7 Reasons why Kashmir is an important Tourist and Cultural Destination in India

“If there is ever a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.”

The term ‘paradise on earth’ might sound like a cliché, but it is a fact that can’t be denied! One would be hard pressed to find another place on earth that matches this description so perfectly!

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Whether it’s the cold, snow-filled winter or bright spring, Kashmir is a sight to behold. Kashmir is like a gorgeous woman who looks good in whatever she wears!

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Apart from its spellbinding beauty, Kashmir also has a lot of cultural and political significance. While recent times have seen a volatile political situation in the land, the fact remains that Kashmir is still an integral part of India. Here are 7 reasons why Kashmir is an important tourist and cultural destination in India.

1. Bio Diversity

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Kashmir is a biologist’s delight. The beautiful environs of Kashmir are home to some particular species of plants and animals. The Kashmir Valley is composed of very fertile soil, which encourages the growth of several types of vegetation. Kashmir is one of the few places in the world where saffron is grown, and Kashmiri saffron is extremely popular globally. Several Himalayan medicinal herbs are also in great demand, especially since people prefer natural solutions over chemical ones.

2. Arts and Crafts

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Cashmere shawls, which originated in Kashmir, are considered the epitome of luxury across the world. These shawls are carefully embroidered in a traditional Kashmiri paisley pattern, a style of embroidery also called Kashida. The pattern is also seen on clothes, hand made bags and in home décor. Besides this, Kashmiri artisans are experts in papier mache, making all kinds of beautiful multicolored objects.

3. Places of Worship

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Apart from tourists visiting to partake of its natural splendor, the state also receives a good number of visitors at its religious centers, particularly the very famous Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu, the Jama Masjid in Srinagar and the Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. The beautiful Mansar Lake in Jammu is also lined with some unique temples. It is said that the Vaishno Devi temple alone receives close to 10 million pilgrims every year, which has boosted the state’s economy significantly.

4. Adventure Sports

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The terrain of Kashmir makes it the perfect place for a variety of adventure sports. The mountains provide the ideal spot for mountaineering, trekking and mountain biking. Springtime gives families a great opportunity to backpack through the beautiful valley and go on camps. This doesn’t mean that things are bleak and dull during winter; Kashmir is one of the few spots in India that offers opportunities for winter sports like skiing.

5. Cuisine

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Kashmir being a mountainous region, the cuisine has a lot of meat dishes; there are as many as 30 varieties of lamb dishes alone! A Wazwan is a traditional Kashmiri feast featuring the best of Kashmiri cuisine like Yakhni, Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Goshtaba and various kinds of breads. Another highlight of the feast is kahwah, a Kashmiri herbal tea made with saffron, spices and nuts.

6. Culture

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The culture of this northernmost state is distinct from the rest of India, yet it bears many similarities as well. The Kashmir Valley has its own combination of Kashmiri Muslim and Kashmiri Pundit culture, Jammu’s Dogra culture is similar to that of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh while Ladakh has strong influences of Tibetan culture. This beautiful melting pot of cultures and religions ensures that most festivals are celebrated with equal fervor. Kashmir is one place where the charm of traditional wear hasn’t had to compete with western attire; most people still prefer authentic Kashmiri clothes to other options.

7. Movie Locations

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Gone are the days when Indian movie makers used to rush to the Swiss Alps for a glimpse of a snowy mountain! While Kashmir was abundantly featured in movies during the 70s and 80s, turmoil in the region resulted in a lull. But recently, just as tourists have increased to the state, movie makers are also drawn to using Kashmir’s scenic beauty in their films. A few recent movies shot in Kashmir are Highway, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Student of the Year, Rockstar and many more!

While Kashmir is still an important cultural and tourist destination in India, we can’t ignore what the people of Kashmir are going through. The floods of 2014 have hit them hard, and many people have lost their homes and jobs. But it doesn’t have to stay that way; we can help them get back on their feet. Join uIndia’s ‘We are there for you, Kashmir’ campaign to support Kashmiri farmers and artisans by buying their products. With everyone’s support, we can help restore peace and happiness in this beautiful state, so that it continues to be our very own paradise on earth.