Kashmir Valley Tourist Attractions | Kashmir Tourist Places | Kashmir Tour

Kashmir the paradise on Earth

Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. It is also called and known as the Heaven on Earth because of its natural widespread beauty. Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. Today, it denotes a larger area that includes the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir (which consists of Jammu, Kashmir Valley, and the Ladakh regions), the Pakistan-administered territories of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit–Baltistan, and the Chinese-administered regions of Aksai Chin and the Trans-Karakoram Tract.

The main Kashmir valley is 100 km (62 mi) wide and 15,520.3 km2 (5,992.4 sq mi) in area. This densely settled and beautiful valley has an average height of 1,850 metres (6,070 ft) above sea-level but the surrounding Pir Panjal range has an average elevation of 5,000 metres (16,000 ft).

The Jhelum River is the only major Himalayan River which flows through the Kashmir valley. Srinagar, the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, stands by the river Jhelum that forms the lifeline of the Kashmir Valley.

Kashmir is a place every tourists dreams to visit. An inspiration for art, music and poetry, Kashmir is also a honeymooners' paradise, a nature lover's wonderland and a shopper's dream come true. The valley of Kashmir is unique in its surroundings, which offers breathtaking view of its varying topography. Nature has endowed Kashmir with exotic beauty, which is reflected in its picturesque landscapes, lush green forests of Chinar, Deodar and Pine trees, beautiful rivers and waterfalls, snow covered mountains and a range of flora and fauna. In fact, it abounds in many varieties of wildlife, which includes Bears, Leopards and Himalayan Chamois etc. The countless species of luxuriant vegetation too, attract lot of enthusiastic botanists. Kashmir also has a lot to offer to the artists, archaeologists, rock and mountain climbers and big game hunters who throng this place in large numbers. Besides this, it is an ideal place for holidaymakers as well as for people who seek tranquility and peace amidst natural surroundings. No wonder that, Kashmir is referred to as the 'Switzerland of India.'

Kashmir Seasons

Kashmir Valley features a moderate type climate. Its climate is largely defined by its geographic location, with the towering Karakoram Range in the north, Pir Panjal Range in the south and west and Zanskar Range in the east. It can be generally described as cool in the spring and autumn, mild in the summer and cold in the winter. As a large valley with significant differences in geo-location among various districts, the weather is often cooler in the hilly areas compared to the flat lower part.

Summer is usually mild and with good little rain, but relative humidity is generally high and the nights are cool. The precipitation occurs throughout the year and no month is particularly dry. The hottest month is July (mean minimum temperature 6°C, mean maximum temperature 32°C) and the coldest are December–January (mean minimum temperature −15°C, mean maximum temperature 0°C).

Places of attractions Kashmir Valley

Srinagar– City of Lakes

Srinagar is the largest city and capital of Jammu and Kashmir State. It is situated in Kashmir valley and lies on the bank of Jhelum River. Srinagar is famous for his beautiful lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits.

The natural beauty of the hill resort of Srinagar is spellbound and sweeps off one’s of his feet. Jahangir, the Mughal emperor was left spell bound by the beauty of Srinagar. He exclaimed "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto" i.e. If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here in Srinagar.

There are several spectacular sites that must be visited in Srinagar. The hill resort has often been referred to as Paradise on earth. The hill resort is also referred to as the land of lakes and gardens owing to the abundance of both.

One of the major landmarks of Srinagar is the Dal Lake. There are several lakes that comprise the Dal Lake in the eastern side of Srinagar. The Nagin Lake is the most renowned of the lakes. The tourists at Dal Lake enjoy the wondrous vistas offered by the spectacular surrounding of Srinagar. You must take a ride in the traditional Kashmiri boats that is often referred to as "Shikaras" to explore the intricate maze of waterways of the Dal Lake. The shikara ride at the sunset on the Dal Lake is an unforgettable experience.

In the city of lakes and gardens there are the well laid out Mughal styled gardens of Chashme Shahi, Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh. Chashme Shahi means the royal spring, Shalimar Bagh implies the abode of love and the Nishat Bagh denotes the pleasure garden. These gardens lay far eastern side of the Dal Lake. Tourists are often seen strolling in the gorgeous green gardens. The waterworks in the gardens add to their beauty.

Tourist attraction in Srinagar

There are several spectacular sites that must be visited in Srinagar. The hill resort has often been referred to as Paradise on earth. The hill resort is also referred to as the land of lakes and gardens owing to the abundance of both.

One of the major landmarks of Srinagar is the Dal Lake. There are several lakes that comprise the Dal Lake in the eastern side of Srinagar. The Nagin Lake is the most renowned of the lakes. The tourists at Dal Lake enjoy the wondrous vistas offered by the spectacular surrounding of Srinagar. You must take a ride in the traditional Kashmiri boats that is often referred to as "Shikaras" to explore the intricate maze of waterways of the Dal Lake. The Shikara ride at the sunset on the Dal Lake is an unforgettable experience.

In the city of lakes and gardens there are the well laid out Mughal styled gardens of Chashme Shahi, Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh. Chashme Shahi means the royal spring, Shalimar Bagh implies the abode of love and the Nishat Bagh denotes the pleasure garden. These gardens lay far eastern side of the Dal Lake. Tourists are often seen strolling in the gorgeous green gardens. The waterworks in the gardens add to their beauty.

Holy Places in Srinagar

Hazratbal Shrine: The Hazrathalbal Shirne, is a muslim shrine in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar and is considered to be Kashmir’s holiest Mislims Shrine. The shirne is known by many names including Hazrathbal, Assar-e-Sharief, madinat-us-Sani, Dargah Sharief and Dargah. The Moi-e-Muqqadas (the sacred hair) of Mohammed is believed to be preserved here. Sadiq Khan, laid out a garden here and constructed a palacial building, Ishrat mahal or Pleasure House, in 1623. The construction of the present marble structure was started by the Muslim Aquaf Trust headed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1968 and completed in 1979. The Moi-e-Muqqadas is displayed on various occasions related with the life of the Prophet and his four holy companions.

Shankaracharya Temple: The Shankaracharya Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the summit of the same name, and is overlooking the town of Srinagar. The temple dates back to 200 BC, although the present structure probably dates back to the 9th century AD. The temple was visited by the Adishankaracharya and has ever since been associated with him. Furthermore, it is regarded as being sacred by Buddists, who call the mandir "Pas-Pahar."

The temple was originally built by Sandiman, who reigned in Kashmir from 2629 to 2564 BC. It was repaired by King Gopaditya (426 – 365 BC) and by King Lalitaditya (697–734). Dogra ruler, Maharaja Gulab Singh, constructed stone stairs upto the temple. In 1925, the temple was electrified. The temple, besides a prominent religious place of Hindus, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Srinagar city.

Khanqah-e-Molla:The shrine of Shah-e-Hamdan or Khanqah-e-Moulla is one of the oldest Muslim shrines in Kashmir situated on the bank of the river Jhelum in the old city.

Jamia Masjid: Jamia Masjit is one of the oldest and the most spacious of all the mosques in Kashmir, situated in the heart of the city. The foundation of the mosque, an architectural wonder was laid by Sultan Sikander in 1398 A.D. Later, the son of Sultan Sikandar, Zain-ul-Abidin got the mosque extended. Thousands of Muslims assemble at the mosque every Friday to offer their prayers.

Imambrara Hassanbad Srinagar: Imambara Hasanabad is the second oldest shrine and is a world known place of mourning and worshiping of one million shia population of Jammu and Kashmir. Located near to Lal Chowk (2.6 km from Srinagar), it is surrounded by world famous Hazratbal shrine one side, Temple of Mata Sharka Devi and Gurdawara Chatti Padshahi on other side. Hassanabad was a developed city during the Moughal Rule period and is sited near the Mughal graveyard, which is the resting place for the elite Kashmiris. The site is accessible through local transports within 20 mins.

Chatti Padshahi: Chatti Padshahi, one of the most important Sikh Gurudwaras in Kashmir. The sixth guru of Sikhism traveled through Kashmir, stopping to preach occasionally. It is situated just outside the southern gate of Hari Parbat fort.

Tourist Places in Srinagar

 

Dal Lake: The world famous water body described by Sir Walter Lawerence as the "Lake par-excellence", is located at half a kilometers from the city, is the jewel in the crown of Kashmir. The lake of late has unfortunately, considerably shrunk in size causing concern to environmentalists. The shore line of the lake, about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal erea gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras. During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.

 

Cheshma Shahi and Pari Mahal: Cheshma Shahi or the Royal Spring was laid by Shah Jahan in 1632 A.D. It is 9 Km. from the city centre and is famous for a spring of refreshment digestive water. Two kilometers uphill from Cheshma Shahi is situated the Pari Mahal, a school of astrology founded by Prince Dara Shikoh, Emperor Shah Jahan's eldest son who was killed in the war of succession. The Cheshma Shahi-Pari Mahal area has been developed into a Tourist Village.

 

Nishat Garden: Queen Nur Jahan's brother, Asif Khan,laid the Garden in 1633 A.D. It is situated on the banks of the Dal Lake in the backdrop of the Zabarwan hills, 11 Km from the district headquarter of Srinagar. The Garden commands a magnificent view of the lake.

Shalimar Garden: The Garden, 15 Kms from the city centre, was built by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife, Nurjahan. The garden with four terraces is 539 by 182 meters and gets water from Harwan through a canal lined with fountains. The fourth terrace was once reserved for royal ladies.

Excursion near Srinagar

 

Gulmarg– City of Flowers

Present Gulmarg was originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds; its present name was given in the 16th Century by King Ysuf Shah. Sultan was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes inscribed with wild flowers. It is located in the Baramulla district of Kashmir at an altitude of 2,730 m. Gulmarg is 56 km southwest from the capital city of Srinagar and is close to the Indo-Pakistan border. Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. While Gulmarg is an all-weather resort with refreshing summer season and the main reason to come here is the off-piste, deep-powder, long-run skiing and snowboarding. The Himalayan resort of Gulmarg is one of the newest and increasingly popular ski destinations. 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.

 

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, travelers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance

Pahalgam- The Valley of Shepherds.

Pahalgam is about 45 Kms from district headquarter Anantnag and about 96 Kms from Srinagar. Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidderriver, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 degree Celsius. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious hotels to unpretentious trekkers' lodges, including J&K Tourist Development Corporation’s huts.

Once a great tourist puller and favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films, is perhaps the best health resort in the country. Pahalgam also serves as base camp for the famous Amarnath Ji Yatra

Around Pahalgam there are many places of tourist attractions, 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.

Sonamarg- The Meadow of Gold.

Sonamarg is a very beautiful tourist spot in Srinagar District on the Srinagar Leh Highway. 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 withtrout 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.

Amarnathji Yatra - a journey into faith

Amarnath is around 145 kms east of Srinagar in Kashmir and has one of the holiest place in Hindu’s Pilgrimages places. One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. There is an ice Siva-linga here that changes size with the seasons, and also as the moon waxes and wanes it becomes bigger and smaller. On the full moon day the linga is about 6 ft high. Each year on the full moon day of July-August (Sravana) when the Siva-linga attains its maximum height there is a festival at this cave temple. It is said that Lord Siva first appeared on this day.

 

Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).

Besides the above main tourist places there are numerous other places which tourist frequent regularly.

Travel Connections to Srinagar:

By Road: The dual lane of the road in the city allows more commuters to travel freely. Travel agencies are offering direct buses from various cities of India to reach Srinagar. Some deluxe buses are also available for luxury journey. This city is properly linked with Chandigarh (630 kms away), Jammu (290 kms away), Delhi (876 kms away), Leh (434 kms away) and Pahalgam (96 kms away). Getting the travel packages will help visitors to get the guide with them.

By Air: The domestic airport of Srinagar allows commuters to reach the spot easily Frequent flights from Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai and Shimla are available to reach Srinagar.

By Train: The biggest railway station to reach Srinagar is Jammu. The distance between Jammu and Srinagar is 290 kms. Jammu station is properly linked with all major cities of India. Direct trains from Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Trivandrum are available to reach Jammu.