Travel Guide: An Unforgettable Trip to Kashmir
Thinking about this place brings beautiful views of snowy mountains and frozen lakes. We discuss the paradise of our nations like Kashmir. Until Kashmir is can row their Shikars, herd their sheep, tame their willow bats, grow their apples and light their Kangris in the peace that is India, that is Pakistan.
We left Varanasi by train and had to reach New Delhi. Shiv Ganga Express was the best choice for this overnight journey. We reviewed the available food options and depots en route and ordered food from the control station. We were served food ordered from Varanasi (BSB) through the web catering portal IRCTC and it was much better than we expected. Our next stop was Kanpur Central. Being a night owl, I preferred to surf to find out about the available options when we reached Delhi on our transfer train between Jammu.
When we reached the capital, we had an evening train and booked a waiting room. We checked out some nearby lunch options and ordered food from e-catering providers at New Delhi station. The food was excellent and prepared us for the journey ahead. We planned to pass through several places on this trip. Starting from Mata Vaishno Devi shrines, all nearby places were in our list.
Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine
The new railway between Udhampur and Katra takes devotees directly to Katra. The 25-km rail link from Katra to Udhampur is an important part of the long-awaited line connecting the Vaishno Devi and Kashmir valleys to the rest of the country. The city of Katra is a famous base camp for pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, where an estimated 10 million pilgrims pay their respects with their families every year. Katra railway station is equipped with many modern amenities including conductor, waiting hall, dressing room, VIP lounge, escalators, lifts, and parking facilities. Four platforms can accommodate 26 buses. Escalators connect the station and platform number one. The lifts are reserved to go from platform number 1 to the exit of the station.
Patnitop
This was the second destination on our list and we heard a lot about it from our friends. Snowy mountains and houses can easily create a feeling of cold wind. Patnitop is a popular hill station located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. The name “Patnitop” is a corruption of the original name “Patan da Talab” which means “pond of the princess”. Bushes and pine trees dominate here, which add to its picturesque charm. In summer, the wonderful landscape makes it a place that moves the soul. In winter, a thick blanket of snow makes it a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts.
Srinagar
Srinagar, the capital of J & K, is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir. Ride a Shikara on the tranquil Dal Lake, view the city from the top of the Shankaracharya Temple, and stop by the iconic houseboats on your next trip. You will definitely fall in love with Kashmir! Srinagar is home to Shalimar Gardens, Rs. 10 Indian Banknote. We boarded a taxi from Jammu to Srinagar. The main attractions of this place are the Shalimar Boathouse and Gardens.
Pahalgam
Surrounded by Lidder Lake and Betaab Valley, Pahalgam is a place you visit to experience clear rivers and delightfully deep valleys. This place is famous for rafting on Lidder Lake, golfing and shopping for traditional Kashmiri goods. Jammu can be reached by train which is about 255 kilometers from Pahalgam. Then you can hire a taxi to Pahalgam. It can be reached by flight from Srinagar, which is 95 kilometers from Pahalgam.
Leh-Ladakh
Leh is popular among romantics and adventurers. This destination is like a pilgrimage destination for bikers, college tourists, and adventurers who dream of visiting Ladakh at least once in their lifetime. The clear ice-cold water of Pangong Tso Lake, the view of magnetic mountains, and the beautiful blue sky beyond your eyes will get lost in the beauty of Leh and Ladakh.
Now it was time to go back and leave for another destination trip. We reached Jammu and again boarded the train to Delhi. We ordered breakfast on the train in Ludhiana on the way back. The return journey was via New Delhi-Puri, via Purushottam Express. Our train was scheduled to reach Aligarh station at night so we planned our food arrangements ahead of time. The next morning we were in Allahabad Jn. where we again ordered food on train Allahabad Jn. Trust us, food and travel were not major concerns during this trip.
Even if you are traveling by train, e-supply partners have specially taken care of your train journey. At the Nagda intersection, you can order food from our e-catering partner. If you’re traveling in an area with little internet coverage, the Travelkhana app can be very handy for ordering food on trains. We also have a special offer for bulk food on the train. Call us at 8800313131 and our representatives will be happy to help you.