Kashmir: A Paradise By Maria

                               Kashmir: A Paradise 

               

"Cherish forever the Wonderland of Kashmir, Snowcapped Mountains, Sunny Gardens, Houseboats, you will never want to go back. Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Historically the term Kashmir was used to refer to the valley lying between the Great Kashmir, the crowning glory of India. India's northernmost state and crown of India, Kashmir is a Paradise regained. Kashmir is so precious, no outsider is allowed to own land here.

Kashmir throughout the ages has remained another name for Paradise. Cradled in the lap of majestic mountains of the Himalayas, Kashmir is the most beautiful place on earth. On visiting the Valley of Kashmir, Jahangir, one of the Mughal emperors, is said to have exclaimed:

"If there is paradise anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here”.

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 centered around their ownership. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among these people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.

Season:-

Kashmir has four distinct seasons, each with its own peculiar character and distinctive charm. These are spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Spring:-

Spring, which extends roughly from March to early May, is when a million blossoms carpet the ground. The weather during this time can be gloriously pleasant at 23°C or chilly and windy at 6°C. This is the season when Srinagar experiences rains, but the showers are brief.

Summer:-

Summer extends from May until the end of August. Light woolens may be required to wear out of Srinagar. In higher altitudes night temperatures drop slightly. Srinagar at this time experiences day temperatures of between 25°C and 35°C. At this time, the whole valley is a mosaic of varying shades of green - rice fields, meadows, trees, etc. and Srinagar with its lakes and waterways is a heaven after the scorching heat of Indian Plains

Autumn:-

The onset of autumn, perhaps Kashmir's loveliest season, is towards September, when green turns to gold and then to russet and red. The highest day temperatures in September are around 23°C and night temperatures dip to 10°C by October, and further drop by November, when heavy woolens are essential.

Winter:-

Through December, to the beginning of March is winter time, which presents Srinagar in yet another mood. Bare, snow-covered landscapes being watched from beside the warmth of a fire is a joy that cannot be described to anyone who has not experienced it.

FAMOUS PLACES IN KASHMIR

Gulmarg:-

Gulmarg (or "Meadow of Flowers")

"In the winter when everything is covered with White Snow, it looks really a part of 'Paradise on Earth'."

Gulmarg, the charming hill resort Gulmarg means 'Meadow of Flowers'. It is the finest and the most famous pleasure resorts of the Kashmir. One of the Highest Mountains in the world, Nanga Parbat's magnificent view is possible to look from Gulmarg. Gulmarg is Kashmir's third most popular tourist resort, after Srinagar and Pahalgam. This meadow on the Pir Panjal Mountains shaped like the figure '8' is more than 3 km in length and 2 km in breadth. On all sides there are mountains and forests of 'Deodar' and 'Pine'                   

The fir-covered hills characterize the ascent to Gulmarg, Kashmir. There is also a spot on the way to Gulmarg, known as "View Point", where tourist often stop to admire the breathtaking sight of snowcapped mountains.

Gondola (Cable Car)

Through essentially meant to carry skier's uphill, a joyride in the Gulmarg Cable Car has become a tourist attraction in itself. There are at least hundred 'gondolas' with Gulmarg Cable Car Corporation. Therefore, you never have to wait for more than a minute for the next one to come along and carry you from 2,690m to a height of 5000m. 

Horse Riding (Pony Ride)

There is excellent horse riding place in the open valley with beautiful green meadows. Pony riding is one of amusements for the tourists. The Horses or Ponies are available in large on hire.

Golf

Gulmarg has a beautiful golf course that is situated at a height of 2,650 meters above the sea level. Tourists who travel to Gulmarg visit this beautiful and panoramic golf course, if not to actually play the game, but to admire the lush green land slopes that incline gradually and form a sight to behold. Tours to Gulmarg usually offer you a temporary membership at the golf course.                                                               

Skiing & Trekking

As far as adventure sports is concerned Gulmarg is a trekking base for those who trek to the Pir Panjal Range, Nanga Parbat and Khilalmarg. Tours to Gulmarg offer you facilities for hiring trekking equipment and local guides. Most of the resorts in Gulmarg provide all the facilities along with world-class equipment for those keen on skiing. Khilalmarg is an important skiing center. The skiing season commences in December and goes on till the month of April. The Gulmarg biosphere reserve is located at a distance of 48 kilometers from Srinagar and offers one of the most attractive wildlife .The fir-covered hills characterize the ascent to Gulmarg, Kashmir. There is also a spot on the way to Gulmarg, known as "View Point", where tourist often stop to admire the breathtaking sight of snowcapped mountains.

Pahalgam:-

Pahalgam or the 'village of shepherds' is the most popular tourist resort in Kashmir after Srinagar; partly because of the variety it affords: mountains, pine, fir forests, a spectacular river and a lively marketplace."

Arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth, the town of Pahalgam (Village of Shepherds) offers you breathe taking views. You can just enjoy the town of Pahalgam or trek to some of the most beautiful places on earth. One can trek to Lidderwat, Kolohoi Glacier or to Sonmarg. Pahalgam is also the entry point for the famous Amarnath Cave, a holy site for Hindus. 

Pahalgam is located on the banks of the Lidder River, at the river's junction with the Shesh Nag. The resort is situated at an altitude of 2,130m. The Pahalgam valley is very attractive and spreads along the banks of the Lidder River, which is the local point of interest to the angler. The river Lidder runs through Pahalgam in a rushing torrent, foam flecked, and breaking in curling waves against the boulders that lie in its path, lending it both charm and majesty. The sound of the river Lidder is as eternal as the whisper of wind through pine and fir.

Horse Riding (Pony Ride)

Pony riding is one of amusements for the tourists. There is a large open area which is most beautiful with natural scenery and comfortable for horse riding. The horses or ponies are available in large on hire.

Fishing

The Lidder and Shesh Nag streams are full with beautiful trout fishes and offer excellent fishing beats. Fishing equipment’s can be hired from Srinagar.

Golf

There is a small beautiful free meadow golf course of 9 holes at an altitude of 2400 meters from sea level. Golf sets are also available on hire here.

Trekking

Pahalgam is the base camp for more treks than any other place in Kashmir. Few recommended ones are: The Amarnath Yatra, Bai Saran, The Tulian Lake, Kolahoi Glacier, Mamleshwar, Aru Chandanwari, Shikargah, Phirisalan and Lake Tarsar.

Sonamarg:-

"According to the legend, somewhere in the valley, there is a well whose water turns any substance into gold. This is 'Sonamarg' means 'Meadow of Gold'."

Sonamarg lies at a distance of 84 kilometers from Srinagar, Kashmir, India. Sonamarg lies at an altitude of 2740 meters above the sea level. To be precise it lies on the Srinagar-Ladakh road. The Sindh River flows through the region.

Sonamarg is a hill resort. It is also a base camp for those visiting Ladakh.

As far as activities for tourists are concerned, travel to the Sindh River in Sonamarg offers ample opportunities for fishing. The Krishnasar Lake is also a site for fishing. Sonamarg is also a trekking base. A number of hiking and trekking trails makes Sonamarg an interesting place to travel to. Sonamarg is known for its natural beauty; in fact it is popular for its alpine flowers, sycamore, silver birch and pine trees.

 Sonamarg involves a visit to several tourist attractions. One of these is the Baltal camping base. Nilagrad is another tourist spot, where a small stream meets the Sindh River. The glaciers at Thajiwas are also an important tourist attraction. Sonamarg is well connected by road to Srinagar. The travel time in between the Sonamarg and Srinagar is about two hours.

Sonamarg is also the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the takeoff station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.

The Mughal Gardens

The Mughal Emperors built gardens from Tehran to Agra but it is in Kashmir, complemented by the lake and the mountains, that they reach their perfection. Indeed after houseboats and the mountains it is these gardens for which Kashmir is most famous.

Nishat Garden

Located in Srinagar, Nishat Bagh was built by Asaf Khan, Empress Nur Jahan's brother. Nishat is celebrated for its stately chinar (plane) trees, imported to Kashmir from Persia by the Mughals. Among these, many of the giant chinar trees have been planted by the Mughal Emperors. Nishat has 12 terraces representing the 12 signs of the zodiac, which seems to gradually descend and merge in the Dal Lake's periphery. The terraces viewed along with the bed of flower, a mosaic of bright and beautiful colours, creates an unforgettable sight. Also found within its surroundings are some remnants of Mughal era buildings including a double storey pavilion enclosed on two sides latticed windows.

Shalimar Garden (Adobe of Love)

Located in Srinagar, Shalimar Garden was laid out by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan in 1616. Shalimar Garden are the magnum opus of Srinagar's many gardens and parks. This beautiful garden was originally named the Farah Bakhsh or 'delightful garden', but today it is known as the 'garden of love'. The garden features a canal, lined with polished stones and is supplied with water from Harwan runs through the middle of the garden. Shalimar Bagh has an air of solitude and quietude, and its rows of amazing fountains and shaded lined trees seem to retire towards the snow dressed mountains. A sound and light show is held here every evening between May to October in the tourist season.

Chashma Shahi

Laid out by Shah Jehan, the Garden of Chashma Shahi, so named because of a mountain spring that waters it. The Garden include three terraces, an aqueduct, waterfalls and fountains. The fresh water spring in these pleasant, calm gardens is renowned to have medicinal values. There is also a small shrine, the Chasma Sahibi, close to the gardens, which also has a fresh water spring.

Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal was initially a garden founded by Dara Shiko, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan's eldest son for his Sufi teacher, Mulla Shah. Once dotted with numerous springs, which have dried up now, the Pari Mahal gardens are now the treasure possession of the state. Pari Mahal is bedazzling with radiant lights at night, and though located on the spur of a hill, can he seen from most places in Srinagar. Pari Mahal, once a Buddhist monastery, was converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh. Pari Mahal gardens are now fully maintained by the state government.

Harwan

 Garden South of the village Harwan, on the hillside, one can see some remarkable remains of ancient ornamented tile pavements of the Buddhist era. The tiles depict the dresses of the people of that time, such as loose trousers, Turkoman caps or close fitting turbans and large ear-rings which presents the central Asian influence.

World Famous Dal Lake

The heart of the Kashmir is known as Srinagar, the heart of the Srinagar is known as Dal Lake, because of its own frame. The Dal Lake is not famous only in India but is famous throughout the World. Lying in the eastern side of Srinagar, at the foot of the Zabarwan Mountains, with Shankaracharya hill in its South, and Hazratbal on its West; is the lake Par-excellence- the Dal. The lotus flower cover it in autumn, the Dal is ideal site for magnificent Houseboats, while "Shikaras" skim about with the sails in the transparent waters of the Lake. Areas of the Dal Lake are grouped with slanting roofed houses on islands, while other parts seems lush green like well-planned gardens. As the eye travels onward, houseboats, houses and vegetation conclude unevenly and two huge sheet-like bodies of water - the Bod Dal & Lokut Dal, come into view. 

Floating Gardens

The lake is probably at its most beautiful when the lotus flowers bloom in July and August. The floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, are one of the stranger aspects of Dal Lake. They're composed of matted vegetation and earth, which are cut away from the lake bottom and towed to a convenient location where they are moored. Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Melons all grow amazingly well in these gardens, if one look underneath one can see that they do literally float on the lake. One can also approach the floating gardens by road; the boulevard runs along the eastern edge of the lake, providing fine views all the way. One will often see weeds being pulled up out of the lake - this serves a double purpose. The lake waterways are kept clear and the weeds are rotted until they form excellent compost for the gardens. The shallowness of the lake and its heavy growth of waterweeds is probably the main reason there are so very few powered boats on the water. Dal Lake would be nowhere near as pleasant if there were powerboats rushing back and forth across its tranquil surface. 

Houseboats

The largest group of houseboats lies along the western edge of the lake near the lakeside boulevard, towards Dal gate. They are lined in looping rows and around small islands. Several hotels can also be found on flat islands in the lake. Beyond the houseboats to the northwest are the floating gardens.

Nigeen Lake (Srinagar)

Known as the 'Jewel in the Ring', Nigeen is generally held to be the most beautiful of the Dal lakes. Its name comes from the many trees, which encircle the small, deep blue lake. Nigeen is only separated from the Larer Dal lakes by a narrow causeway and it also has a number of houseboats moored around its perimeter. If one wants to really get away from the chaotic city life all then Nigeen is a good place to find a house boat and do it the surroundings are much more serene and isolated than on Dal Lake. One can rent rowboats from the camping site here - either to simply row around the lake or to look around for a houseboat.