Kashmir, the northwestern region in India, has often been called paradise on earth for its natural beauty. When it became a valley of conflict due to territorial disputes between India, Pakistan and China, Kashmir lost its tourists and therefore, its main source of economic growth.

Arab News interviewed Ghulam Ahmed Mir, the minister of tourism for Jammu and Kashmir, during his recent visit to Jeddah as part of the India Tourism Road Show that aims to attract tourists to India and Kashmir.

Mir said that tourist attractions in Kashmir are as safe as Jeddah.

“We want Arab and Saudi tourists to visit us, as we have many things in common. Our culture, religion and habitat will make visitors from Saudi Arabia and Arab countries feel very comfortable and at home. Halal food is available in many varieties,” he said.

Last year, 1.2 million people from around the world visited Kashmir.

“We made a pact with the people of Jammu and Kashmir for peace and security and to keep politics away from tourism as tourism is related to economic prosperity,” he explained.

Infrastructure development has been a priority in different parts of the state. There are numerous golf courses, among which the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar, which was awarded best picturesque golf course in Asia. Other courses can be found in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and soon, the highest golf course in the world will be completed in Leh.

Lovers of adventure sports such as skiing, heli-skiing, ice skating, ice hockey, polo, archery, angling, paragliding, trekking, mountaineering and rafting will find what they need in Kashmir.

“In Gulmarg, you can ride one of Asia’s highest ropeways Gulmarg Gondola. In Pahalgam, you cannot escape the beauty of the Betaab valley, Aaroo or the serene pastures of Langanbal.

“Sonamarg gives you a feel for white water and glaciated mountains. Another unique attraction of Kashmir is houseboats and Shikaras,” said Mir. “We are very keen to invite Saudi holiday makers to come to Kashmir and experience its great culture, heritage, history, people, delectable cuisine, intricate handicrafts, world famous dry fruit and last but not least, Kashmiri saffron and honey,” he said.