kashmir tourism

Switzerland's Ambassador to India, Maya Tissafi, lauded Kashmir's beauty and rich heritage during her visit. She highlighted shared responsibilities in sustainable tourism and disaster risk reduction, noting ongoing Swiss-Indian collaborations. Tissafi met with local leaders, discussing potential partnerships in tourism, vocational training, and agriculture, emphasizing the valley's blend of tradition and modernity.

Srinagar International Airport will halt all flight operations for two weeks from October 1 to October 15 for crucial runway repairs. This closure, coinciding with the peak Durga Puja tourist season, is raising concerns among tourism stakeholders about its potential adverse impact on the region's economy. Phased maintenance has been ongoing since July, with daily restrictions already in place.

Jammu Rail Services have resumed full connectivity after the successful repair of Railway Bridge No. 17 over the Ravi River. This restoration, completed in eight months, reopens a vital northern Indian rail corridor, easing travel to Jammu and Kashmir's popular tourist destinations. The full operational status of major bridges significantly boosts train punctuality and accessibility for thousands of passengers.

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Central University of Kashmir invites applications for its PhD programs for the 2026-27 academic year. The online application window opens on June 2, 2026, and closes on June 17, 2026. Interested candidates can apply for various disciplines including Biotechnology, Commerce, and Law. Applicants must review eligibility criteria and submit their forms before the deadline.

India's southwest monsoon is advancing, bringing heavy rains to southern and northeastern regions. Travelers face a mixed bag of weather, with thunderstorms, dust storms, and hailstorms expected elsewhere. While the monsoon offers opportunities for nature tourism, it also poses risks like flooding and travel disruptions. Travelers are urged to stay informed.

Hundreds of tourists faced an unexpected halt at Gulmarg's famous Gondola cable car service due to a technical glitch on Monday. Officials confirmed that both phases of the popular attraction were suspended. Trained rescue teams from SDRF and NDRF safely evacuated all stranded visitors from the cabins. Restoration efforts are currently in progress.

Tourists heading to India's popular monsoon spots should prepare for heavy rains this week. Kerala and Northeast India will see significant rainfall. Coastal Karnataka and Lakshadweep also face continuous showers. Expect potential travel delays and disruptions due to waterlogging and rough seas. North India may experience thunderstorms. Bihar, however, remains under a heatwave watch.

Indian tourists face a challenging week with extreme weather predicted nationwide. Northeast and South India will see heavy rainfall and potential flooding, while North and Central India grapple with severe heatwaves. Travelers are advised to remain flexible, monitor local forecasts, and adjust plans accordingly.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh revealed the Indian Navy's decisive role in Operation Sindoor, keeping Pakistan's navy confined to ports. Speaking at the Lucknow naval museum inauguration, he highlighted the operation's success following the Pahalgam terror attack. Singh also lauded India's growing defence manufacturing and export capabilities.

Amid the push to cut non-essential foreign travel, domestic destinations offering similar scenic escapes and leisurely stays, are seeing renewed interest

India is experiencing a severe heatwave with temperatures nearing 50°C in northern and central regions, impacting summer travel plans. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is advancing, bringing heavy rainfall warnings to southern and northeastern parts of the country, creating contrasting weather experiences.

Kashmir's adventure tourism sector faces a significant downturn. Trekking routes across the Valley are closed, halting a once-thriving industry. This has impacted local entrepreneurs and staff who relied on adventure activities. While some have relocated, many face an uncertain future. The reopening of key routes like the Great Lakes Trek is crucial for the industry's survival.

India is grappling with an intense heatwave as temperatures soar, with the IMD issuing orange and red alerts for several northern and central regions. Delhi is experiencing highs of 44-45°C, while Uttar Pradesh's Banda district has recorded over 48°C. The extreme heat is also impacting tourism and is linked to global climate factors like potential El Niño conditions.

Amir Khusro, a 13th-century poet, remains a vibrant cultural force in India, celebrated for his qawwalis and riddles. While a famous couplet praising India as paradise is widely attributed to him, historical evidence points to other claimants. Khusro's deep love for India, evident in his writings, fuels this enduring legacy.

As geopolitical tensions disrupt travel, are travellers pressing ahead or pulling back? Industry experts share their insights

The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, a 20-coach semi-high-speed train, commenced operations on May 2, 2026, marking a historic connection between the two cities. This new service significantly reduces travel time to under five hours, offering a reliable, all-weather alternative to road travel and boosting regional tourism and economic growth.

Gulmarg's ski season faces an uncertain future due to shrinking winters and erratic snowfall. Authorities are fast-tracking plans for artificial snow-making systems and synthetic slopes to ensure the resort's viability. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on natural snow and extend skiing into a four-season activity, safeguarding its legacy.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday flagged off the 20-coach Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar, marking the first direct rail link between the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rail travel in Jammu & Kashmir is set for a major upgrade with the new Vande Bharat Express connecting Jammu and Srinagar, launching April 30. This advanced, all-weather train promises a significantly reduced travel time of five hours, boosting tourism. Extensive safety checks and infrastructure upgrades ensure a smoother, safer journey for all.

A year after a devastating terror attack claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam, the valley grapples with lingering fear and a fractured tourism economy. India responded with Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military action, and extensive diplomatic efforts. While security has been bolstered, the region's recovery remains fragile, with businesses and residents still navigating the profound impact of the violence.