I want to share my views about Kashmir, which i directly observed. Kashmir lies in the extreme north of the country.The heaven on the earth is entirely situated within the Northen Himalayan Region.The paradise stands 1585 to 1829m.high and stretches 129 km in length and 40 km in breadth.
Here are snow capped towering peaks,lush green fields & forests,wildlife,religious places.Fresh water springs,rivers,beautiful lakes,blooming fruits,talk deodar,pine and chinar trees,flower beds,craftsmanship of wood,namda,shawls,woolen garments,paper machine work attracts the tourists world over.
Handsome People of Kashmir
The climate of Kashmir remains too cold throughout the year,specially in winter season.So the people of Kashmir are handsome.Their colour is fair,their face remains pink,they wear thier traditional dress.Girls,women wear their own curious traditional dress with silver jewllery fitted by semi-precious stones.they really look more beautiful.
Vaishno Devi Temple
After reaching Jammu we went to Vaishno devi temple which sacred famous Hindu religious place is situated at a distance of 74 km. away from Jammu.Katra is 50 km from Jammu further 14.5 km. distance is to be completed by on foot or on the back of horse.Piligrims should receive 'Tourist Slip'from Tourist Reception Centre,Katra.
Recently the govt provided helicapter facility(1300Rs per head) to piligrims,and we are also have horses which are 1800Rs per head.
Tourists have to go to Bhoormika Temple,Darshini Gate,Charan Paduka,Adi Kumari,treckking of Hathi Mattha.Further 4.5 km distance to reach entry gate from where you have to enter inside the cave(50 yards)for Darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi where three deities(Pindis)are of (Maha Kali,Maha Lakshmi,Maha Saraswathi)are seated.Before Maa Vaishno Devi's Darshan you should visit Bhairav Nath Temple situated at a height of 2.5 km.,then your Yatra will be considered completed.
Gulmarg
This is the place where i feel so much excitment.Because i did scating over here.Gulmarg is called "Valley of Flowers",a lovely Alphen retreat,situated at height of 2.730 meters,at distance of 50 km from Srinagar.It is famous for its natural beauty,fresh green grass fields and different type of flowers.Here are World's best Golf Course,winter sports are organised here.The climate is mild remains too cool.Good accommodation facility is available.
Gulmarg(in winter)
Gulmarg was earlier called"Gauri Marg".It is rated as one of the matchless hill resorts in the World.The fresh green valley covered by heavy snow during winter(Nov. to Jan.).It is also the country's premier winter sport resort.A5 km long ropeway and cable care between Gulmarg and Khilanmarg has also been in operating to please the tourists.
Dal Lake
It is the most beautiful and famous lake of Srinagar,which is 6 km long and 3 km in wedth and is situated at a distance of 2 km from the main city.Inside the lake there are many Islands and floating gardens,House boat,Shikara and Hotels.Shikaras and House boats move in the lake through out day&night.The lake's water remains cold in the summer and hot in the winter.This lake is surrounded by high mountain peaks,Chinar,Deodar and Pine trees.
House boats & Shikaras
In the past Britishers had no right to live on land in Kashmir.These house boats were invented for them,later they improvised these water dwellings on the lakes of Kashmir in 1888.These house boats,Shikaras float on Dal lake,Jhelum and Nagin lake.Traders arrange their merchandise on the Shikaras and sell stationary goods,vegitables,flowers,fruits,showls,carpets etc. House boats provide full boarding from bed-tea to dinner.They are well decorated.
Nehru Park is the fun centre of Dal Lake.The park has been built in remebrance of Jawahar Lal Nehru on the north side of Gagriwal at the foot of the Shankaracharya hills.It is an ideal place for an evening walk.The illumination at night attracts the tourists from far and away.
Shankaracharya Temple
It is the famous Shiv Temple of Srinagar,which is situated near Dal Lake above 305 meters on the hill.To see it you have to ride 242 steps.According to Historians this temple was got constructed by the Jhaluka,the son of King Ashoka in200BC.Later on it was rennovated by Lalitaditya in 699-736 BC. Hindu saint and philosopher Shankaracharya lived have for few days.Boddh calls it'Pash Pahar'and Muslims as 'Takhte Sulaiman'by name.From the templeyou can see the panoramic view of full Srinagar City.
Chashma Shahi
The garden is also called 'Shahi Bagh',which is 9 km.away from the city.This garden was constructed by Shahjahan's Mughal Governor Ali Mardan's supervision in 1632 AD. There is a cold water spring is in the centre of the garden,its water is refreshing and digestive.Lodging, Boarding and shopping facilities are available here.
It is situated96 km away from Srinagar on the height of 2,195 m in 'Liddar Valley'.This place of cool climate,famous as a calm health. Resort is famous throught the World for its natural beauty.It is the base for trekking.There are so many good hotels to meet your requirements.It is surrounded by high peaks of mountains so it remains too cold.Fishing in Liddar Nalah(Pahalgam to Mattan)gives special amusement to the tourists.
Amarnath Yatra is very near to Pahalgam,about 40 kms far.The govt of Kashmir recently provided helicapter facility to piligrims.
Shalimar Bagh
This garden is 15 km away from Srinagar city.It was constructed by Jahangir for his wife Noor Jhan as a meeting point.The garden size is 539 by 182 meters.A water channel runs through the middle of the garden.In the garden beatiful flowers,fruit trees,rows of Chinar trees attracts the tourists.The programme of 'Light & Music' has increased the value so many fold.
These are some beautiful places which i never forget in my life.
