LADAKH TOURISM

» About Kashmir

ABOUT KASHMIR

The Happy Valley, Super Switzerland of Asia, Mughal Emperor's dream garden and Emerald amongst the white pearls of the Himalaya are only a few of the many appellations given to the valley of Kashmir, over the countries. The Mughal king Jahangir, moved to such an ecstasy by the beauty of Kashmir exclaimed, "if there is a Paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here". He was doubtlessly, enthralled by the valley's lust greenery, its abundance of flowers and fruits, its shimmering springs and translucent lakes. Unlike the other Himalayan regions, Kashmir has been traveler's paradise and holiday resort for a long time, probably one of the oldest on the earth.

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-mooner's paradise, a nature lover's wonderland and a shopper's dream come true. Over the years, Kashmir has come to love and looks after its tourists, fulfilling their every whim. Tourists are everywhere, 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.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN KASHMIR

SRINAGAR

Founded in the 6th century and beautifully located around a number of lakes, Srinagar the 'Beautiful City' is divided in two by the Jhelum River, which is crossed by a number of bridges. The lush greenery of the valley with its terraced rice fields, fruit orchards and swirling waterways spills into the city via the Dal Lake and the great avenues of the popular Chinar trees. It is a city with a distinctly Central Asian flavour. The old city is in the vicinity of the Hari Parbat Hill and includes the labyrinth of alleyways, mosques and houses that constitute the commercial heart of the city. The more modern part of the city is farther up the Jhelum River, above its famous seven bridges.

This fresh natural atmosphere combined with the commercial clamor of the old city's twisting medieval streets gives Srinagar a distinctive and vitalizing flavour. Walking down the roads you will see the half- timbered houses and brick churches surrounded by magnolia trees in the garden. The water world of the Dal and Nagin Lakes can be explored in the almost decadent comforts of Shikaras hand paddled water taxis.

House Boats - have been a part of Kashmir's aquatic culture for centuries. Houseboats of all sizes and costs range the banks of the busy Dal Lake and the quieter, clearer Nagin. Most houseboats on Nagin and the Jhelum are situated on the banks of the lake can be accessed directly from the land, while those in the Dal Lake require a Shikara (canoe) to get to and from them.



Places to See -

Dal and Nagin Lakes - with their famous houseboats and shikaras (canoes) are located in east of the city. Much of the Dal Lake is a maze of intricate waterways. It comprises a series of lakes including the Nagin lake. The lakes have been formed from ancient oxbows created by the Jhelum river as it meandered across the valley floor. The present lakes are only a shrunken shadow of their former selves. The Dal Lake is famous not only for its beauty, but also for its vibrancy, as it sustains within its periphery, a life that is unique anywhere in world.

The Mughal Gardens - are located on the far east of the Dal Lake. The first two gardens, the Chashma Shahi (Royal Spring)and Pari Mahal are to the right of the famous Boulevard Road that circles the Dal Lake. A crystal spring bubbles out of a stone vase at Chashma Shahi. The two larger gardens, Nishat and Shalimar are located much farther down the Boulevard. This is Kashmir at its royal best with the beauty enhanced by the backdrop of lake and mountain and carefully sited for the best views of both.

Nishat Bagh is another lovely garden with its 12 terraces representing the 12 signs of the zodiac, which descend gradually and seem to almost merge into the lake. With its flowerbeds, trees, fountains, the Nishat presents a dramatic sight. It has an impressive plantation of huge Chinar trees on the highest terrace planted by perhaps the great Mughals themselves.

Shalimar Bagh has an air of seclusion and repose, and its rows of fountains and shaded trees seem to recede towards the snowcapped mountains. One of the attractions is the Black Pavilion, meant for the ladies of the court, set well to the back of the highest of its three terraces. It is more famous because of the celebrated romance between its builder, Emperor Jehangir and his queen Noorjahan.

Shankaracharya Temple - is located on the Takht-e-Suleman (throne of Solomon) across the combined lakes. The views from here are spectacular. One can see the entire city of Srinagar and the Jhelum valley with the river meandering its way through it.



Around Srinagar -

Pahalgam (2130m) - located 95km east of Srinagar is Kashmir's premier resort, spread along the banks of the Lidder River. It is the base of several trekking trails such as to the Kolohoi Glacier, Amarnath, Zanskar and Kargil. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest. The most beautiful of these is the huge undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of Pine. 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. The nearby meadow of Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra (One of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages) which takes place every year in the month of July-August. The destination Amarnath Cave is the abode of Lord Shiva. During the month of Sawan (Monsoons), an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shiva linga, which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.

Gulmarg (2730 m) - located 52 km southwest of Srinagar is this huge cup shaped meadow, ringed by pine forests, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells. The name means 'Meadow of Flowers' and in the spring it is just that. All round are the snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Nanda Parbat in one direction and Srinagar in another. Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green 18 hole Golf course which attracts sportsmen in the summer just as its ski runs make it India's premier skiing centre in the winter. Very popular with the tourists is the Gondola Project for a fun filled ride of a most unusual kind. Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift (cable car) ferries tourists right up to a height of 3090 m from 2690 m at the base, through pine-clad slopes

Sonmarg (3000 m) - located 84 km northeast of Srinagar is a quiet valley along the Srinagar-Leh Highway. The road that leads to Sonmarg is almost like heading for an enchanted journey into a wonderland of nature. Literally meaning 'Meadow of Gold', has as its backdrop, snowy mountains strewn with the loveliest of alpine flowers and surrounded by towering mountains. The Sindh (Indus) River meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, a major attraction during the summer months. Waterfalls and the Thajiwas glacier form a sparkling white contrast to the greenery - covered meadows.

JAMMU

Amongst the three regions of J&K, Jammu, perhaps, offers the widest diversity of terrain and beauty. It is perched on the first sloping ridge rising from the plains of Punjab. The meandering Tawi River flows in the foothills and the backdrop is the imposing Trikuta range. The entire region is pocketed with lakes and valleys of which some are still little explored. Jammu is actually two towns. The old town sits on a hilltop overlooking the river and several kilometers away across the river is the new town of Jammu Tawi. The foundation of the settlement of Jammu is attributed to King Jambulochan of 9th century BC. In 1730 it came under the Dogra rule of Raja Dhruv Deva and became an important centre for arts and culture. Religion, too, played an important part in its development, so beautifully evidenced in its various shrines and temples spread throughout the region. Jammu is essentially a town of temples and shrines.

Places to See -

Raghunath Temple - located in the heart of the city is the largest temple complex in northern India. Dedicated to Lord Rama, it has a unique structure. The inner walls of temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. The galleries of the temple are covered with lakhs of 'Saligrams' (sacred stones). The surrounding temples are dedicated to other god and goddess from the epic of Ramayana. Construction of the temple was started in 1835 by Maharaja Gulab Singh and was completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860.




Peer Khoh - is a cave shrine with a naturally formed Shiva lingam. There are many more temples, which have a strong mythological significance. The antiquity of this lingam is not known. It is said that this cave gives way to other underground caves and shrines, some of which are even located outside India.

Ranbireshwar Temple - was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main Shiva lingam in the temple is seven and half feet in height surrounded by many small crystal Shiva lingas.

Ranbir Canal - is a cool picnic spot some 2km from Jammu. These gardens are located on banks of a canal, which branches from the Chenab River. They provide excellent walkways and viewpoints of the surrounding areas. Even in summers, water in the canal remains ice cold.

Bahu Fort - was originally built by Raja Bahulochan some 3000-years ago but it was modified and improved by the Dogra rulers. Located 5km from the city, it is situated on an upland plateau on the bank of Tawi River. It is perhaps the oldest edifice in Jammu and reminds one of the wars fought, invasions prevented and the grandeur of the Royal family. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali inside the Fort. Close to Bahu fort are exquisitely laid gardens from where one has a very exclusive view of Jammu. Behind the Fort is a forest cover, which surrounds the Maha Maya temple. Surrounded by lush green terraced gardens, resplendent with waterfalls and flowers, the Fort is a popular picnic spot.




Amar Singh Palace - patterned as a French chateau, with sloping roofs and tall towers, the palace was the Royal residence. Now converted into a museum, it has interesting memorabilia of the erstwhile ruling family. It houses the city's finest library of antique books and paintings.

Peer Baba - is the famous Dargah (tomb) of the Muslim saint, Peer Budhan Ali Shah. On Thursdays apart from Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs also come in large numbers to pay respect to the Saint.

Mubarak Mandi Palace - this complex dates back to 1824. The architecture of this palace has a unique blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and even Gothic styles. The Sheesh Mahal segment in the palace is most famous. The pink hall inside the palace has been converted into the Dogra Art Museum, which is a treasure house of miniature paintings from the various hill schools.

Krimchi - on the way to Shudh Mahadev, a short detour takes one to Krimchi, which is a site of the three of the oldest temples of Jammu. The architecture of the temples show distinct Greek (Hellenic) influences. The temples resemble the shape of the Lingaraja temple at Bhubaneswar in Orissa. The main temple is 50ft high, is decorated with abstract designs and the porch strongly resembles the ancient stone temples of Kashmir. Some beam like stone structures are used in the construction and the rest on massive pillars. Pieces of the sculpture found in the rubble have images of Ganesh, Parvati, Shiva and Vishnu.



Around Jammu -

Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine - located at a height of 5300ft on the holy Trikuta Hills, this holy cave shrine is one of the most popular shrines of the country and the mother of all pilgrimages. The journey to the shrine starts from the town of Katra, which is about 48km from Jammu. The shrine is dedicated to goddess Vaishno Devi. The shrine is inside a 100ft long cave with a narrow opening. It is an ancient shrine whose reference is found in the Vedas and other ancient scriptures. Previously the Shrine had only one natural entry cave, but now for the convenience of the pilgrims, two more exit caves have been constructed. You either walk up the 13km stretch that leads to the shrine from Katra or you can hire mules.

Akhnoor - is a historic town located 32km to the west of Jammu on the banks of the Chenab River and is associated with the legend of the great lovers Soni and Mahiwal. Ruins of the Indus valley civilization can be seen along the riverbank commanding a panoramic view all around.

Mansar Lake - located 60km away is a beautiful lake fringed by forest covered hills. Boating facilities are available here. Every year in the month of April a food and crafts festival is organised here during the festival of Baisakhi.




Baba Dhansar - located 65km from Jammu is a marvelous picnic spot with a huge spring oozing out from the mountains. The whole area is covered by thick grove of trees. The spring then forms into a waterfall and flows into the holy Banganga River. There is a naturally formed Shiva linga here with water dripping on it throughout the year. Every year a fair is organised here on the day of the Shivaratri festival.

Dera Baba Banda - located 75km from Jammu, this is a Gurudwara built by Baba Banda Bairaagi, a favourite saint soldier of the 10th Sikh Guru Govind Singhji. The Gurudwara lies on the banks of the Chenab River and Baba Banda Bairaagi is said to have spent his last days here. This place is considered as a major pilgrimage center for Hindus and Sikhs.

Shiv Khori - is a holy cave having a naturally formed Shiva linga. It is located about 100km from Jammu. This place is very sacred and is next only to the Vaishno Devi temple. A festival is organised here on the day of the Shivaratri festival.

Kud (1738m) - is a hill resort located about 106km form Jammu on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. It became a popular tourist destination after militancy started in Srinagar. In fact Kud was considered as a good replacement for Srinagar. Natural beauty in Kud exceeds any type of description. This place is also good for small treks and options for adventure sports are being considered in the nearby areas.

Patnitop (2024m) - located 112km away on the Jammu Srinagar highway, this is a famous hill resort perched on a beautiful plateau. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, it offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountains of the Chenab basin. In winters, the resort is covered with thick snow and provides ample opportunities for various winter sports including skiing. It is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. A range of trekking options is available here.

Sanasar - located 119km from Jammu is another enchanting place. It is a cup shaped meadow, surrounded by gigantic conifers. A place for a quiet holiday, the meadow has now been developed as a Golf course. This place is ideal for paragliding