Anupam Mittal just did something that’s got everyone talking. The Shark Tank India judge and Shaadi.com founder picked a family vacation that cost ₹2 lakh instead of one that would’ve cost ₹10 lakh.
But here’s the twist – this isn’t your typical budget travel story.
The Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip has become the talk of social media, and the reasons behind his choice might surprise you. It’s about more than just saving money, and definitely more than just stunning photos.
The Post That Started Everything
On September 8th, the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip photos hit social media with a caption that made people stop scrolling. “Luxury trip to Switzerland – 10 lacs. Similar trip to Kashmir – 2 lacs. Infinite beauty in your own country – priceless,” he wrote.
The images showed Mittal with his wife and daughter against the backdrop of Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes. Snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and valleys that looked straight out of a postcard.
But this wasn’t just another celebrity vacation post.
The Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip came with a message that hit deeper than tourism promotion. “Everyone calls Kashmir ‘India’s Switzerland.’ I take offence. Switzerland is pretty, but at times, sterile. Kashmir is raw, rustic, ravishing,” he added in follow-up posts.
Why This Trip Mattered More Than Most
The timing of the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip wasn’t accidental. It happened just four months after the Pahalgam terror attack that shook the tourism industry. Hotels were seeing cancellations, and fear was keeping visitors away.
Mittal’s decision to travel with his family sent a different message entirely.
“Kashmir is as safe as can be and if u want to do a service for those who sacrificed their lives, go visit and don’t let the terrorists succeed in their plan. Fear mongering is easy,” he posted when people questioned the safety aspect of his Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip.
He even revealed that authorities offered him security, which he declined. The message was clear – this was about showing confidence in Kashmir’s safety and supporting its people.
The Numbers Behind the Statement
When Mittal shared details about his Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip costs, he wasn’t just talking about his personal expenses. He was highlighting a bigger economic reality.
Kashmir’s tourism industry has exploded from 20 lakh visitors in 2019 to 2.5 crore in 2024. The local economy has grown to $35 billion with double-digit growth rates. People who used to earn ₹5,000 a month were suddenly making ₹5,000 a day during peak season.
But attacks like Pahalgam threatened to undo all that progress.
The Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip became a symbol of resistance against fear and support for local livelihoods.
What People Are Really Saying
The reactions to the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip have been all over the map. Some users praised the stunning photos and agreed with his assessment. “Kashmir truly is one of the most beautiful places,” wrote one follower.
Others weren’t so sure about the Switzerland comparison.
“No doubt, Kashmir is stunning and has its own charm, but comparing it directly to Switzerland isn’t entirely fair. Switzerland is not just about mountains and snow – it’s the infrastructure and the way everything is so well organised,” one user pointed out.
A few critics suggested that influencers often get paid for such posts, but Mittal quickly clarified that the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip was driven by emotion, not advertising.
The Deeper Message About Travel Choices
What makes the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip story interesting isn’t just the cost comparison. It’s about challenging the mindset that foreign always means better.
“For one-tenth of the price, you’ll find beauty ten times greater than Europe. Why spend so much going there when it’s right here in our own backyard?” Mittal said during his visit.
This resonated with many Indians who’ve felt the pressure to travel abroad for “real” vacations while ignoring incredible destinations at home.
The Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip highlighted how colonial mindsets still influence our travel preferences.
Beyond the Photo-Op
During the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip, he didn’t just pose for pictures. He visited local businesses, interacted with entrepreneurs, and made stops that supported the local economy.
He visited the Bayaan Kashmir store, where he joked, “Before marriage comes Shaadi.com, and after the marriage is fixed comes Bayaan.” He met with Kashmiri entrepreneurs and encouraged them to pursue their ideas with persistence.
The Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip became a masterclass in responsible tourism – showing up not just for the gram, but for the community.
The Safety Question Everyone’s Asking
The biggest debate around the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip centered on safety concerns. Critics pointed out that while celebrities might have different security arrangements, regular tourists face different realities.
Mittal addressed this head-on. “I’m here with my family and not for a single second have we felt unsafe. So please come, and bring your wallets with you,” he said.
His decision to decline security during the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip was meant to demonstrate that regular tourists could feel safe too.
What This Means for Kashmir Tourism
The Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip came at a crucial time for the Valley’s tourism industry. After years of conflict, Kashmir had finally started attracting mainstream tourism. The pandemic initially hurt, but recovery was strong until security concerns returned.
Celebrity endorsements like the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip can shift perceptions quickly. When someone with Mittal’s following and business credibility vouches for a destination, it carries weight.
Tourism officials in Kashmir acknowledged that such high-profile visits help counter negative narratives and restore confidence among potential visitors.
The Real Cost of Fear
The Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip highlighted something important – the real cost of fear isn’t just emotional, it’s economic. When tourists stop coming, it’s not just hotels that suffer. It’s the entire ecosystem of guides, drivers, artisans, and small businesses.
“If we vanish, they win. If we travel, Kashmir & India win,” became the rallying cry from his posts about the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip.
This wasn’t just about one family’s vacation choice. It was about refusing to let fear dictate economic opportunities for an entire region.
Why Everyone’s Still Talking About It
The Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip photos continue to circulate because they represent something bigger than travel. They represent a choice between fear and hope, between looking abroad for validation and finding beauty at home.
In a country where Switzerland trips are often seen as status symbols, choosing Kashmir was a statement. The Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip said that patriotism isn’t just about flag-waving – it’s about supporting your country’s economy and people.
Whether you agree with the Switzerland comparison or not, the Anupam Mittal Kashmir trip succeeded in starting conversations about how we choose our travel destinations and what those choices say about us.