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Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas take shape. In winter, when snow carpets the mountains, skiing, tobogganing, sled-riding are popular sports. 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. Golf at 3, 000 meters above the sea, water-skiing, sailing and angling for prized rainbow trout or simply drift into dreams down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in gorgeous houseboats. The possibilities are endless.
Tourist Attraction in Kashmir
During the 19th century rule, Kashmir was a popular tourist destination due to its climate.
Srinagar
Dating back to the 3rd century BC, founded by Emperor Ashoka, Srinagar grew on both banks of the river Jhelum in the heart of the Kashmir Valley. It is the state capital and lies 900 kms north of Delhi. The Dal Lake is its waterfront. Between the lake and the mountain ranges are the Moghul gardens, Shalimar, Nishat and Chasm-e-shahi.
The oldest and largest of mosques of Kashmir are also in Srinagar. In the heart of the city, rises the 304 meters high Shankaracharya Hill also known as the Throne of King Solomon. It offers a panoramic view of the city, the valley and the Pir Panjal range. On the north-eastern side is Hari Parbat, another sacred mount which has a fortification built by Emperor Akbar in 1592, surrounded by fragrant almond orchards. A Durga temple stands nearby at Chareshwari. Then there are the Pather Masjid, built in 1620 by the Empress Nur Jehan, the Madani Masjid built by Sultan Zain-ul-Abdin, the poet-musician-ruler of Kashmir, the single greatest influence on the artistic heritage of the land.
Avantipur - Famous for its sulphur springs and Moghul summer palaces.
Martand (on the way from Srinagar to Pahalgham) with a 7th century Vishnu temple built by King Lalitaditya Muktapid. Martand is also famous for its hot springs with curative powers. A surya (sun) temple built by Lalitaditya lies in ruins 3 kms. away, revealing a definite Roman influence with Bengali Pala architecture.
Kokarnag - 70 kms. away in the heart of the Bhringi valley - has springs flowing at an altitude of 2, 000 mts. said to possess miraculous curative powers. The remains of a pavilion and baths built by the Moghuls can be seen at Verinag, 80 kms. away from Srinagar. The Jhelum has its source here.
Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, has the Himalayan black and brown bear, musk deer and the Kashmiri stag hangul.
Burzahom - the remains of a settlement dating back to 2, 500 BC.
Pahalgham
Unspoilt by the ravages of progress, 96 kms. east of Srinagar, nestled on the banks of the river Lidder lies the quaint village of Pahalgham. The serious angler’s delight, even amateurs manage a fair catch of rainbow trout from the rushing streams with bustling schools of fish. The large brown bear is a natural inhabitant of the thick pine an fir forests that cover the mountainside. Pahalgham has a golf course at 2400 mts. above sea level and is well equipped as a base for trekkers. Camping equipment, ponies and porters are readily available. Kolahoi glacier is the popular destination via Aru, a charming meadow. Pilgrims bound for Amarnath stop at Pahalgham, their first point of worship.
Gulmarg
India’s finest ski resort, Gulmarg, 53 kms. from Srinagar, is known as “The Meadow Of Flowers”. It also has the distinction of offering the highest natural golf course in the world at 2890 mts. Mid-December to March, Gulmarg becomes an exciting winter sports resort. Skiing, tobogganing, ski-bobbing, are some of the activities offered here, with instruction and equipment facilities.
Sonmarg
Gateway to Ladakh, at an altitude of 2740 mts. with brilliant forests of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine, Sonmarg is a golden meadow of enthralling beauty. Three lakes, Kishtawar, Vishensar and Gangatal can be viewed from the snow-covered Nichinai Pass. 20 kms. east of Sonmarg is the Zoji-la Pass at 3540 mts. which leads into the Ladakh plateau.
Creative Tours & Travels (I) Pvt Ltd.
Kapadia Chambers, Office No. 3,
1st Floor, Cinema Road,
Near Metro Cinema, Dhobitalao,
Mumbai 400 020.
http://www.creativeholidaysindia.com/kashmir.html
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