The Bengali traveller’s compass seems to be pointing farther north this summer. Once faithful to Darjeeling and Sikkim, many are now setting their sights on the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir — a shift driven by a desire for new experiences, better value, and growing confidence in the Valley’s stability.
Social media is abuzz with lyrical praise for Kashmir. Instagram reels and Facebook posts are overflowing with dreamy visuals of snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, and blooming gardens. And those who haven’t yet been are planning trips simply because their friends can’t stop talking about it.
“Kashmir isn’t just a destination — it’s a dream,” Ritika Kanjilal, chief security officer at Bagdogra airport, who recently returned from a trip to the Valley, told The Hindu.. “The Dal Lake at sunrise, the majestic chinars, and the mighty Himalayas — it felt like stepping into a poem. We had our fears, yes, but what we found was warmth, hospitality, and a land far more welcoming than we expected.”
She’s not alone. Soma Roy, a scientist with ICAR-NINFET in Kolkata, is heading to Kashmir later this month with her mother. She hasn’t even visited yet, but she’s already enchanted. “I’ve always dreamed of visiting Heaven on Earth. It’s not just about sightseeing — it’s about soaking in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with my mother by my side,” she told The Hindu.
Like many, she’s aware of the Valley’s complex reputation, but feels reassured. “Clashes happen, but mainly in isolated areas. Tourist spots remain peaceful and safe.”
For Saptarshi Choudhury, an engineer from Durgapur, Kashmir has become a recurring travel story. “Darjeeling and Sikkim were our go-to weekend getaways, but it got predictable. I visited Kashmir in December 2023 and was blown away. The landscapes were dynamic and the food — especially the Kashmiri cuisine — was unforgettable,” she said, as per The Hindu.
After his initial trip, he returned in August 2024 for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. “It was surreal — crystal-clear lakes, towering peaks, and the kind of hospitality you don’t forget. I’ll be going back again.”
So what’s behind this shift?
According to Maitrayee Paul, a West Bengal government officer and seasoned traveller, it’s a mix of factors. “There’s definitely a social media influence — Bengali travel bloggers are showcasing Kashmir’s beauty. And financially, Kashmir offers more bang for your buck. Hotels, food, experiences — all feel more worthwhile compared to Darjeeling or Sikkim. Plus, with political stability improving, more people are feeling confident about going.”
In short, Kashmir seems to have captured the Bengali imagination — not just as a destination, but as an emotion, a canvas of nature, history, and warmth that’s hard to resist.
