Kashmir is the trip Tamil families save for — chinar trees, houseboats on Dal Lake, gondolas rising into snow at 4,000 m and meadows that genuinely look unreal. It is also the trip that rewards planning, because the season, the flight and the day-wise routing all matter.
How to reach Kashmir
Fly Delhi to Srinagar — roughly 90 minutes, with several daily flights. Driving from Delhi is 800 km and takes 18-20 hours through Jammu and the Banihal pass; it is only worth it if you specifically want the Vaishno Devi and Patnitop route.
Most Tamil travellers combine a two-day Delhi stopover with a five- or six-day Kashmir leg on the same trip.
Srinagar — Dal Lake and the Mughal gardens
Stay one night on a houseboat for the experience and the rest in a hotel for comfort. Take a shikara ride at sunrise, when the floating vegetable market is active and the lake is mirror-still.
See the Mughal gardens — Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi — plus Shankaracharya Temple on the hill for a full view of the valley, and Hazratbal Shrine on the lake's northern shore.
Gulmarg
Fifty-two km from Srinagar. The gondola runs in two phases: Phase 1 to Kongdoori (3,080 m) and Phase 2 to Apharwat Peak (3,979 m), one of the highest cable cars in the world. Book Phase 2 tickets online in advance — daily capacity sells out, especially in December and January.
Winter brings some of Asia's best skiing; summer turns Gulmarg into a green golf course and pony-trek country.
Pahalgam
Ninety km from Srinagar in the Lidder Valley, and the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra. Local taxis run to Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari — private vehicles are not permitted on these three routes, so budget for the union taxi separately.
Sonmarg
The meadow of gold, 80 km from Srinagar, with the Thajiwas glacier reachable by pony or a moderate walk. Sonmarg closes in deep winter due to snow on the Srinagar–Leh highway, typically from December to March.
Six day itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Srinagar, Mughal gardens, shikara ride, houseboat night
- Day 2: Gulmarg day trip with gondola
- Day 3: Pahalgam — Betaab and Aru valleys, overnight Pahalgam
- Day 4: Return to Srinagar via Awantipora ruins and saffron fields
- Day 5: Sonmarg day trip and Thajiwas glacier
- Day 6: Srinagar local shopping, departure
Best season
- April — tulip garden in bloom, Asia's largest, open for about three weeks
- May to August — warm days, all routes open, best for families
- September to November — golden chinars, clear skies, thin crowds
- December to February — heavy snow, Gulmarg skiing, Sonmarg closed
Travel tips
Carry warm layers even in summer — Gulmarg and Sonmarg are cold at altitude year-round. Mobile connectivity favours postpaid connections in the valley; prepaid SIMs from other states may not work.
Shri Ram Tamilan Travels is a trusted Tamil travel agency in Delhi offering customized North India tour packages with professional Tamil speaking drivers. Our Kashmir tour package covers houseboat and hotel stays, all transfers and a Tamil speaking driver throughout the valley.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
April for tulips, May to August for pleasant family travel, September to November for autumn colours, and December to February for snow and skiing.
How many days are needed for Kashmir?
Six days and five nights covers Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg comfortably.
Should I fly or drive to Kashmir from Delhi?
Fly. The Delhi-Srinagar flight is 90 minutes, versus 18-20 hours by road.
Plan this trip with a Tamil speaking driver
Shri Ram Tamilan Travels is a trusted Tamil travel agency in Delhi offering customized North India tour packages, airport pickup and outstation cab services with professional Tamil speaking drivers.