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.
