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Kashmir

Gulmarg

Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. 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, travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance

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. The Sindh 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.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from the Lidder river and Sheshnag lake. Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now, Pahalgam is the famous hill resort in Kashmir valley and cool even during the summer. This hill resort is set between fairly steep hills. Its natural splendor is described by snow clad mountain peeks on all sides, a white water river that traverses the bottoms of the narrow valley, and the wonderful weather. While Gulmarg was the favourite summer resort of the British during the Raj, rich Indians patronized Pahalgam. Climatic conditions favour tent life and visitors prefer to spend their holidays under the rivers. The flora and fauna is good and the scenery is also captivating. Pahalgam is also the base point for undertaking the trekking to Amarnath Cave. Foreign visitors like Pahalgam because they can relax in a surrounding that compares favourably with the Swiss Alps or they can undertake adventure treks into the high altitude meadows. The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid of April to mid of November. River Liddar has a number of picnic spots around it. Spend some leisurely moments by the river bank. Pahalgam is a part of Asia's only saffron growing area. While visiting Pahalgam, you can see the saffron plants in full bloom in the month of November. It is an ideal place for adventure enthusiasts too. People love to go angling, trout fishing, horse riding, golf, snow skiing and trekking here. Pahalgam is the starting point of the Amarnath yatra, a pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath (abode of Lord Shiva) . During the months of July/August, thousands of pilgrims pass through Pahalgam to reach the holy cave of Amarnath.

Verinag

Verinag is situated at a distance of approximately 80 km from Srinagar. Reached through the link road, it is located at a height of 1,876 m. It is believed that the Verinag spring in Kashmir is the chief source of the river Jhelum. There is an octagonal base at the spring, surrounded by a covered passage. The Mughal Emperor Jehangir started the construction work on both the base as well as the arcade. It was during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan that the work got completed. There are remains of Mughal pavilion and baths in Verinag, down the stream to the east. The Verinag Spring, named after Nila Nag, the son of the famous Hindu sage Kashyap Rishi, to whom, goes the credit of establishing the territory of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the principle tourist attractions of a tour to Verinag. the spring, which was originally shaped in a circular form was given a change of shape during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1620, when he gave orders to renovate the spring in the Mughal traditional shape of an octagon. Today, picturesque in its settings and surrounded by tall Pine trees, the Verinag Spring is characterized by waters which are calm and sparklingly clear. Besides a glimpse of the Verinag Spring, a tour to Verinag is made even more special by the sight of several varieties of colorful flowers, gently swaying to the rhythm of the cool, mountain air. Verinag is well-connected to a number of other regions of Jammu and Kashmir. There are a number of well maintained roads which lead to Verinag.

Achabal / Kokernag

Achabal Town has been one of the most visited places in Jammu and Kashmir State for just one reason – the Achabal Bagh or Achabal Mughal Garden - which was built in the 16th Century and is at its best even today. This site was chosen for the characteristic Mughal Gardens because of the perennial spring that flows through the town plus the cool weather owing to the hilly elevation of this place. The Achabal town which is now was once a summer resort of the Mughal Empress Nur Jahan – wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Prior to the Achabal Garden, this town area was an Orchard Garden. It is curiosity that drives thousands of tourists to this town each year to see how a fragile thing such as a garden could survive so many centuries. The Achabal spring was mentioned in the ‘Nilmat Purana’ – the ancient Hindu texts – as ‘Achapal Nag’. Kokernag – also spelt ‘Kukernag’ is a notified area committee town of Anantnag District in Jammu and Kashmir State of India. Kokernag is in the centre of the Bringhi Valley. Perched at 33.69, 75.22 Kokernag has an elevation of 6627 feet above sea level. The town is about 65 kilometres south of Srinagar and 250 kilometres north of Jammu and is just 10 kilometres south of Anantnag – J & K State’s commercial and financial capital and the largest business hub and trading pivot of Kashmir and is the ‘rice bowl’ of Kashmir. The Kokernag fresh water spring and its channels collectively resemble the clawed foot of a hen and its channels meander round the valley like the slithering of a snake. Thus, the name – ‘koker’ meaning fowl and ‘nag’ meaning serpent – Kokernag. The word ‘nag’ also means spring – indicating the presence of a spring in Kokernag. Originally, Kokernag was called ‘Bindoo Zalangam’.

Yousmarg

Yousmarg is a set of meadows surrounded by Pine trees and Mountains.A very interesting place to visit is Nilnag Lake, which is surrounded by Tall pine trees .Yousmarg is about 47 km from Srinagar.It is believed that Jesus spent his last days here at this place in Kashmir,Yousmarg is said to be short form of “Yus” Youza or Jesus and “marg” means a meadow. Also One can trek or take a pony ride to Doodh Ganga about an hour from Yousmarg. Charari- Sharief can be visited on the way to Yousmarg ,this is the shrine of famous Kashmiri saint Nund reshi 1440AD. Yusmarg is approximately 47 km from the Srinagar and lies in the Badgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.Grassy pastures stretching to acres of land, the dense forests full of pine trees, with the backdrop of splendid snow capped mountains leave almost speechless.

Daksum

Daksum is a beautiful picnic spot, situated at an altitude of 2,438 m above sea level, about 40 km south - east of Anantnag and 85 km from Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a trekker's paradise covered with coniferous forests, gurgling streams and hidden grassy meadows with the melodious sound of the gushing Bringi River forming the backdrop. Daksum is also famous for its trout - an angler's heaven. Daksum is on the trekking route to Kishtwar; from here the trail leads to Sinthan Pass, situated at an altitude of 3,748 m. This pass is open from April to September for trekking. Situated amidst the magnificent grandeur of the Kokarnag springs, it presents an awe-inspiring sight. Standing at an altitude of 2438 m in a densely forested gorge, Daksum offers peace and tranquility.

Aharbal

This was another popular resting place for the Mughal emperors when they made the long trip north from Delhi to Kashmir. It's in an area famed for its apples and also has an interesting waterfall. It's also the start of the popular trek to the Konsarnag Lake. While visiting Aharbal, what is more entertaining is the trip itself. While reaching the place, the apple orchards of Shopian look quite pleasing. The road curves in loops just before the fall and descends sharply. The roaring water at the fall is quite fascinating and one can directly make it up to the edge of the fall which is formed by hard granite boulders. The stream that flow just 50 m from the fall is known for yet other amusement, the trout fishing. The water isn’t too deep and trout fishes breed in small rock crevices. There is an office of the fisheries department that offers permits. The stretch extends for several kilometers. Aharbal is also famous for trekking as the treks leading to the beautiful lake called Kounsernag. Treks alongside the lake in the Pir Panjal range are quite popular among the trekkers. The most pleasing features remain to be the tranquility of the place, the beautiful stream running through the region, small hamlet and coniferous trees.

Watlab

Watlab in Kashmir provides you an attractive watch on the Wular Lake, stretching out as far because the eye can see. The picturesque villages edging about the lake additional improve the surroundings. Also including a contact of coloration towards the landscape, would be the fields of paddy close by. As far because the lodging at Watlab is worried, there's a Forest relaxation home situated among attractive apple orchards. This place offers you a beautiful view of the Wular Lake, stretching out as far as the eye can see. The picturesque villages edging around the lake further enhance the scenery. Also adding a touch of color to the landscape, are the fields of paddy nearby. As far as the accommodation at Watlab is concerned, there is a Forest rest house situated amongst beautiful apple orchards. At Watlab there's a Forest Relaxation Home amidst sprawling apple orchards. You may relaxation right here to take pleasure in the sheer grandeur on the impressive countryside at leisure. If you would like to knowledge the genuine Kashmir then a visit to Watlab is really a thought to suit your needs. As you transfer absent in the well-traversed regions on the valley, little by little and steadily, you'll get to view the Kashmir you've got by no means observed just before. There, unfolding just before you'll be Watlab inside the Kashmir valley of India. Aside from the untamed attractiveness, Watlab inKashmir is well-known for its hilltop Muslim shrine. The shrine was constructed inside the memory of Baba Shukurddin, a Muslim mystic.

Lolab Valley

Lolab, one of the most beautiful valleys of Kashmir, is located to the north-east of Srinagar. This valley, 15 miles long and 3 miles wide, is traversed by stream Lahwal, which flows down from the surrounding hills. Lolab has many pasture lands and a rich forest cover. Presently, it forms a part of Kupwara district. Locals call it Lolab. In Lok Prakasha, it is mentioned as Lulavaka, Pandit Sahib Ram in his Tirathasamgrapha, calls it Laulaha. Surrounded with lush green forests, majestic and snow caped mountains and having unparalleled scenic beauty, Lolab Valley , popularly called “ Land of love and beauty”. Even though much is talked of Lolab, but its beautiful resorts of Chandigam, Warnow and Surigam are mostly unexplored by the tourists. “Chandigam is a picturesque place with dense forests and lush green meadows all around. The gushing waters in the vicinity attract one and all. Lolab is also famous for Kalarous Caves which are three in number and according to the locals the biggest among the caves which is on the high mountain start from Lolab and end in Russia. There is also a big rock with Seven Windows called locally as 'Satbaran'. The other place of tourist interest is Dedikout. Lolab is a tourist place which needs at-least a week to explore its beauty.

Dudhpatheri

Doodh-e-pathri is yet another bowl shaped valley about 42 kms form Srinagar. It is a recent discovery in the valley covered with the green carpeted meadows. It said that the cattle grazing in the meadows of Doode e Pather, produces rich milk in large quantity , this reason it is called the "valley of milk" Doodh e Pather. The shepherds from different areas travel to this place along with their cattle's and stay there for days together. This area also connected to Gurez valley on its north. A flowing river resounds with soft wind passing through the pine trees of the enclosures of the valley. It is also called as a "VALLEY OF MILK" because it produces rich milk in a large quantity. A cup of tea with snack at tea stalls run by local people during the season at the main meadows could become your most pleasurable drink. A full day tour to Doodh e Pather with some packed lunch will definitely be a bonus of your visit to Kashmir.

Naranag

The Valley of Kashmir is known not only for its lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains but also for its historical and religious places. There is a temple complex called Nara Nag which evokes awe and is a devotee's delight. According to the traditions the water of the spring comes from the Gangabal Lake, as the spring is located at the foot of the Bhutsher or Bhuteshwara, a spur of the Haramukha peaks. There are two groups of temples situated at a distance of about 100 yards from each other. The small tank with perennial water of Nara Nag has refreshing, digestive properties. At a further distance there is a temple dedicated to Bhairva. The western group identified with the temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. Lalitaditya Muktapida eighth century King of Kashmir erected a temple of Lord Shiva here. The King Avantivarman paid a visit and donated a pedestal with a silver conduct for bathing at Bhutsher. These temples are built of grayish granite found in abundance in neighborhood and their different architectural entities as evidently prove that they are of a different era. The first group consists of seven temples, the largest temple of the group has two entrances opposite to each other in north-east and south-west direction. The temple is built of huge rectangular stones laid in dry masonry with inter locking system. The interior is square and ceiling is domical built of horizontal kanjur stones and the apex stone crowned by a full blown lotus. The closed doors embellished with trefoil arches and pediment reflect the Greco-Roman influence on the Kashmiri Temple architecture.The second group of temples is enclosed by two chambered huge gateway of similar size and shape as of Avantipur temple. The 100` ft long by 67` broad pillared hall is a remarkable architecture feat of the whole group of temples. The temples were plundered in the days of Jyasimha in Kalhana's time. The temple of Naranag suffered many misfortunes as mentioned in Khalhana's Rajatarangani during the reign of Sangramaraja (11th century).