Harud Magic: Red-Hued Kashmir Abuzz With Tourists In November; Check Must-Visit Autumn Destinations Of Valley

Kashmir Autumn Season: When the Chinar trees turn red in Kashmir, the valley transforms into one of the most colorful autumn destinations in the world. This stunning display of nature attracts thousands of tourists from across India and abroad, eager to witness the magical change of seasons.   

As autumn sets in, the vibrant green leaves of the Chinar trees change to hues of red, then brown, before eventually falling to the ground. The fallen leaves create a red carpet, turning places like Nishat Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Naseem Bagh, and Chinar Bagh into breathtaking sights. These gardens, set against the backdrop of the Zabarwan Hills, are currently bustling with tourists enjoying the natural beauty of the season.   

For many tourists, the sound of walking on crunchy Chinar leaves and the cool autumn breezes are highlights of their trip. Gautam, a tourist from Jaipur, planned his visit specifically for this experience. “Kashmir is magical in every season, but these leaves are something special. Their changing colors have no alternative,” he said. Vandana, Gautam’s wife, was equally enchanted. “The Chinar trees and their unique leaves are unlike anything I’ve seen before. It’s very beautiful,” she shared. The distinct shape and color of the Chinar leaves leave a lasting impression on visitors who experience them for the first time.    

Tourists from other parts of India, where the four seasons are not as pronounced, find the Kashmiri autumn particularly fascinating. Many, like Tajesh from Mumbai, plan months in advance to visit the valley during this time. “I feel very good here. I had only seen this in pictures before, but being here in person is amazing,” he said.   

Shadab, another tourist, reflected on the experience of seeing Kashmir’s autumn in real life after admiring it in films. “Everything here is beautiful. Everyone should visit Kashmir at least once in their life,” he said. The vivid sights and serene ambiance of autumn in the valley leave a deep impact on visitors.   

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has been actively promoting the autumn season, locally known as Harud, to attract more visitors. Social media influencers are also contributing by creating reels and videos that showcase the valley’s beauty during this season. Kritika, a tourist from Chennai, described the experience as “great” and said, “Kashmir is truly a wonderful place, and autumn here is unforgettable.”   

This year, Kashmir has already welcomed 1.9 crore tourists, with two lakh visiting Srinagar gardens in the past two weeks alone since the start of autumn. The season will come to an end with the first snowfall in Srinagar, which is expected later this month. While snow has already fallen in higher reaches, the plains are likely to experience it in the last week of November, according to the Meteorological Department.