Kashmir valley has been one of the prides of Indian tourism since the times of Moghul rule. Following British Raj and the subsequent Dogra rule which brought in its accession to India in 1948 it has seen improvements and a growing enthusiasm for the “Paradise on Earth”. Despite tensions at its borders the Valley has always been the prime destination because of its easy access by land and air in comparison to other places in Himachal Pradesh and the UP hills. Its natural beauty, the lakes, meadows, gurgling streams and well publicised destinations. The ease of travel within the valley has also been its attraction and a strong point. After thriving in the 1970s–1980s, tourism declined due to conflict but has seen a massive resurgence post-2019, with 2024 seeing a record 2.35 crore visitors. Following significant security challenges of April 2025 in Pahalgam—which initially saw a substantial drop in footfall—the region has shown extraordinary resilience. As of March 2026, the industry is not just recovering but is poised to break previous records.

The current atmosphere is one of cautious optimism backed by iron-clad preparation. Early heat in the Indian plains has accelerated the northern migration of travellers, and the valley is responding with a “bloomy” spring that promises to be one of the most vibrant in recent memory. The well- known Badamwaer, a large majestic area at the........

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