Contrary to popular belief, Mughal emperor Jahangir did not discover Kashmir. It was Emperor Ashoka who founded Srinagar. However, Jahangir did famously hail Kashmir as "Paradise on Earth".

Legend has it that all of Kashmir was once a vast lake. Kashyap Rishi is believed to have drained the water, making the land habitable.

Like millions of other words, Kashmir also has a Sanskrit origin. "Ka" stands for water, and "Shimeera" means desiccate (to dry up completely). Thus, Kashmir essentially translates to "desiccated land".

Kashmir offers much more than just "haseen vadiyan" (beautiful valleys). Beyond the majestic Himalayas, visitors can explore meadows, pristine lakes and rivers, and scenic apple orchards.

Houseboats became popular in Kashmir when the local king restricted the British from building permanent houses. Therefore, shikaras (houseboats) emerged as a unique accommodation option for tourists.