Hill Station India, Kashmir Hill Station India, Tourism in Kashmir, Visit Kashmir, Places of Interest in Kashmir, Travel to Kashmir

About Kashmir

Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a many faceteddiamond, changing character with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful.Three Himalayan ranges, Karakoram, Zanaskar and Pir Panjal - snow capped,majestic, frame the landscape from northwest to northeast. They are the birthplace of great rivers which flow through the kashmir valley.RajTaringini the chronology of the Kashmir Kings written by Kalhana eulogises the beauty of Kashmir as follows:"Kasmira Parvati Paroksh; Tat Swami ch Maheswara". Meaning Kashmir is as beautiful as Goddess Parvati manifest; and its owner is Lord Shiva Himself" And the Mughal Emperor exclaimed "Gar Bar-ru-e-Zamin Ast ; Hamin Ast ,Hamin Ast Hamin Asto. Meaning if there is paradise on this earth : This is it, this is it, this is it.

Srinagar is at once a collection of images: a son-et- lumiere that tells the story of the love of the Mughal emperors for this paradise vale; deep green rice fields and river bridges of gardens in bloom and lakes rimmed by houseboats; at once summer capital of the state,business centre and holiday resort.

Srinagar is as much imagination as it is fact,for every season offers new vistas to this city of great antiquity. Spring breathes life again into a frozen world and the air is heady with the fragrance of a million flowers that blossom on trees, shrubs and creepers.Summer heightens the effect and autumn is poignant in its colours of warm introspection. Winter brings with it snow,sometimes the Dal Lake freezes and beneath a leaden sky, roasted chestnuts turn the atmosphere aromatic with the promise of warmth and comfort.

The river Jhelum and the Dal and Nagin lakes dominate Srinagar and its life and activities.Here lush wild gardens of lotus and waterlily flower amidst bustling lanes.By the lakeside spread the gardens of the Mughals in patterned beauty.And the people move with a tranquillity borne of a history laden pulse of activity.

IF legends are to be believed, the Kashmir valley was once a lake as large as a sea and here lived an abominable demon who was killed after most of the lake had been drained with the collective help of Brahma's grandson, Kashap and the goddess Parvati.She wasfinally stilled the demon by dropping upon him a mountain and thereby crushing him to death.This legendary mountain is no other than Hari Parbat, Srinagar's 'Takht-i- Sulaiman' hill that forms the famous backdrop to the city.

General Information

Best Season :	March to October
Temperatures (Average) :	10 to 30 degrees cent. Low Temperatures in winter
Clothing :	Light/Medium wollens in summers to Heavy wollens in winter
Rainfall:	529mm
Languages :	Kashmiri,Urdu,Hindi,English
Food:	Every sort of vegetarian and non vegetarian food is available in multiple cuisines to suit every budget. Restaurants of all hues and shades are available all along the Boulevard road. and other major spots. Foods suits all budgets and tastes.

Nishat Garden
Queen Nur-Jehan's brother Asif Khan laid the Garden in 1633 AD. It is situated on the banks of world famous Dal-Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills . This garden commands magnificient view of the lake.The Garden is Terraced with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle.

How to Reach ?
Nishat Garden lies in Srinagar District and it is 11 Kms from the Distt Headquarters. The nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected with major cities ofIndia. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.

What to do ?

Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :

Shikara riding can be undertaken to Nehru Park from the Garden.
Picnicking in the Garden
Talking long walks in the Garden and enjoying the beauty
Some shopping can be undertaken on the shopping stalls opposite the garden.

Shalimar Garden
This Garden was built by Emepror Shah-Jehan for his beloved wife Nur-Jehan. The Garden has four terraces and is 539x182 meters and gets water from Harwan through canal which is lined with beautiful fountains. The 4th terrace was once reserved for royal ladies. The Garden blooms with innumerable varities of flowers in spring and autmn.

How to Reach ?
Nishat Garden lies in Srinagar District and it is 15 Kms from the Distt Headquarters. The nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected with major cities of India.

The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley withIndia. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Transport is freely available from anywhere in the City with nominal costs to this beautiful garden..

What to do ?

Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :

Picnicking in the Garden
Talking long walks in the Garden and enjoying the beauty
Some shopping can be undertaken on the shopping stalls opposite the garden.

Chashmashahi & Parimahal
Chashmashahi or the Royal spring was laid by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD . It is famous for the spring of refreshing digestive mineral water. The Garden is terraced with fountains laid right through the middle. The Garden is host to multiple kinds of fruit and flower plants. Some massive Chinars are also found there. Pari Mahal is two Kms uphill from Chashma shahi and there was a school of astrology and philosophy based on various religions there. This was built by Dara Shikoh who was killed in war of succession to the Mughal Empire.

Flower Bed

How to Reach ?

Chashma Shahi lies in Srinagar District and it is 11 Kms from the Distt Headquarters. The nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected with major cities of country. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with country. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with country. Selected Transport is available from anywhere in the City with nominal costs to this beautiful garden. Taxis, Buses can be chartered from anywhere in the Srinagar city to this place. A permission is required currently to enter this area as it lies in the security zone.

What to do ?

Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :

Picnicking in the Garden
Talking long walks in the Garden and enjoying the beauty
There is small grocer shop which can supply some light refreshments outside Chashmashahi.

Dal Lake
The world famous water body has been described as Lake Par-Excellence by Sir Walter Lawrence. It is the Jewel in the crown of the Kashmir and is eulogised by poets and praised abundantly by the tourists. the lake is 6x3 Kms and is divided in four parts by causeways known as Gagribal, Lokut Dal,Bod Dal and Nagin. The Dal Lake is host to world famous Shikaras and Houseboats which vie with each other with eye catching names. Dal Lake changes its moods and scenery throught the day and after every few kilometers. It is lined with world famous Boulevard road.

How to Reach ?
Dal Lake lies in Srinagar District and the nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India

The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with country. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with country.

What to do ?

Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :

Shikara riding can be undertaken
Kayaking and canoeing
Water surfing and Skiing
Angling ( a license is required)
Or you can just laze atop the decks of Houseboats
Trek upto Shankarcharya through city forest area
Shopping can be undertaken on the shopping mall at the Boulevcard road
You can also simply cycle around the lake on Boulevard and observe the lake in its full grandeur

Harwan
Harwan is huge Garden lined with flower beds and massive Chinar Trees with a beautiful canal flowing right through the middle. The canal is fed from a beautiful lake which lies behind the garden. there is not much clutter of fountains and other fancy things but vast big green carpeted green lawns which form an ideal spot for picnics. This spot is very popular with the locals for picnics and excursions.

Chinars at Harwan

How to Reach ?
Harwan lies in Srinagar District and it is 18 Kms from the Distt Headquarters.The nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected with major cities of country. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India .

Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with country. Selected Transport is available from anywhere in the Srinagar City with nominal costs to this beautiful garden. Taxis, Buses can be chartered from anywhere in the Srinagar city to this place. This garden completes the series of gardens which can be seen in the Srinagar Distt across the boulevard road.

What to do ?

Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :

Picnicking in the Garden
Talking long walks in the Garden and enjoying the beauty
There are some shops which can supply some light refreshments .
Take off point for visiting Wild life sanctuary of Dachi Gam.
Starting point of climb upto Mahadev Mountain.

Gulmarg The meadow of Flowers is a world famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters. surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers ,Gulmarg is known for unparalled beauty nad is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world.It is famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course. It is premier resort for winter sports in the country. How to Reach ? Gulmarg is in Baramula Distt and is 57Kms from Srinagar District .The nearest Airport in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected with major cities of country. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu . The journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes approx. 2 hours in bus and may take short time by chartered conveyance. The road to gulmarg is very beautiful and is lined with poplar trees all through. All sorts of transport is available to Gulmarg from Srinagar bus stand at Batmallo and from various tour and travel opeartors at the prices fixed.

What to do ?

Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :

Gulmarg offers a beautiful Golf Course where equipment is also available on hire.
A Cable Car(Gandola) is also installed which is great hit with tourists and it takes tourists upto Kongdori.
Trek to Alpather Lake can be undertaken which is lake 13 Kms away from Gulamrg. This lake remains frozen even in June.
There is another spot called Khilanmarg which offers unparalled view of the Himalayan peaks .
The famous shrine of Baba Reshi is also located near Gul Marg noted muslim saint who is revered by all faiths.
Gulmarg-Khilanmarg-Apharwat-Alpather is one of the important trekking routes

Cable Car (Gandola)

Pahalgam
The Village of nomad is unspoilt by the ravages of progress. This is a quaint little village nestled on the banks of river Lidder. This place is an angler's delight and even an amateur can catch a rainbow trout from the rushing streams. the large brown bear is a natural inhabitant of the thick Pine and Cedar forests. Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available. Kolahoi is a popular destinantion via Aru a charming meadow. Pahalgam is base camp for the pilgrims of Amarnath.

How to Reach ?
Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96 Kms from Srinagar. The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India .

The road to Pahalgam takes from Khannabal or alternatively from Bijbehara villages from this National Highway. Every sort of transportto suit every budget from Buses to Taxisply on this Highway. It Takesaround 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley withIndia. Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag which leave at fixed time from the Bus stands.Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates.Assistance isavailable at Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar. On Road to Pahalgam one comes across the beautiful Lidder Valley with important spots of Mattan and Aishmuqam.

Pahalgam

What to do ?

Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :

Pahalgam offers trekking adventure.
Trekking can be undertaken to Kolahoi Glacier which is very beautiful via Aru village.Sledging at the frozen Glaciers is also offered by locals.
Angling ( a license is required)
You can take long walks in the jungles and explore rich flora and fauna.
Pahalgam is the main base camp to Amarnath Cave.
Alpine Skiing is also available at high altitudes.
A Popular trek from Sonamarg to Pahalgam and trek to Chandanwari and Sheshnag lake can also be undertaken.
Prior arrangements can be had from JKTDC at Srinagar or various tour operators in the valley.
Some probability of white water rafting is also available downstrean from Pahalgam in the Lidder river.

Sonamarg
The Golden Meadow is at an altitude of 2740 meters and is gateway to Ladakh.It has brilliant forests of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch,fir and pine; Sonamarg is a place of enthralling beauty. Three lakes viz Kishensar,Vishensar and Gangabal can be viewed from Nichnai Pass. 20 Kms east of Sonamarg is Zoji-La Pass at 3540 mtrs which leads into Ladakh Plateau.

How to Reach ?
Sonamarg is in Srinagar District on the Srinagar Leh Highway approx.110 Kms from Srinagar.The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxisply on this Highway. It Takesaround 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road whichcrosses some beautiful spots andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Bus service is available from Srinagar which leave at fixed time from the Srinagar Bus stand. Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. Assistance isavailable at Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar.

Sonamarg

What to do ?

Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :

Sonamarg mainly offers trekking adventure.
Trekking can be undertaken to Thajiwas Glacier which is very beautiful.
Sledging at the frozen Glaciers is also offered by locals.
Angling ( a license is required)
You can take long walks in the jungles and explore rich lora and fauna.
Sonamarg is also the base camp to Amarnath Cave for the route of Bal Tal.
Alpine Skiing is also available at high altitudes.
A Popular trek from Sonamarg to Pahalgam can also be undertaken.
Prior arrangements can be had from JKTDC at Srinagar or various tour operators in the valley.
Some probability of white water rafting is also available downstrean from sonamarg

Wullar Lake
The largest fresh-water lake in Indiais 60 km from Srinagar. Spreading over a 125 km area, the lake, by drawing off excess water from the Jhelum, acts as a natural flood reservoir. Interesting ruins in the centre of the lake are the remains of an island created by King Zain-ul-abidin. With its turbulent wateres perpetually wind ruffled, its exciting variety of avian life and the sheer beauty of its setting, Wular represents Nature at her most untamed.