Discover the Enchanting Realm: Top 14 Must-Know Fun Facts About Kashmir

1. Heaven on Gond-earth

Hold on to your "gondoggy" and prepare to soar: Kashmir boasts the world's second-highest gondola ride, offering visitors breathtaking views of the Himalayas as they glide toward the majestic Apharwat Mountain, proving once again that this paradise is truly a "Heaven on Gond-earth."
Source => traveltriangle.com

2. Golfing in the Clouds

Ever wondered where the highest golf course is, or where green meets greens at dizzying heights? The answer is no tee-sy feat: situated in Gulmarg, Kashmir, at an altitude of 2,650 meters, resides the world's highest green golf course, established in 1911 by the British. Adding to Kashmir's golfing paradise are the famed Kashmir Golf Club and Royal Spring Golf Course.
Source => greaterkashmir.com

Did you know India's railway system holds a spellbinding world record? Discover how 1.6 million employees contribute to this magical transportation triumph!

=> Fun Facts about India

3. Shikara Shenanigans

Paddling through life, one shikara at a time: The iconic Shikara boats of Dal Lake in Kashmir play a dual role as charming leisure rides and practical daily transportation for locals, all while offering stunning mountain views and Kingfisher-spotting opportunities along the floating gardens.
Source => kashmirrootstock.com

4. Luxurious Kashmiri Rugs

If your floor could talk, it would probably thank you for making it feel like royalty with a Kashmiri rug: Made not only of wool but also of pure mulberry silk and viscose, these luxurious rugs boast soundproofing abilities and blend seamlessly with other materials.
Source => carpetsofkashmir.com

5. Apples Galore

When Snow White takes a bite of her favorite fruit, she surely must be craving Kashmir's special apples: In 2020-2021, Kashmir produced a whopping 1695000.00 metric tonnes of apples, making up 10% of their GSDP and exporting around 18 lakh metric tons annually, solidifying the valley's position in the global apple market.
Source => risingkashmir.com

6. Saffron Spice Bloom

Forget about painting the town red, let's dye it saffron instead: In Kashmir's Pampore region, over 20,000 households farm the highest quality saffron, and it takes 150,000 flowers just to produce one kilogram of the vibrant crimson spice – talk about a bloomin' good time!
Source => outlookindia.com

7. Shawl-ing in Style

Feeling a bit sheepish about your shawl game? Fret not, for Kashmir has got you covered in warm and fuzzy luxury: Renowned for their Pashmina shawls made from Cashmere goat downfibers, Kashmir is also home to other stylish varieties like the forbidden Shahtoosh and the casual raffal shawls made from sheep wool, meaning there's always something to wrap around your shoulders on those chilly nights.
Source => pashmina.com

8. Sky-high Chenab Bridge

Move over Eiffel Tower, there's a new tall kid on the block: India's Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir will be the world's highest railway bridge once completed, standing at a staggering 1,180 feet above the Chenab River, 95 feet taller than our beloved Parisian icon. This jaw-dropping bridge is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project to connect the picturesque Kashmir Valley to the rest of India and give a sky-high boost to the region's industry and agriculture.
Source => cnn.com

9. Silky Smooth Comeback

Suffering from a serious case of "cocoonstipation", the once-thriving Kashmiri silk industry nearly pooped out of existence; but fear not, for it's spinning a comeback: With government support, a new generation of considerate cocoon cuddlers and mulberry munchers are injecting life back into the scene by rearing and selling their cocoons as far as Mysore for hefty sums, weaving the wheel of change for a silky smooth future.
Source => kashmirlife.net

10. Feathered Jet-Setters

Move over, snowbird retirees! Kashmir's got some seriously feathered jet-setters: Hokersar Wetland, declared a Ramsar site in 2005, is normally home to winter migratory birds such as European goldfinch, common teal, northern pintail, and mallard. Sadly, ill-planned dredging has led to a decline in bird traffic, leaving birdwatchers missing the sight of their colorful avian visitors.
Source => 101reporters.com

11. Walnut Wonder-workers

Nutty Extravaganza: In the majestic mountains of Kashmir, local craftsmen practice the fine art of turning walnuts into wooden wonders; with a skill dating back to the 15th century, these artisans carve intricate patterns on the region's famously high-quality walnut wood, a material as remarkable as the nuts themselves!
Source => outlookindia.com

12. Time-Traveling Temple

Who needs a time machine when you can take a stroll in the 8th century? Prepare for spiritual enlightenment with a pinch of ancient charm: The Shankaracharya Temple in Kashmir is not only the oldest Hindu temple in the region, but also a bustling hub for devotees, welcoming thousands daily and serving as a crucial pitstop for the holy mace of Shiv Bhagwan during the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra.
Source => asoulwindow.com

13. Multi-Talented Chinar Trees

Did someone say, "leaf it to Chinar"? Well, they should have! Because the Chinar trees of Kashmir boast more than just a stunning fall wardrobe: They double up as a furniture studio, provide medicinal treatments for ailments like toothache, dysentery, hernia, and diarrhea, and still manage to slay in fabulous shades of red and mauve. Talk about being multi-talented!
Source => balconygardenweb.com

14. Wintry Zoji La Pass Adventure

If you think your daily commute is an uphill battle, imagine driving on a road that's 11,601 feet high, with the snow gods showering their blessings every now and then: Zoji La Pass in Kashmir is one of the world's highest mountain passes, connecting Srinagar to Kargil and serving as a lifeline for Ladakh. The brave Border Roads Organization tirelessly maintains it even during winter's harshest snowfall. To make the journey a little less frosty, a 14.2-kilometer road tunnel, approved in 2018, will soon help reduce travel time from hours to mere minutes.
Source => dangerousroads.org