: Arrive Sringar and go to Pahalgam Dah 2: Pahalgam Local Day 3: Pahalgam Local Day 4: Pahalgam to Gurez Day 5: Gurez Local Day 6: Gurez to Srinagar Day 7: Sringar local Day 8: Srinagar Doodhpatri Day 9: Srinagar Flyout in evening

Itinerary 2: with Gulmarg Day 1: Arrive Sringar and go to Pahalgam Dah 2: Pahalgam Local Day 3: Pahalgam to Gulmarg Day 4: Gulmarg to Gurez Day 5: Gurez Local Day 6: Gurez to Srinagar Day 7: Srinagar Local Day 8: Srinagar DoodthPatri Day 9: Srinagar local and Flyout.

1. Razdan Pass usually remains open in Oct. Scorpio / Innova will be better but it depends on the number of people traveling 2. Yeah, the scenery is more or less similar 3. Same on one day will be hectic. Doodhpathri is better

If the taxi driver is agreeing, the second plan would be better

Thanks a lot for your Feedback Vargisbhai ! Yes we are 3 people so I assume Dzire or Etios should be good enough to cover Dawar – Chakwali route, right ?

For Chakwali route, you will have to hire a Sumo from Dawar. The drivers from Srinagar usually refuse to go on that route due to extremely bad roads. A hatchback or a Sedan driver will definitely not go

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Special thanks Verghis Bhai for so detailed information on helping out Persons planning Kashmir trip. Me and my wife both early 69s are planning for Kashmir trip for 5 days 4 night somewhere in May next year. Can u suggest suitable itenerary for above and some insight that how should I plan for private taxi. Thanks

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This is the most genuine blog I have come across while planning my trip to Kashmir. This covers everything in great detail. Thank you Vargis for all that work and I assure you this helps us travelers very much.

Thank you Akash Bhai for your kind words !!!

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Hi, I am Saikat, I got guidance from you for my ladakh tour and it’s really help me a lot for that thank you. Now I plan to cover Kashmir and again I read your blog it will help us to cover. Now I want a reference of a good and reliable tour operator for Kashmir tour.

Take a look at the contact me page Saikat … I have mentioned a few numbers there

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I would be glad if you please let me know at the earliest about Local Sight Seeing in and around Srinagar and Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Yousmarg, Dudhpathri, etc., during my ensuing visit to Srinagar from 10th to 16th June 2023. I am a SOLO Sr. Citizen.

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Thank you so much Mr. Vargis for your details, Want to choose one destination among Doodhpathri, Yousmarg and Gulmarg, please advise.

Hi Sangita – Gulmarg is better among all three of them but also crowded. If not Gulmarg then Doodhpathri

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Dear All, This is the review about Kashmironline. We booked on a package in this summer for a family through them, but the hotel which they have opted in Srinagar was not good. No power to stay, no water and no hot water as well. We have to ask for all service every now and then. But upfront the agency collects the payment. Also, they never respond. The reason for booking through a travel agent is that we will not have issues and it will be a safe travel, but here its very bad, there will be a response saying that they will do, but nothing will happen. Remember people travelling to Srinagar / Kashmir make sure you are clear on package, would recommend to make arrangements on your own. Do not depend on any travel agents. Specially Kashmironline at all. They are not friendly and held me in a hotel to pay the final amount. Never trust on any customer and they do not need any customer satisfaction. I have informed very clearly the balance 7-8% (Approx 9000) of amount will be paid on last day of my travel in morning, irrespective of telling and informing the same, they holded in the hotel in the lobby asking for balance payment two days prior itself. The agency called up the hotel informed that before I leave collect the balance money. That looks very bad in front of others asking for money as if am going to move away without paying from them. My only question is if you guys or agency never trust on customer, how do you expect the customer to trust you. If something goes wrong, you will never revert back right. Now, I had a bad and worst stay in Srinagar, they never responded to me anything about that at all. The kashmironline person was apologizing but nothing happened. The issues repeated thrice for all 3 days of stay, our stay was ruined. We went for sight-seeing late for all 3 days and we are not provided with basic necessity of things to stay. Irrespective of informing that Iam not comfortable on the first day itself. Please be aware of these things in Kashmir. Never book though kashmironline at all. They never bother about any feedback or comfortable stay of customer. Only money is important. The driver they organized doesn’t even have a courtesy and he dropped us the railway station by 9pm and have requested him to take me to 5km nearby for dinner which he denied. He never answered any calls after dropping us. Irrespective of informing that we need to have dinner before dropping us, he never bothered that Iam with 2 kids without food travelling for whole night. He was keen on moving away since the money is fully paid a day prior. Important is he knows entire story of this issue. They never change and felt bad for booking with them. Entire trip is ruined and I have give other hint to save other atleast, not to get cheated. Since no one save me.. kashmironline These details are from my recent personal experience during the month of May 2023.

With Regards, Balasubramaniam.

Thank you Bala Bhai for sharing your experience. Most of these online travel platforms are more or less the same. They act as mediators only. I always tell people to not go with any online travel platform.

Hello Vargis Thank you so much for your details, Want to choose one destination among Doodhpathri, Yousmarg and Gulmarg, please advise.

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Hi Vargis, Thank you for your sharing and your article very details. If you don’t mind please suggest best travel agent in Kashmir who can arrange. We plan our trip on December 2023.. tq

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Hello. Thanks for the details. I am planning Gulmarg directly from the airport (2 nights) , then Sonmarg (2 nights), then Pahalgam (3 nights) and then Srinagar (2 nights). Is that itinerary okay ? Are these places equidistant

2 and 3 days is a bit much. Gulmarg 1 day, Sonamarg 1 day and Pahalgam 1 night should be more than enough. You can spend rest of your time visiting other places.

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Vargis Ji, we are not getting tickets for Gondola Ride. what would be other options?

No other option bhai. You can check at the counter if anyone is selling in black

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Hi I am visiting from may 1 to 6 ., this is my first trip to kashmir solo, will travelling to Kargil from Srinagar for 2 days be good ..?

That road is not open yet. There is no telling if it will open by May 1

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What a great Blog. Covers almost everything. The best part is that it is not commercial blogs, which generally have an interest in the places they mention. You have written in simple language and from your first-hand experience. I am a Sr. Citizen and also handicapped. I use an artificial limb, but mobility is not an issue (maybe rocky climbing and snow/water). I do travel a lot. My question is: Will you recommend Gondola Phase I and II? My Travel Agent has custom-built an Itinerary for my wife and me using taxis only for the 2 of us. I was told that there is a Union issue and private taxis are not allowed in Gulmarg and Pahalgam and I will have to book local taxis there.

Please advise keeping my handicap in mind. Thanks.

I intend to travel in mid-September.

Thank you for your kind words, Mr. D’Souza.

If you are going to stay in Gulmarg overnight, then yes, I will recommend the Gondola ride. If you are just planning a day trip, it will be best to skip it.

You do not need to rent another taxi in Gulmarg for sightseeing. They may ask to take you to Bota Pathri by renting another cab but avoid that. There is nothing there. All the other places in Gulmarg are near the market area. No additional taxi is needed.

Yes, you will have to rent another taxi in Pahalgam for local sightseeing. Srinagar taxi will not be allowed there.

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Hello Vargis, your blogs are awesome, provides complete details one need to plan themselves. Great work! I’m confused in choosing one between yusmarg and doodhpathiri. If i have to select one of these, which one should it be? TIA

Hello Priya Ji – Thank you for your kind words. Both of the places are equally beautiful but if I have to pick one, I will go to Doodhpathri.

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Such a detailed article!!! Thanks for sharing

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There are so many very well known and most liked temples in Kashmir I didn’t find any mention of these temples and places in your article is there any particular reason or you missed it In case you need any help to draw your attention towards those places I can do that

Pran Bhai Most of these temples are located in the old Srinagar town and I never had the chance to visit there until recently. I do not put any information on the blog until I have been to that place. Please see this post. I did visit the temples and highlighted them

https://vargiskhan.com/log/srinagar-old-city-tour/

If you have information on these temples, please do let me know and I will update. The two that I have been to is the Mangaleshwar Mahadev temple and the Ganesh Ji temple in Ganpatyar. I know there are a lot many others and I plan on visiting them during my next trip so that I can write a post about the temples in Srinagar.

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Khan Sir, We are 03 couples (65 years age )planning for Kashmir for 7 Night trip. 1n Gulmarg, 2 N Pahelgam,4N Srinagar. Will see sonmarg,Dooghpatri & all places in srinagar. Pl. suggest best travel agent in srinagar who can arrange . Our travel month is third week of March 2023. Thanks & regards, Pinakin Desai mob:7600227499

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Hi Vargis, your blogs are just out of this world. You can start publishing “Vargis Planet”

I have a mobility issue. Though I drive but I walk with crutches and small distances only. I followed your blog on Prashar Lake and you had clarified all my concerns so well that I drove upto the last possible point without any issue and then a little walk to the point from where the lake is visible. Though I didn’t trek down to the lake and temple. That was little too much for me.

Anyway, I am now planning to drive to Kashmir in Sept 1st week and plan to spend 3 days each at Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg. I wanted to ask you how long is the walks at various gardens in Srinagar. I also plan to do Doodhpatri, Yousmarg and Achabal.

Is there too much to walk in Phase 1 and 2 of Gandola, also Sonmarg, Kokernag, Daksum areas? I will be thankful if you can reply to me and help me plan better.

Hi Swati – Sorry I had been traveling myself for the last couple of months and did not see your comment until now. Sorry for the late reply. I guess you are already in Kashmir by now.

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Kashmir Mountains

travel to kashmir now

Is Kashmir Safe to Travel Now? – A Kashmir Travel Guide

Kashmir tourism

Kashmir, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth,” is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. However, the region has, at times, been subject to geopolitical tensions and occasional unrest. Travelers contemplating a visit to Kashmir often find themselves questioning the safety of the destination. In this article, we aim to provide an insightful overview of the current situation in Kashmir and assess whether it is safe for travelers.

In recent years, the region of Kashmir has undergone significant transformations, marking a notable shift from the challenges and uncertainties that once defined its landscape. The journey toward stability and recovery has been a testament to the resilience of the people, the efforts of local authorities, and a renewed sense of hope for a brighter future.

Historical Context: Kashmir, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has faced a complex and tumultuous history. Political tensions, social unrest, and security concerns have, at times, overshadowed the inherent beauty and serenity that characterize this paradise on Earth. However, recent developments indicate a positive trajectory, signaling a recovery from the challenges of the past.

Economic Revitalization: One of the key indicators of Kashmir’s recovery is the revitalization of its economy. Efforts to promote tourism, harness the potential of local industries, and encourage investments have contributed to economic growth. The return of tourists to the valley speaks volumes about the renewed confidence in the region as a safe and welcoming destination.

Kashmir has witnessed a significant surge in tourism, affirming its status as a safe and thriving destination. With a record-breaking influx of tourists, the region is experiencing an unparalleled rush during the summer season. This surge is not only indicative of the mesmerizing allure of Kashmir but also underscores the peace and confidence in the region.

Unprecedented Tourist Inflow: Data from the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department and the Union Tourism Ministry reveal that an estimated 1.06 crore tourists have visited the region between January and July 2022. This figure breaks a 10-year record, showcasing a remarkable increase in the number of visitors to the valley.

Tourist Statistics : Between January and May 15, 2022, the number of tourists surpassed 600,000, marking a fourfold increase compared to the same period in the previous year. The surge in bookings for visits to iconic destinations like Gulmarg, Srinagar, Pahalgam, and other areas reflects the growing popularity of Kashmir as a tourist hotspot.

Record-Breaking Bookings : Between October 2021 and March 2022, approximately 80 lakh people visited the union territory. The surge in tourist footfall has been attributed to the prevailing peace in the region and growing confidence in government initiatives aimed at its development. The average duration of tourist stays ranges from 10 to 15 days, with visitors expressing a willingness to spend 30–40% more on their travels to the valley.

Private Sector Investment: To further enhance tourism infrastructure and attract private investors, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Policy, 2020, has been notified. This strategic move aims to position tourism as an industry, encouraging investments that contribute to job creation and economic growth in the region.

Kashmir Travel Guide: A Paradise on Earth Awaits

Kashmir

Kashmir stands as one of the most delightful holiday destinations. With its breathtaking natural beauty, unexplored landscapes, and warm hospitality, Kashmir beckons travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.

Safe to Travel : Despite being a historical flashpoint due to political issues, Kashmir is now deemed safe for travel, with the situation returning to normalcy.

Diverse Experiences : A journey to Kashmir offers a diverse range of experiences tailored to different preferences. Whether you are a solo traveler, spiritual seeker, adventure enthusiast, or honeymooner, Kashmir has something special for everyone.

Customizable Itineraries : When planning your Kashmir tour , personalize your itinerary based on your preferences. Explore spiritual shrines, embark on adventure activities, or indulge in the romantic ambiance, making it an ideal honeymoon destination.

Natural Beauty and Adventure : For nature lovers and photographers, Kashmir unfolds incredible Himalayan mountain views and scenic landscapes. The region’s raw beauty, offbeat trails, and captivating scenes offer opportunities for both camera captures and cherished memories.

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The best time to visit Kashmir

By Malavika Bhattacharya

Best time to visit Kashmir

Kashmir is glorious all through the year. The best time to visit Kashmir really depends on what kind of holiday you’re looking for. Every season brings with it spectacular adventures. The ski slopes buzz with activity in the winter, while summer is the best time for languid picnics in alpine meadows. Whether you’re visiting Kashmir for the first time or the fifth, there are always stunning landscapes to explore: The striking mountains of the Pir Panjal range; sparkling lakes dotted with shikaras; gardens laden with tulips and chinar; alpine meadows and golden mustard fields. There are so many reasons to return to Kashmir, and so many parts of Kashmir to return to. Whether you choose to visit Gulmarg, Palahgam, Srinagar or venture further into the valley, here’s a handy guide on the best time to visit Kashmir.

Jump to Best time to visit Kashmir Temperature in Kashmir What is the best time to visit Kashmir for snow? What is the best time to visit Kashmir for tulips? How many days are enough for a Kashmir trip? Plan your stay

What is the best time to visit Kashmir?

The best time to visit Kashmir is from March to September. When spring arrives in late March, it brings with it blue skies, seasonal blooms and green meadows perfect for picnics. Summer, from May to September, sees mild temperatures, clear views and large crowds. This is the peak season in Kashmir, when hotel prices and airfares soar. This is the season for shikara rides on glassy lakes, walks through beautiful fruit orchards, relaxed hikes on pine-clad slopes and lazy afternoons spent on the riverside. July to September is the best time for longer treks like the Kashmir Great Lakes trek that takes you to the region’s high-altitude glacial lakes. Gardens like Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh are at their most beautiful in spring and summer. The Amarnath yatra pilgrimage also takes place in this season, usually between July and August. You can also expect scattered rain in Kashmir in the summer.

Autumn arrives in September and lasts through October. In this season, as the leaves of the chinar begin to turn, the landscape transforms into a sea of red and gold. Kashmir is glorious at this time, and it's worth planning a visit just to experience the gardens in autumn.

In November, temperatures begin to drop as winter arrives in the valley. Winter in Kashmir is harsh and long, with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow in many parts of the region. The most intense part of the season is the Chillai Kalan, a 40-day period when Kashmir faces its harshest winter, with overcast skies and heavy snow. Flight cancellations and road closures can occur during this time, and it's best to check the latest weather forecasts and travel advisories. However, winter is the best time to visit Kashmir if you’re looking to holiday in the snow.

Image may contain Water Waterfront Harbor Pier Transportation Vehicle Watercraft Boat Nature Outdoors and Scenery

Temperature in Kashmir

Spring (March-April): 8°C-17°C Summer (May to August): 12°C-30°C Autumn (September-October): 9°C-22°C Winter (November- early March): -2°C-22°C

What is the best time to visit Kashmir for snow?

From January to March, Kashmir is under a carpet of fresh white powder. This is peak winter in the valley, and this is the best time to visit Kashmir for snow. At 3950m, Gulmar g is the third highest ski resort in the world and offers the best skiing in the country. There are ski runs to suit all abilities: beginner-friendly slopes to learn on, intermediate slopes to get your confidence levels up and advanced runs that are about 6km long and best suited to expert skiers. Even if you aren’t skiing, there are winter activities like sledding and snowboarding on offer. If you’re planning a winter getaway, Pahalgam and Sonmarg are other popular destinations in Kashmir to visit for snow. Kashmir under a fresh blanket of snow is a truly beautiful sight, so spend a few days just taking in the views. In recent years, the pattern of snowfall in Kashmir has been changing, so it’s worthwhile to check the latest weather conditions before planning your trip.

Image may contain Water Waterfront Nature Outdoors Scenery City Architecture Building Cityscape and Urban

Kashmir in the winter

What is the best time to visit Kashmir for tulips?

Srinagar is home to Asia’s largest tulip garden, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. Every year in spring, the garden, overlooking the Dal Lake, blooms with thousands of tulips in hues of red and yellow, violet and white. The annual Tulip Festival usually starts in late March or April and lasts for a month. The festival is a major tourist draw in Srinagar. If you’re planning to visit Kashmir to see millions of tulips in bloom, late March to early May is the best time to visit.

How many days are enough for a Kashmir trip?

To experience the highlights of Kashmir’s major tourist spots, a 7-10 day trip is ideal. Spend 3 days in Srinagar, where there is so much to see and do. Glide down Dal Lake to see the city’s floating flower and vegetable market. Stroll through Shalimar Bagh, a Mughal garden dating back to the 1600s. Explore the architecture of the Old City and for a truly special experience, spend a night on a houseboat. From there, head to Pahalgam, which is beautiful in every season. Spend two days or more taking in Pahalgam’s stunning views: the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal range, the gushing Lidder River, vast meadows that are emerald green in summer, and swathes of pine forests that carpet the slopes. Nearby, the Betaab and Aru Valleys are popular spots to visit. End your trip at Gulmarg, best known as a winter destination for its snow-covered slopes.

Plan your stay:

Spring in Kashmir A homestay in Tangmarg A local’s guide to Srinagar Hotels, homestays and houseboats in Srinagar Incredible meals to eat in Srinagar and Pahalgam Skiing in Gulmarg

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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Journey To Kashmir: A Traveller's Guide To The Most Beautiful Places In India's Paradise

Visit srinagar's timeless charm & see gurez valley's offbeat beauty as you explore our guide to the best and most beautiful places in kashmir.

By: Pyusha Chatterjee Published: Jan 13, 2024 02:00 PM IST

Journey To Kashmir: A Traveller's Guide To The Most Beautiful Places In India's Paradise

Delhi Sultanate’s court poet and sufi singer Amir Khusrau aptly described Kashmir as the ‘Heaven on Earth’. Whether embraced by verdant green landscapes or snow-capped peaks, the ‘Crown of India’ radiates its beauty throughout the year. If a visit to Jammu and Kashmir is on your horizon, our curated list of some of the most beautiful places in this popular destination might be useful.

From majestic forts and temples steeped in historical significance to stunning lakes nestled amidst breathtaking vistas of pine trees and mountains, and from perfectly manicured gardens to rivers gracefully meandering through lush green meadows, Kashmir’s diverse terrain beckons travellers from near and far to immerse themselves in its exquisite beauty.

In fact, it’s not only Indians but also foreign nationals who are drawn to Kashmir, enamoured by its timeless charm. Let us delve into the allure of the country’s paradise.

Enrich your itinerary with the top beautiful places to visit in Kashmir

Beautiful places in Kashmir

A proud member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network since 2021, Srinagar owes its renown not only to its eternal beauty but also to its rich culture and exquisite handicrafts. Whether indulging in a surreal shikara ride on Dal Lake, strolling through the enchanting Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden during the Tulip Festival, experiencing the charm of a laid-back stay on a houseboat , exploring the bustling markets of Lal Chowk, or savouring authentic Kashmiri delicacies like nadru yakhni, gustaba, haak saag and the quintessential rogan josh, Srinagar offers a diverse range of experiences. For those yearning for waterfalls, a visit to Aharbal Waterfall, approximately 72 km away, is highly recommended — a gem among the most beautiful places in Kashmir. Spiritual seekers can find solace at the Shankaracharya Temple, offering a serene retreat for moments of peace and introspection.

Key attractions: Shri Raghunath Temple, Mughal Gardens and Manasbal Lake How to reach: Srinagar Airport is approximately 10 km from the city centre

Book your stay at Fortune Resort Heevan, Srinagar on Booking.com

Beautiful places in Kashmir

Yusmarg, translating to ‘Meadows of Jesus’, is the pride of Kashmir valley. Situated in the Budgam district, Yusmarg is a picturesque landscape characterised by rolling hills and lush green pastures. Home to some of the highest peaks in the Pir Panjal range and the mesmerising Sang-E-Safed valley, Yusmarg is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir. For enthusiasts of local cuisine, a visit to the quaint dhabas and eateries in Charar-e-Sharif, located near Yusmarg , is a must after exploring its holy shrine. This charming hill station is also renowned for its exceptional variety of flowers, adding to its allure and making it a unique gem in the Kashmir valley.

Key attractions: Pakherpora Shrine, Doodhganga and Nilnag Lake How to reach: Yusmarg is approximately 50 km from Srinagar

Book your stay at WelcomHeritage Grand, Srinagar on Booking.com

Beautiful places in Kashmir

Nestled amidst majestic hills and dense forests in the Anantnag district, Pahalgam offers an abundance of breathtaking vistas and scenic spots. The ever-popular Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film Betaab (1983), is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with lush green grasslands, stunning meadows lined with pine trees, and a river cutting through it. Other gorgeous places include Baisaran Hills, Lidderwat and Pahalgam Golf Course. Pahalgam is indeed a haven for trekkers and hikers, transforming into a snowy paradise in winter.

Key attractions: Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, Lidder Amusement Park and Panchtarni How to reach: Pahalgam is approximately 90 km from Srinagar

Book your stay at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Pine N Peak, Pahalgam on Booking.com

Gurez Valley

Beautiful places in Kashmir

Exploring the lesser-known Gurez Valley in Jammu and Kashmir offers a unique offbeat experience. Situated at an elevation of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), 72 km from Bandipora, Gurez Valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, enhanced by the presence of the Kishanganga River. The simplicity of Gurez Valley, coupled with the warmth of its local people, adds to its timeless allure. Home to the Dard Shin Tribe, one of the oldest tribes in Kashmir, who speak Shina, it’s a haven for avian enthusiasts with abundant bird sightings. It is one of the best and most beautiful places to see and visit in Kashmir.

Key attractions: Visit Dawar Swamp, Wular Lake and Razdan Pass How to reach: Gurez Valley is approximately 126 km from Srinagar

Book your stay at Pine Tree Resort JAMMU on Booking.com

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Kishtwar

Known as ‘The Land of Saffron and Sapphire’, Kishtwar owes its popularity to the Kishtwar National Park , spread across 2,000 sq km, and home to various species of mammals and birds. Steeped in historical significance, Kishtwar, believed to be the abode of sage Kashyap, dates back to the Mahabharata period when it was called ‘Lohit Mandal.’ With Naginshiru Peak in the north and the Chenab River to the south, Kishtwar mesmerises with natural wonders. Indulge in local delicacies like tabak maz, rista, and namkeen chai with kulcha. Explore the ruins of the old fort in Bhandarkoot, approximately 12 km away, for a taste of Kishtwar’s rustic charm.

Key attractions: Chuharnag Lake, Neel Khanth Mahadev Mandir and Shrine of Shah Farid ud Din Bagdadi How to reach: Kishtwar is approximately 208 km from Srinagar, with Udhampur Railway station being the nearest (approximately 146 km).

Book your stay at Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Katra on Booking.com

Gulmarg

No list is complete without mentioning the crowd-favourite Gulmarg, a year-round destination that transforms into a winter wonderland. Home to one of the world’s highest green golf courses, Gulmarg is one of the best places for golfers to visit in Kashmir. Just 16 km from Gulmarg, the Durung Waterfall entices adventure enthusiasts , especially during winter when it freezes into a white spectacle. Experience Gulmarg’s true beauty by hopping on the gondola and testing your skiing skills at Seven Springs.

Key attractions: Shrine of Baba Reshi, Strawberry Valley and Khilanmarg How to reach: Gulmarg is approximately 52 km from Srinagar

Book your stay at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa on Booking.com

Anantnag

In the Anantnag district, Verinag stands out for the Verinag spring and the Mughal garden commissioned by Emperor Jahangir in 1620. The octagonal stone reservoir in the garden is believed to be the primary source of the Jhelum River. Legends connect the Goddess Vitasta with this location, where she initially intended to emerge. Verinag’s charm is further enhanced by towering Chinar trees, creating a picturesque setting.

Key attractions: Verinag Spring, Mughal Gardens and Martand Surya Temple How to reach: Verinag is approximately 85 km from Srinagar

Book your stay at Vivanta Dal View on Booking.com

Jammu

Approximately 108 km from Jammu and 45 km from Udhampur, Patnitop is a beautiful town surrounded by pine forests. Sanasar Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in India, Shanta Ridge and Shank Pal with rolling hills and alpine meadows are must-visit attractions. The steps of Billoo Ki Powri exude an old-world charm, and Nathatop, a popular ski destination in winter, adds to the allure. Visit the ancient Bahu Fort and Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, and the Naag (Corba) Temple when in Patnitop.

Key attractions: Baglihar Dam, Buddha Amarnath Temple and Shiva Garh How to reach: Patnitop is approximately 166 km from Srinagar

Book your stay at Skyview by Empyrean on Booking.com

(Feature image credit: Deepanshu Nayak)

Related: Through The Lens: Falling In Love With Autumn In Kashmir, One Photo At A Time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Kashmir a popular destination for travellers? Kashmir qualifies as one of the best and most popular destinations for travellers to see and visit owing to its diverse landscape, ranging from lush meadows and rolling hills to majestic mountain peaks and pine forests, as well as its rich cultural heritage.

What is the best time to visit Kashmir? The best time to visit the tourist places in Kashmir is between March to August. However, if snowfall attracts you, then visiting during the winter months is recommended.

Are there any famous gardens in Kashmir? Yes, there are many famous gardens and places to see in Kashmir like the Mughal Gardens and Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.

What are the major lakes in Kashmir that one should visit? One should definitely visit Dal Lake and Sanasar Lake. Alternatively, one can go on a trek covering most of the lakes here — Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

Can I experience snowfall in Kashmir? Absolutely. One can see snowfall in various places of Kashmir during December and January.

Are there any adventure activities available in Kashmir? Yes, Kashmir offers many adventure activities like trekking, skiing, rafting and paragliding.

What is the significance of Gulmarg in Kashmir? Gulmarg is one of the most picturesque places to see in Kashmir, offering an abundance of tourist attractions.

Are there any historical sites in Kashmir? Yes, there are many historical places to see in Kashmir such as the Amar Mahal Palace, Bahu Fort, Mughal Gardens and Mubarak Mandi Palace.

How can I reach Kashmir? Srinagar Airport is approximately 10 km from the city centre and Jammu Tawi Railway Station is approximately 50 km from Katra. You can reach Srinagar by flight or Jammu by train and carry on with your journey further.

Are there houseboats available for accommodation in Kashmir? Yes. Houseboats are available for accommodation in Kashmir, but prior booking is advisable to avoid a rush.

Can I buy traditional Kashmiri handicrafts in the region? Yes. You can buy traditional Kashmiri handicrafts from the local vendors and craftsmen in Kashmir, but researching the correct price before heading to the markets is advisable.

  • beautiful places
  • Jammu and Kashmir
  • Kashmir tourism

Pyusha Chatterjee

Pyusha Chatterjee

A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with .. Read More friends or organising things unnecessarily. Read Less

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Post-Covid Travel Guide To Kashmir

Post-Covid Travel Guide To Kashmir

  • Rahul Arora

Kashmir: Heaven on Earth

Lovingly known as the ‘Heaven on Earth’, Kashmir is without a doubt one of the best vacation destinations you can visit. At least once in your life, you should visit this part of the world to witness some of the most picture-perfect natural scenes. The Kashmir valley is located in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The state of Jammu and Kashmir shares its borders with Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Pakistan and China are the closes neighbors to Jammu and Kashmir.

The land of Kashmir is nourished by one of the main rivers of Jhelum, Ravi, Tawi, Indus, and Chenab. The land of Kashmir is very fertile and is capable of producing rich crops. Wool is another popular commodity that is produced in Kashmir. Textiles made out of wool are quite popular all over the world. 

Jammu & Kashmir is majorly divided into three main regions. These three regions are Jammu, Ladakh, and the Kashmir Valley. All these regions have their own unique cultural identity and traditions. Jammu & Kashmir is blessed with beautiful valleys, temples, and meadows to make you cherish your vacation for years to come. 

Suggested Read: Best Tourist Places To Visit In Kashmir

travel to kashmir now

If you are planning a trip to Kashmir through your Kashmir tour package, then you can customize your itinerary as per your travel needs. If you are a solo traveler or a spiritual seeker, then there are plenty of temples and spiritual shrines you can visit and offer your prayers. As an adventure tourist, you can find many adventure activities to engage yourself in. Kashmir is also a great honeymoon destination and couples visiting here consider it one of the most beautiful destinations to spend time with your loved one.  

Whatever your reason to travel be, you can find something for yourself in Kashmir. If you are a nature lover or a photographer, you can find some of the best views and scenes to capture in your camera and your memory. Social Media has played an important role in making the Kashmir valley popular to the community of tourists. Every year, there are thousands of people who visit Kashmir from all over the world. However, due to the pandemic, tourist activities have decreased. 

The second wave of Covid has declined significantly and the number of new Covid cases all over India has decreased. Due to this, ‘revenge tourism’ has started. The states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Goa have seen a sharp rise in the number of visiting tourists. We have prepared a Covid-19 travel guide to Kashmir which will help you stay safe and avoid any hassles while you travel to Kashmir after Covid. 

Suggested Read: Beautiful Valleys in Kashmir

travel to kashmir now

Tourism activities are the major contributors to the local economy of Kashmir and its people. It generates jobs and business opportunities for locals who are engaged with hospitality and transportation activities. The Kashmir valley is now open for tourism but Covid guidelines are in place and there are some requirements from the tourists before they can enter Kashmir. 

As per the new guidelines, all tourists visiting Kashmir must be fully vaccinated with the two doses of the vaccine. Unvaccinated tourists will have to produce an RT-PCR test at least 72 hours before traveling. These measures have been in place for many other states of India and all popular tourist destinations. These rules will most likely stay in place for the upcoming months of this year. If the number of new Covid cases drops below a certain level, it is most likely that these guidelines will change and restrictions will be relaxed for the tourists. 

Also, maintaining Covid appropriate behavior is expected from all the visiting tourists. For visiting certain restricted areas, special permits will be required. The issuing of these permits has also started recently. So, these were some of the Kashmir travel guidelines that you need to know if you are planning to visit Kashmir.

To summarize, the following are some of the main travel guidelines that you need to remember before you book your Kashmir tour package.

- Vaccination certificate must be produced by all travels visiting Jammu & Kashmir. The vaccination certificate should include proof of the administration of two vaccine doses.

- Unvaccinated tourists must produce a negative RT-PCR test to be done 72 hours before traveling.

- Wearing masks and maintaining social distancing needs to be observed while visiting popular tourist destinations in Kashmir.

Best Destinations To Visit In Kashmir

Kashmir has some amazing tourist destinations with gorgeous views of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan range. If you are traveling to Kashmir then make sure that you check the most recent update on the Kashmir travel guidelines. Following are the 5 best places to visit while you are in Kashmir.

travel to kashmir now

Famously known as the " meadow of flowers ", Gulmarg is India's finest travel destination. It is a beautiful place to enjoy the picture-perfect natural scenes that are unforgettable. Gulmarg became popular because of the many adventure activities that are offered to the tourists. 

Skiing is one of the most popular activities in Gulmarg. During the winter season, skiing enthusiasts from all over the world visit Gulmarg to take part in the Skiing events. The best time to ski is during the winter months starting from December until March. Tourists also enjoy the famous Gondola rides which are among the highest cable care tramway in the world. 

Suggested Read: Beautiful Places To Visit In Jammu

2. Sonamarg

travel to kashmir now

Sonamarg can be roughly translated into “ the path of gold ’. Sonamarg is the last place in Kashmir on your way to Ladakh. Sonamarg is among the top 5 destinations in Kashmir and it is quite popular because of its natural beauty. Every year, hundreds of tourists visit Sonamarg to witness the snowfall during the winter months. 

Thajiwas Glacier is one of the best places to visit during the winters, Trekking to Thajiwas Glacier would take around 5 hours and can be done in a day. Adventure travelers visit Sonamarg for many such trekking trails. There are some amazing camping opportunities in this beautiful valley. 

Suggested Read: Amazing Sites In Leh Ladakh

3. Srinagar

travel to kashmir now

Srinagar is a bustling city full of sightseeing opportunities and shopping options. You can some traditional Kashmiri textiles and souvenirs to take back home. One of the most popular destinations to visit in Srinagar is the famous Dal Lake. The houseboats selling various kinds of goods is a unique experience on its own. Tourists can also choose to stay in a houseboat and spend some time enjoying the ride. 

Suggested Read: Wonderful Places To Visit In India

4. Pahalgam

travel to kashmir now

Pahalgam is popularly known as the " Valley of Shepherds ” and it is one of the most popular destinations in Kashmir. For adventure travelers, Pahalgam is an ideal destination for trekking and adventure activities. 

Betaab Valley is another famous place to visit in Pahalgam. This valley was named after a popular movie by the name ‘Betaab’ which was shot here. Sparkling crystal clear rivers and snow-capped mountains are particularly beautiful here. Other popular tourist activities include white water rafting, fishing, trekking, camping, and golfing. 

Suggested Read: Secret Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh

5. Doodhpathri

Popularly known as the " Valley of Milk ", Doodhpathri is an off-beat destination that is slowly becoming more and more popular. The social media posts by the traveling community show the raw beauty of this great destination. 

The beauty alone is a reason to visit Doodhpathri where you can breathe some of the cleanest air in India. It is truly heaven on earth. Trekkers and camping enthusiasts visit Doodhpathri to experience adventure in this valley of uncorrupted beauty. If you are traveling from a city, you will see a stark contrast that will bring a sense of self-reflection while you are in Doodhpathri. 

These were the top 5 tourist destinations to visit in Kashmir. We have also compiled a list of the best tourist attractions in Kashmir. These tourist attractions include some of the most popular monuments, temples, national parks, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities. Following are some of the most popular tourist attractions to experience in Kashmir.  

- Raghunath Temple

- Amarnath Cave

- Shankaracharya Temple

- Vaishno Devi

- Jama Masjid

- Dachigam National Park

- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

- Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary

- Kishtwar High Altitude National Park

- Overa National Park

These are the top 10 tourist attractions worth visiting while you are in Kashmir. This Covid-19 travel guide to Kashmir will help you choose the most important places to visit in Kashmir as per your travel needs. Most temples and shrines have large crowds and if you have decided to travel to these sites, then make sure you stay safe. While you are visiting the temples and shrines, make sure to wear masks and maintain social distancing to avoid the spread of the Covid-19 infection. 

Wildlife in Kashmir

There are several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks which are dedicated to the preservation of the bio-diversity of the Kashmir Valley. Some of the most amazing wildlife species such as Himalayan Marmot, Kashmiri Stag, Musk Deer, Leopards, Cats, and many rare species of birds and animals are found here. Nature lovers and photographers visit Kashmire to capture the beauty of these creatures.

Also, the species of plants and trees that are found here are quite rare. The preservation of these species is critical for the ecological balance of nature. If you are planning to visit Kashmir, make sure to visit any of the national parks. The scenic beauty surrounding these national parks and sanctuaries will leave you mesmerized.

Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In India

Art, Tradition & Culture of Kashmir

The culture of Jammu and Kashmir is a unique blend of many ethnic influences. The traditional festivals and events show a glimpse into the lives of the local people. The cultural influences of the Kashmiri people can be seen in their works of art and handicrafts. The dances and the music events portray the daily lives of the common Kashmiri people. 

The traditional weaving methods and use of local textile materials are also quite popular in various textiles that are popular in Kashmir. These products include Carpets, Rugs, Shawls, Furniture, Fabrics, Jewelry, and Copper wares. Music and dance are also unique in Jammu and Kashmir. Some of the most important festivals to attend in Jammu and Kashmir are the following.

- Hemis Festival

If you get to attend any of the cultural music festivals in Jammu & Kashmir, you will be able to have a unique experience of an amazing culture.

Best time to visit Kashmir

Usually, the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir is during the months of the summer season. During the summer months, many areas of Kashmir are accessible. Also, you will be able to see the green meadows and gorgeous natural colors of the blooming flowers. Winters are also a quite popular time to visit. People visit Kashmir during the winter months to experience the snow or to spend time away from the tourist crowds. 

For nature lovers, photographers, and honeymoon couples, springtime is the best time to experience the beauty of Kashmir. Weather during the summer season is quite pleasant and it is a great time for families to travel to Kashmir comfortably. 

The Winter season starts from October till March and the temperature can fall -5 degrees Celcius. On the other hand, April till June is the summer season when you can comfortably travel to Kashmir without any hassles. Summer temperatures can be around 15 – 30 degrees Celsius. The monsoon months of July till September are particularly risky as the road conditions are quite bad during this time. It is wise to avoid traveling in monsoon months. 

This was a brief post-covid travel guide to Kashmir. Before you start packing your bags, make sure to check on the latest updates on the political situation in Kashmir along with Kashmir travel guidelines. The travel guidelines are most likely to change as per the Covid situation in India. Maintaining Covid-appropriate-behavior will help you travel safely and avoid any unnecessary hassles during your vacation.

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Tale of 2 Backpackers

Is Kashmir Safe for Tourists? Our Views after Visiting 10 District of Kashmir

Featured , Jammu & Kashmir

Is Kashmir Safe for Tourists

Last Updated on: Feb 10, 2023  

About this blog: Is Kashmir safe to travel? Is Kashmir safe for tourists? We have heard these questions time and again. Well, this blog will have our views on Kashmir, whether we found the place safe and how we spent our time there. Along with our experiences, we will also share some information that will help you take an informed decision on whether to visit Kashmir.

The first time we visited Kashmir in 2013 was when we went for Amarnath Yatra. We still remember that most of our family and friends were skeptical about our trip. Some of them were quite vocal about our outrageous decision to visit Kashmir. After all, Kashmir did not seem to be a “safe” place to visit. We were also told that outside Srinagar airport people usually raise slogans of “Go back Indians”!

Sunset at Dal Lake Srinagar - is Kashmir safe for tourists

As usual we took all the advice with a grain of salt and decided to carry on with our trip to Kashmir. On that particular trip we were stuck at a riot at Ramban near Jammu , spent hours on the road and literally saw fire, blood and destruction. But it was also here that we witnessed humanity and compassion. It was here for the first time we realized with every act of conflict, there is an equal share of harmony. With every blow of hatred, there is an equal touch of love and kindness.

Kashmir - the warmest place on earth - IS Kashmir safe for tourists?

Nonetheless, our Amarnath Yatra trek was a successful one and then we travelled on towards Ladakh . After the first visit, Kashmir had always been on my mind. Finally, we visited the ‘Paradise on earth’ again in 2021.

 If foreign tourists want to visit Kashmir then you must get the India tourist evisa . You can apply for it online, the process is extremely easy and doesn’t take much time.

Is Kashmir safe for tourists?

If you want a one-word answer, we would say – Yes, it is quite safe to visit Kashmir. However, we have always believed that ‘safety’ depends on an individual. Whenever we travel to a new city or place, we usually get as much information about the place as possible. We also tend to stay at well-known locations for the first couple of days. And we always take the help of locals. We usually follow this rule for our long trips and Kashmir was no exception.

Morning Vegetable market at Srinagar Dal Lake

Kashmir happens to be one of the highest militarized zones in the world. You will always see military vans moving on the roads of Srinagar like any other vehicle. But tourists are never attacked in Kashmir. There is always a risk associated with travelling in a conflict zone. You have to make an informed decision before visiting the place.

A little boy praying at Kashmir - is Kashmir safe for tourists

Kashmir conflict

The seven decade dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan remains one of the oldest unresolved disagreements. It is such a humanitarian nightmare and has caused two wars between the neighbouring states. A sense of mistrust always prevails whenever these two nations are concerned. Many opine that the reason for unrest dates back to the independence of India and Pakistan from the British power in 1947. But the seed of unrest has been there long back.

We do not want to go much into the history of unrest in Kashmir here. There were a number of events throughout history that lead to the situation today like the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846, Jammu massacre in 1947, accession of Kashmir to India by Maharaja Hari Singh, exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, military occupation of Kashmir and the list goes on! I would not go into details on the modern history of Kashmir. There are many accounts available online that you can check out.

Snow at Gulmarg - is Kashmir safe for tourists

This ongoing strife in Kashmir is definitely a human rights crisis. While militants are blamed for attacks on military and government; the military on the other hand is blamed for wanton killings, rape, disappearances of Kashmiris.

But where does this leave the ordinary people of the valley? What do they want? What does the houseboat owner on Dal Lake in Srinagar want? Or the local guides and horse owners in Pahalgam? In between all the hearsay, peace talks, ambassadors, we often seem to forget the common people of Kashmir.

Offbeat places in Kashmir - is Kashmir safe for tourists

Our experience in Kashmir – Is Kashmir Safe?

Kashmir is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places we have visited. When Emperor Jehangir declared Kashmir to be the Paradise on Earth, he was definitely not exaggerating.  The snow clad mountains, rivers, serene lakes, the Chinar trees– everything makes Kashmir undoubtedly a gorgeous destination. But the real warmth of Kashmir comes from the Kashmiris.

A pony owner at Yousmarg

We found Kashmir to be one of the receptive places we have visited. The people are warm, smiling and helpful. As much as the valley is beautiful, its people are even more. Every place we visited, we met smiling faces without any prejudice. And everyone welcomed us with a cup of Kahwa! The Kashmiris find no qualms in inviting strangers to their home and offering them the best hospitality. They want you to remember Kashmir with fondness and love and take back great memories of their valley.

In our Kashmir trip, we explored the valley as much as we could. We not only explored Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam, but also went to various offbeat destinations in Kashmir.We spent 15 days in Kashmir and travelled across 10 districts, some of them including Sophian, Pulwama, Baramulla and Kupwara. For the uninitiated, these districts are said to be the most disturbed ones in Kashmir.

A local family at Aharbal

After our visit to Kalaroos Caves in Lolab Valley, I slipped and fell down in the mud (as clumsy as I am!). As I was returning after my clumsy debacle, a local lady asked to wash my hands and feet at her house. And of course, she offered all of us kahwa!

In Srinagar, we stayed with a local family in a houseboat. Those people are a few of the warmest people we met. The family head, who we called uncle, was always smiling and told us stories of the past and the tales of the present. In Srinagar, we used to stroll around Dal Lake, talk to people and watch the beautiful sunset.

Houseboats at Dal Lake

Is Kashmir Safe for tourists after the scrapping of Article 370?

Yes, definitely. There was a lot of upheaval after Article 370 was scrapped. Kashmir was pushed into strict curfew and internet services were shut down since August 5, 2019.

From mid-July 2020, the Government has opened up Kashmir again for tourists. Things are gradually coming back to normal. The Internet has been restored and tourists have also started visiting the valley.

The Covid-19 Pandemic had again created havoc on Kashmir tourism like the rest of the world. However, tourists were visiting Kashmir and January and February 2021 saw a lot of tourists visiting Kashmir.

BRO signs on Srinagar Leh Highway

Now let us talk about the safety of tourists in Kashmir.

  • Kashmir does experience violence in one form or the other, but it is rare that tourists get caught up in such a situation.
  • Stone-pelting, gun fights and any other violence rarely occur in main tourist areas like Srinagar Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonmarg.
  • Tourists are absolutely safe in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is one of the states where there is zero crime record against tourists . The locals are very supportive and helpful towards tourists. Tourism is considered to be a large part of the economy and a large number of people gain their livelihood from tourism like travel agents, hotel and houseboat owners, shikara owners, tourist guides, car drivers, pony owners and others. The locals will not let anything happen to the tourists.
  •  What we need to understand is that the Kashmiris have a problem with the administration, but not with the rest of the country. Any violence is towards the military or the local administration.
  •  Kashmir has one of the lowest crime rates in India. Crimes against women are rarely heard in Kashmir making it a safe place for female travellers.

Horses at Gulmarg

So why is there so much Bad News?

The main reason for this unsafe Kashmir bubble is because of the media buzz. Most of the media houses sensationalized stories and have exaggerated the problem. The news channels have made us believe that there is something really wrong with Kashmir. This is not true.

The Bollywood industry has also played a significant part in this scenario. Before militancy, Kashmir was known as the shooting place for many Bollywood blockbusters. The ethereal beauty of the Valley had attracted many filmmakers to shoot there. But post 1990, the movies about Kashmir are mainly about wars and Kashmiri conflict. No more romances are made in or about Kashmir.

Dal Lake Kashmir where many Bollywood films has been shot

So should we visit Kashmir? Let us see what the locals think about tourism in Kashmir.

The Local Opinion – Is Kashmir Safe?

To be honest, we found Kashmiris to be one of the warmest hosts. Infact, some of my warmest experiences while travelling come from remote and conflicted areas like Northeast and Kashmir.

And then we got the opportunity to talk to the local Kashmiris.

“Do you really think that we are all violent and throw stones at random people”? One young Kashmiri woman from Srinagar asked me this as I was having Kahwa in her house. She was just out of college.

Young woman riding a Shikara at Dal Lake

She was not the only one. Almost all the people we met in Kashmir had this question for us – “Do you really feel unsafe here? What do you think? Is Kashmir safe”?

And we kept on answering them truthfully that Kashmir is as safe as a second home.

Our hosts at Naranag asked us while we were having dinner in their cosy kitchen, “What will you tell others when you get back home? Will you ask them to come here”?

We only have good things to tell about Kashmir.

The Kashmiris we met are lovely people. They want us to visit the Valley. They actually worry about the general image that is portrayed by the media.

Interacting with children at Yousmarg

Of course, I do not say that everything is hunky dory in Kashmir. There are problems in the Valley. We had seen pictures on the walls saying “Azad Kashmir”. We have heard about stone pelting incidents.

Similarly, we had also seen a few Indian Military personnel treating the local Kashmiris quite poorly.

Now coming to the main question – So what do the Kashmiris Want?

After talking to the Kashmiris, we found out that they have different opinions on the matter. Some people are quite happy to be a part of India (irrespective of their religious background) while there are many that want to be a part of Pakistan. There is also a group that wants independent Kashmir without the interference of India or Pakistan.

Shikara owner at Dal Lake

The majority of the people, however, do not care much as long as they live peacefully and earn a decent living. This is actually the common man who is concerned about the well-being of their family. We actually found the common people of the villages, the shepherds on the valleys, the tourist guides, and a few houseboat owners who care much less about the country they are in. All they want is peace and the right to live a decent life.

Kashmir cannot be won by violence. Only love and empathy can win over Kashmir and the Kashmiris.

At Charar-e-sharif

Is it ethical to visit Kashmir?

Just like the negative image portrayed, there is also another issue that goes round in this time – is it ethical to visit Kashmir. I was even asked why being a travel influencer I was visiting Kashmir.

Kashmir has remained a disputed land for a long time. As of date, more than 600,000 Indian soldiers are deployed in Kashmir making Kashmir one of the most militarized zones in the world.

The Indian soldiers in Kashmir have been accused of grossly violating human rights issues. They have been accused for fake encounters, rapes, tortures and destruction of properties. And recently, Article 370 has been scrapped by the Indian Government. It is said that the voice of Kashmiris have been suppressed for a long time. Curfews are rampant and there is complete shutdown of the internet for days and months in Kashmir. Children cannot attend schools properly because of curfew. Life is not normal there.

So what should we do? Should we visit Kashmir? Or, should we not visit the place because of the human right violation?

Tulip Garden Srinagar

What do we think?

Kashmiris want people to visit their land. They want others to know about their history, culture, landscape and in general, their life. They want people to know about the real Kashmir and Kashmiris. So who are we to deny them?

We personally believe that stopping to visit a place is the solution to any problem. It is very easy to form opinions and judgments from outside. Only when we visit a place can we understand what really is happening there. The more people will visit, the more the world will know about the real problem of the place. And what the common people of the place want.

Entrance to Lolab Valley

By not going to Kashmir or stopping tourism, we are denying the locals of their livelihood. The houseboat where we stayed had two young men working hard for their family. They want tourists to visit their place. If they are denied that for the sake of “ethics”, then they might be attracted to improper means of income. Who knows?

Bottom-line, we want you to visit Kashmir. The Kashmiris want you to visit there. You can explore the well-known tourist circuit or the offbeat places. Once you are there, we ask you to be respectful to the locals and talk to them. You will realize that the Paradise on Earth is indeed a delightful place.

A Shikara selling fruits at Dal Lake

Tips for a safe trip to Kashmir

1. do your homework and know the place well.

This is something that I always recommend before going on any trip. So before you start for your Kashmir trip, keep a close check on the local news and current situations in Kashmir.

Little boys after playing cricket - is Kashmir safe for tourists

This however, does not include the encounters and skirmishes between the Indian army and the militants. These clashes have become quite common in the Valley since the last decade. This is likely to impact your travel schedule. What definitely will impact your travel are incidents like curfew and wide-spread stone pelting in the valley. These incidents will create a bottleneck to your travel plan and you might be stuck inside your hotel for long. If there is continued violence and curfew in the region for a longer period of time, then it might be better to reschedule your trip.

2. Stick to the main tourist areas

Tourism plays a large part in the economy of Kashmiris, both directly and indirectly. And the Kashmiris take care of the tourists as their own. Popular tourist destinations like Pahalgam, Sonmarg and Gulmarg hardly get disrupted by protests. Infact, when we went for AmarnathYatra, Pahalgam functioned normally, even though there was curfew in the rest of Kashmir.

Landscape of Kashmir-Is KAshmir safefor Tourists

So for your first visit in Kashmir, we recommend you to stick to the popular tourist circuit in your itinerary. Think twice before venturing into offbeat routes.

I am not saying that visiting offbeat Kashmir is entirely not possible. We have done it on our first trip itself. Infact, we had travelled across 10 districts of Kashmir in 15 days. But this is not suitable for everyone. To be on the safer side, stick to the main tourist circuit of Kashmir for your first time. Once you get a fair idea of the place, you can plan on going off-the-beaten track.

Kashmir is so beautiful that even the most common tourist places will leave you mesmerized. So just ditch the fear and visit Kashmir.

Snowfall at Sonmarg

3. Stay on the Main Routes

This is quite an important part in Kashmir and applies for both Srinagar and the rest of Kashmir. Stay on the main roads and highways. When you are exploring a city or town, stick to the main roads, tourist areas and the main market areas. Do not wander off to explore obscure mohallas and lanes on our own. Do not go to any places that you have no business visiting.

4. Avoid troubled areas

By this, we ask you to avoid areas where you might know trouble can happen. If by any chance you have heard that there might be some problem in a place, do not go there out of curiosity to see what is happening.

A pony owner at Doodhpatri - is Kashmir safe for tourists

For example, we had heard that there were stone pelting clashes at a part of old Srinagar on an afternoon. We had actually planned on walking there that day. But we changed our plans and visited elsewhere. Similarly, if there are skirmishes at the border area, it is better to avoid visiting places like Gurez and Lolab Valley.

Do not be curious and wander off to unknown places. Just take off your explorer shoes for once and put on your tourist hat while you are in Kashmir.

5. Ditch the maps and Be Social

This brings us to our current recommendation. It is better to avoid Google Maps in Kashmir if you are travelling on your own. Google Maps by default shows you the shortest possible way, which might not be the best route you take. This is especially for the bikers. Following Google Maps might lead you to places where some protest is going on. It would be a matter of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

A local on the roads of Kashmir

So it is better to ditch the Google Map for the time being and be social again. Ask around. The local people are very helpful and they will guide you accordingly. You can ask the locals, the policemen, the army people for directions. If there are any issues at any place, they will immediately direct you to a safer route.

6. Dress in an appropriate manner

Kashmir is a Muslim majority state and you will find the women dressed conservatively and mostly wearing a Hijab. So it is appropriate to dress modestly in Kashmir. Revealing outfits are not the thing you should wear there. While there are usually no restrictions for men folks, we would suggest you not flaunt your six-pack abs there!

A smiling child

Of course there is no official dressing code or rule. You will definitely not get pointed out or arrested for wearing shorts or a mini-skirt. But such a dress can be seen disrespectful to a lot of people there. What you wear is definitely your personal choice. But it is always to respect the feelings of the people of the place you visit. After all, respect begets respect.

For ladies, it is advisable to carry a stole or dupatta. While entering mosques and dargahs, you are often asked to cover your head.

7. Keep a local contact, always

With young kids in Kashmir

Keep a local Kashmiri contact with you while travelling around Kashmir, always! It might be from your hotel, your car driver, local travel agent or anyone you know. If something goes wrong, then you will always have a local person to rely on.

In the worst case, if you have to knock on the doors of a local, do not be afraid to do that. You will find them to be helpful and accommodative.

8. Stay Calm and do not get into arguments

This is the best piece of advice that I can give you. Stay calm and avoid getting yourself into confrontational debates and arguments. Please understand their situation and even if you do not, empathize with them. You might not agree with their thoughts and beliefs just like they might not agree with yours.

Remember that you are a guest there. The Kashmiris treat their guests with respect and you should also return it.

9. Get a mobile Postpaid Connection

Prepaid mobile connections do not work in Kashmir for security reasons. So before visiting the Valley, we recommend you to take a postpaid connection. BSNL has the widest network here followed by Airtel and Jio.

We recommend you carry a postpaid Sim instead of waiting to get one there. We had not gotten a postpaid Sim during our visit and we had to wait for almost 5 days before we got one local SIM.

10. Be prepared for sudden changes in plans

Enjoying snowfall at Sonmarg - is Kashmir safe for tourists

Things can be quite unpredictable in Kashmir. So be prepared for changes in your plans. We had to change our plans a couple of times – once because of a minor stone pelting issue and another time was due to snowfall.

11. Limit alcohols to Indoors

The majority of the population in Kashmir follows Islam where alcohol consumption is a frowned upon. Alcohol is not banned in Kashmir per se, but it is always better to consume alcohol indoors. There are few shops selling alcohol in Srinagar and most of the hotels probably have arrangements to serve them. But places like Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam so not have alcohol shops.

Do not consume alcohol openly. Respect the feelings of the locals and restrict your drinking to indoors. Have your drinks inside the hotel with your friends and then sleep on it. Do not get drunk and go for a walk or even drive.

A tourist guide in Doodhpatri

12. Do not take Curfews lightly

Even after all your safety preparations, you still find yourself in a curfew situation; then take it seriously. Curfews are not to be taken lightly in Kashmir. If anything goes wrong, stay inside your hotel or houseboat as long as required. Get out only when things have calmed down. Even if you are caught up while travelling, stay calm and let your car driver handle the situation. Otherwise take the help of a local or security personnel. They will ensure your safety.

A local vegetable seller of Dal Lake

13. Photograph with care

While taking photographs of people, it is always polite to ask for permission. And this goes for all places you visit. Kashmir is no exception.

However, the most important tip we can give you is – do not take photographs of military installations, BSF grounds or anything related to the army, even from a distance. There are cases where the military has taken away cameras or deleted pictures.

Shepherds with their flock

Hope these Kashmir travel tips will help you while planning a trip to Kashmir.

A Few more pictures from Kashmir

A little boy we met at Charar-e-sharif

Kashmir is undoubtedly a beautiful destination. If you are planning to visit Kashmir, make an informed decision before going there. Once again we would iterate that Kashmiris are very amiable and you will never feel unwanted there.

As for us, we loved Kashmir and cannot wait to go back there again!

Pin it for a later read!

Is it safe to travel to Kashmir - Tips for safe travel  to Kashmir

Agni Amrita

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64 comments.

Our friends are planning to explore Kashmir and we dought about this thanx for information

We are just back on our 5 day Kashmir visit. Truly truly Heaven on Earth. Just loved every bit of it. Felt blessed to be there with Family. Kashmiri’s are so so friendly and helpful. Loved it. Can’t wait to go there again.

Thank you Lata for sharing your experience in Kashmir. It is truly a wonderful place. We also want to revisit Kashmir.

Is it safe for white British couple to visit Kashmir

Hello Peter! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, it is safe for British tourists in Kashmir. But as I mentioned in the article, please stay at the touristic areas only. Do not venture into the unknown. Enjoy the scenic paradise!

Nice to read about your visit to Kashmir and get a first-hand account of the ground situation there, vis a vis tourism. Media reports are not reliable to go by as they more often than not blow things out of proportion. Appreciate your interaction with the locals. The people are indeed full of warmth and hospitality.

is it safe to be there with the loved one’s

Yes, it is safe as long as you are in the main areas. A place is as safe as you make it to be.

Hi all, Planned a Road trip in Innova: Any one willing to join me ? Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) -to- Srinagar (16 -to- 24 dec 2022) Srinagar -to- Leh (25 -to- 27 dec 2022) Leh -to- Coimbatore (28 -to- 4 jan 2023)

Agni Amrita, Any specific procedure to cover this stretch at the mentioned dates ? What obstacles can i expect to do this route ?

Nice Blog…. This is really amazing. Great information about Kashmir.

Kashmir is safest and most beautiful place for travelers

It is indeed!

Very Useful !

Thank you so much!

its truth kashmir is always safe for travelers thanks for sharing this bro

Thanks for the beautiful article. It may help in my next trip to Kashmir.

Thank you so much for the kind comment.

Hi…it was such a beautiful article to read and so so helpful…my husband and I are planning to visit kashmir and this made me at very much at ease…we are contacting make my trip to arrange this visit in July

Thank you so much Syeda for the kind words. If you have any questions, drop us a mail and hope you have a great trip to Kashmir.

Such sensitivity in your writings .The world needs more of this .Thank you

Thank you so much for your kind words! Please keep reading our blogs.

We are planning to visit Kashmir in the month of May. Thanks for the blog. It’s very informative. Wanted to know whether gondola ride will be safe for aged people? There will be 3 aged people in my group. How much do they charge ? Also I want to know how much to bargain if we take a local cab for the glacier visit from sonmarg?I also want to know about the authentic kashmiri shawl market place Thanks and regards

Yes, gondola ride will be safe for aged people. But be careful about the altitude. I would suggest not to visit Phase II as the altitude there is quite hight and there can be breathing problems.

I enjoyed reading this article! I visited Srinigar and stayed on a houseboat in Dal lake way back in 1988 or 1989. My family was living in New Delhi at the time, housed by the large international company for whom my ex-husband worked. My children were very young, a baby and a toddler. Due to the stress our family was experiencing at the time, unfortunately and very sadly, my memories contain few details. But I remember the beauty of Kashmir with the surrounding mountains, the pretty small boat that carried us across the lake to our houseboat, and the beautiful carved wood in the houseboat. Our ayah accompanied us on this trip, again, made possible by the company. We returned with lovely souvenirs of the region including an embroidered flowered rug and an intricately carved walnut four-panel screen portraying the four seasons. I wish I had more memories of the people of Kashmir! Reading your article helped to add some background to my few memories. Thank you.

Thank you so much for this beautiful comment. To be honest, this made our day. We are so glad that our blog helped you delving into your memories. Please keep reading our blog. And a big thank you again!

“Thank you for postiong such an amazing blog I have learnt alot from this blog.

I think u should not visit to kasmir so that common people should die because these are the people who help the terrorist so they kill Hindu pandit in kashmir.😡

Thank you Agni Amrita. I really enjoyed reading about the current situation for visitors to Kashmir. My wife and I have been wanting to visit for decades. We have visited places nearby, many times, but have not made it to Kashmir yet. Hope to one day we can. Regards

Thank you so much for your comment. We really hope that you can visit Kashmir sometime soon.

Hi, blog was very beautiful to read. Did you hire any guide for transportation etc? If yes, how to do so, and can we travel without a guide?

Thank you so much! We had hired transportation for the entire trip. We did not hire any guide. So, when are you planning to visit Kashmir?

Thanks for the blog its very helpful.

Very informative blog on Kashmir safety and what pointers to keep in mind. Thanks a ton! Have been wondering about the safety bit as everyone who hears we are going there comments “Why are you going there now, it’s so unsafe?”

That was the question we heard when we wanted to travel there. However, travelling to Kashmir was a wonderful experience. Thank you for your comment Prakriti and hope you have a great trip to Kashmir.

Very beautiful post. Reading about Kashmir is like a dream and for a second I was feeling I was there in Kashmir. The points which you have mentioned are very informative. Especially about the postpaid sim.

Thanks very much for the information. Helped me decide .

We are glad that it helped.

Reading about Kashmir is like a dream and for a second I was feeling I was there in Kashmir. Kashmir is an emotion!

It is so true. Thank you for the comment!

Your blog is really informative. Thanks for valuable update. With family we will be visiting Srinagar in mid Sept. How safe is it too visit Yosumarg, any information?

Thank you Goutam. Yusmarg is also quite safe to visit. You can go through our blog on Yusmarg as well as our Youtube video to get a glimpse of the place.

I’m visiting Kashmir with my family next month and I found your article quite useful. I was skeptical all this while but now I can’t contain my excitement. Thanks for breaking it down right till the attire and alcohol bit. It really helps!

Thank you so much Saanya! I am so glad it helped. Hope you have a wonderful trip to Kashmir.

This is such an inspiring article. My husband and I have been to Ladakh, he had gone on an Amarnath jatra and I visited Kashmir as a child, the memory of which is past oblivion. With the current situation and the atrocities committed by the Indian state, I had felt it’d be unethical to visit Kashmir. But your article addresses the issue so well that I’m tempted to rethink my stance. Thank you!

Thank you Pushpanjali. Kashmir is definitely a sensitive issue. But amidst all the media, politics, safety, ethical questions we seem to forget what the Kashmiris want. You can understand them only if you go to them. It is so easy to judge and make decisions from outside. That is why I always say do not write off a place because of safety and ethical issues! I am glad you understood what I tried to convey! 🙂

Kashmir has always been on my list and I will visit it someday when I can. I know there are many times situations are different to what the media makes us believe. I have had a few Kashmiri friends in the past and they have been amazing. Lovely post talking about each aspect.

These days it is hard to believe the media. Things are definitely not all hunky dory there, but the people are really lovely.

What a brilliant piece of writing about Kashmir. Good reading the pointers. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much, Pamela!

The Kashmiris are so full of warmth. You need to visit them to understand them. Thank you!

Kashmir is definitely heaven on earth. A very informative post to dispel some myths about safety of tourists in that place.

Thank you Sanjay!

I am so glad I visited Kashmir as a child. Never imagined things would get so complicated thereafter.

You can visit again. Even though things are a bit complicated politically, the people are really lovely.

Thank you so much Priyal!

I have been to Kashmir and no wonder it’s called Jannat. It’s beautiful. You have covered all aspects one needs to keep in mind while travelling there.

Thank you Manisha!

This is so detailed, almost reminded me on my trip to Kashmir and I totally agree its safe but all depends on the individual. The people are so warm and welcoming here, totally agree

Kashmir as well as its people are really beautiful!

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India’s Modi visits Kashmir: How has the region changed since 2019?

Here’s a look at Narendra Modi’s government policies and how they have affected Kashmir since the region’s semi-autonomous status was taken away.

Paramilitary soldiers guard near a billboard ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made his first visit to Kashmir since his government’s controversial 2019 decision to scrap the region’s special semi-autonomous status.

Addressing a crowd at a football stadium in the region’s largest city, Srinagar, Modi claimed that the removal of Article 370, which granted a measure of autonomy to Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, had ushered in development and peace.

Keep reading

Where ‘love transcends language’: kashmir’s silent village, ahead of election, tension brews in kashmir over tribal caste quotas, kashmir journalist released after five years, rearrested days later, india’s modi visits srinagar, first since kashmir autonomy removed in 2019.

“I am working hard to win your hearts, and my attempt to keep winning your hearts will continue,” Modi said even as the region was placed under a security blanket, with thousands of soldiers and paramilitary forces deployed and new checkpoints set up.

The 2019 decision was hailed by the Hindu nationalist movement that Modi represents, but was met with anger in Kashmir – one of India’s only two Muslim-majority regions – which has seen a decades-long armed rebellion against Indian rule.

Since then, Modi has visited Hindu-majority Jammu region , but has stayed away from Kashmir, until now, on the eve of the 2024 national elections.

Modi and his government have claimed that the scrapping of Article 370, and their subsequent policies in Kashmir, have helped transform the region for the better.

Here’s a look at key changes brought to Kashmir by Modi’s government since 2019:

Special status under Article 370 removed

Article 370 , which was enshrined in India’s constitution signifying Kashmir’s unique relationship with New Delhi, granted the Himalayan region a large measure of autonomy: Kashmir had its own constitution and flag, it could make its own laws in all matters except finance, defence, foreign affairs and communications.

Until 1965, the Indian-administered region had its own prime minister under whom property and domicile laws were passed to protect the interests and territorial rights of the region’s Indigenous people.

However, successive Indian governments watered down the autonomy, leaving the region, in some cases, with fewer powers than other states in India’s federal structure. The region had become heavily militarised after armed rebellion erupted in the late 1980s.

The 2019 revocation of Article 370 resulted in the loss of Kashmir’s flag, criminal code and constitutional guarantees. Several Indian states have laws in place to protect the tribal and Indigenous populations. Kashmir no longer does.

In December 2023, the Indian Supreme Court upheld the 2019 decision. Kashmir has been a major source of conflict between India and its neighbour, Pakistan, for more than 75 years. Both countries claim Kashmir in its entirety but govern only a portion of it.

Indian-administrated Kashmir bifurcated into two

Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two regions – Jammu and Kashmir in the west and Ladakh in the east. Neither region has statehood any more, as a consequence of the Modi government’s 2019 decisions.

Both are governed directly from New Delhi.

But people have expressed their grievances against their lack of democratic rights, with Ladakh too seeing frequent protests for more political rights and authority in local governance.

No elections for state legislature

The two new regions – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh – have been without a state legislature since 2019. The last state elections were held in 2014 – the year Modi first came to power.

In December 2020, the first local elections took place to elect 280 members of District Development Councils (DDC) across Indian-administered Kashmir’s 20 districts. The DDC members, however, do not have the power to amend or introduce laws.

There have also been elections to fill seats in the village councils, also called panchayat, and municipal bodies, but they have very limited power, with the region ruled by New Delhi’s representative and bureaucrats.

India’s Supreme Court in December ordered the government to hold local elections by September 30, 2024.

Kashmir’s pro-India political parties have been demanding that elections be held in the region.

Modi and his government, however, have not indicated when they will hold the elections.

Clampdown on free speech

In the wake of the 2019 decision, New Delhi cracked down on rights activists and local politicians, imposed sweeping restrictions on free speech and shutting down the internet for months. Authorities used “antiterror” laws to arrest Kashmiri activists and journalists.

Human rights groups, including United Nations agencies , have criticised New Delhi for its rights violations in Kashmir.

On Friday, Kashmiri journalist Aasif Sultan was rearrested under an “antiterror” law days after his release from prison after five years. Sultan, the former editor of the now defunct Kashmir Narrator magazine, was arrested in 2018 for “harbouring militants”. His family has denied the allegations.

In November 2021, prominent Kashmiri activist, Khurram Parvez was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj , who was previously associated with Parvez’s human rights organisation, was also arrested. UN experts and Amnesty International have condemned the arrest of Parvez and called for his release.

Journalist Fahad Shah , the editor of independent news portal Kashmir Walla, was released in November 2023 after more than 600 days of confinement under the “antiterror” law.

Journalist Sajad Gul was arrested in January 2022 under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA), which allows the detention of an individual without trial for six months.

A global report on internet censorship in 2022 found that Kashmir experienced more internet shutdowns and restrictions than any other region in the world.

Lack of protection for local communities

The Indian government also removed Article 35A of the Indian Constitution, which barred outsiders from permanently settling, buying land and holding local government jobs in the Muslim-majority region.

Other Indian states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Odisha continue to safeguard the property rights of local residents, mostly tribal or Indigenous people.

Non-Kashmiris can now buy property in the region. This has prompted fears that the Modi government is trying to engineer a demographic shift in the Muslim-majority region.

These fears were further fuelled by a new domicile law for Indian citizens that the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs introduced in April 2020.

Under the domicile law, those who have lived in the Indian-administered region for 15 years, or have studied for seven years and appeared in secondary or high school-leaving examinations in educational institutions located in the region, are eligible to become permanent residents. Children of government officials who have served for 10 years in the region are also granted domicile status.

This law too has made Kashmiris fearful of permanent settlement by outsiders, including the family members of Indian security forces. Leaders from Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party have rejected that there are attempts to alter the demographics of the region.

Indigenous communities in Kashmir, and Ladakh are also affected by environmental damage and an influx of tourists. Kashmir’s Dal Lake is choked with sewage and its farmers suffer as a result of illegal river mining , and Ladakh is struggling to mitigate flooding and landslides.

Attempt at delimitation in Kashmir

The New Delhi-run local authorities have also redrawn assembly constituencies that many Kashmiris fear are aimed at the democratic marginalisation of Muslims.

A delimitation commission is assigning more legislative seats to the Hindu-majority Jammu region – where the BJP has wide support – than Kashmir Valley, despite the latter having a higher population. The total seats from Jammu region are expected to rise to 43 from 37, but only by one in Kashmir – to 47 from the existing 46, in effect changing the balance of power within the legislature.

Armed attacks continue in Indian-administered Kashmir

Modi’s ruling BJP government has said that Article 370 was abrogated to wipe out “terrorism” in the region and it has claimed that its policies have improved the security of the region.

However, armed attacks have continued in the region, causing deaths among civilians, security forces and rebels. Since 2021, attacks against Indian soldiers in districts like Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu region have increased.

Ajai Sahni, the executive director of the Institute for Conflict Management in New Delhi told Al Jazeera in December 2023 that most of the recent killings of security forces took place in army-initiated operations. “I don’t believe that normalcy has returned after Article 370 abrogation,” said Sahni.

The South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) reported that the incidence of killing in the Indian-administered Kashmir went from 135 in 2019 to 140 in 2020 and further rose to 153 in 2021. While the number of incidents dropped to 72 in 2023, 33 security forces were killed in the year compared with 30 in 2022, where 151 incidents took place.

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Cliffhangers India

Kashmir Tourism Safety

  • November 26, 2022 March 8, 2024
  • Cliffhangers India
  • Travel Guide

Kashmir Tourism Safety

A lot of tourists before coming to Kashmir want to know if it is safe to travel to Kashmir now, they have a lot of apprehensions about Kashmir tourism safety. There has been a lot of negativity spread about Kashmir, however, all those who have visited Kashmir will agree to the fact that Kashmir tourism safety is the best in the country. Kashmir is the safest place for any tourist. It welcomes all its tourists warmly and has zero crime against tourists. All tourists feel at home and are warmly welcomed here. Cliffhangers India ensures that the hospitality extended to tourists is never compromised.

Book a safe kashmir trip with: Kashmir Tour Packages

Is It Safe to Visit Kashmir Now in 2023?

It is perfectly safe to visit Kashmir in 2023. The last few years have seen a huge rush of tourists here, and considering all the parameters of safety, Kashmir in 2023 is the safest travel destination in India.

You will find safe and cosy stays, the best guides possible, and wonderful activities that will make your stay here quite delightful. The best standards for Kashmir tourism safety will be in place by 2023.

Is Gulmarg Safe for Couples?

Gulmarg is quite safe for couples or any other tourists coming here. It is one of the best couple vacation destinations, with safety and coziness up to the mark. A lot of couples throng Gulmarg in both summers and winters to enjoy their vacation or honeymoon. Gulmarg is quite safe to travel to now and enjoy this fantastic tourist destination.

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Kashmir Tour Package for Couple

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Kashmir Tour Package for Family

Is kashmir safe for female travelers.

Kashmir is safe for female tourists, including solo female travelers. You can visit any place in Kashmir without any apprehensions about safety. Both Indians and foreigners come here solo and most of them are female. They get safe and comfortable stays. Wander around here and visit any location in Kashmir. Even female travelers visit offbeat places alone without any threat to their safety.

If you are travelling with your family, then must check: Kashmir Family Tour Packages

Can We Wear Shorts in Kashmir?

There has been a lot of negativity spread outside Kashmir regarding one having to follow a certain dress code while in Kashmir. However, this is completely false. You can wear whatever dress you are comfortable in, and you can wear shorts in Kashmir if you want to wear them. There is no restriction from the government or from the local residents regarding tourists wearing shorts in Kashmir.

Is Srinagar Safe to Travel to Now?

Srinagar is the capital city of Kashmir, and like other places here, it is safe to visit Srinagar. You can visit Srinagar and roam around every nook and corner and it is completely safe and far away from any untoward things. Srinagar has warm residents who welcome tourists, and it has the best security arrangements. So without any doubt, Srinagar is the safest place to travel in 2023.

Looking for a honeymoon in Kashmir, then must consider: Kashmir Honeymoon Packages

Are There Any Unsafe Places in Kashmir?

No. The entire Kashmir region is entirely secure. The fact that the government is promoting Kashri and every faraway part of it means that there is no threat. There is no government advisory against visiting any of the places in Kashmir, be they famous tourist attractions or far-off offbeat places. There are no unsafe places in Kashmir, and every place is accessible and connected by road and mobile connectivity.

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In heavily militarised Kashmir, the upcoming India elections do not inspire much hope

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Lecturer in Government, Flinders University

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is favoured to win a third term in office when the country holds its massive general election, starting on April 19.

While there are many questions about what another Modi term could mean for the country, residents in the Muslim-majority northern region of Kashmir are particularly apprehensive.

Modi visited the Kashmir capital, Srinagar, in early March in a bid to win Kashmiri hearts and minds – his first visit since his government controversially stripped the region of its semi-autonomous status in 2019.

Amid a heavy security presence, Modi promised over US$774 million (A$1.2 billion) worth of development projects to boost the economy and tourism in the region.

Whether this is enough to placate Kashmiri voters remains to be seen. Many residents have been made to feel like second-class citizens under Modi’s Hindu nationalist government and have dim views that things will improve if he wins another term in office.

Read more: Narendra Modi's economy isn't booming for India's unemployed youth. So, why is his party favoured to win another election?

Autonomy revoked

Since Modi was sworn in as India’s 14th prime minister in 2014, he has taken a decidedly muscular approach to Kashmir.

Pledging to quell a rebel movement that has been fighting the Indian state since the 1980s, his government heavily increased its security presence in the region and launched a special operation to root out Kashmir’s terrorist cells.

Then, in a watershed moment for the region in 2019, his government revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which had granted special privileges to local residents and gave the region its own constitution and flag and the ability to make its own laws.

Modi also redefined domicile rules , making it easier for non-Kashmiris to obtain jobs, land and permanent residency in the region.

The scrapping of Article 370 was recently upheld by the Supreme Court , a key victory for Modi’s Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) before the election.

Protest against the revocation of Article 370.

Human rights abuses and crackdowns on civil liberties have also worsened in the region since 2014. This has included draconian clampdowns on the internet and other communications, strict curfews and the detentions of activists and journalists .

As part of my PhD research in 2020-21, I conducted online interviews with numerous Kashmiris in Srinagar and the surrounding areas and found the revocation of Article 370 had taken away any hope they had and led to a overwhelming sense of betrayal.

Some struggled to describe their feelings, while others said the move was completely unconstitutional and a political disaster. My interview participants said there were protests all over Kashmir after the revocation, but according to one working in journalism, these were very much underreported at the time.

Since then, Modi has done very little to address concerns that Kashmiris may have for their future. Instead, he is actively encouraging development projects and tourism in the region, raising fears about his party’s settler-colonial ambitions in Kashmir, particularly the Kashmir Valley.

Read more: India is using the G20 summit to further its settler-colonial ambitions in Kashmir

Can local elections bring change?

Elections for Kashmir’s legislature are also expected to take place by September. The region has not had a local government since the revocation of its special status in 2019; since then it has been directly ruled by New Delhi.

If local elections do go ahead, this may be seen as an attempt by New Delhi to show some normalcy in the region and demonstrate the central government’s dedication to reinstating a fully functioning democracy. It may also result in Kashmiris feeling more included and involved in wider Indian politics.

However, in his recent visit to Srinagar, Modi failed to mention the likelihood of the local elections, which adds the feelings his government is ignoring the grievances of residents. These include the effects of the revocation of Article 370, the limited economic prospects in the region, and the treatment of Muslim Kashmiris in the rest of India.

Further, the area still remains heavily militarised , raising the question of just how successful Modi has been in uniting Kashmir with the rest of India, especially since Kashmiris still do not have the same freedoms and liberties as other Indians.

Many Kashmiris also fear the spread of disinformation prior to the election, especially if it propagates negative stereotypes associating residents with terrorist organisations. This could have a negative impact on Kashmiri political parties, discrediting their status as representatives of the Kashmiri people.

A Kashmiri man is arrested by police.

Kashmir’s future

It is important to note Modi’s support not only comes from the Hindu majority. Some Muslims in Kashmir will support the BJP due to tribal caste reasons, as well as for the belief the party could bring more jobs or economic prospects to the region.

Nonetheless, many Kashmiris believe a continuation of BJP leadership could result in additional human rights abuses, the loss of land or jobs to outsiders from the south and further alienation from the central government.

Ultimately, if Modi wins an unprecedented third term, this will cement the decisions that have already been in the region. And this means the future for many Kashmiris will remain bleak in what is purported to be the world’s largest democracy .

  • Narendra Modi

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

India travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: April 11, 2024 13:58 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, india - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.

In and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Consular services in-person are temporarily unavailable in those cities or surrounding areas. If you need consular services, contact the High Commission of Canada in India, located in New Delhi. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Parts of Northeastern India - Avoid non-essential travel

Union territory of jammu and kashmir - avoid all travel.

This advisory excludes travelling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Border areas with Pakistan - Avoid all travel

This advisory excludes the Wagah border crossing.

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Security situation

In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment. In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should keep a low profile with strangers, and not share your personal information with them. Avoid crowded areas, including public transportation. You should always travel with someone and inform a friend or a family member of your travel plans.

Consular services in person are temporarily unavailable in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Consular services in person at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi will remain available.

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

The security situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is tense. There are high risks of violent protests, civil unrest and acts of terrorism and militancy.

Violent clashes between militants and security forces occur regularly. Terrorist attacks against security forces have led to civilian casualties. Further attacks could take place at any time. You could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Indian army has enhanced powers in this territory. Authorities may impose curfews and security restrictions on short notice.

  • Avoid gatherings and demonstrations
  • Always carry ID
  • Expect a heightened security presence and security checks
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities

Border areas with Pakistan

The level of tension between India and Pakistan may change suddenly. You could experience difficulties when travelling between the two countries. You may be subject to scrutiny if officials from either country become aware that you have recently travelled to the other.

The security situation along the border with Pakistan, especially along the Line of Control (LoC), which separates the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, remains volatile. Cross-border gunfire and shelling are occurring sporadically along the LoC. The presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance also constitute a risk.

Although international travellers regularly use the Wagah border crossing linking Amritsar, India, to Lahore, Pakistan, it remains vulnerable to attack. Security measures are in place. You may experience long delays.

Parts of Northeastern India

Several extremist and insurgent groups are active in the northeastern states of Assam and Manipur. They regularly target local government and security forces and may use various criminal activities to finance their activities.

Ethnic tensions in the State can also lead to conflict and civil unrest.

There is a threat of terrorism in India, particularly in:

  • the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir
  • the State of Manipur
  • the State of Assam
  • areas of East India where Naxalites groups are active

Maoist extremist insurgents, known as Naxalites, are responsible for the majority of terrorist attacks in India. These groups are usually based in rural and forested areas within zones of concerns, as defined by the Government of India, which include:

  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Chhattisgarh
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Maharashtra
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • West Bengal

Extremist and insurgent groups usually target government and security forces, and sometimes, trains and railway tracks. While tourists are not usually specifically targeted, bystanders could be affected. Be particularly vigilant during election periods and in the lead-up to, and during, religious holidays and times of national significance, such as:

  • Republic Day (January 26)
  • Independence Day (August 15)

Targets of terrorist attacks could include:

  • government buildings, including schools
  • places of worship
  • airports and other transportation hubs and networks
  • public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

While in India:

  • always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
  • if you see a suspicious package, immediately leave the area and report it to authorities

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Criminals may target foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

  • Be vigilant in all crowded locations
  • Don’t carry large sums of money
  • Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Petty crime frequently occurs on public transportation and overnight trains.

  • Ensure that the train compartment contains packages belonging only to you and other occupants
  • Store personal belongings in a safe place, and don’t leave the compartment unattended
  • Securely lock the doors

Serious crime against foreigners is less frequent, but incidents do occur.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

  • pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
  • use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
  • avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
  • cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
  • check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Exercise caution in tourist areas and airports where scammers particularly target foreigners.

Scams involving the exportation of jewels, gemstones, carpets, and other items have occurred. Taxi drivers may approach you, offering money to export such items.

  • Don’t accept any offer, no matter how convincing
  • Beware of offers for cheap transportation or accommodation, extended taxi rides and unsolicited guided tours

Romance scams

If you’re travelling to India to meet someone you’ve otherwise only met online, you may be the victim of a scam.

Be alert to attempts at fraud by persons who profess friendship or romantic interest over the internet.

Investment scams

Unsolicited emails offering attractive business or financial opportunities are most likely fraudulent.

Don’t travel to India to obtain restitution after losing money to a scam.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women’s safety

Crimes committed against women frequently occur in India. Foreign women are often the target of unwanted attention.

Staring, verbal abuse, groping, and other forms of sexual harassment can occur anywhere, including in tourist sites and areas. Attackers sometimes act as a group.

Reports of rape and assault against foreign women have increased. You should be particularly vigilant:

  • on all forms of public transportation
  • at Yoga centres, ashrams and other places of spiritual retreats

Local authorities may not always respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment.

  • Avoid travelling alone, particularly at night
  • Be extremely vigilant on public transportation, taxis and auto-rickshaws
  • Be careful when dealing with strangers or new acquaintances
  • Be wary of accepting snacks or beverages from new acquaintances
  • Avoid less populous and unlit areas
  • Respect local customs and dress codes
  • Reach police immediately if you feel threatened

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to local authorities and the nearest office of the Government of Canada.

Advice for women travellers

Forced marriages

Forced marriage affecting foreigners occurs, sometimes without the affected person’s prior knowledge or consent.

Some Canadians have been forced into marital arrangements and have been detained against their will. They have been subjected to threats, intimidation and violence by family members.

If you’re in Canada

If you’re in Canada and you believe that you’re being forced to travel overseas to marry, you should call your local police for assistance.

If you’re in India

If you’re in India and you believe that you’re being forced to marry, contact the nearest office of the Government of Canada. You may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre .

Family members may retain passports to prevent victims from returning to Canada. Keep digital or physical copies of your travel documents in a safe place.

General information and advice about forced marriage

Demonstrations and mass gatherings

Protests in manipur.

Violent demonstrations have been taking place in Manipur State since May 3, 2023, resulting in casualties. Protests have led to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Curfews have been imposed in several districts and mobile and internet services may be limited.

If you are in Manipur:

  • monitor local media for the most recent information
  • follow the instructions of local authorities
  • be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances
  • expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence

Demonstrations, mass gatherings, general strikes, “bandh” or “hartal,” take place frequently. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Stampedes have occurred during mass gatherings, including religious ceremonies, and resulted in deaths and injuries.

Local authorities may impose curfews and other restrictions on short notice.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfews
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Most roads, including major highways, are poorly maintained. There is severe traffic congestion. Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season, and some roads can become impassable.

Drivers don’t respect traffic laws. They are often aggressive or reckless. Driving can be hazardous due to the presence of livestock or wandering cows, including in urban areas.

Fatal road accidents are frequent. They can lead to mob anger and assault.

  • Avoid travelling outside urban centres after dark
  • Avoid driving or riding motorcycles in India, even if you are an experienced motorcyclist
  • Be very careful when crossing the street, even at pedestrian crossings
  • If involved in an accident, contact local authorities immediately

Public transportation

India has an extensive passenger train system. Rail accidents are common, mostly due to poor maintenance. Thefts are frequent on certain train lines.

If you use a taxi, get it from a reputable hotel, an official taxi stand, or a trusted ride-sharing app. At the airport, use officially marked taxis or pre-paid transport services.

  • Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged
  • Avoid travelling alone, especially at night
  • Don’t share taxis with strangers

Maritime transportation

Maritime accidents occur regularly due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels.

  • Don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy
  • Always wear a life jacket

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Beaches are not usually supervised by lifeguards. Many beaches don’t display warnings of dangerous conditions.

  • Seek local advice before swimming
  • Avoid swimming if red flags are flown
  • Avoid swimming during Monsoon season
  • Always wear a life jacket if you use a boat or a small embarkation

Water safety abroad

No commercial mountain rescue services are operating above 3,000 metres.

If you intend on trekking:

  • never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
  • buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
  • ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
  • ensure that you’re adequately equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
  • inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
  • know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
  • obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing may pose risks, particularly on foot or at close range. If you plan on visiting a wildlife area such as a tiger reserve:

  • always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife
  • only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
  • only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators
  • closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice

Large groups of monkeys are present in several parts of India, including some urban regions. Monkeys can get aggressive and rapidly overwhelm travellers in their search for food. They can also steal your belongings.

Be vigilant when in the presence of monkeys.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Indian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your date of entry into India and must contain at least two blank pages for use by immigration officials.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

Certain types of Indian visa services for Canadians have resumed. For additional information, please contact the visa service provider directly.

Latest information – Indian Visa Application Center in Canada

Ensure you apply for the proper type of visa for the specific purpose of your trip. If you are denied entry by immigration officials, you will be returned to your point of departure.

Canadian-Pakistani citizens are subject to different visa application and registration procedures.

You can only stay in India for up to 180 consecutive days on a tourist visa, even when its validity exceeds 180 days.

Residency registration

If you stay in India for more than 180 days, you must register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

  • e-FRRO online portal (for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru) – India's Bureau of Immigration
  • FRRO Contact List – India's Bureau of Immigration

Penalties for overstaying

Strict penalties are enforced for overstaying. If you overstay, you could be subject to fines, detention and a future travel ban.

If you have overstayed your visa, you must request an exit visa from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). This process can be lengthy.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Dual citizenship

If you hold an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, you must present it upon entry and exit.

You must present a boarding pass and a photo identification to access airport departure terminals and public areas.

Lost or stolen passport

If your passport is lost or stolen, an exit visa is required to leave India.

To obtain an exit visa, you must present the FRRO with:

  • a police report
  • two current passport-size photographs
  • a letter providing details of the loss or theft from the High Commission of Canada to India in New Delhi or Consulate General of Canada in either Chandigarh or Mumbai

The FRRO will verify the entry details before issuing an exit visa. This process can take several days.

Restricted and Protected Areas

Special permits are required to visit certain parts of India designated as restricted or protected areas.

Restricted or protected areas – India's Bureau of Immigration

  • Poliomyelitis

You may need to produce proof of polio vaccination if you are arriving in India from:

  • Afghanistan
  • the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Confirm this requirement with the nearest Indian diplomatic office before travelling.

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
  • Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.
  • Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
  • Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

  • travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
  • making multiple trips to endemic areas
  • staying for extended periods in rural areas
  • visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
  • engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Travellers going to countries in South Asia should speak to a health care professional about getting vaccinated.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

  • visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
  • visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Visceral  leishmaniasis   (or kala azar) affects the bone marrow and internal organs. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly. It can also be transmitted by blood transfusion or sharing contaminated needles. If left untreated it can cause death. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Lymphatic filariasis , also known as elephantiasis, is caused by filariae (tiny worms) spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause a range of illnesses. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for lymphatic filariasis although drug treatments exist.

  • In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

  • Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
  • Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

There is a risk of Nipah virus infection in this country. Nipah virus infections can range from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to severe illness and death.

Nipah virus is spread to people from animals (such as fruit bats) but it can also be spread through contaminated food or close contact with someone who is ill.

Travellers to areas where Nipah virus is found should:

  • avoid consuming date palm sap products, including raw date palm juice
  • thoroughly wash and peel fruit before consumption
  • wash hands regularly with soap and water
  • discard fruit with signs of bites or fruit that has been found on the ground
  • avoid contact with fruit bats and areas where they are known to roost

For more information on preventing Nipah virus infection, visit Nipah virus: Prevention and risks .

There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Nipah virus infection.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

The quality of health care varies significantly throughout the country.

Medical care in major cities may be good, but it’s usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

Government hospitals provide free services or at a minimal cost. Private facilities often offer a higher level of care but can be expensive. Most hospitals require up-front payment or confirmation of insurance coverage before commencing treatment.

Specialised treatment for psychiatric illness may not be available outside major cities.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Ambulances are often equipped with basic and old medical equipment.

Response times can be very slow. Traffic doesn’t yield to emergency vehicles.

In case of serious illness or injury, you may consider taking a taxi or private vehicle to go to the hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Medical tourism

Some Canadian citizens have had severe health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

Before leaving for medical travel:

  • make sure you have done your research
  • use competent health-care providers only

Receiving Medical Care in Other Countries

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. Detention during the investigation is common and can be lengthy.

Laws regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol, including the legal drinking age, differ from state to state. Authorities often call for dry periods during:

  • religious festivals
  • national holidays

Drugs, alcohol and travel

It is prohibited to import, possess or use e-cigarettes, vaporisers and their refills.

Beef consumption

Cows are protected and venerated by several groups of faith in India.

Several states impose prohibitions on beef slaughter and consumption. In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people suspected of selling, consuming, or possessing beef or items made with cowhide.

Avoid consuming beef or its derived products while in India.

Religious proselytism

In certain states, it’s illegal to engage in religious proselytism, such as preaching, possessing, or distributing religious literature or material with the intent of converting. Indian authorities require foreign missionaries to obtain a missionary visa.

If you plan to conduct religious activities in India, ensure that:

  • the activities are legal
  • you possess the proper visa for the activities you plan to perform

Satellite devices

It’s illegal to carry or use a satellite device in India.

Photography

It is prohibited to take pictures of military installations, airports and dams.

Ask permission before photographing places of worship such as temples or mosques.

Imports and exports

There are strict regulations on the importation or exportation of items such as:

  • antiquities
  • electronic equipment
  • local currency
  • ivory and gold objects
  • protected animals
  • pornographic material

Among others, you must register antique items for export with local police, with a photograph of each item.

Customs Guide for Travellers - India’s Central Board of Excise and Customs

Dress and behaviour

India is a traditional, conservative and multi-faith society. To avoid offending local sensitivities:

  • Dress conservatively
  • Behave discreetly
  • Respect religious and social traditions
  • Avoid displays of affection in public
  • Avoid using footwear in places of worship

Indian family law is very different from Canadian law.

In case of dispute, consult a local lawyer to be fully aware of local laws regarding marital fraud, dowry abuse or extortion, custody, guardianship and visitation rights. Individuals facing charges may be forced to remain in India until their cases have been settled or charges dismissed.

Commercial surrogacy

If you’re planning to visit India to commission surrogacy arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy. Seek specialist legal advice on Indian and Canadian laws before making any arrangements.

A proposed Indian government ban on foreign commercial surrogacy could affect Canadians travelling to India to enter into a surrogacy agreement.

You should also consult with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on current policies regarding citizenship through descent and the issuance of Canadian travel documents.

Land and property disputes

If you plan on buying property or are involved in a land dispute in India, you should seek legal advice. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

The offices of the Government of Canada in India can’t provide assistance or legal advice related to private legal matters.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Indian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in India.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of India, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and India.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in India by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in India to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

  • International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
  • Travelling with children
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Identification

You must carry your passport and Indian visa at all times.

Traffic drives on the left.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Non-residents are prohibited from importing or exporting the Indian rupee. A limit of 25,000 rupees is imposed on residents.

Upon entering or leaving India, you must make a declaration to customs if you have USD 5,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies.

India is prone to extreme weather events such as:

  • dust storms
  • earthquakes

Extreme temperatures can occur in both spring and summer.

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to September.

Heavy rain can cause flooding throughout the country, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. Seasonal flooding and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

India’s coastline is subject to cyclones, particularly between April and December. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area:

  • know that you may expose yourself to serious safety risks
  • be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
  • stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
  • carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
  • follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
  • Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
  • Large-scale emergencies abroad
  • Weather forecasts and warnings - Indian Meteorological Department
  • Current cyclone activity - Tropical storm risk

Seismic activity

Parts of India are located in active seismic zones. Earthquakes occur.

In the event of an earthquake, follow the instructions of local authorities.

What to do during an earthquake

Air pollution

Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be extremely hazardous in urban areas and cities such as Delhi. It’s typically at its worst in winter. In rural areas, air quality can be affected by agricultural burning.

Dust storms also occur across northern India.

Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions.

During periods of high pollution:

  • limit your activities outdoors
  • monitor local media
  • System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research - Ministry of Earth Science of India
  • Real time ambient air quality data - Delhi Pollution Control Committee
  • Air pollution in India - World Air Quality Index

In mountainous regions, avalanches present a risk and have resulted in fatalities.

  • Monitor local media and weather forecasts
  • Follow the advice of local authorities

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 100/112 from cellular telephones
  • firefighters: 101
  • medical assistance: 102
  • victims of sexual harassment: 1091

General services

The Indian Ministry of Tourism offers 24-hour general advice for tourists.

Dial: 1-800 111-363.

Consular assistance

The Consulates General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai are temporarily suspending in-person operations. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi.

Consular services in person remain available at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Pondicherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in India, in New Delhi and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

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Best Time To Visit Jammu and Kashmir

Enjoy the picturesque beauty of kashmir and its valleys, best time to visit.

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Ideal duration, not required, starting from, http://jktourism.jk.gov.in/, best time to visit kashmir.

Plan your trip during best season to experience the best of this stunning destination

Kashmir is well and truly a year round destination if you’re waiting for the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir. All seasons, be it summer or winter in Kashmir, have their allure that beckons travellers from all over India and abroad. So, never mind when to visit Kashmir and just pack your bags and get up here.

March to Early May (15°C to 30°C): These are the best months to visit Kashmir for sightseeing as the weather is pleasant and lets you explore the lush green meadows and enchanting natural beauty of Kashmir without any obstacle. The temperature during these months varies from 15°C to 30°C. This is also the best time to trek the alluring trails of Srinagar, Gulmarg , and Pahalgam. Weather in Kashmir in May is also pleasant enough to enjoy the summer vacations with your friends and family.

December to March (-2°C to 12°C): Kashmir’s weather in December , January, and March is the best to enjoy snowfall as the whole valley is covered with snow. The entire Kashmir looks mesmerizing in these months and this is also the best time to visit Kashmir for skiing and snowboarding. The temperature during these months varies from -2°C to 12°C.

Since the entire Kashmir Valley is a mountainous region in a temperate zone, it witnesses a four-season climate pattern: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Jammu, being closer to the river plains, has a hotter and drier climate throughout the year. Alpine meadows speckled with wildflowers, grazing herds of nomadic tribes, and orchards laden with fruits make spring in Kashmir a splendor worth witnessing. Srinagar , Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Patnitop are best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir during this time.

The winter season, December through February, is the best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall . Spring, March through May, is the best time to visit Kashmir for a honeymoon as the flowers in the famous Mughal gardens in Srinagar  are in bloom. Early spring till mid-April, which is also the offseason in Kashmir, is ideal for those looking to get the best deals on hotels in Kashmir.

The best time to visit Tulip Garden in Kashmir is in the month of April when the whole garden blooms and looks vibrant with different species of colorful tulips.

If you are planning to visit Gulmarg, then the best season to visit Gulmarg depends on the type of activity preferred by you. If you are someone who is looking for snowfall and activities like skiing and snowboarding then October to February is the best time to visit. If you want to explore the true beauty of Gulmarg then March to June would be the best time to visit when Gulmarg blooms with colorful flowers and lush greenery.

The most famous Kashmir festival is the Tulip festival celebrated in the months of March and April when the Kashmir valley blooms with vibrant tulips. Another famous festival celebrated in Kashmir with great pomp and show is the Hemis festival. The festival is celebrated for two days during the month of May in which whole state dress in traditional attires to celebrate the festival with great joy. Besides these two, some other popular festivals celebrated in Kashmir are Shikara festival, Gurez festival, Lohri, and Urs.

Climate in Kashmir

Summer season in kashmir.

Summer, June through August, is a season of joy and it draws in a constant flood of tourists of all kinds into the Kashmir Valley. Although hotel rates are higher and solitude is hard to come by in Srinagar, but a shikara ride or a nightstay in houseboat on Dal Lake makes it all worthwhile. Summer is also when most locals indulge in many festivities such as Ramzan and weddings. Whether you’re on honeymoon to enjoy time around Dal Lake or an adventurer planning your next trek in the mighty Pir Panjal range, summer is the best season to visit Kashmir Valley. Jammu in summer experiences heat waves as bad as in Chandigarh or Delhi. Summer is also the time when pilgrims go to Vaishno Devi in Jammu or Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir. 

Monsoon Season in Kashmir

Monsoons, between September and November, is also a good time to explore the Valley as summer crowds have thinned out by this time and best deals on hotels and packages are on offer. The Monsoon season is an off-season in Kashmir Valley however, don’t let it discourage your plans. Apple picking is the most rewarding activity to do while you’re in Kashmir during the rains.

Winter Season in Kashmir

Winter in Kashmir lasts usually between December and February. Some places in the Kashmir Valley in Winter witness a lot of snowfall while Jammu in winter has milder winter temperatures. Entire snow-clad Pir Panjal range makes winter the best time to visit Kashmir for a honeymoon. Thousands of tourists come here to enjoy snowfall in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Srinagar. Patnitop in Jammu is another popular hill station where newlyweds and families love to retreat.

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FAQ's of Kashmir

When is the off season of jammu & kashmir.

Tourists should visit Jammu & Kashmir during the off-season between April-July and from October-December. This is the best time to visit Jammu & Kashmir as the hotels and tour packages have major discounts on offer.

When is the best time to visit Kashmir to see snowfall?

December through February is the best time to see snowfall in Kashmir Valley.

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Kashmir cab rentals.

Discover the beauty of Kashmir at your own pace with our convenient cab rental services. We offer a choice between two reliable and comfortable vehicles - the spacious Innova Crysta and the compact yet stylish Swift Dzire . Whether you're a solo traveler or exploring with family and friends, our fleet ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey through the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir. Book your ride now and experience hassle-free exploration with our professional drivers and transparent pricing.

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Kashmir Bike Rentals

Discover Kashmir's Beauty on Two Wheels: Bike Rentals Tailored for You. Embark on an exciting journey through Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes with our diverse bike rentals. Choose from iconic options like the robust Royal Enfield Himalayan or the timeless Classic Royal Enfield, ensuring a personalized adventure. Whether you're a solo explorer or part of a biking group, our well-maintained fleet guarantees an exhilarating ride through the scenic routes of Kashmir. Embrace the freedom of the open road as you explore this picturesque region on your terms. *please note that a valid driver's license is required for the bike rental process.

Famous Food Of Kashmir

Embark on a journey to find kashmirs famous dishes: because a journey is only complete when your taste buds join the adventure. indulge in wazwan's rich flavors—goshtaab, yakhni, and iconic rogan josh. from savory tabak maaz to sweet phirni to aroumatic kehwa , each dish narrates a story, promising a sensory exploration in the heart of kashmir's mesmerizing destination..

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My journey with TravelKashmir was simply exceptional! From the cozy houseboat stay to the breathtaking views in Gulmarg, every moment was a treasure. This trip was truly unforgettable.

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Kashmir came alive in ways I couldn't have imagined, thanks to TravelKashmir's well-crafted itinerary. The warmth of the locals, the beauty of Pahalgam, and the tranquility of Dal Lake - it was like a dream brought to life!

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TravelKashmir exceeded my expectations at every turn. The curated experiences in Sonmarg and the hassle-free transfers made the trip stress-free. A heartfelt thank you for creating memories that will last a lifetime!

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Saudi Arabia echoes India's stand on Kashmir in joint statement with Pak

A joint statement issued by saudi arabia and pakistan stressed the importance of dialogue between pakistan and india to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the jammu and kashmir dispute..

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Mohammed bin Salman, Shehbaz Sharif

  • Saudi Arabia backs India's stand on Jammu and Kashmir
  • Joint statement issued after Pakistan PM, Saudi Prince's meeting
  • Statement stresses on bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan

Saudi Arabia seemed to support India's stand on Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement signed with Pakistan, asking both countries to resolve their "outstanding issues" bilaterally.

The joint statement was issued a day after Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi de-facto ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman held an official meeting on April 7 at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca.

"The two sides stressed the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to ensure peace and stability in the region," the statement read.

India's long-held position on Kashmir has been that it was a bilateral issue between the two countries and there is no question of any mediation or intervention by any third party.

While both India and Pakistan have longstanding friendly relations with Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the ties between New Delhi and Riyadh have significantly improved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Saudi Arabia has maintained a balanced approach over Jammu and Kashmir. While the Kingdom expressed concern over India's abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, it did not explicitly condemn the actions, instead referring to it as New Delhi's internal matter.

In 2019, Pakistan urged the US to "persuade" India to start talks on the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. This came after then US President Donald Trump offered to mediate between the two nations on the Kashmir issue.

However, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had made it clear that "any discussion on the issue, if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally".

India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and shall forever” remain an integral part of the country.

New Delhi has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. Published By: Rishabh Sharma Published On: Apr 8, 2024

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Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Highlights: Eid to be celebrated in India on April 11; entire nation gears up for the festival

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Highlights: Thsi year, Ramadan started on March 11. The fasting continued for a month. The end of Ramadan marks the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. The Shawwal crescent moon was sighted only in two states of India on April 9 - Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir. Hence, Ladakh, Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on April 10. The rest of the country will celebrate Eid on April 11. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Highlights: New crescent moon is seen on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr 2024, at Old Delhi in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Highlights: Muslims across the world sighted the crescent moon on the night of April 9. However, the moon could only be sighted in less parts of the country. In India, only in the states of Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir, the crescent moon was sighted on April 9. Hence, Muslims only in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and Kerala celebrated Eid-Ul-Fitr on April 10. Meanwhile, the rest of the country will celebrate Eid on April 11. In Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, USA, United Kingdom and other countries in the Middle East, the crescent moon was not sighted on April 8. Hence, Chand Raat was marked on April 9 evening. These countries also celebrated Eid on April 10. (Also Read | Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: 30 Best SMS, Eid WhatsApp messages, quotes, wishes, Facebook status to wish Eid Mubarak to loved ones ) ...Read More

Eid-Ul-Fitr, also known as Eid-al-Fitr, is celebrated on the first day of the month of Shawwal - the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. Eid means celebrations, while Fitr means breaking of the fast. After a month-long fast during Ramadan, Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr. (Also Read | Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 fashion guide: 8 trendy styling tips for achieving a perfect festive look )

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: President Murmu greets citizens on eve of Eid-ul-Fitr

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday greeted citizens on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, as per PTI. "This festival promotes unity, forgiveness and charity. Eid is the occasion to help the poor and deprived people and share our happiness with them. This festival motivates us to lead a peaceful life and work for prosperity of the society," Murmu said.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Yogi Adityanath extends wishes on Eid-al-Fitr

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wished people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and said that the festival brings the message of happiness and reconciliation. 

"The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr brings the message of happiness and reconciliation. This festival of happiness not only strengthens social unity but also increases the feeling of mutual brotherhood. This festival gives the message of peace and harmony. On the festival of Eid, everyone should take a pledge to further strengthen harmony and social harmony," he said.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Mallikarjun Kharge's Eid greetings 

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge extended wishes on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. He wrote on X , “Warm greetings to everyone on the joyous occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr. Let’s celebrate the spirit of unity, compassion, and sharing, strengthening the bonds of our diverse community. May this festive occasion bring prosperity and inspire us to serve humanity. #EidMubarak.”

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Cristiano Ronaldo extends wishes on Eid

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo took to X to extend greetings on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. He shared a photo of himself along with a post that said, "Eid Mubarak! Wishing you all joy, peace and happiness on this special day." 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Public holiday in Chandigarh on April 11

April 11 will be observed as a public holiday in all government offices/boards, corporations and institutions, including industrial establishments in Chandigarh. A notification in this regard was issued by the administration on Tuesday. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: What is Zakat-al-fitr

A giveaway for the less fortunate and needy, Zakat-al-fitr is supposed to be given before Eid. Giving charity in the form of Zakat-al-fitr is a quintessential part of the festival. Check out people who have been doing their bit to fulfill the obligation and go the extra mile to make this world a better place here . 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: All about the famous biryanis found in India

Biryani is an integral part of Eid celebrations. Ahead of the festival, chefs weigh in on what makes each biryani so distinct, from Delhi’s degi and achari biryani to Lucknow’s Awadhi biryani and Hyderabadi biryani. Learn all about these biryanis here . 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: PM Modi greets people on Eid-ul-Fitr

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to wish the countrymen on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr on April 10. He posted, “Best wishes on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this occasion further spread the spirit of compassion, togetherness and peace. May everyone be happy and healthy. Eid Mubarak!” 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Entry to Taj to remain free for 2 hrs for Eid Namaz

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday, the entry to the Taj Mahal will remain free from 7 am to 9 am for offering Namaz. Booking windows will remain closed for these two hours, said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). More details here . 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Pune to witness the Shawwal crescent moon at this time

Muslims in Pune are expected to witness the Shawwal crescent moon at 7:20 pm on April 10. They will celebrate Eid on April 11. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: How Muslims are celebrating Eid | Watch

In a video shared on X, Muslims from around the world, including Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Jerusalem, Indonesia, and other places can be seen performing morning prayers to celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Muslims devotees offer prayers in Kashmir

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Muslim devotees offer prayers on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr.  (Waseem Andrabi/Hindustan Times)

Muslim devotees offered prayers on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar on April 10, 2024.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: 3 lip-smacking recipes for a delicious Eid celebration

Eid celebrations are incomplete without a delectable spread to share with your friends and family. Here's a curated selection of timeless recipes that promise to tantalise your palate. From Nihari Gosht to Shahi Tukda, you will find the detailed recipes here . 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: The Royal family extends wishes on Eid 

The Royal Family took to X to extend their wishes on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. “#EidMubarak to Muslims celebrating in the UK and around the worl,” the post said. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Shashi Tharoor joins scores of faithful during Eid celebrations

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor joined scores of faithful for the vibrant Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations at the Chandrasekaran Nair Stadium in Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram. He also extended Eid wishes on X. “Delighted to exchange warm Eid greetings with many who were in attendance. Eid Mubarak to all!” he wrote. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Prepare this delicious Awadhi biryani for Eid

Ingredients 

Basmati rice - 1 kg 

Green cardamom - 10 gm 

Cloves - 5 Salt

For the biryani base 

Chicken cooked - 1.5 kg 

Elaichi powder - 10 g 

Mace powder - 5 g 

Sugar - 10 g 

Kewra water - 5 ml 

Ittar - 5 drops 

Degi mirch - 20 g 

Saffron water - 10 ml 

Ghee - 200 g 

Boil 5 litres of water and add the salt, cardamom and cloves. Add the rice and cook till 75 % done. Strain it and keep aside.

Learn the method to prepare the biryani base here . 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Try this sheer khurma recipe 

Milk: 2 litres 

Sugar: 250 g 

Ghee: 100 g 

Seviyan (vermicelli): 150g 

Condensed milk: 1 cup 

Cardamom powder: 1 tsp 

Cashews: 25 g 

Almonds: 25 g 

Pistachios: 25 g 

Dry dates: 25 g 

Raisins: 25 g

Method: 

Begin by soaking the cashews, almonds, pistachios and dry dates in water for about 2 hours and cut them into fine slices. Now, take two litres of milk, boil it for about 20-25 minutes and let it rest aside. Learn about the next steps here . 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Arabic to Moroccan, trendy mehendi designs to try 

Mehendi, also known as henna, is a traditional art form that has been a part of Indian and Middle Eastern cultures for centuries. It is a popular way to add a touch of elegance and beauty to any occasion, and Eid-ul-Fitr is no exception. Check out Arabic, Moroccan, Indian, Pakistani, floral and more designs here . 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Significance of the Crescent Moon

The crescent moon marks the beginning of a new month in the Islamic Calendar. In Islam, people refer to the Lunar Calendar for determining the important events like the beginning and the end of Ramadan. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: When will Muslims in Mumbai and Kolkata see the Shawwal Crescent Moon

Mumbai will witness the Shawwal Crescent Moon at 7:24 pm on April 10. Meanwhile, Muslims in Kolkata will witness it at 6:15 pm. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Banks to remain closed in these states

Banks will remain closed on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, April 11, in most of the states except Chandigarh, Sikkim, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr marking end of Ramadan

Muslims across the globe who are observing Eid-ul-Fitr today celebrated the festival to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The festivities included special prayer service, feasting, family gatherings, and exchanging gifts. Check out pictures from around the world here . 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Eid celebrations at Masjid An Nabawi

The video shows Eid celebrations at the Masjid An Nabawi or The Prophet's Mosque in Saudi Arabia. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates:  When will Muslims in Delhi see the Shawwal Crescent Moon

Muslims in Delhi are expected to see the Shawwal Crescent Moon at 6:52 pm on April 10, 2024. 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Eid prayers held in a historic former mosque in northern Greece for the first time in 100 years

According to AP, Wednesday marked the first time since the 1920s that the historic Yeni Cami, or New Mosque, was being used for mass prayers during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Built in 1902 by Italian architect Vitaliano Poselli, the landmark building tucked down a narrow street in the centre of the city stopped being used as a mosque in the 1920s.

The opening of the Yeni Cami for Ramadan prayers sends “a very good message, which is there is no contradiction being Muslims and being citizens,” said Taha Abdelgalil, the imam who led the prayer. “There is no contradiction between opening such (a) historical place and in the same time being proud of the history of the country and its independence.” 

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: 5 must-have jewellery for Eid festivities

Eid is all about celebrations. From decking up in traditional attires to adding the perfect accessories, Eid is a fashion lover's dream. Here are five accessories that are essential for your Eid wardrobe.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Ways to stay active and healthy

Over-indulgence in Eid-special delicacies and decrease in physical activity during the festival can have an impact on our health. Hence, it is important to watch our diet and make healthy lifestyle changes to refrain from falling sick. Here are some tips to follow.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Tips to balance festivities with wellness

Eid-ul-Fitr parties are filled with food, drinks and a lot of togetherness of our loved ones. However, late-night dinners and drinks can make the health suffer. We should be mindful about maintaining a balance between enjoying Eid and also taking care of the body. Here are a few tips to strike the perfect balance.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan shared Eid greetings

Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated in Kerala today. Taking to his X profile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan shared a video message and extended his greetings on the jyous occasion of Eid. “Eid al-Fitr celebrates perseverance and endurance, uniting people from all walks of life. As regressive forces are spreading communal hatred to create polarisation, let's embrace the spirit of compassion and harmony and join the festivities. Eid Mubarak to all,” read his post.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: People offer prayers and mark Eid celebrations

People in Kerala, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir are observing Eid today. Mass prayers were offered by people in Ernakulam district of Kerala. In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, people turned up to offer namaz.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Trendy mehndi designs to try

During Eid fstivities, women deck up in ethnic ensembles and decorate their hands and feet in mehndi designs. From Arabian to Morocco designs, here are a few suggestions to make your hands more pretty for the festival.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Why is Eid celebrated?

Eid-ul-Fitr or Meethi Eid marks the end of Ramadan and the start of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. Here's all that you need to know about this festival.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Lip-smacking recipes for Eid celebrations

What is Eid without food? Meat and Eid-special dishes are an integral part of Eid festivities. Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala have started their Eid celebrations today. The rest of the country will be observing Eid tomorrow. Here are three recipes to make your Eid tastier and merrier.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Travel tips for Eid getaways

From booking accommodation in advance to looking for Eid-Ul-Fitr deals to get a discount, here are a few travel tips to keep the trip budget-friendly.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Tips to manage Diabetes during the festival

Sweets and food are an intergral part of Eid festivities. But how do we keep our Blood Sugar level in check, all the while enjoying Eid? Know tips from Doctors on how to stay fit and manage Diabetes during the celebrations.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Importance of staying hydrated during festivities

With the summer setting in, the body always needs to be adequately hydrated so that it is fit and healthy. With changing food habits and increased physical activity, it is more important to keep in mind to drink water regularly.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Most beautiful mosques in the world

Fom Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca to Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, here is a list of ten most beautiful mosques in the world.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Tips to manage stress and maintain wellbeing

Festivals are the time for joy and cheer – however, celebrations can also feel overwhelming and tiring. With a combination of self-care, healthy diet and planning, we can manage stress and enjoy the festival. Here are a few health tips to follow.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Trendy fashion inspo to look your best this Eid

Eid festivities mean decking up in our best attires and gorging on lip-smacking delicious Eid-special dishes. Eid festivities are that time when we experiment with ethnic ensembles and glam up our look. Here are a few tips to deck up right and own the spotlight during Eid celebrations.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Wishes, messages to share with loved ones

Eid marks the start of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. Eid-ul-Fitr also marks the end of month-long fasting for the Muslims across the world. Here is a list of messages, wishes and images that you can share with your loved ones on the auspicious occasion of Eid.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: City wise prayers timings that we should know of

Kerala, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir will be observing Eid today, while the rest of the country will be celebrating on Thursday. From Kochi to Delhi to Mumbai, here is a list of the prayer timings of the major cities of the country.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Kerala gearing up to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Wednesday

Kerala's Muslim Clerics including Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal and Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar announced on Tuesday that Eid-Ul-Fitr will be observed in the state on Wednesday.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Indonesians travel to their hometowns are celebrating Eid

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: About 193 million Indonesians travelled across the country to unite with their families on the occasion of Eid. The annual migration is known as mudik, or exodus. People travel bymotorcycles, cars, buses, planes or by boat to visit their families.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate Eid on April 10

Announced by the the Union Territory's grand Mufti Nasir-Ul-Islam on Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir will be celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr on Wednesday. The Shawwal crescent moon was sighted in the state on Tuesday night. Ladakh will also celebrate Eid with Jammu & Kashmir on the same day.

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Udhampur constituency of Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Election 2024: Date of Voting, Result, Candidates List, Main Parties, Schedule

Udhampur constituency of Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Election 2024: Date of Voting, Result, Candidates List, Main Parties, Schedule

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  1. Is it Safe to Travel to Kashmir?

    Travel Advisories . The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to "exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism." They urge people to avoid the Indian union territory of "Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest."

  2. India Travel Advisory

    Travel Advisory. June 23, 2023. India - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. O U T C. Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Do not travel to: The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest ...

  3. How to Plan a Trip to Kashmir

    Places to Visit in Kashmir. Now let us take a look at the tourist destinations in Kashmir, places that you just cannot afford to miss. These are the destinations that will become the very highlight of your journey. ... The best way to travel to Kashmir is either by your self-owned vehicle or a private taxi. But if you are a budget traveler, you ...

  4. An Ultimate Post-Covid Travel Guide To Kashmir For All Travelers In 2023

    Kashmir's state borders are now open for domestic tourists and travelers as international travel remains closed. Member Secretary State Executive Committee, Simrandeep Singh had announced a list of permitted and non-permitted activities with more relaxation of inter-state and intra-state travel.Here is a list of the latest travel advisory issued by the state government of Kashmir:

  5. Is Kashmir Safe to Travel Now?

    Safe to Travel: Despite being a historical flashpoint due to political issues, Kashmir is now deemed safe for travel, with the situation returning to normalcy. Diverse Experiences: A journey to Kashmir offers a diverse range of experiences tailored to different preferences. Whether you are a solo traveler, spiritual seeker, adventure enthusiast ...

  6. 'More beautiful than Europe': Indians flock to Kashmir's lakes, boats

    Boatman Wali Mohammad Bhat, 54, said he had no work during the pandemic, "but, now I am earning 1,000 to 1,500 rupees ($13-$20) a day and we expect a good tourist season ahead." Advance booking

  7. The best time to visit Kashmir

    The most intense part of the season is the Chillai Kalan, a 40-day period when Kashmir faces its harshest winter, with overcast skies and heavy snow. Flight cancellations and road closures can occur during this time, and it's best to check the latest weather forecasts and travel advisories.

  8. Beautiful Places In Kashmir: Explore India's Heaven On Earth

    The ever-popular Betaab Valley, named after the Bollywood film Betaab (1983), is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with lush green grasslands, stunning meadows lined with pine trees, and a river cutting through it. Other gorgeous places include Baisaran Hills, Lidderwat and Pahalgam Golf Course.

  9. Kashmir

    Kashmir. Featured Content. ... Now a new rail­way project threat­ens liveli­hoods. Published On 10 Apr 2024 10 Apr 2024. Modi makes rare pre-elec­tion Kash­mir trip, but strug­gles to 'win ...

  10. Post-Covid Travel Guide To Kashmir

    The Kashmir valley is now open for tourism but Covid guidelines are in place and there are some requirements from the tourists before they can enter Kashmir. ... April till June is the summer season when you can comfortably travel to Kashmir without any hassles. Summer temperatures can be around 15 - 30 degrees Celsius. ...

  11. Is Kashmir Safe for Tourists? Our Views after Visiting 10 District of

    Now let us talk about the safety of tourists in Kashmir. Kashmir does experience violence in one form or the other, but it is rare that tourists get caught up in such a situation. Stone-pelting, gun fights and any other violence rarely occur in main tourist areas like Srinagar Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonmarg.

  12. 30 BEST Places to Visit in Kashmir (UPDATED 2024)

    I really thank you Ashiq bhai if you are reading this review, for making our trip to Paradise of India amazing. If someone is planning to visit Kashmir, you can contact him on 9797726520. Trust me you will like the services. He will guide you correctly.

  13. India's Modi visits Kashmir: How has the region changed since 2019?

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made his first visit to Kashmir since his government's controversial 2019 decision to scrap the region's special semi-autonomous status ...

  14. 30 Updated Places To Visit In Kashmir (with photos) To Have Fun In 2023

    Check out this list of the top places to visit in Kashmir and pick the best ones for your next vacation. Srinagar - Heaven On Earth. Gulmarg - Ski Your Way. Sonamarg - The Land Of Gold. Leh - 3 Idiot's Location. Kupwara - The Delight Of Kashmir. Kathua - Lesser-Known Gem. Kargil - A Witness Of Many Wars.

  15. India travel advice

    Jammu and Kashmir. FCDO advises against all travel to the region of Jammu and Kashmir (including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar, and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway), except ...

  16. 10 Kashmir Travel Tips That Will Help You Have A Vacation To Remember

    5. Travel Light While Visiting Kashmir. Image Source. If you are thinking of visiting Kashmir, we would suggest you to go light on your luggage and make sure to do your packing nicely, we would recommend that you take your clothes as per the weather of Kashmir in the season that you plan to visit Kashmir in.

  17. Is it safe to travel to Kashmir now in 2023?

    Here are some of the valid reasons to believe that it is safe to travel to Kashmir to Kashmir in 2023. Book here Kashmir tour packages. 1. A robust tourism department. Kashmir has one of the robust and best tourism departments in the country. The tourism affiliated members are always helpful and responsive for any of the queries and make sure ...

  18. Kashmir Tourism Safety

    Book a safe kashmir trip with: Kashmir Tour Packages. Is It Safe to Visit Kashmir Now in 2023? It is perfectly safe to visit Kashmir in 2023. The last few years have seen a huge rush of tourists here, and considering all the parameters of safety, Kashmir in 2023 is the safest travel destination in India.

  19. KashmireX

    Welcome to KashmireX, your go-to Travel Agency & Kashmir Car Rental in Kashmir! From our Kashmir Taxi Package to personalized Day Tours and Trips, we've got all your travel needs covered. Experience the beauty of Kashmir with us - where friends, adventure, and the comfort of home await. Book your Kashmir getaway now.

  20. In heavily militarised Kashmir, the upcoming India elections do not

    Autonomy revoked. Since Modi was sworn in as India's 14th prime minister in 2014, he has taken a decidedly muscular approach to Kashmir.. Pledging to quell a rebel movement that has been ...

  21. Travel advice and advisories for India

    Avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to the unpredictable security situation. There is a threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and kidnapping. This advisory excludes travelling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh.

  22. Best Time To Visit Kashmir

    March to Early May (15°C to 30°C): These are the best months to visit Kashmir for sightseeing as the weather is pleasant and lets you explore the lush green meadows and enchanting natural beauty of Kashmir without any obstacle. The temperature during these months varies from 15°C to 30°C. This is also the best time to trek the alluring trails of Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.

  23. Your Kashmir Guide

    Explore the beauty of Kashmir with Travel Kashmir. Discover curated travel packages, popular destinations, and convenient rental services. ... our fleet ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey through the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir. Book your ride now and experience hassle-free exploration with our professional drivers and transparent ...

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  25. Saudi Arabia echoes India's stand on Kashmir in joint statement with

    In Short. Saudi Arabia seemed to support India's stand on Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement signed with Pakistan, asking both countries to resolve their "outstanding issues" bilaterally. The joint statement was issued a day after Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi de-facto ruler Prince Mohammed bin Salman held an official ...

  26. Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Festivities begin in Jammu and Kashmir

    People travel bymotorcycles, cars, buses, planes or by boat to visit their families. Apr 10, 2024 8:26 AM IST Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 Live Updates: Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate Eid on April 10

  27. Photos challenge misconceptions about what it means to be an ...

    By 2050, the same study also predicted that the US Muslim population would grow to a total of 8.1 million, or 2.1% of the total population. Despite these figures, the experience of Muslims today ...

  28. Udhampur constituency of Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Election 2024

    Udhampur constituency of Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Election 2024: Date of Voting, Result, Candidates List, Main Parties, Schedule Apr 11, 2024, 17:04 IST Share