Visit the Queen of the Himalayas
The so called “Queen of The Himalayas”, Kashmir -well suited for its name, is a fairyland for all seasons. It is difficult to leave the snow crested mountains, perfumed gardens and romantic houseboats. After several years of f the tourist circuit the state of Jammu and Kashmir is making every effort to get back on track, like a fairy tale princess releasing from the spell.
Apart from the natural beauty there is a rich tapestry of cuisine, handicrafts and culture together and adventure sports that has made it a great attraction to both domestic and overseas tourists. Spring is breathtakingly lovely with the fruit orchards in full bloom and meadows spangled with flowers. Summer is all roses and birdsong, ending with a display of lotuses on the Dal Lake and the waterways Autumn is spectacular when the chinars, unique to Kashmir turn to colors of flame. Winter the valley is snowbound is the perfect time for winter sports.
PLACES OF ATTRACTION
The Legendry Beauty-GULMARG.
Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there-- roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travelers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance
Srinagar – The Lake City
Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730m abovesea level, spreadon both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year
SONAMARG - The Meadow of Gold.
The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (‘The meadow of gold’) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. TheSindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer.Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier,which is a major local attraction during the summer months. Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes. Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the yatra to the holy Amarnath cave, during Sawan Purnima.
PAHALGAM - The Valley of Shepherds.
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Situate at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 250CAround Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations. The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.Pahalgam has within it no fewer than eight tiny villages, one of which is Mamal. There is a Shiva temple here, generally considered to be Kashmir's oldest existing temple, dating to the 5th century.Pahalgam is also associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra, Chandanwari[2,895m], 16 kms from Pahalgam,is the starting point of the Yatra.
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THE MUGHAL GARDENS
With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal infront of them the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors' concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions
Shalimar Bagh
Built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan, Shalimar, 15 kms from theTRC, is a beautiful garden with sweeping vistas over gardens and lakes, and shallow terraces. The garden is 539 m by 182 m and has four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal lined with polished stones and supplied with water from Harwan runs through the middle of the garden. The fourth terrace, by far the best, was once reserved for royal ladies.
Chashma Shahi
At Chashmashai, is a tastefully laid garden in terraces, which commands a magnificent view of the Dal Lake below and surrounding mountain ranges. The cool water of the spring is highly refreshing and digestive. On the hillside, south of the village of Harwan (19 kms from theTRC)), remarkable remains of ancient ornamented tile pavements of the Buddhist period have come to light. The tiles depict the dresses of the people, such as loose trousers, Turkoman caps or close fitting turbans and large ear-rings which reveal Central Asian influence.
