Nestling in the lap of the dazzling, snow-capped
Himalayas, the Kashmir valley is undoubtedly a jewel in India's crown. An inspiration for so much art, music and poetry, Kashmir is also a honey-mooners paradise, a nature lover's wonderland and a shopper's dream come true.
Over the years, Kashmir has come to love and look after its tourists, fulfilling their every whim. Tourists are every where, soaking up all that Kashmir has to offer – the walks, the pony treks, the cable car rides over Gulmarg resort,the Shikara rides at
sunset on the Dal lake… And once you have visited Kashmir, you will agree that what began as a dream, lives on as an unforgettable experience.
SRINAGAR
Srinagar, the state capital, is situated at an altitude of 1,730 meters above sea level. It is connected by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways flights directly to Jammu and New Delhi, and hence to every part of the national network. Srinagar is connected by an all-weather road to Jammu which in turn is connected to many parts of North India. Srinagar' nearest railhead is Jammu which in turn connects all parts of the country, including Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and Kanyakumari.
Srinagar is a unique city because of its lakes-the Dal, Nagin and Auchar. The River Jhelum also flows through a part of the city.
Most houseboats on the Nagin and the Jhelum are situated on the banks of the lake, and can be accessed directly from land without the help of a shikara, While all those on the Dal require a shikara to get and from them.
Most houseboats on the Dal are situated in long straggling rows, some face the Boulevard, Srinagar's most exciting address, while others are situated singly or in groups of two and three.
Each houseboat has anything between two and four bedrooms in it with attached bathrooms and a common sitting and dining room.
DAL LAKE
The Dal is famous not only for its beauty, but for its vibrance, because it sustains within its periphery, a life that is unique anywhere in the world.
A shikara ride is one of the most soothing, relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir. Because the Dal is so central to the landscape of Srinagar, many places of tourist interest have, over the ages, been built in its vicinity.
GULMARG
A huge cup-shaped meadow, Iush and green, with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cow-bells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film.
All around are snow capped mountains, and an a clear day you can see all the way to Nanga Parbat in one direction and Srinagar in another.
From Gulmarg pony track leads upwards to khilom marg, kongdos
and Seven Springs, From here, across the Apharwat the peak which looms up from this point –is Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake. For horse riding afficionadoes, Alpather lake makes an exciting day's excursion.
Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, as well as a club house which is a historical building in its own right.
For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift from high above Gulmarg, through pine-clad slopes, is exhilarating.
In winter, Gulmarg acquires a new persona-that of the country's premier skiing resort. Gulmarg is the ultimate skiing resort.
The most gentle slope of 200 metres is linked with a ski lift which helps you to go up. When you graduate to intermediate level which will happen after the first few days of practice, there are other slopes, longer and steeper, which are connected by chair lift. The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable car which allows a ski run of 2,213 metres.
PAHALGAM
The Valley of Shepherds at the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views.
Around 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.
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. 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 8th century.
Chandamvari, 16 kms. from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath yatra which takes place every year in the month of (July-August).
Romantic green meadows, majestic mountains, bewitching, lakes and valleys… yes, Jammu has the uncanny ability to surprise you at every turn. Tucked snugly between glittering ‘shikhars' on ancient temples and holy shrines perched atop hillsider, Lie the most picturesque scenes one can ever imagine.
But, these fascinating places have to be discovered. Quietly, gently, patiently. For, when they do reveal their inherent beauty, you will indeed be swept off your feet.
Temples and Shrines
Amongst the temples in the city, the Raghunath Mandir takes pride of the place, being situated right in the heart of Jammu. It consists of a cluster of temples which makes it the largest temple complex in Northern India. The famous temple of Bawey Wali Mata is inside the Bahu Fort, where every Tuesday and Sunday, pilgrims throng and jostle one another to worship The Goddess.
Forts and Palaces
On the opposite bank of the Tawi river, at an upland plateau, is situated the majestic Bahu Fort. Fort is surrounded by lush green terraced gardens and flowers of just about every kind and colour.
The Amar Singh Palace is also a sight to behold. This grand Palace reminds one of a dreamy French castle, with sloping roofs and tall towers. Now open to tourists, the Amar Mahal which has been converted into a museum, houses the city's finest library of antique books and paintings.
Mansar Lake
62 kms. A beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are available on the spot. Every year around Baisakhi, a food and crafts festival is organized here by J & K Tourism.
We do Family & Customized Package Arrangement of Transpotation and Bookings of Hotels & Resorts in Jammu. Packages & Hotel Bookings are done for Vaishno Devi Yatra also.
