5 Best Shopping Spots For Buying Fruits & Dry Fruits When In Kashmir

Apart from Pashminas and Wazwan, Kashmir is also known for its dry fruit and fruit bazaars. From plump cherries to juicy apples, from huge walnuts to pine nuts, there’s plenty of variety to take home with you. Here are a few markets you can explore to fill your bags with such goodies:

1. Lal Chowk

One of Srinagar’s busiest markets, Lal Chowk sells everything from colossal carpets to trinkets. The Koker Bazaar here has rows of dry fruit sellers. Different flavours of cashews, almonds and kishmish (raisins) will throw you in a tizzy as the variety will leave you spoilt for choice. So let the bargaining games begin!

2. Sopore

Sopore is considered to be one of Asia’s largest fruit mandis. It generates a business of crores every year; so all the more reason for you to go and visit it. The sight of fresh apples, apricots and cherries will warm your soul and it's hard not to buy some. The quality of their apples is unparalleled; bright and juicy!

3. Shopian

When the name itself has ‘shop’ in it, take it as a message from the Gods! Shopiyan district has scores of fresh fruit and dry fruit vendors. They sell high quality chilgoza, walnuts, apricots and apples. It's known as ‘Kashmir’s Apple Town’ and prides itself in producing some of the best apples in the valley.

4. Residency Road

Another popular market in Srinagar, Residency Road is quite close to Lal Chowk so you can club both markets into a single day’s itinerary. Sacks of pistachios, walnuts and almonds are displayed outside the shop. Not too heavy on the pocket, the quality & quantity are great as well. Don't miss out on their tiny red cherries; they’re too good!

5. Apple Orchards

Kashmir is blessed with numerous apple orchards. Kashmir Organic Apple Orchard in Bijbehara being one of them producing high quality apples and being quite popular amongst locals. On your way from Srinagar to Gulmarg, make a pitstop at the gorgeous Druroo Apple Orchard to experience the bounty of nature. From a few pieces to crates, pack away all you want!

Where | Kashmir Organic Apple Orchard - Bijbehara
Druroo Apple Orchard - Srinagar Gulmarg Road, Gulbakawali

From chatpata kaju to sugar coated almonds, these markets have everything. Happy shopping!