Destinations
Gulmarg
Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Due to its geographic location Gulmarg gets some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Himalayas and it has earned the distinction of being the best ski resort in the Himalayas. Originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. 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.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg is situated at an altitude of 2800 meter above sea level. Sonamarg (the meadow of gold) as its backdrop snow mountains against cerulean sky. The drive to Sonamarg is through the sindh valley which presents another spectacular facet of country side in Kashmir. 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 ranges. 5 km from Ganderbal is the village of Tulmul where the shrine of Khir Bhawani is situated. The sacred spring symbolizes goddess Ragnya Devi. An annual festival, Jyesth Ashtami is held during May/June, when according to beliefs, the goddess changes the colour of the spring water. A trip to this temple will be worthwhile.
Pahalgam
The valley of Shepherds situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130m) 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. Pahalgam is an ideal place for adventure sports enthusiast. Pahalgam has a 18-hole course surrounded by fir-covered mountains with bare snow-capped peaks rising behind them. Pahalgam Golf Course is at an elevation of about 7000 feet while the length of the Golf Course is 7000 yards, it sprawls over 1113 kanals of land. It offers wonderful tracks, mountaineering and camping sites. Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath Yatra. It is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheesh Nagh Lake and the Ladder river. Pahalgam is not a mere hill station it is a recreation resort. It is like going into the lap of nature to do many things.
Dal Lake
Dal Lake , 8 km has a total area of 26 sq km. At Dal Gate, a gate lets out the lake water to prevent it from flooding. Dal has three islands, Silver Island ( Ropa Lank) popular as Char Chinar, built by Prince Murad, son of Emperor Shah Jahan, Golden Island ( Sona Lank) at the south end and Nehru Park, as island just few yards away from the road side. Expansion of houseboats was carried out during Mughal period and later this British further modernised them along with the boatmen of the day. Dal lake is home to more than a thousand houseboats known for their unique luxury facilities. The houseboats are designed with Walnut and Deodar wood work and the base is make of a special wood that makes it float for decades.
Tulip Garden
20 lakh Tulips adorn and add color to 20 acres of the Kashmiri Landscape at 5600 feet altitude in Asia’s largest Tulip Garden - the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. A delightful sight - the Flower bed sprawls all over the foothills of the towering Zabarwan Mountain Range, and overlooks the beautiful and the world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. The Tulip Garden is surrounded on three sides by the Nishat Bagh and Cheshmeshahi Mughal Gardens of Srinagar. Kashmir’s Tulip Garden is referred to on par with the Holland’s Keukenhof – though there certainly is room for improvement. But nevertheless, nowhere else in Asia is such a big Garden collection of Tulips in one place. More than 70 varieties of Tulips of different colours – are on display here to wow you.
Chesmashahi
(Royal Springs) (9km) from Srinagar. Situated on the foothills of Zabarwan range, the garden has a spring known for its medicinal properties. Cheshmashahi was Iaid out in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan. It is considered as most serene since the garden is 4 km away from Boulevard’s hustle and bustle. On the way to Cheshmashahi, one can visit a marvelous garden spread over several acres of land. The Botanical Garden was established by government for floricultural purpose and is now open for the public.
Pari Mahal
(Palace of Fairies), 3km ahead of Cheshmashahi, is a school of astrology built by Prince Dara Shukho, eldest son of Shah Jahan, who had keen interest in observation of stars & Sufism. Situated amidst the Zabarawan hills, the breathtaking scene of the lake and city makes every visitor stay for a little longer at garden.
Nishat Bagh
(Garden of Pleasure) (11km) Designed in AD 1634 by Abul Hassan ‘Asif Khan’,eldest brother of Nur Jehan, who was governor of Kashmir during the reign of Jehangir. This garden has 7 terraces and a stone channel for running water in the centre. Largest of Mughal Gardens, it is most visited as well. Garden offers spellbinding view of the Dal Lake and Zabarwan hills.