GRAPES IN BLOOM: EXPLORE THE VINEYARDS OF KASHMIR

HIGHLIGHTS OF "GRAPES IN BLOOM: EXPLORE THE VINEYARDS OF KASHMIR"

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will take you through the stunning vineyards of some of the

breath taking regions of Kashmir.

During this tour, you'll have the chance to witness the excitement and hard work that goes into grape harvesting season. Experience first-hand the thrill of picking grapes alongside local farmers as they prepare for their annual harvest. And after a day in the fields, indulge in luxurious tastings and culinary experiences that showcase the best of regional cuisine.

From Mughal gardens steeped in history to picturesque villages nestled amongst rolling hills, your journey will be filled with awe-inspiring moments at every turn.

Take a Ride in Shikara in Srinagar.

Shop for some beautiful souvenirs at Lal Chowk.

Tantalise your tastebuds with Wazwan and other delicacies.

Get an opportunity to visit Gulmarg and Kashmir's Niagara Falls, Aharbal.

OVERVIEW OF "GRAPES IN BLOOM: EXPLORE THE VINEYARDS OF KASHMIR"

Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Are you looking for a unique travel package that is sure to leave a sweet taste in your mouth? Look no further than our Kashmir Grape Harvest travel package! The beauty of grape harvest in Kashmir is a sight to behold. The region is known for producing some of the finest grapes in the world, and every year, tourists flock to witness this natural spectacle. It's an experience that tantalises all five senses with its fragrance, flavours, colours, textures and sounds. If you're looking for a unique travel package that will leave you mesmerised by nature's bounty, then look no further than Kashmir Grapes Harvest Tour.

The vineyards of Kashmir are nestled amid scenic mountain ranges and picturesque valleys. Fall is the perfect time of year to experience the glory of grape harvest. The grapes here grow under ideal weather conditions - cool summers and moderate rainfall - which results in high-quality fruit with exceptional taste and aroma.

When it's time for harvest season, farmers wake up before dawn to start picking the ripe grapes while they are still fresh and juicy. The beauty of grape harvest is an experience unlike any other. As the warm sun beats down on the vines and the sweet aroma of ripening fruit fills the air, you'll feel as though you've been transported to a world of pure bliss.

 Our travel package is tailor-made for those who want to witness the beauty of grape harvest in all its glory. You'll visit some of the most picturesque vineyards around, stroll through lush fields brimming with ripe grapes, and even get a chance to taste some of the finest juice in existence. With accommodations at top-notch hotels and expert guides leading you every step of the way, this is one journey that will stay with you for years to come.

But don't just take our word for it – see it for yourself with our specially curated travel package, you can immerse yourself in the culture, tradition and taste of exquisite fruit.

Our travel package offers an unparalleled experience for passionate travellers who wish to explore different grape varieties and tasting techniques.

But it's not just about grapes - our travel package also includes visits to local markets where you can try fresh produce and traditional Kashmiri dishes. You'll also have the chance to explore breath taking landscapes such as Dal Lake and Gulmarg.

Harud, the Kashmir harvesting season runs from mid-September until the middle of November. Kashmir has long had favourable soil and weather conditions for gardening. The growth and harvesting of grapes is known as viticulture or winegrowing.

GRAPE CULTIVATION IN KASHMIR

The fleshy citrus fruit known as grapefruit, or Dach in Kashmiri, is very healthy and nutritious. Kings and dynasties in power in Kashmir have been interested in the cultivation of grapes. The vast majority of historians concur that Kashmir cultivated a wide variety of fruit in large quantities. To advance garden culture in Kashmir, kings, nobles, merchants, and religious saints planted all kinds of trees, whether fruit- or shade-bearing. Since ancient times, Kashmir has practised fruit cultivation, particularly grape cultivation.

Several nobles had their own fruit orchards. Kalhana claims that grapes ``which were scarce even in heaven were common in Kashmir." In numerous old Kashmiri chronicles, the terms "grape," "grapevine," and "vineyards' ' are mentioned. The town of Martanda (modern-day Matan) was bursting with grapes during the reign of king Lalitaditya, according to Kalhana's Rajatarangini. According to Huen Tsang, who travelled to Kashmir in the seventh century CE, the region produced a lot of fruits and flowers.

While praising the splendours of his homeland, the Kashmiri poet Bilhana mentioned the profusion of grapes that grew here. Murabba (a kind of jam) and Sharbat Angoor are made from the fruit. In the past, Kashmir was covered in vineyards, and grapes were grown there over the entire valley. Owing to the inferior quality of the local grapes, Akbar introduced new kinds such as Sahibi, Kishmishi, etc. According to Moorecraft and Trebeck's Travels in the Himalayan Provinces of Ladakh and Kashmir, Bagh-e-Dilawar Khan was a well-known location for vine cultivation, and there were more than 18 types grown there. In Lar and Raipur, superior varieties were grown (Hassan Shah, Tarikh-i-Kashmir).

According to government estimates, grapes are grown in Kashmir on around 500–600 hectares of land, with an annual production of 1,100–1,500 MT. The production ranges from 750 to 900 MT in Repora alone. Early September is typically the best season for grape  harvest; Over the years, the village of Repora in the Ganderbal district has developed a reputation for growing premium grapes.

According to Moorcraft, Kashmir is home to eighteen to twenty different grape varietals, of which four were imported from abroad. These include the Sahibi, which has an oblong shape and is red in colour, the Maska, which is round and yellowish-white, the Hoseini, which is the same colour as the Sahibi but longer, and the Kishmish, which is yellowish-white or green, round, and seedless.

The Sahibi can occasionally reach a circumference of four inches. They all have thin skin and grow in large bunches; those of the Maska frequently weigh five or more pounds. Sahibi and Maska grapes make excellent table grapes, and the other two can be used to make wine and raisins.

A study suggests that the biggest percentage of grapes planted in Kashmir comes from the Ganderbal region, (88%), Baramulla (7.33%), Bandipora (1.83%), Kulgam (1.83%), and Kupwara (0.91%). The Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Department claims that Repora grapes are of the highest quality available anywhere in the globe.

The best grade grapes should have berries that are 4-4.5 grammes in size, but the grapes from this hamlet are 12.5 grammes in size, exceeding the guidelines. The Hussani imported from Iran and the Sahibi imported from Hyderabad are two notable commercial cultivars growing in the region. Kishmish, Anab-e-Shahi, and Ruby cultivars are also available.

ITINERARY FOR "GRAPES IN BLOOM: EXPLORE THE VINEYARDS OF KASHMIR"

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN SRINAGAR

You will meet our representative at the airport. Afterwards check in to a houseboat.

After checking in, relax after the exhausting journey.

Take a Shikara ride to the nearest Mughal gardens including the Nishat and Shalimar Baghs.

Visit the nearest pear vineyards of Srinagar.

In the evening, browse the local market at Lal Chowk.

Overnight stay in a houseboat.

DAY 2 REPORA, GRAPE TOWN OF KASHMIR

After breakfast drive to Repora which falls in Ganderbal district not that far from Srinagar.

Visit the amazing vineyards and nearby attractions.

Drive back to Srinagar.

Overnight in a hotel/houseboat.

 A little, lovely hamlet called Repora is located in the Ganderbal area of central Kashmir and is famous for its delicious grapes throughout J&K. Almost every home here grows grapes, which are now emerging as a new cash crop.Shiekh Noorudin Wali, a well-known Kashmiri sufi saint, mentioned the grapes and sweetness of Ganderbal's Repora village in his poetry about 600 years ago.Sheikh-ul-Alam, has spoken beautiful things about it, referring to it as "Dachi Repore Nazar Chapoor," or "Repora, the village of grapes and eyes on all sides."

 The locals report that ever then, this location has become renowned for its premium grapes. Currently, the locals grow varieties like Hussaini, Sahibi, Kishmish, Anabeshai, and Ruby, and once the crop is ready, customers rush to get their hands on the harvest. Every home in the village has bunches of the many grape varieties hanging from the ceiling, and the orchards brim with grapes, drawing the attention of onlookers.

The people credit the benediction of another Sufi saint Mir Syed Shah Sadiq Qalandar, who resided in this region centuries ago, for the delicacy of grapes.

According to the Horticulture Department's official statistics, grapes are grown on more than 400 hectares of land in Kashmir, with an annual production rate of 1,600 MT (Metric Tonnes).

Day 3 Gulmarg

Transfer to Gulmarg from Srinagar

We will visit Gulmarg and  other nearby attractions.

Enjoy nature's beauty and the snow-capped mountains.

From Gulmarg to Khilanmarg, a gondola (cable car) ride is available.

Visit the nearby blooming vineyards.

Afterwards, head back to the hotel in Srinagar.

DAY 4 AHARBAL

Drive to the breath taking waterfall today.

Stop by the blooming vineyards en-route.

Visit the nearest attractions and drive back home in the evening.

The sheer majesty of Aharbal, which is situated on the River Veshav and is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Kulgam, is a sight to behold and worthy of its nickname, "Niagara falls of Kashmir."After the 25-metre drop, the roar of powerful white water flowing through blends with the serene surroundings into a pool of still, azure blue water. This one offers something for everyone, and it promises to enthral not only nature enthusiasts but also ardent photographers. Nearby fishing and hiking opportunities are also available.

DAY 5 DEPARTURE

Pack your bags after scrumptious breakfast and bid farewell to Paradise.