Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir generally revolves around shikara rides, gondola rides, winter sports, and garden visits. However, a seldom visited attraction in Kashmir are its teeming green orchards dotted with red apples. The picturesque beauty of these apple orchards are no less than a manicured Kashmiri garden (bagh). The lush trees loaded with red and green apples against a backdrop of snow-sprinkled peaks are a feast for the senses. It is said that the English colonists, who after learning about the fertility of land and suitable climate conditions, introduced apple cultivation in Kashmir valley.
Apart from recreation and appreciation for nature, these tours offer a cultural experience. Going on an apple orchard tour will help you garner many experiences. You will learn about the economic impact these orchards have on the lives of locals. Secondly, what efforts go into maintaining, cultivating, and harvesting the apple orchards. Thirdly, how bad weather conditions (such as untimely snowfall) affect the apple trees and their growth.
Why go on an Apple Orchard Tour in Kashmir?
If you are still confused whether you should add an apple orchard tour in your Kashmir trip itinerary, read the following points:
- Anyone who’s looking for an offbeat experience in Kashmir should visit an apple orchard.
- The scenic backdrop of mountains, pine and confer trees and meadows gives a magical background to the apple orchards. It’s a perfect place for photographers and nature lovers.
- A Kashmir apple orchard tour isn’t time consuming or super expensive.
- An apple orchard tour can be done within 2-3 hours and can be easily fit into Kashmir travel itinerary.
- You can gain hands-on experience of plucking an apple directly from a tree, a rare activity for city-dwellers.
- Apple orchards in Kashmir are perfect places for going on nature walks.
- All you need is a guided tour that you can prebook before arriving in Kashmir.
- An apple orchard tour introduces the farming and cultivation aspects of this region.
- Enjoy the tasting session and the warm hospitality of people during your apple orchard visit.
- Learn about the significance of apples on Kashmir's economy and why it is a major cash crop.
- Lastly, you can also buy freshly plucked and juicy apples directly from the orchards, supporting local farmers.
When is the Apple Harvesting Season in Kashmir?
Jammu & Kashmir is amongst the three major regions, besides Himachal Pradesh and Uttranchachal known for its apple cultivation. Apart from apples (Chunt in local language), other major cash crops grown in Jammu and Kashmir include saffron, walnuts, almonds, cherries, peaches and mushrooms. However, the most widespread orchards in Kashmir are for apple cultivation.
The apple harvesting season in Kashmir is the autumn season. It is also a beautiful season to visit Kashmir to witness the auburn leaves of Chinar falling on the ground. Everything looks straight out from a fairytale. Plan your Kashmir tour between late August and October to witness the fully ripened red apples. The peak apple harvesting season in Kashmir is in September.
Best Places to Visit in Kashmir for Apple Orchard Tours
You will find apple orchards scattered all around the region of Jammu and Kashmir. After all,
Nearly 78% of India's annual apple production takes place in Kashmir valley. Based on your convenience, add any the following places in your Kashmir itinerary.
1. Apple Orchards in Srinagar
The capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is home to beautiful and thriving apple orchards. The apple orchards are located around the area of Shalimar and Nishat bagh. You can visit the orchards, click photos, and buy some freshly plucked apples.
2. Apple Orchards in Shopian
Known as the “Apple Bowl of Kashmir,” Shopian is a significant agricultural area in Jammu & Kashmir. Visit the expansive orchards in Shopian district, participate in apple plucking activities, and learn about different varieties of apple grown here.
3. Apple Orchards in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is well known for its snow covered landscapes, picturesque woodlands, and gondola rides. However, you may not know that Gulmarg also has beautiful apple orchards where you enjoy a fascinating tour.
4. Apple Orchards in Pahalgam
Pahalgam is one of the most scenic destinations in Kashmir. The apple orchards in Pahalgam are set against a backdrop of Lidder River, emerald vegetation, and beautiful peaks.
5. Apple Orchards in Baramulla
Baramulla is one of the largest producers of apples in Kashmir valley. Many of the apple orchard owners provide guided tours and tasting sessions.
Things to do on an Apple Orchard tour
1. Apple plucking: Some orchards and guided tours allow visitors to have an actual apple plucking experience. You can also watch actual farmers and cultivators, and learn the right method to pluck an apple from them.
2. Tasting Session: Visiting an apple orchard without tasting any of the juicy deliciousness would be such a waste. No? But fret not, many apple orchards provided a guide tour and tasting sessions of the best varieties of apple grown in Kashmir.
3. Photography: The apple orchards are beautiful and surrounded by the lush greenery, lakes or a valley. This is a perfect opportunity to do nature photography and click selfies.
4. Nature Walk: A nature walk in a charming apple orchard is a delightful experience. Wear comfortable shoes and walk around watching apple trees and its different varieties. Hold the trees, touch the leaves and smell the apples (after permission, of course) for an immersive experience.
5. Interact with locals: On an apple orchard tour, you will get the opportunity to interact with farmers and orchard owners. Interacting with them will educate you about apple production and distribution.
6. Shopping: You can also shop fresh apples from apple orchards in Kashmir. The prices of apples are based on size, colour, variety, and of course quantity.
Varieties of Kashmiri Apples
There are more than 100 varieties of apples grown in Kashmir. The taste, quality, and sweetness of crisp and juicy Kashmir apples is unmatchable. Some of the top varieties of Kashmiri apples are Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Gulabi Apple, Ambri and Royal Gala.
Book your Kashmir tour with a trip to an apple orchard or get one customised. If you are planning a visit to Kashmir in autumn (September to October), there is no reason to miss the sweet opportunity.
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