Kashmir, the most heavenly place on earth. No one can deny this fact. Located in the northernmost part of India, the valley is extremely picturesque. The beautiful valley has nothing to say no to the people who visit: cascading waterfalls, lovely flowering mountain slopes, snow capped peaks, snowfalls, wavy rivers, dense forests and much more......
SRINAGAR
Kashmir is actually located between the Himalayas and the Pirpanjal range. The valley offers lots of tourist spots for the tourists to visit and enjoy.
- Srinagar
- Gulmarg
- Sonmarg
- Pahalgam
The above mentioned are the most visited tourist spots and are mandatory in one's itenary. Apart from these there are lots more places to see in Kashmir valley.
SRINAGAR
This is the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir state. Ways to reach Srinagar include,
Air: Srinagar is well connected by air to all the metropolitan cities of our country. All major flights from Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher fly to Srinagar regularly.
Rail: Though Srinagar is not directly approachable via train, Jammu-Tawi express plies upto Jammu city after which one has to take a road or an air rout to reach Srinagar.
Sightseeing in Srinagar include:
- DAL lake
- Shankaracharya temple
- Chashma Shahi garden
- Shalimar garden
- Nishat garden
DAL lake: The Dal lake is more like an ocean rather than a lake. It is very vast, and has many small islands in it developed into small parks. The shores of the lake cover an area of 15.5km approximately.
(A Shikara on the DAL lake)
(A Shikara on the DAL lake)
(Inside the Shikara on the DAL lake)
Shikara ride is the most famous in Dal lake. It is a boat ride with a royal feel. The shikara's (boat) are generally 2-4 seater and moves slowly in the lake waters. One can sit, stretch or even lie down and sleep completely in a shikara. The ride around the important parts of the Dal lake takes atleast 2 hours completely. It travels through the market places, some gardens developed on the islands of the lake, etc. The boat has a roof covering protecting the tourists from sun and rain. It is a must to have a shikara ride in one's life time.
(Intricate interiors of our houseboat)
Shikara ride is the most famous in Dal lake. It is a boat ride with a royal feel. The shikara's (boat) are generally 2-4 seater and moves slowly in the lake waters. One can sit, stretch or even lie down and sleep completely in a shikara. The ride around the important parts of the Dal lake takes atleast 2 hours completely. It travels through the market places, some gardens developed on the islands of the lake, etc. The boat has a roof covering protecting the tourists from sun and rain. It is a must to have a shikara ride in one's life time.
(The Boathouse that we stayed)
(Intricate interiors of our houseboat)
The lake is commercially important too. Numerous house boats have been developed in Dal lake. They are stationary, but are built on the waters. All the tourists make it mandatory to have a night stay here in the house boats, it is a memorable experience. As one sits along the balcony of the house boats in the evenings, one can enjoy the chill breeze, view of the surrounding waterbody, the shikara's (boat) with tourists having an enjoyable ride, the floating markets and ofcourse with a sip of hot tea or coffee.
(The floating markets on the DAL lake)
(The floating markets on the DAL lake)
A night stay in the houseboat gives us a royal feel with exquisite rooms carved out of wood. A full-fledged house with drawing room, dining room, bedroom, toilet, a balcony, and housekeepers to cook and wash for us!What a way to enjoy!But this is their livelihood!
(A night view of the DAL lake)
Shankaracharya temple:Saint Shankaracharya had visited Kashmir to revive Advaita philosophy.The Shiva temple which he had worshipped stands atop a 1100 feet tall hill called “Gopadri” in Srinagar. Vehicles are allowed till a certain spot only after a checkpost check. Around 100 steps are there to climb after the vehicle restricted point and from the top we have a wonderful panoramic view of Srinagar city. A huge Shivling is the main deity and landscaped surroundings make this hilltop temple an ideal getaway. This is a reserve forest area and photography is prohibited here. There are lot of army camps enroute to this temple.
Shankaracharya temple:Saint Shankaracharya had visited Kashmir to revive Advaita philosophy.The Shiva temple which he had worshipped stands atop a 1100 feet tall hill called “Gopadri” in Srinagar. Vehicles are allowed till a certain spot only after a checkpost check. Around 100 steps are there to climb after the vehicle restricted point and from the top we have a wonderful panoramic view of Srinagar city. A huge Shivling is the main deity and landscaped surroundings make this hilltop temple an ideal getaway. This is a reserve forest area and photography is prohibited here. There are lot of army camps enroute to this temple.
(View of the Shankaracharya temple from downhill)
Three gardens: Nishat, Shalimar and Chashma shahi are the 3 main gardens in the city. The abounding beauty of these gardens cannot be expressed in words. As all these gardens lie on the vicinity of the dal lake, they are well supplied with water for their maintainence.
(Exquisite entry to the Chashmashahi garden)
(Rose garden)
(Step floral garden)
Three gardens: Nishat, Shalimar and Chashma shahi are the 3 main gardens in the city. The abounding beauty of these gardens cannot be expressed in words. As all these gardens lie on the vicinity of the dal lake, they are well supplied with water for their maintainence.
(Exquisite entry to the Chashmashahi garden)
(Rose garden)
(Step floral garden)
(In the ethnic wear of Karmir)
All the gardens are acres big and need full day to be kept aside to enjoy their beauty, but they are worth it. All the gardens have plenty of floral fascinations including Roses, Daffodils, Orchids and many more specialized flower gardens.
(Colourful floral welcome at Nishat garden)
(Design cutting of the plants)
(Famous array of fountains at Shalimar garden)
(A wide view of the Shalimar garden)
Tulip garden is also a major attraction here that is being showcased during a particular season. Fountains are also a major attraction here. Few gardens also have musical fountain shows in the evenings during the peak tourist seasons.
(Clear view of the DAL lake from Shalimar)
(Temple campus)
(Numerous fishes in temple pond)
(Main shrine)
(In one of the parks in Pahalgam)
As known the town is the major basecamp for Amarnath Pilgrims and during the Amarnath season the resorts and the hotels here are in booming business and completely full. We can witness lots of army camps in Pahalgam during the Amarnath season, as they provide full security to the pilgrims.
(A small cascade)
(Mantoo Resorts, where we stayed )
Gulmarg situated in the Baramullah district of J&K, is 57km from Srinagar and is easily accessible by road from the state capital. Travel may take approximately 2hours from Srinagar to reach Gulmarg. Typical to any hill station, the route is extremely beautiful lined with Poplar trees. Lots of resorts and Hotels are available, but its safe to book them in prior.
(Most famous Gondola of Gulmarg)
All the gardens are acres big and need full day to be kept aside to enjoy their beauty, but they are worth it. All the gardens have plenty of floral fascinations including Roses, Daffodils, Orchids and many more specialized flower gardens.
(Colourful floral welcome at Nishat garden)
(Design cutting of the plants)
(Famous array of fountains at Shalimar garden)
(A wide view of the Shalimar garden)
Tulip garden is also a major attraction here that is being showcased during a particular season. Fountains are also a major attraction here. Few gardens also have musical fountain shows in the evenings during the peak tourist seasons.
(Clear view of the DAL lake from Shalimar)SONAMARG
This beautiful tourist spot is 87km from Srinagar. The exact translation of the name is "Golden Meadow". Sonamarg is also called as the "Gateway to Ladakh".
(Enroute to Sonmarg)
The travel from Srinagar is approximately 3 hours. The route to Sonamarg is breathtaking and one can have a clear view of the big snow capped peaks closeby standing gigantic. Its really surprising to see the waterfalls, frozen ice, and small streams very close to the road that we travel.The road (NH 1D) that starts from Srinagar extends upto Kargil and Ladakh passing via Sonamarg. In other words, one has to pass through Sonamarg to reach Kargil and Ladakh. As we travel, we can see the army vehicles travelling along with us to reach Kargil.
(A cascade enroute to Sonmarg)
(Breathtaking view of the Sonamarg mountain range)
(Sledge ride in Sonamarg)
Sonamarg is a base-camp for many trekking routs in the Himalayas. One new good news is that for the Amarnath Pilgrims apart from the regular Pahalgam route, the alternate route is via Sonamarg. From
(A cascade enroute to Sonmarg)
(Breathtaking view of the Sonamarg mountain range)
(View of the Thajiwas glacier)
(Sledge ride in Sonamarg)
Sonamarg is a base-camp for many trekking routs in the Himalayas. One new good news is that for the Amarnath Pilgrims apart from the regular Pahalgam route, the alternate route is via Sonamarg. From
Sonamarg, the pilgrims reach Baltal which is 15km ahead and from there the pilgrims have to take an approximately15km trek to the Holy Amarnath Cave. The trek in this route is through Satsing pass, which is 3.5 km long before reaching Amarnath. Pilgrims travelling via Baltal to holy cave can return back to Baltal the same day.
(In front of the glacier)
(Standing on the Thajiwas glacier)
The most attractive feature in Sonamarg is the trek to Thajiwas glacier. After a certain point, the vehicles are not allowed and the tourists have to trek or take a pony ride to the rest 10-12km to reach this glacier. It is a must watch in one's lifetime. We can walk, skei, have a sledge ride in the glacier. Apart from the regular woolen clothing, separate winter clothes can be hired enroute to this glacier.
PAHALGAM
Enroute to Pahalgam do visit the below mentioned two temples.
Avantipura temple: The place was once famous for the coexistence of the Shiva and Vishnu temple that prevailed few centuries back. The temples were built by King Avantivarman. However now only the ruins of the temples can be seen to the inclemencies in weather and Mughal invasions, yet they pose a charismatic look with small landscaping around the ruins. The place is a heritage monument and is a calm tourist site.
(Avantipura temple ruins)
(Landscaped gardens in the temple campus)
Mattan temple: This temple has Lord Shiva as the main deity, and also shrines for Lord Hanuman and Lord Rama.The temple pond is so clear and clean and fishes are aplenty.Pilgrims offer parched rice for the fishes.Anantnag is always prone to clashes, and so military forces monitor the safety of the pilgrims who gather here in large numbers.
(Avantipura temple ruins)
(Landscaped gardens in the temple campus)
(Temple campus)
(Numerous fishes in temple pond)
Pahalgam is 95km from Srinagar and lies in the Ananthnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. River Liddar flows through this Pahalgam valley. Pahalgam is located at the junction of Aru and Seshnag rivers. The valley is most famous for its soothing climate during the summers posing an angel look. The town has beautiful small parks, small cascades and river shores with calm grasslands giving the tourists a typical relaxing and enjoyable feel. So walking amidst this beautiful nature is a dream come true for all the tourists. One of the most famous trek from Pahalgam is to Kolahoi Glacier.
(Shores of the Liddar river)
(In one of the parks in Pahalgam)
As known the town is the major basecamp for Amarnath Pilgrims and during the Amarnath season the resorts and the hotels here are in booming business and completely full. We can witness lots of army camps in Pahalgam during the Amarnath season, as they provide full security to the pilgrims.
(A small cascade)
(Mantoo Resorts, where we stayed )
GULMARG
The only way to describe Gulmarg is "Switzerland of India". This place got its name for its velvette like green meadows and the surrounding huge ever snowcapped mountains. This amazing spot should never be missed in a lifetime. Apart from the regular tourists, Gulmarg attracts lakhs of sports persons for the Skiing festival during the winter months. Thousands of international tourists visit Gulmarg for this Skiing show. Hence Gulmarg is internationally famous for this reason.
(Ever snowcapped peaks of Gulmarg)
Gulmarg situated in the Baramullah district of J&K, is 57km from Srinagar and is easily accessible by road from the state capital. Travel may take approximately 2hours from Srinagar to reach Gulmarg. Typical to any hill station, the route is extremely beautiful lined with Poplar trees. Lots of resorts and Hotels are available, but its safe to book them in prior.
(Most famous Gondola of Gulmarg)
Gondola ride: The Gondola (Ropeway) ride is the most vital destination in Gulmarg travel itenary. The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest in the world travelling to a height of 3979 meters, that is very closer to Mt. Apharwat (4200 m) in Gulmarg. There are 2 stages in the Cable car ride:
Manasbal lake: The lake is 30km north to Srinagar city and is a Birdwatcher's paradise. The lake has adjoining landscaped gardens and has shikara boats similar to the Dal lake. Another beautiful spot for the tourists visit.
Address:
- The first stage transfers the tourists from the Gulmarg resort (base station) to Kongdoori Station ( 2600 meters). From here we can have a very clear look at the breathtaking Gulmarg valley and the huge snow capped mountains closeby. Lots of snacks shops are available in the Kongdoori station for the tourists to have food.
(In the Kongdoori station with mountain backdrop)
- The second stage transfers the tourists from Kongdoori Station to Khalinmarg (3979 meters, 12959 feet). The second stage cable car travel is a life time experience, it is just not possible to describe the beauty in words, one must visit it in person and fell it. Once you get down at Khalinmarg station, there is only snow everywhere. Mt. Apharwat is just so close to you that you can just put your hands over its shoulders.
(Proceeding to the 2nd stage, view from inside cable car)
(At the second stage of cablecar ride, Khalinmarg)
Alpather Lake: For the adventurous trekkers, there is route beyond Khalinmarg to the Alpather lake. This lake is frozen almost throughout the year except few months. From Khalinmarg the Alpather lake is a 13km trek and the frozen lake lies between the twin Apharwat peaks. But it takes one whole day to visit Alpather lake and return back to Khalinmarg.
RajaRani Temple: This temple is in a small elevetion and is a cute spot. The significance of the temple is that, the person who performs pooja to the god here is a muslim.
(Entry to the temple)
(Entry to the temple)
(View of the temple in a distant view)
Other places near Srinagar
Other places near Srinagar
Kheer Bhavani temple:The temple is located in the Tullamula district in J & K.The main deity here is godess Ragnya Devi. The main attraction here is the natural spring in the temple premisis that is hexagonal in shape. The devotees offer Kheer (sweetened milk) to goddess and pour it in the spring. The spring remains in the blue or green shades depicting smooth life. If the water colour in the spring turns black, it means there is an approaching disaster. The temple is in a calm atmosphere with a vast campus full of trees.
(Main deity with view of the pond)
(Calm temple atmosphere)
(Main deity with view of the pond)
(Calm temple atmosphere)
Manasbal lake: The lake is 30km north to Srinagar city and is a Birdwatcher's paradise. The lake has adjoining landscaped gardens and has shikara boats similar to the Dal lake. Another beautiful spot for the tourists visit.
(View of the lake from the landscaped entrance)
Kashmir is the true paradise of the earth and treasure of Indian beauty.
Kashmir is the true paradise of the earth and treasure of Indian beauty.
Note: While planning the tour schedule, please ensure the violence and the safety status in the J & K state and plan accordingly. Please ensure to have 1-2 days extra in your tour schedule as some times the day's programme may have to be postponed due to the violence and curfew status of the Kashmir valley. It is just a precaution that i'm telling as we had few experiences in the similar way while visiting Kashmir. But the true fact is that we can really travel safely in Kashmir if we go on an organized trip via some travels.
We visited Kashmir with the help of MAZDA TRAVELS and we were very safe and also enjoyed all the spots in Kashmir.
MAZDA TRAVELS
3rd Floor, Polo Plaza,
Polo View, Srinagar 190001
Kashmir (India)
Contacts : Mir Anwar (Owner of the travels)
91 0194 – 2484605,
91 0194 – 2484606,
Fax: 91 0194 – 2472098
Mobile: 91 9419009827
info@mazdatravelskashmir.com
mazda_travels_kmr@yahoo.com
3rd Floor, Polo Plaza,
Polo View, Srinagar 190001
Kashmir (India)
Contacts : Mir Anwar (Owner of the travels)
91 0194 – 2484605,
91 0194 – 2484606,
Fax: 91 0194 – 2472098
Mobile: 91 9419009827
info@mazdatravelskashmir.com
mazda_travels_kmr@yahoo.com
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