Friday, February 27, 2009

Places to Visit in kashmir

Chashmashahi & Parimahal
Chashmashahi or the Royal spring was laid by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD . It is famous for the spring of refreshing digestive mineral water. The Garden is terraced with fountains laid right through the middle. The Garden is host to multiple kinds of fruit and flower plants. Some massive Chinars are also found there. Pari Mahal is two Kms uphill from Chashma shahi and there was a school of astrology and philosophy based on various religions there.
This was built by Dara Shikoh who was killed in war of succession to the Mughal Empire.
How to Reach ?
Chashma Shahi lies in Srinagar District and it is 11 Kms from the Distt Headquarters. The nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected with major cities of country. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with country. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous
road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with country. Selected Transport is available from anywhere in the City with nominal costs to this beautiful garden. Taxis, Buses can be chartered from anywhere in the Srinagar city to this place. A permission is required currently to enter this area as it lies in the security zone.
Where to stay ?
The Boulevard road is lined with Hotels and Restaurants suiting every budget. Alternatively you can stay at Houseboats which is altogether a new experience. the accomodation is available for every budget. For more information on tarrifs the Manager and Tourist reception centre can be contacted at Srinagar. Information bookings and reservations can also be had from the Offices of JKTDC across the country from the location nearest to you.
What to do ?
Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :
Picnicking in the Garden
Talking long walks in the Garden and enjoying the beauty
There is small grocer shop which can supply some light refreshments outside Chashmashahi.


Nishat Garden
Queen Nur-Jehan's brother Asif Khan laid the Garden in 1633 AD. It is situated on the banks of world famous Dal-Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills . This garden commands magnificient view of the lake.The Garden is Terraced with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle. How to Reach ?
Nishat Garden lies in Srinagar District and it is 11 Kms from the Distt Headquarters. The nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected with major cities of India. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Transport is freely available from anywhere in the City with nominal costs.
Where to stay ?
The Boulevard road is lined with Hotels and Restaurants suiting every budget. Alternatively you can stay at Houseboats which is altogether a new experience. the accomodation is available for every budget. For more information on tarrifs the Manager and Tourist reception centre can be contacted at Srinagar. Information bookings and reservations can also be had from the Offices of JKTDC across the country from the location nearest o you.
What to do ?
Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :
Shikara riding can be undertaken to Nehru Park from the Garden.
Picnicking in the Garden
Talking long walks in the Garden and enjoying the beauty
Some shopping can be undertaken on the shopping stalls opposite the garden.


Pahalgam
The Village of nomad is unspoilt by the ravages of progress. This is a quaint little village nestled on the banks of river Lidder. This place is an angler's delight and even an amateur can catch a rainbow trout from the rushing streams. the large brown bear is a natural inhabitant of the thick Pine and Cedar forests. 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.
How to Reach ?
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. It Takesaround 10 to 12 hours to cross this
mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag which leave at fixed time from the Bus stands.Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates.Assistance isavailable at Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar. On Road to Pahalgam one comes across the beautiful Lidder Valley with important spots of Mattan and Aishmuqam.
Where to stay ?
Pahalgam has a number of Hotels and lodges of various types which are open only during summer months. JKTDC has a Dak Banglow and number of Huts which are available on hire. The tarrifs depand on the type of accomodation to be hired. Accomodation needs to be booked well in advance from srinagar. Tourists are advised to contact Manager Tourist Reception centre Jammu/Srinagar for booking and Tarrifs. Hotel bookings can be executed from their representatives in Srinagar the list of which can be had from the JKTDC.
What to do ?
Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :
Pahalgam offers trekking adventure.
Trekking can be undertaken to Kolahoi Glacier which is very beautiful via Aru village.
Sledging at the frozen Glaciers is also offered by locals.
Angling ( a license is required)
You can take long walks in the jungles and explore rich flora and fauna.
Pahalgam is the main base camp to Amarnath Cave.
Alpine Skiing is also available at high altitudes.
A Popular trek from Sonamarg to Pahalgam and trek to Chandanwari and Sheshnag lake can also be undertaken.
Prior arrangements can be had from JKTDC at Srinagar or various tour operators in the valley.
Some probability of white water rafting is also available downstrean from Pahalgam in the Lidder river.


Shalimar Garden
This Garden was built by Emepror Shah-Jehan for his beloved wife Nur-Jehan. The Garden has four terraces and is 539x182 meters and gets water from Harwan through canal which is lined with beautiful fountains. The 4th terrace was once reserved for royal ladies. The Garden blooms with innumerable varities of flowers in spring and autmn.
How to Reach ?
Nishat Garden lies in Srinagar District and it is 15 Kms from the Distt Headquarters. The nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected with major cities of India. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Transport is freely available from anywhere in the City with nominal costs to this beautiful garden..
Where to stay ?
The Boulevard road is lined with Hotels and Restaurants suiting every budget. Alternatively you can stay at Houseboats which is altogether a new experience. the accomodation is available for every budget. For more information on tarrifs the Manager and Tourist reception centre can be contacted at Srinagar. Information bookings and reservations can also be had from the Offices of JKTDC across the country from the location nearest o you.
What to do ?
Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :
Picnicking in the Garden
Talking long walks in the Garden and enjoying the beauty
Some shopping can be undertaken on the shopping stalls opposite the garden.


Sonamarg
Sonammarg : The Golden Meadow is at an altitude of 2740 meters and is gateway to Ladakh.It has brilliant forests of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch,fir and pine; 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.

How to Reach ?
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
India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxisply on this Highway. It Takesaround 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road whichcrosses some beautiful spots andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Bus service is available from Srinagar which leave at fixed time from the Srinagar Bus stand. Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. Assistance isavailable at Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar.
Where to stay ?
Sonamarg has a number of Hotels and lodges of various types which are open only during summer months. JKTDC has a Dak Banglow and number of Huts which are available on hire. The tarrifs depand on the type of accomodation to be hired. Accomodation needs to be booked well in advance from srinagar. Tourists are advised to contact Manager Tourist Reception centre Jammu/Srinagar for booking and Tarrifs.
What to do ?
Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :
Sonamarg mainly offers trekking adventure.
Trekking can be undertaken to Thajiwas Glacier which is very beautiful.
Sledging at the frozen Glaciers is also offered by locals.
Angling ( a license is required)
You can take long walks in the jungles and explore rich lora and fauna.
Sonamarg is also the base camp to Amarnath Cave for the route of Bal Tal.
Alpine Skiing is also available at high altitudes.
A Popular trek from Sonamarg to Pahalgam can also be undertaken.
Prior arrangements can be had from JKTDC at Srinagar or various tour operators in the valley.
Some probability of white water rafting is also available downstrean from sonamarg.

Harwan
Harwan is huge Garden lined with flower beds and massive Chinar Trees with a beautiful canal flowing right through the middle. The canal is fed from a beautiful lake which lies behind the garden. there is not much clutter of fountains and other fancy things but vast big green carpeted green lawns which form an ideal spot for picnics. This spot is very popular with the locals for picnics and excursions.
How to Reach ?
Harwan lies in Srinagar District and it is 18 Kms from the Distt Headquarters.The nearest Airport is approx. 25 Kms away in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected with major cities of country. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross
this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with country. Selected Transport is available from anywhere in the Srinagar City with nominal costs to this beautiful garden. Taxis, Buses can be chartered from anywhere in the Srinagar city to this place. This garden completes the series of gardens which can be seen in the Srinagar Distt across the boulevard road.
Where to stay ?
The Boulevard road is lined with Hotels and Restaurants suiting every budget. Alternatively you can stay at Houseboats which is altogether a new experience. the accomodation is available for every budget. For more information on tarrifs the Manager and Tourist reception centre can be contacted at Srinagar. Information bookings and reservations can also be had from the Offices of JKTDC across the country from the location nearest o you.
What to do ?
Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :
Picnicking in the Garden
Talking long walks in the Garden and enjoying the beauty
There are some shops which can supply some light refreshments .
Take off point for visiting Wild life sanctuary of Dachi Gam.
Starting point of climb upto Mahadev Mountain.


Gulmarg
Gulmarg : The meadow of Flowers is a world famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters. 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.
How to Reach ?
Gulmarg is in Baramula Distt and is 57Kms from Srinagar District .The nearest Airport in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected with major cities of country. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu . The journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes approx. 2 hours in bus and may take short time by chartered conveyance. The road to gulmarg is very beautiful and is lined with poplar trees all through. All sorts of transport is available to Gulmarg from Srinagar bus stand at Batmallo and from various tour and travel opeartors at the prices fixed.
Where to stay ?
Gulmarg boasts of a number of Hotels of various standards which offer good accomodation and meals. Hotels of International standards are also available. JKTDC has huts on the offer at Gulmarg and all these properties require advance booking from Srinagar when the season is on. Assistance for booking accomodation can be had from the booking manager at Tourist reception centre Srinagar. The accomodation available there suits all budgets.
What to do ?
Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :
Gulmarg offers a beautiful Golf Course where equipment is also available on hire.
A Cable Car(Gandola) is also installed which is great hit with tourists and it takes tourists upto Kongdori.
Trek to Alpather Lake can be undertaken which is lake 13 Kms away from Gulamrg. This lake remains frozen even in June.
There is another spot called Khilanmarg which offers unparalled view of the Himalayan peaks .
The famous shrine of Baba Reshi is also located near Gul Marg noted muslim saint who is revered by all faiths.
Gulmarg-Khilanmarg-Apharwat-Alpather is one of the important trekking routes