G.B. International ::- Kashmir
| Kashmir | Srinagar | Kashmir Fantasy | Kashmir Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kashmir Trip | Kashmir Tour | Hill Stations | Other States |
| North India |
Kashmir
The natural beauty of the valley of Kashmir is well known widely and has deservedly won high praise from travelers, since time immemorial. The first Himalayan State of India, Jammu and Kashmir is divided into mainly three regions, the foothill plains of Jammu; the lakes and blue valleys of Kashmir rising to alpine passes, the high altitude plains and starkly beautiful mountains of Ladakh, which lies beyond those passes.The valley, practically one large health resort, is enchanting all the year round. The colourful flower season starts from the middle of March and April. May and June find fruit trees laden with many hued carpets of flowers decking the meadows and hill slopes. One of the most attractive aspects of Kashmir is its adventure prospects which includes trekking, mountaineering, fishing, rafting, heli- skiing to trans Himalayan Jeep Safari. June and July is the best time for swimming, sun-bathing, surf-riding and trekking. August and September are good for fishing trout and mahseer in ice-cold mountain streams. Big and small game are to be found aplenty in September and October; Autumn is the fruit season and also a good time for trekking. December to February is the season for winter sports in Gulmarg.
The state experiences extreme climates in the summer and winter. The weather is pleasant from October onwards. However, the best time to enjoy Kashmir and the adventures of Ladakh region is between the months of May and September.
Kashmiri handicrafts are known throughout the world for their exquisite craftsmanship. Srinagar is a shoppers paradise of traditional crafts. Several craft shops line the streets of Srinagar. The diverse articles range from woolen textiles of fleecy soft texture and matchless excellence in weaving, hand-woven carpets in both wool and silk with their intricate Persian design, to the exquisite designs worked on papier-mâché, wood work, silverware etc are products of unique craftsmanship.
Excursions
GulmargGulmarg is surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers ,Gulmarg is known for unparalled beauty nad is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world.It is famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course. It is premier resort for winter sports in the country.The meadow of Flowers is a world famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters.
Pahalagam
Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available. Kolahoi is a popular destinantion via Aru a charming meadow. Pahalgam is base camp for the pilgrims of Amarnath.
Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96 Kms from Srinagar. The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. The road to Pahalgam takes from Khannabal or alternatively from Bijbehara villages from this National Highway. Every sort of transportto suit every budget from Buses to Taxisply on this Highway.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg is a place of enthralling beauty. Three lakes viz Kishensar,Vishensar and Gangabal can be viewed from Nichnai Pass. 20 Kms east of Sonamarg is Zoji-La Pass at 3540 mtrs which leads into Ladakh Plateau. Sonamarg is in Srinagar District on the Srinagar Leh Highway approx.110 Kms from Srinagar.The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with.
Leh
The palace is distinguished monument and a historical building. The nine-storeyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal. It is an imposing structure, though in ruins now, situated on a hill and commands a grand view of the Leh town.
The building in grand Tibetan architecture is said to have inspired the famous potala of Lahasa, built half a century later. Namgyal Tsemo, the peak overlooking the town, are the ruins of the fortbuilt, by the king Tashi namgyal in the 16th century, as a royal residence.
Ladakh
Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range.
In geological terms, this is a young land, formed only a few million years ago by the buckling and folding of the earth's crust as the Indian sub-continent pushed with irresistible force against the immovable mass of Asia. Its basic contours, uplifted by these unimaginable tectonic movements, have been modified over the millennia by the opposite process of erosion, sculpted into the form we see today by wind and water.
Patnitop
Patnitop is enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountain scape of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the best developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover.
Srinagar
Srinagar district is situated in the centre of Kashmir Valley, is surrounded by five districts.In the north it is flanked by Kargil,in the South by Pulwama,in the north-west by Budgam. The capital city of Srinagar,is located 1730 metres above sea level.The district with a population of around 9,00,000 souls(1991- census), is sperad over an area of 2228 Sq.Kms.It comprises three tehsils/ towns viz Srinagar, Ganderbal and Kangan, four blocks (Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kangan and Leh), besides 175 villages.The population density in the district Srinagar is 401 per Square Kilometer which is highest in the state. The literacy rate of the district was 33.80%in 1981.
According to a popular legend which is mentioned in Kalhana's Rajtaringini Kashmir valley was a vast lake. Kashyap Rishi drained out the water and made it habitable. It is said that originally Yakshas, and Pisacas tribes inhabited the valley at the higher reaches and did not allow the inhabitants of the valley to live in peace. King Ashok brought Budhism to Kashmir which was strenthened by Kanishka. In 6th century Huns came to rule the valley and Mihirkul was one of the infamous Hun ruler. The area attained freedom in 530 AD which was shortlived.
How to Reach
By AirSrinagar airport is approximately 14 km from the city. There are daily flights to Srinagar, operated by Indian Airlines (from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu) and Jet Airways (from Delhi and Jammu).
By Rail
Jammu Tawi, approximately 305 km far, is the nearest railhead for Srinagar. Trains from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and other cities arrive at this station only. During holiday season, when there is a heavy rush for Kashmir, additional trains operate for and from this station.
By Road
National Highway 1-A is the main highway connecting Srinagar with Jammu. J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) as well as a number of private Super deluxe, A-class and B-class busses operate to and from the state. Private taxis are also available for traveling to Kashmir.