From the big list of places to visit in Kashmir we are providing the information about a few Places to visit in Kashmir. The access to visit tourist’s spots of Kashmir and Vaishno devi is from Jammu.
Srinagar
Srinagar is the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir state in India. It is located on the banks of the Jhelum River, which is a stream of the Indus. The name of the city is composed of the Sanskrit words Sri and Nagar. The word Sri means wealth and abundance while the word Nagar means city. Therefore, the city of Srinagar indicates a place of abundance and wealth. In addition, Sri is the name of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. There is a legend included in the Nilmatapurana of Nila, which states that the Valley of Kashmir was really a vast lake. It is also said that Kashyapa, a Hindu sage, had drained out all the water and there emerged the wonderful Kashmir Valley. The city of Srinagar is very popular for its houseboats and lakes. In addition, it is well known for the Kashmiri handicrafts as well as dry fruits. It is the administrative headquarters of both the Srinagar division and Srinagar district.
In terms of tourism, this city has a huge share for India. Tourism plays an important role in Srinagar’s economy. This city is an access to numerous breath taking and scenic places within India. The well renowned hill station as well as skiing resort Gulmarg is about fifty kilometers away from Srinagar. For years, tourism is the main contributor in the cities economy. The city is popular for its numerous lakes. The Dal Lake and its houseboats are world famous. This city is a beautiful and small city with a very good climate during summer. Another popular lake in Srinagar is the Nagin Lake. Outside the city of Srinagar, there is magnificent Shalimar Gardens. This garden was created by a Mughal Emperor named Jehangir in the year 1619. The city has numerous gardens which are all part of the gardens placed by the Mogul Emperors across India. These gardens are now known as the Mughal Gardens. They are all situated in the city and its other neighboring sites including the Pari Mahal, a palace of fairies and the Chasma Shahi or royal fountains. The Nishat Bagh or gardens of spring and Nashim Bagh as well as the Shalimar Bagh are also just a few meters away from the Mughal Gardens. Tulip Garden is recently opened to the public. This Tulip Garden has rows and rows of Tulips with various shades and colors.
Amarnath Temple
This temple situated in a narrow stretch at the farther end of Lidder Valley, Amarnath stands at 3,888 m. and is 46 Km. from Pahalgam and 141 Km. from Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimages subscribes that the yatra be undertaken from Srinagar, the more common practice is to begin journey at Chandanwari, and cover the distance to Amarnath and back in five days. Pahalgam is 96 Km. from Srinagar. Amaranth is considered to be one of the major Hindu Dhams. The holy cave is the abode of the holy trinity, Lord Shiva. The guardian of the absolute, Lord Shiva, the destroyer, is enshrined in the form of an ice-lingam in this cave located at farther end of the Lidder Valley. This lingam is formed naturally of an ice stalagmite which wakes up and wanes with the moon. The Amarnath Cave was where Lord Shiva narrated the secret of immortality, the Amar Katha to his wife Parvati. Shiva hesitated at first but finally gave in. He wanted to reveal the secret in an isolated place far from any living being and thus chose the Amarnath Cave. In preparation, Shiva left his Nandi, which he rode at Pahalgam. At Chandanwari, he released the moon from his hair and on the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released the snakes. Son Ganesha was left at Mahagunas Parvat and at Panjtarni, Shiva left the Five Elements behind - earth, water, air, fire and sky - that make life possible. As a final precaution, Shiva created Rudra named Kalagni and ordered him to set afire and eliminate every living thing in and around the Holy Cave. Finally, Shiva and Parvati entered the Amarnath Cave where he began meditating on a deerskin. He then narrated the Amar Katha to Parvati. Unknown to them, a pair of mating doves listened to this conversation and learned the secret. Reborn again and again, they have made the cave their eternal abode. Today, pilgrims claim seeing the pair of doves when they trek the arduous route to pay their religious rituals at Shivalinga formed naturally of an ice stalagmite. The climatic conditions are very uncertain. Rain or snowfall may take place at any time or place during the Yatra. It is to be particularly noted that abrupt changes in temperature might occur. Sunny weather may turn into rain and snow fall may start in a short time. The temperature may fall up to 50 C.
Gulmarg
The meadow of flowers is a world famous tourist spot in the Baramulla District of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters. Surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers, Gulmarg is known for its dignifying beauty and 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.
Cradled in the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas, and just a few miles from the Line of Control, this panoramic meadow of flowers, has been a popular hill resort of India. Earlier addressed by the shepherds as Gaurimarg, the name Gulmarg was given by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was captivated by its wild flowers and grassy slopes. Located at an altitude of 2,650m, and covering an area of three sq km, this cup shaped meadow, 56 km from Srinagar is like a fantasy you would want to get lost in.
While going to Gulmarg we have to reach Tangmarg. From Tangmarg, a jeep or 4x4 vehicles can take you upwards to Gulmarg. On your way stop at view point to catch the most breathtaking view of the surrounding snow capped mountains. Also en route, visit the Ferozpur Nallah, which is a popular picnic spot. This is where the mountain stream, known for excellent trout fishing, meets the river Bahan.
Sonmarg
Impressed by the yellow crocus flowers that are in full bloom in the spring season this place was called by the locals as Sonmarg. In Kashmiri language son means gold and marg means garden, hence jointly it means golden meadows. It will be very amazing to find these flowers dotting the meadows and essence of these flowers is simply awesome. Earlier, it was believed that, there is a well in this valley containing the golden colored water and is the reason for naming this place as Sonmarg. The hill resort of Sonmarg is located at an altitude of 2,740 meters above sea level and at a distance of one hundred ten kilometers from Srinagar. The road that approaches to this hill resort is also a Srinagar Leh national highway and passes along the gushing Sindh river on one side and on the other mountains covered by the fir and alpine forests. Beauty of this place is beyond the imagination of human mind and the charm bestowed on this land by the gods, attracts the senses of every visitor. Surrounded by the snow peaked mountains and thick fir and alpine forests, the fresh mountainous air rejuvenates the soul of one and all.
Pahalgam
Famous for scenic beauty, the jewel of the Liddar valley, Pahalgam is situated in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Set at 2130 meters above sea level, surrounded by the great Himalayas, it is positioned on the banks of the Liddar River. The alpine weather conditions create pleasant and mild weather conditions in summers from April to June, while winters from November to February are cold and experience heavy snowfall. The rainy seasons of July and August see a huge entourage of pilgrims who come here to visit the holy cave of Amarnath, the abode of Lord Shiva, as Pahalgam is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra.
The mention of Pahalgam is found in the regions ruled by the Mughals in the medieval period. Local Hindu kings later ruled over it as a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir until this princely state annexed into India, after independence. The natural beauty of Pahalgam and the luxuriant Liddar valley attracts the tourists. There are number of picnic spots on the shores of river Liddar, flowing near Pahalgam. Pahalgam is also a part of Asia's only saffron growing area, the saffron plants are in full bloom in November. Pahalgam offers quite a few hiking and trekking trails, which one can explore riding on horseback. The snow capped peaks in the backdrop and lush green pine forests soothe the eyes of the travelers. The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling and trout fishing. Virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of wildflowers mark Pahalgam as part of the paradisiacal beauty of Kashmir.
Vaishno Devi Temple
Jammu and Kashmir and Vaishno devi tourism are both interrelated. If you are heading towards Srinagar from Jammu don’t forget to visit the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. On the way from Jammu to Srinagar by road there is a city called Katra. From Katra you can climb upwards to rich the most devoted holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti, Mata Vaishno Devi cave temple is nestled on top of the Trikuta hills forming a part of the lower Himalayas in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Maintained by the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the sacred cave of Mata Rani is thirty meter long and just one and a half meter high. It is here that Maa Vaishno Devi merged her Human form with the astral form of her creators, the three supreme energies. The cave of Mata Vaishno Devi has three stones known as (pindies) dedicated to the three forms of mother goddess Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Visited by Millions of devotees every year, Maa Vaishno Devi temple is counted as one the Shakti peeths of Goddess Durga and it is the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirupati Balaji Mandir. Legend says that Mata Vaishno Devi hide in the cave while escaping a demon, which she ultimately killed.
Vaishno Devi cave is situated at an altitude of 5200 feet. The only way to reach the Mata Rani shrine is an arduous walk, which offers breathtaking views of the Katra city and the snow clad Himalayan ranges. Elder people can reach the top by hiring ponies .The endless chanting of Jai Mata Di and the devotional Vaishno Devi Mata Bhajans infuse energy and enthusiasm in the devotees and give them perfect mood to enjoy the final visit of the Vaishno Devi Cave temple. Vaishno Devi Yatra includes visit to numerous other shrines and temples like example Bhumika Temple, Kalika Temple, Shiva Goompha, Ardha Kuwari, Bharion Mandir and Ban Ganga Temple with the natural spring of the sacred river Ban Ganga. To reach Vaishno Devi temple, devotees can also rent a horse or be carried up from Katra.
There are many tour operators providing
honeymoon in Jammu & Kashmir packages for the newly wed couples interested for Honeymoon in Kashmir.
Kashmir vacation is suitable to all those who want to spend a spectacular
Kashmir holiday at a
destination with astounding places to visit.