places to visits in india: JAMMU AND KASHMIR

PLACES IN SRINAGAR

DAL LAKE,SRINAGAR.

Dal lake is one of the most beautiful in India.Its three sides are surrounded by majestic mountains and a large number of gardens and orchards have been laid along the shores.The campus of university of Kashmir is also located along the shores of the lake.

HOUSEBOATS.

Dal lake is unique in having hundreds of Houseboats,which afford an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

INDIRA GANDHI TULIP GARDEN,SRINAGAR.

Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is situated at the foothills of Zabarwan Mountains, which is near the banks of Dal Lake. This garden is around 8 km from Srinagar and is known for annual Tulip Festival that continues for 7 days. It is one of the spacious gardens in Srinagar and is known to have more than 70 varieties of coloured tulip flowers.

The garden covers approximately 90 acres of land and houses 1.3 million tulip bulbs that overlook the Dal Lake. It is situated in vicinity of Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden, Chashm-e-Shahi Gardens and other Mughal Gardens.

SINTHAN TOP,SRINAGAR.

Sinthan Top is one such destination that caught the tourists’ eye recently when the construction of Kokernag- Kishtwar road started. At a distance of around 128 kilometers from Srinagar and located at a height of 3748 meters, Sinthan top has a great potential to become tourist favourite because of its magnificent location and breathtaking beauty.

Around 40 kilometers of snaky and uphill drive from Daksum, it’s an adventurous journey. And round the year snow at the top makes it a varied choice for local tourists as well as outsiders.The journey to this place is thrilling and so is sliding down the snow-capped peaks.The spot is best suited for mountaineering and skiing with the height at which it is located and the kind of mountain ranges it has. It can be a great boost to the adventure tourism industry of the Valley and can take the rush off the places like Gulmarg and pahalgam that are usually overcrowded with tourists.

NAGIN LAKE,SRINAGAR.

Nagin Lake got its name from the trees surrounding the lake. Popularly known as the 'Jewel in the Ring’, it is one of the impressive lakes in east Srinagar. The lake with its deep blue waters is separated from the Dal Lake by a thin causeway and is an exciting tourist spot with number of houseboats dwindling in the calm waters.

Nagin Lake is a perfect place to go for swimming as it is less crowded and deeper. Water Skiing & sailing on fiberglass boats can also be enjoyed here. May to September is considered to be the best time to visit here. Hazratbal Mosque is a close by attraction to visit.

SHANKARACHARYA TEMPLE,SRINAGAR.

Shankaracharya temple is situated in the Srinagar district on the hill known as Takht-e-Suleiman. It is housed at a height of 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the hill. It is believed that Raja Gopadatya got the temple constructed in 371 BC, giving it the name of Gopadri. The great philosopher Shankaracharya is supposed to have stayed here when he visited Kashmir to revive Sanatan Dharma. This incident, which took place ten centuries ago, led to the renaming of the temple as the Shankracharya temple.

The Shankracharya Mandir of Kashmir, India is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to be the oldest shrine in the Kashmir valley.The temple is of great importance, not only from the point of view of religion, but also from architectural viewpoint. A high octagonal platform supports the temple, approached by a flight of approximately hundred steps. The sidewalls of the steps once bore some valuable inscriptions. There is also a Persian inscription inside the temple, dating back to Emperor Shahjahan’s rule. The main surviving shrine, consisting of a circular cell, provides a magnificent view of the valley below. The inner chamber of the Shankaracharya temple, after being repaired, is now covered with a modern ceiling.

PARI MAHAL,SRINAGAR.

The Pari Mahal garden is located on the top of Zebanwan mountain, southwest of Dal Lake and approximately 5 km west of the center of Srinagar. It consists of six terraces aligned roughly north-south, with its uppermost point is at its southern end, and arched retaining walls supporting the terraces against the mountain. Yet unlike other Mughal gardens in Kashmir, this garden contains no water cascades or chadars (ramps transferring water from one terrace to another). Its water tanks, which may have formerly contained fountains, are found on different terraces, but they were filled via underground pipes rather than by a flow of water above ground. The overall measurements of the garden are 122 meters long by 62.5 meters wide at its widest point; its terraces vary in width.

Pari Mahal was built in the mid-seventeenth century on the ruins of a Buddhist monastery by Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan. Prince Dara, a follower of the Qadiri order of Sufi Islam, had a great interest in mysticism, and he built the garden for his Sufi tutor, Mullah Shah Badakhshi. It was used as an observatory for the teaching of astrology and astronomy. Prince Dara was assassinated in 1659 by his younger brother, Aurangazeb, who went on to take control of the empire.

The approach to the Pari Mahal is via a recently made dirt road leading northwest, where the garden is entered on its fourth terrace (counting from the bottom up). The visitor enters the gardens through a domed double archway in the center of an entrance complex. Additional rooms within the complex are entered from the garden side and from within the gateway proper. Their use has been conjectured to include a hammam (north of the entrance gate) and a kitchen (one of two chambers south of the gate). Traces of water pipes have been found in at least three of the rooms in the complex, and the possible hammam is the most highly ornamented room within the structure.

SONAMARG,SRINAGAR.

Sonamarg or Sonmarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above sea level, literally means 'Meadow of Gold'. The picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonamarg. Sonamarg, a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass.

Sonamarg is located at 87 km from Srinagar, the place is renowned for trekking and hiking trails. The snow clad peaks in the Himalaya and the undulated hilly mountainous regions are perfectly suitable for all types of trekking expeditions. Sonamarg is the base camp for many trekking expeditions. The major treks passing through various mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Kishansar has its base at Sonamarg. The trekking routes offer all types of challenges, from mild to most hard. The pleasant climate with mild summer and cold winter make this place an ideal location for trekkers to explore the natural beauty and challenging treks.

NISHAT GARDEN,SRINAGAR.

The Garden of bliss laid down by Asif Khan father of Empress Noorjahan in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. In Nishat commands magnificent view of the Lake and the Snow capped Pir Panchal Range to the west of the valley.

Originally, this garden had 12 terraces rising higher up the mountain side from the eastern side of the Dal Lake but the lower terrace, which stretched down to the lake, no longer exists now, having been cut off by the modern road. The garden, thus, consists of only nine terraces at present.

The brightest spot in the garden is the second terrace. This, in the words of R.C. Kak, "with its thick groves of Persian lilacs, its high, broad and vertical cascade of sparkling water and its beds of brilliant pansies, is the most fragrant beauty". R.C. Kak further says that the "twenty-three small niches in the arched recess immediately behind the cascade were originally intended for rows of lamps, whose flickering light, reflected and multiplied in the transparent sheet of water behind which they lay, must have presented a singularly pleasing spectacle at night". Mrs. Stuart, in her poetic language, quoted by Dr. Sufi, says : "The stream tears foaming down the carved cascade, fountains play in every tank and water-course, filling the garden with their joyous life and movement".There are two main pavilions, one at the lower and the other at the upper end of the garden. In the middle there is a reservoir of about 14 feet square and three feet deep with a few fountains.

SHAH-E-HAMDAN,SRINAGAR.

The shrine of Shah-e-Hamdan or Khanqah e Moulla in Indian Kashmir is one of the oldest Muslim shrines in Kashmir situated on the banks of river Jehlum in the old city. The shrine was originally constructed by Sultan Sikander (1389-1413 AD) in the memory of Muslim preacher Mir Syed Ali Hamdani who had visited Kashmir and stayed there for meditation and preaching. In 1480 the shrine was gutted in a devastating fire and the then ruler Sultan Hassan Shah reconstructed the shrine on old edifice at a larger area. The shrine was later demolished and reconstructed in two storied form in 1493 AD. In 1731 AD the shrine again was destroyed in fire and was reconstructed by Abul Barkat Khan. The khankah in kashmir contains two relics of Prophet Muhammad, the Standard (flag) which Prophet used during all his campaigns and a pole of Prophets tent.

MANASBAL LAKE,KASHMIR.

Amongst the various lakes in Kashmir, Manasbal is the deepest. In ancient Hindu legends the lake is represented as unfathomable, and it is related that a holy man (reshi) spent several years in making a line long enough to reach the bottom of the lake, but despairing of success he threw himself in the lake never to rise again. According to Sir Auriel Stein the lake was formerly known as Manasa or as Manasaras. This ancient name is derived from the sacred hindu lake on the mythical Mount Kailash, usually located in the Mansarovar of the Tibetian highlands.

The project focuses on the Manasbal Lake. Manasbal Lake is a major tourist attraction and visitors from all over the country are seen enjoying its beauty during summer months. It was proposed to construct the Manasbal Club within the site where the tourism cafeteria-cum-rest-house once existed; and which was gutted down. There was, therefore, a pressing tourism requirement for exclusive guest accommodation. The site is about 500ft away from the lake shore and situated on a terrace that overlooks the Lake.

A need was felt to provide leisure sports activity in the vicinity of the Manasbal Club with medium sporting facilities like bowling alley, snooker, and table tennis etc.

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU MEMORIAL BOTANICAL GARDEN,SRINAGAR.

This beautiful landscape garden took birth in the year 1969 on the enchanting Zabarwan mountain slopes near famous Mughal Garden Chashme shahi, overlooking the panorama of Dal-Lake. This pleasure garden complex extends over an area of about 80 hectares and consists of several styles of gardens with unending joy for seekers of solace on informal and undulated landscape. It comprises of four components- Recreational Garden, Botanical Garden, Research Section, and Plant Introduction Centre.

A beautiful lake spread over an area of 17 hectares with joy riding boats is also the attraction of the garden. The garden provides a 3.5 Kilometer joyride, a pleasant water garden, inspiring colour feast of spring, fragrance and colour pageantry of roses, riot of colours in summer, changing autumn colours and captivating twitter of water falls. Over 1.5 Lakh ornamental plants, representing about 300 plant species have been planted in the garden.

JAMA MASJID MOSQUE.

The Jama Masjid of Srinagar is situated at Nowhatta, in the middle of the old city. An important mosque in Srinagar, it was built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD. Later, the son of Sultan Sikandar, Zain-ul-Abidin got the mosque extended. The attractions of the Jama Masjid of Srinagar, Kashmir include beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture, a magnificent courtyard and 370 wooden pillars. Another feature of the mosque is the peace and tranquility inside it, standing out against the hustle of the old bazaars around it. Thousands of Muslims assemble at the mosque every Friday to offer their prayers.

Jamia Masjid is known as one of the sacred shrines of Islamic followers. Be it the holiness or the constructional elegance, Jamia Masjid is quite unparalleled in every aspect. Comprised of 370 pillars of wood, Jamia Masjid symbolizes one of the best architectural specimen which survived the ravages of time ever since it was constructed in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir.
While looking into the origin and construction of Jamia Masjid, the name of Maharaja Pratap Singh comes several times as it was during his Kingdom that the maintenance and repair works of the Mosque was carried out. Pratap Singh enthusiastically encouraged the re-construction of Jamia Masjid many a time and even offered financial assistance too.

HAZRATBAL MOSQUE.

Kashmir Hub offers you an opportunity to explore the sacred Muslim pilgrimage destination of the Hazratbal shrine that is situated on the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar opposite Nishat Bagh. Tours and travel to this shrine can be a special experience as the Prophet Mohammad's hair, that is the Moi-e-Muqqadus, is preserved in this shrine. The history of this shrine dates back to the seventeenth century. The Hazratbal shrine is a marble structure that was specifically constructed by Muslim Auqaf Trust with the objective of preserving the Prophet's hair, this piece of hair arrived in Kashmir in the year 1699.

The fame of the Hazratbal in Srinagar lies in its association with a strand of Prophet Mohammad’s hair known as Moi-e-Muqqadus. This story is also equally interesting. When the hair came to Kashmir during the rule of Aurangzeb in 1699, then at first it was preserved at shrine of Naqshband Sahib. But the shrine was small and therefore not capable of every day handling of the huge crowd that thronged to visit the Prophet’s hair. Therefore, Aurangzeb ordered the strand of hair to be preserved at the Hazratbal shrine at Srinagar.

The Hazratbal shrine lies at a distance of 25 kilometers from the Badgam district in Srinagar, Kashmir. This pilgrimage destination is known by a number of names viz. the Assar-e-Sharif, Madinat-us-Sani and the Dargah Sharif. Mughal emperor Shahjahan's brother constructed the Ishrat Mahal at the site of the shrine sometime in the year 1623, later when the emperor himself visited the site he ordered the place to be converted into a prayer house. The shrine as such was built by the Muslim Auqaf trust. Before the Hazratbal shrine was constructed the sacred hair was placed in the shrine of Naqshband Sahib. The architecture of the shrine is a combination of Mughal and traditional Kashmiri.

The Moi-e-Muqqadus is usually on public display inside a glass casket on certain sacred and holy days. Tours and travel to the Hazratbal shrine gives you an opportunity to participate in the colorful and vibrant fairs that are held at Hazratbal every year, the most important among these is the Shab-e-Meraj. The Watul mela is also very popular among the tourists and the pilgrims.

DACHIGAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY.

Dachigam is a national treasure nestled in the beautiful and troubled state of Kashmir. Spread over 140 sq. km., Dachigam is split into the Upper and Lower Dachigam sectors, both of which have seen better days. The magnificent hangul or Kashmir stag is the main mammal in the area and Dachigam is also home to the elusive snow leopard, marten, ibex, musk deer and other animals characteristic of the Himalayas. Birds like the Koklas pheasant and the monal pheasant inhabit the region. Srinagar's Harwan Reservoir is fed by the numerous streams in the Dachigam forests, making the park a crucial catchment area. Since 1989, political unrest has caused this area to be severely affected as shifting priorities, terrorists and Indian officials have all played a part in the downfall of the park. The area is, however, always breathtaking and more adventurous wildlife enthusiasts can still enter the park. - See more at: http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/travel/wildlife-destinations/jammu-and-kashmir/dachigam-national-park.html#sthash.T2c15Goa.dpuf

        Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions renowned for offering natural habitat to rare Kashmir stag Hangul and black and brown bears. Surrounded by mountains and beautiful flora, the sanctuary sprawls across an area of around 141 sq. km. Situated at an average altitude ranging from 5,500 to 14,000 ft above sea level, the sanctuary was declared as a National Park in 1951.
            Being a home to flora and fauna of the Himalayan range, the national park is divided into two sectors of Dachigam, including the lower and the upper Dachigam. A wide variety of vegetation is present in the sanctuary including grassland, rain forest, coniferous forest and broad leaved woodland. Dotted with bare rock faces and alpine pastures, the national park is a home to the most endangered species of red deer.
           Apart from leopards, yellow throated marten, jackal, hill fox, wild boar, Himalayan griffon, long tailed blue magpie and Himalayan weasel can also be sighted inside the park. Besides flora and fauna, the national park is also home to avifauna species like crimson tapogan, blood pheasant, golden eagle and bearded vultures.
            Tourists can visit this site throughout the year although special permit from the chief wildlife warden is required for entering into the park.
             Timing:    5:30 am - 6:30 pm (Daily)

PLACES IN ANANTNAG DISTRICT.

BAISARAN,PAHALGAM.

Baisaran This is one of the most beautiful places in Pahalgam and consists of vast open grasslands surrounded by thick pine forests. It is an ideal destination for picnics as well as relaxation.

Situated at a distance of around 5 km from Pahalgam. An exciting place at a height of 150 m, where streams flow through the meadows and pine trees is truly amazing. Tourists can hire ponies for this trek from market place near the bus stand.Baisaran known as the mini-Switzerland of India with endless undulating lush green meadows laced with dense tall conifers.A combination that is the selling point of Baisaran. Filmgoers would identify several Bollywood films that were shot here. From Baisaran you can catch a panoramic view of Pahalgam and Lidderwat Valley.Baisaran Meadow is where you cool off your heels and catch a breath and relax under clear blue skies or simply lollop around. This laid-back campsite is a perfect ground for lazy honeymooners and hyperactive toddlers who cannot give you hair-raising chills by jumping into rivers as this is a safe place for kids.

BETAAB VALLEY,PAHALGAM.

Betaab Valley, situated just 7 km up on Pahalgam, has got its name from Sunny Deol’s movie, Betaab, which was shot extensively in this area. Surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks and dense pine and deodar forests, this valley is the mouth of River Sheshnag. There is a beautiful garden in the valley, with a bridge to cross the river. The Pahalgam Development Authority has proposed to develop this valley as a beautiful holidaying spot and is thus, carrying out several construction activities in the region.

Betaab Valley is several valleys of Kashmir came into existence during the post geosynclinal stage of the development of the Himalayas.Betaab Valley lies between the two Himalayan Ranges – Pir Panjal and Zanskar. Archaeological evidence proves the human existence in this region from the Neolithic Age, especially at Burzahom, Bomai and Pahalgam.

AMARNATHJI CAVES,PAHALGAM.

Amarnathji cave situated at Mount Amarnath whose altitude is about 5,486m above sea level. The world famous shrine of Amarnathji is situated about 48 Kms. from Pahalgam and attracts devotees from all over India. It is located in the upper reaches of District Anantnag at an altitude of about 13,000 ft. from the sea level. Because of this height, the cave is covered with snow for most of the year. Only for a short period in summer, the entrance is accessible. The cave is an ice cave, it contains a certain amount of ice stalagmites.

The cave is a holy place for Hindu pilgrims, because of its ice content. The ice pillar present inside the cave is also called ice lingham, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Two smaller ice stalagmite represent Parvati, his wife, and Ganesha, his son. The Hindu pilgrims also believe, that the height of the lingham increases and decreases with the phases of the moon. In the month of Shravan, on the full moon in August, thousands of Hindus go on a pilgrimage up to the cave. At this time the lingam reaches its biggest size.
The majority community in the district always welcomes the devotees with wide open arms, while the yatries are on their way to and from the cave. Enroute one come across scenic beauty of Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panjtarni.

PAHALGAM GOLF COURCE.

The golfers from all over Country who have converged here to play in the Greater Kashmir Autumn Golf Festival were left spellbound by the beauty of Lidder Valley Golf Course (LVGC), Pahalgam.The golfers were all praise for the beauty of the Course, its greenery, fairways, challenges and the maintenance.

Leg one of the Festival took place at LVGC . It is an 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.
Originally a 9-hole Golf Course, it underwent a high-budget renovation and extension into an 18-hole Golf Course which was inaugurated in May 2011 by the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah.
Designed by Ranjit Nanda and Associates Pvt Ltd New Delhi and constructed and maintained by Fetch Constructions Sarnal Anantnag and Pahalgam Development Authority, the hill station course takes ones breath away with its sheer beauty and design.
At an altitude of 7000 plus feet, the ball travels a good 10 per cent further but that does not make this course is any less challenging. The breathtaking beauty of the course is enhanced by the snow capped hills that tend to lull one into a state of exhilaration.It is one of the best golf course that I have seen around World in terms of beauty. Kashmir is called Paradise in the World and I call this course, Paradise inside Paradise. I have no better words to describe its beauty and surroundings.

TULIAN LAKE,PAHALGAM.

Tulian Lake a lake and tourist destination in Pahalgam district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It lies at an altitude of 3,353 metres (11,001 ft) above sea level, 16 kilometres from Pahalgam and 11 kilometres from Bai Saran. The lake often has chunks of ice floating in it. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains that rise 300 metres (980 ft) above it and that are usually covered with snow. It is located in a meadow dotted with pine forests. The lake lies between the two Himalayan mountain ranges of Pir Panjal and Zanskar.

SHESHNAAG LAKE,PAHALGAM.

           Sheshnag Lake, a mountain lake, is located at a distance of 27 km from Pahalgam. Perched at an altitude of about 3,658 m above sea level, it takes a two day hiking from Pahalgam to reach this lake.
           The water of this greenish blue lake is covered with ice till the month of June. The lake has derived its name from its seven peaks. Each of the seven peaks resembles the heads of a mythical snake.
           According to the legend, Sheshnag Lake is situated at the same place where Lord Shiva left his snake on his way to Amarnath Cave. During the months of summer, which is also the peak time to visit the Amarnath Cave, large numbers of tourists do camping at the lake side.

PLACES IN GULMARG.

APHARWAT PEAK,GULMARG.

Apharwat Peak, 13500 feet high, is a famous tourist destination located at thirteen km away from Gulmarg. This snow covered mountain lies close to the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan. Apharwat slopes are the longest and the highest ski slopes of Asia and is a destination of ski enthusiasts from all over the world.

To transport the visitors to the top there is a cable car service called Gondola which operates in two levels. First level takes one from Gulmarg to Kongdoor and second level from Kongdoor to Apharwat.The Gondola with 36 six seat cabins lifts through 1330 m height and covers nearly 5 km distance to level two at 3980 m on Apharwat Peak. A thirty-minute walk will take one to the actual peak.
Skiing on the snow slopes is possible in north-west and southeast directions. For the less adventurous ones slopes from level one are gentler. There is facility for horse riding around Lake Alpather.

GULMARG SKI AREA,GULMARG.

Gulmarg's ski terrain is located in the Pir Panjals, one of the six ranges which make up the Himalayas. Situated at the western extremity of the world's highest peaks, the Pir Panjals are the first mountains to be hit by the westerly and south westerly storms which roll over the Indus river flood plains each year, providing the greater part of the Himalaya's winter snowfalls. Extensive snowfalls of more than 20 meters in a season make the ski area in the ski resort of Gulmarg a true ski vacations paradise for skiers and snowboarders.

The six seat gondola in the ski resort of Gulmarg was build by the French Poma Group and installed in the years 1998 (phase 1) and 2005 (phase 2). It ascends from 2'650 meters via a middle station with restaurant at 3'050 meters to an elevation of 3'990 meters, providing lift served access to a vast and untracked ski and snowboard terrain with long powder snow descents of up to 1'800 vertical meters.

The beauty of its landscape and the availability of attractive mountain sports activities makee th beauty of Gulmarg the insider's tip for mountain sports enthusiasts from all over the world. A 270° view on the ski and snowboard area of Gulmarg and its mountains.

NINGLE NALLAH,GULMARG.

Ningle Nallah is a beautiful stream, flowing down the mountains near Gulmarg. Melting snow and ice that flows from Apharwat Peak to Alpather Lake in the summer season gives rise to this stream. The stream continues to flow down into the valley and meets the Jhelum River near Sopore.

This nallah is situated about 10 km away from Gulmarg. Furthermore, tourists can walk down the green valley, cross the Ningle Nallah through a bridge, and continue to Khilanmarg. Area around the stream is a favourite camping ground among tourists.

GULMARG BIOSPHERE RESERVE.

         Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, sprawling over an area of 180 sq. km, is located at a distance of 48 km from Srinagar. The biosphere in addition to being the home to some of the rarest and endangered species of animals and plants, is also privileged for preserving and nurturing them. Some of the rare species that tourists can spot in this reserve include musk deer, hangul, brown bear and other animals.
         It is known for its rich vegetation, the forest of this reserve has around 90% conifers. Some of the other principal species of flora that can be found in this biosphere reserve are abies pindrow, aesculus indica and others. On the other hand, shrubs like indigofera heterantha and sorbaria tomentosa are also found in plenty in this reserve. Herbs like dicotyledonous can also be seen in this reserve.Gifted with rare and endangered species like hangul, musk deer, serow and red fox, this reserve is one of the ideal places for nature, adventure and bird lovers. When it comes to avifauna, this reserve is home to a large population of pheasants and upland birds like crimson tagopan, monal pheasant, blood pheasant and koklass pheasant.
           In addition, golden eagles and bearded vultures are the other birds that tourists can spot while touring to this reserve. Griffon vulture, monal, snow cock and more   are some of the other species of birds that tourists can spot.The best time to visit this reserve is from the month of September to March and then again from March to May.

GULMARG CHILDREN'S PARK.

Gulmarg Children Park is spread over an area of nearly 500 kanals, located at foothills of a forest. Till recent years this area was used by herdsmen as their base and by drivers to wash vehicles in the stream running through this area. It had in fact become a dumping place for garbage.
In the year 2005 Farooq Ahmad Shah, who was then CEO, GDA and now Director Tourism, conceived idea to develop the area into a Park. The then Tourism Minister, G. H. Mir appreciated the idea and approved the proposal. The stream was blocked and two artificial water bodies were created here, with the depth from 2 feet to 26 feet from one end to another. The un-noticed area was converted into a beautiful park with variety of flowers like lupines, tulips, lillium and many other wild flowers. A green putting for golfing was also laid by a famous landscape architect, Fida Iqbal. The amusement items like sea-saws, swings, slides, and balancing beams etc were installed in the back yard of the park for children. An environmentally suited round shaped restaurant with tall pointed roof made of wood was also constructed. The park was decorated with solar lights and fountains in the water bodies. A number of beautiful shelter sheds were constructed at different places and water taps and toilet facilities made available everywhere here.

For last few years it had lost its glory but this year it was restored when the present CEO, Gulmarg Development Authority, Mahmood Ahmad Shah allowed the Adventure Call Tours and Travels to operate Boating and Zorbing in the park. The restaurant and toilets were renovated. Proper care for maintaining greenery and cleanliness was taken. It helped to attract not only locals but thousands of domestic tourists to the park.. The GDA now plans to introduce mountain biking, fixed hot air ballooning and all terrain vehicles here next year which can expect more adrenaline rush here.

Gulmarg Children Park is becoming increasingly popular place for school excursions. Not only excursions but scores of visitors from different districts come here to beat the scorching summer heat. With the up-gradation and installation of more amusement and recreational facilities here by the Gulmarg Development Authority this year hundreds of domestic tourists are visiting the Park daily now.

SAINT MARY'S CHURCH.

A monument of the British Rule in India, St Mary's Church is a religiously important church in Gulmarg. The construction of the church dates back to 150 years and was done by famous British architectures in the construction style of British churches. This holy church is rare sight of a Christian church in Gulmarg and is reachable through trekking.

The church is located in the heart of the town and is surrounded by many old fashioned huts as well as an old hotel suitable for staying to view snow falling on the surroundings. The alpine trees around the church add a soft breeze to the cool environment.

GULMARG GONDOLA.

Gulmarg is considered to be one of the most beautiful places on planet Earth. Located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, this place is widely renowned for the Gulmarg Gondola that adds more charm to the city. It is the longest and the highest cable car project in Asia. This is basically the two-stage ropeway that ferries about 600 people every house to and fro from Kongdoori Mountain, which is a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak; it is about 4200 m above from mean sea level.

PLACES IN JAMMU.

MATA VAISHNO DEVI TEMPLE.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Temple Jammu Katra

Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Maa Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts millions of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds one crore. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad. The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.
Darshans are open round the clock throughout the year. Since the year 1986, when the Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (commonly called Shrine Board) was formed, the management of the Shrine and regulation of the Yatra has been vested in the Board. The Board has undertaken a number of developmental activities aimed at making the Yatra a comfortable and satisfying experience for the Yatris. The Board continues to reinvest the offerings and donations received in carying out improvements in various kinds of Yatri facilities.

          The journey to the Holy Shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi Ji starts with the Call of Mata. It is not only a belief but also a strong experience of one and all that the Divine Mother sends a call to her children. And once a person receives it, wherever he is, is bound to visit the Mother to receive Her unbounded love and blessings. A popular slogan in the local folklore beautifully expresses it- Maan Aap Bulandi - which means that The Mother Herself Calls! It is also a matter of experience by almost all those who visit the Holy Shrine that upon the Call of Mata, a person needs to just take one step and leave the rest to Her and his journey gets completed with Her divine blessings. Simultaneously, it is also believed that unless there is a call or Bulawa no one can visit the Shrine or have Her blessings, howsoever high or mighty one may be.
Like with most old Shrines, it is not possible to ascertain when exactly the pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine started. A geological study of the Holy Cave has indicated its age to be nearly a million years. Vedic literature gives no reference to the worship of any female deity, although the mountain Trikuta does find its mention in Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas The practice of worshipping Shakti, largely started in the Puranic period.
          The first mention of the Mother Goddess is in the epic Mahabharat. When the armies of Pandavs and Kaurvas were arrayed in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjun, the chief warrior of Pandavs upon advice of Sri Krishna; meditated upon the Mother Goddess and sought Her blessings for victory. This is when Arjun addresses the Mother Goddess as ‘Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihitalaye’, which means ‘you who always dwell in the temple on the slope of the mountain in Jamboo’ (probably referring to the present day Jammu). It is also generally believed that the Pandavs were the first to build the temples at Kol Kandoli and Bhawan in reverence and gratitude for the Mother Goddess. On a mountain, just adjacent to the Trikuta Mountain and overlooking the Holy Cave are five stone structures, which are believed to be the rock symbols of the five Pandavs. Perhaps the oldest reference of the visit of a historical figure to the Holy Cave is that of Guru Gobind Singh who is said to have gone there via Purmandal. The old foot track to the Holy Cave passed through this well-known pilgrimage centre.
           Some traditions believe this Shrine to be the holiest of all Shaktipeeths (a place where the Mother Goddess, the Eternal Energy has Her abode) since the skull of Mata Sati fell here. Others believe that her right arm had fallen here. But some scriptures do not agree with it. They do agree that at a place called Gandarbal in Kashmir, the right arm of Sati had fallen. Nevertheless, in the Holy Cave of Maa Vaishno Deviji, one does find stone remains of a human hand, popularly known as Varad Hast (the hand that grants boons and blessings).
   As per the legend, during the period when the Goddess was busy in annihiliting the Asuras, Her three main manifestations viz. Mata Maha Kali, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Saraswati got together one day and pooled their collective Tejas or spiritual strength. A stunningly bright light emanated from the place where the Tejas of the three manifestations coalesced and a beautiful young girl emerged out of this Tejas. The young girl asked them, "Why have I been created?'' The Devis explained to her that they had created her so that she would live on earth and spend her time in upholding righteousness.
           The Devis added, "Now, go and take birth in the house of Ratankar and his wife who reside in the southern part of India, and who are great devotees of ours.

Live on earth. Uphold righteousness and evolve yourself spiritually so that you reach higher levels of consciousness. Once you have attained the appropriate level of consciousness you will merge into Vishnu and become one with him.'' So saying they blessed the girl. Sometimes later a very beautiful girl child was born to Ratankar and his wife. The couple named the child Vaishnavi. The girl right from her childhood displayed a hunger for knowledge which was like a vortex and which no amount of teaching and learning could sufficiently satiate. Subsequently, Vaishnavi started looking into her inner self for knowledge, and soon learned the art of meditation and realized that meditation and penance only could bring her close to her greater objective. Vaishnavi thus relinquished all household comforts and went deep into the forest for Tapasaya (meditation). Meanwhile, Lord Rama, during his fourteen years of exile happened to visit Vaishnavi who recognized him immediately as no ordinary being but the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and immediately asked him to merge her into himself so that she could become one with the supreme creator.
          However Lord Rama, knowing that it was not the appropriate time, dissuaded her by saying that he would visit her again after the end of his exile, and at that time if she succeeded in recognizing him, he would fulfill her wish. True to his words, Rama visited her again after being victorious in the battle, but this time he did so in the disguise of an old man. Unfortunately, Vaishnavi was unable to recognize him this time and was distraught. Upon this, Lord Rama consoled her that the appropriate time for her being one with the creator had not come, and that time would come eventually in 'Kaliyug' when He (Rama) would be in his incarnation of 'Kalki'. Rama also directed her to meditate, and set up an Ashram at the base of Trikuta hills, to elevate her level of spirituality so as to bless mankind and rid the poor and destitute of their sufferings.Only then would 'Vishnu' merge her into himself. Vaishnavi, immediately set off for the northern part and after immense hardships, reached the foot of the Trikuta Hills. After reaching there she set up her ashram there and began to meditate.
          As predicted by Lord Rama, her glory spread far and wide, and people began to flock to her Ashram to seek her blessings. As time passed, a Tantrik named Gorakh Nath who had a vision of the episode between Lord Rama and Vaishnavi in the retrospective time frame, became curious to find out whether Vaishnavi has been able to attain a high level of spirituality or not. He, therefore, sent his most able disciple 'Bhairon Nath' to find out the truth. Bhairon Nath on locating the ashram started observing Vaishnavi secretly, and realised that though a 'Sadhvi' she always carried bow and arrows with her, and was always surrounded by langoors (apes) and a ferocious looking lion. Bhairon Nath was enamored by Vaishnavi's extraordinary beauty, and losing all good sense he began to pester Vaishnavi to marry him. Meanwhile a staunch devotee of Vaiashnavi, Mata Sridhar organised a Bhandara (Community meal) in which the whole village and Guru Gorakh Nath along with all his followers including Bhairon were invited. During the course of Bhandara Bhairon Nath attempted to grab Vaishnavi but she tried her best to daunt him. On failing to do so, Vaishnavi decided to flee away into the mountains to continue her Tapasaya undisturbed. Bhairon Nath however chased her to her destination.
          The goddess after halting at (present day) Banganga, Charan Paduka, and Adhkwari, finally reached the holy cave Shrine. When Bhairon Nath continued to follow her despite the goddess trying to avoid a confrontation, the goddess was compelled to kill him. Bhairon Nath met his ultimate fate when the goddess, just outside the mouth of the cave, beheaded him. The severed head of Bhairon fell with a force at a distant hilltop. Bhairon Nath upon death realised the futility of his mission and prayed to the deity to forgive him. The almighty Mata ( Mother Goddess) had mercy on Bhairon and gave him a boon that every devotee of the goddess would have to have the Darshans of Bhairon after having the Darshans of the Goddess and only then would the yatra of a devotee be complete. Meanwhile, Vaishnavi decided to shed off her human form and assuming the face of a rock she immersed her self into meditation forever. Thus Vaishnavi, in the form of a five and a half feet tall rock with three heads or the Pindies on the top is the ultimate destination of a devotee. These Pindies constitute the Sanctum Sanctorum of the holy cave known as the shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi Ji, which is revered by one and all.

places to visits in india

Sunday, 20 October 2013

JAMMU AND KASHMIR