|
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.
|
