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Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a
multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly
beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir
Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are
the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with
orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.
The Mughals aptly called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ where they journeyed across
the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer. Here they
laid, with great love and care, Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now
collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. Anecdotes of four and five centuries
ago describe their love for these gardens, and the rivalries that centred around
their ownership. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the
people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among thes
people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.
Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised. In winter, when snow
carpets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along
the gentle slopes. In spring and summer, the honey-dewed orchards, rippling
lakes and blue skies beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains
and valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, water-skiing in the
lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or simply drifting down the willow
fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and living in gorgeous houseboats are some
of the most favoured ones.
Tourist Attraction in Kashmir
Srinagar :
Srinagar is the capital and the most famous tourist attraction of the state. The
ancient city has plenty in store that attracts thousands of tourists to this
little heaven every year. The attractions like its numerous shimmering lakes and
the well laid out gardens display the immense bounties that mother nature has
showered upon Srinagar. Amongst the most sought after tourist attractions of the
state are the Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi.
Jammu :
Although the name Jammu & Kashmir is often pronounced in the same breath,
however, Jammu and Kashmir are very different from each other in every aspect.
Jammu, the winter capital of the state, though not as famed for its natural
beauty, is known for its religious sites of Mata Vaishno Devi located on a
neighbouring hill, the shrine of Peer Budhan Ali Shah and the Raghunath Temple,
one of the largest temples in north India.
Kashmir:
In the resplendent valley of Kashmir, the nature in this region keeps changing
her wardrobe lending it different hues in every season. The Mughal emperor fell
in love with the landscape of lily-laden lakes inn the backdrop of mighty
Himalayas. They decorated the city ofSrinagar with manicured waterfront gardens,
now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. The city has quite a few
picturesque lakes rimmed with Shikaras (houseboats). Here also you find some old
temples and mosques of exquisite architecture. Some important attractions in
Kashmir valley are: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashma Shahi, Pari Mahal,
Hazratbal Mosque, Jama Masjid, Shankaracharya Temple, Makhdoom Sahib, Martand,
Awantipur.
Leh-Ladakh :
Leh-Ladakh is one of the most exotic places you will find on the planet. Also
known as the cold desert for its extremely arid conditions, Leh is also
recognised as a popular Buddhist site. A most favored adventure sports spot in
Jammu & Kashmir, some of the major attractions in Leh are the Leh Palace, Sankar
Gompa, Soma Gompa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa and Shanti Stupa.
Gulmarg :
Situated at a distance of 56 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg is one of the reasons why
Jammu & Kashmir is often sobriquet as the paradise on earth. A most frequented
place in the state for its exciting opportunities of skiing and heliskiing,
Gulmarg is also a hot-spot for honeymooners and newly weds. Winters are a time
when the snow starts to shower down, covering the entire region with a blanket
of snow. Other attractions of the state include the Gulmarg Golf Course, one of
the highest golf courses in the world, Alpather Lake and the Biosphere Reserve.
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