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Kashmir is known for its unearthly beauty, which has earned it the sobriquet of being the " Paradise on Earth". Kashmir Valley is part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in north India. The decade old political and civil turmoil in the region has not taken anything away from the beauty of Kashmir. With peace returning to the Kashmir Valley, it has now become a tourist hot spot owing to its amazing cultural diversity, the sheer beauty of the mighty Himalayas, and the green valleys whose beauty has attracted a horde of migrants from West Asia and Central Asia down the ages.
Kashmir region starts near Banihal, 17 Kilometers (11 miles) before the Jawahar Tunnel, where the dominant language changes from Dogri to Kashmiri and more of the houses and costumes are in the Kashmiri style. The landscape blossoms north of the pass where the lush fields of the vale of Kashmir stretch away to the north.
This is certainly one of the most beautiful regions in India, and since the time of the Mughal emperors it has provided a popular escape from the summers of the North Indian plains. The image of houseboats reflected in the waters of Dal Lake against a backdrop of snowcapped Zabarwan Mountains is a reality, but this is only part of what Kashmir has to offer. The valley, or vale, is a large oval plain 136 kilometers (85 miles0 long and up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) wide, with Srinagars, at 1,593 meters (5,225 feet), at the approximate centre. Although Srinagar is the focal point of any visit to the area, the nearby villages of Gulmarg and Pahalgam have developed into major destinations in their own right. The area has become a national centre for a range of sports of which Walking, Trekking, Climbing, Golf, Skiing and Fishing are only a few.
Summer is no longer the only season to visit Kashmir. The autumn colors and the saffron harvest near Pampore and a wonderful backdrop to a low altitude trek from mid-December to early March there is some excellent skiing in the early summer the trout begin to bite and the snow-fed streams come to life. From June onwards the oppressive heat of the plains makes the cooler days in and around Srinagar even more attractive.
Since the partition of India divided the state and cut the old road via Rawalpindi and Barmulla, the longer road via Jammu is the only practicable land link with the rest of World. (There is also a road linking Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh). An ever-increasing numbers of visitors now arrive by air, but for those with time, the longer route by rail and road is certainly more exhilarating.
Originally a vast lake enclose by the Pir Panchal range of the Himalaya, the valley is now drained by the Jhelum River, which flows northwest out of the valley and then south into the Indus. The fertile soil produces a rich variety of produce, from rice and wheat to saffron, apples and, more recently, hops. Some 2,000 years ago King Ashoka supposedly visited the valley on a pilgrimage. In the 16th century the great Mughal Akbar came and was followed by Jehangir and Shan Jahan, all of whom left their mark in the form of buildings and gardens.
In the late 19th century the area assumed its present appearance. Since then tourism has had a major, but not always positive, influence. What Jawaharlal Nehru, whose family was from Kashmir, recalled in 1940 is still true.
In Kashmir over 50 percent of the total population dependent on the tourism and Handicraft Industries.
Enchanting travelers, saints and poets over the centuries - splendor of the Valley of Kashmir remains to have an everlasting affair with the mankind. Sir Walter Lawrence writes “Valley is an emerald set in pearls; a land of lakes, clear streams, green turf, magnificent trees and mighty mountains, where the air is coo/ and sweet, where men are strong and women vie with the soil in fritful/ness.” It is said that the ancient Greeks called it Kasperia and the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang ‘KashiMi La. Famous in the world as Cashmere or Kashmir its locally pronounced as Kasheer, this paradise on earth is an ultimate destination where travelers visit to discover a dream. According to Hindu mythology in a huge lake called Satisar a demon devoured the people who lived along the mountain sides. A saint by the name of Kashyap Rishi came for the rescue of the people; he drained the water of the lake with his prayers & devotion to the lord, the demon was overpowerd and the land appeared in the shape of valley that was called Kashyap-Mar. The word Kashmir si said to imply the land desiccated from water where ‘Ka means water ond shimeera means to desiccate.
In the past, Great Mughals and the British resided in Kashmir to escape the scorching heat of the plains. With the growing short holidaying culture among tourists, the Valley is an ideal destination to spend 5 to 1 5 days. Staying over a month has been the choice of foreign visitors who trek where no one stands between the glory of nature and mankind.
Kalhanas Rajtarangini written in 11th century is the earliest record available on history of Kashmir. Kalhana mentions that "Kailash is the best place in the three worlds ‘tri!ok’, Himalayas the best place in Kailash and Kashmir the best place in Himalayas”.According to Rajtarangni, Gonanada I came to the throne of Kashmir about2448 BC. His descendants ruled for many centuries. King Ashoka conquered Kasmir in 250 BC and made Srinagar the capital of his empire. Ist century AD saw the arrival of Kushan Dynasty.Emperor Kanishka organised the 3rd great council of Buddhists at Harwan.From the Karakota dynasty, the great ruler a Muktapida is mentioned as ruler in 8th century. The 9th century witnessed the rule of Utpal dynasty that produced a great ruler Avanti Verman .during whose reign Avantipur was the capital. In the 10th century, Loharo uled in Kashmir .11th century saw rule of King Harsha, a poet and a lover of art & music.12th century witnessed the rule of King Jaisimha. In the l3th century, Kashmir witnessed upheavals, though Islam was earlier spread by the famous saint Bulbul Shah RA, it was in mid-14th Century that Muslim rule started with Shah Mir’s arrival from CentralAsia.
The arrival of great Islamic preacher Syed Ali Hamdani RA from Persia during the rule of Sultan Qutab-ud-Din (AD 1395) witnessed wide-spread of Islam in the
valley.The Sultan was succeeded by his son Sultan Sikandar, ‘The Idol Breaker’. He followed by his son Sultan Zoin-ul-Abidin(AD 1421 - 1474), an exceptionally
peaceful ruler. He was reputed for being enlightened and restructuring Kashmir and was deservedly surnamed as Budshah ‘The Great King’.He said to be buried at ‘Budshah Tomb’in the vicinity of Zaina Kadal. In 16th century, ‘Chaks’ gained power. Yousuf Khan,commonly known as ‘Yousuf Shahi Chak’ ruled in AD 1580. He fell in love and married a peasant woman, Haba Khatoon, the famous poetess of Kashmir. His son Yakub Khan took over the reins in AD 1582. After consolidating the Mughal Empire in northern India, Emperor Akbar’s forces conquered Kashmir in AD 1586.
The Mughal rule lasted for 166 years. The Afghans ruled Kashmir from 1756 to 1818. In 19th century, Sikhs ruled Kashmir, who further installed Dogras as the rulers. On 16th March 1846, Raja Gulab Singh secured the sovereignty of Kashmir from the British under the Treaty of Amritsar. In 1947 when India became independent, Maharaja Hari Singh annexed Kashmir into the Indian Dominion.
Boulevard (6 km), nestled between Zabarwan Hills, spans 300 acres of wonderful landscape that offer fantastic putting experience. Its uncompared magnificence created by the surrounding mountains and the shimmering Dal Lake enthrals the players of international repute. The course was designed and laid out by world renowned golf architect, Robert Trent Jones II, who has designed about 500 courses all over the world. The 18 hole, 6445 meter course at a par of 72 offers a challenge to all levels of players who delightfully compete in the exotic environs. The fairways are turfed with cool season grass of different shades. The club building is built in a style reminiscent to old Kashmiri architecture with separate wings of locker rooms and other facilities like billiards, table tennis, card room and a restaurant.
The pay-and-play policy at RSGC from morning to evening makes it paradise for every golfer. The charges are economical too.
Besides, there is an old golf course, Kashmir Golf Club, near TRC. Laid in 1887, this 18 hole course par of 70, spread over 52 acres is surrouded by the mighty chinar trees. A 9 hole course on the Boulevard, just before the RSGC is yet another favariout course of the golfers. The courses at Gulmarg and Pahalgam are actively used by golfers during summers, the natural slopes surrouded by the pine trees makes it worth to play at. A project for Sonamarg golf course is already in pipline, the golf consultant state consider Sonamarg ideal for the sport. Competitions are organised during spring, summer and autumn at all these courses, where golfers from across the world compete with talented golfers of the state.
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Golfing in Kashmir
As legend goes, more than 700 years ago, Vaishno Devi, a devotee of Lord Vishnu had taken a vow of celibacy. Bhairon Nath, a tantric, using his tantric powers, was able to see her going towards the Trikuta mountains and chased her. The goddess feeling thirsty at Banganga, shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. Charan Paduka, marked by the imprints of her feet, is the place where she rested. The Goddess then meditated in the cave at Adhkawari. It took Bhairon Nath nine months to locate her, and this cave is called Garbh Joon. She kept 'Veer-Langur' on guard outside the cave and asked him not to allow Bhairon to enter the cave. When Bhairon Nath tried to force an entry to the cave, Veer-Langur offered resistance and a terrific battle started. Vaishno Devi blasted an opening at the other end of the cave with her trident when Bhairon located her.
Thereafter Devi took the form of goddess 'Chandi and beheaded Bhairon Nath, whose skull was flung up the mountain by the force of the blow and fell at a place now known as Bhairon Ghati. Beheaded Bhairon now prayed to Mata for mercy and was granted a boon of liberation. She said, "my-booking.php devotees will visit your place after they have come to me for 'darshan'." The desires of devotees will be fulfilled, if they visit your place. A temple has been constructed at the spot where Bhairon's head fell. Accordingly, the pilgrims visit Bhairon temple after offering prayers at Mata's cave. |
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Meetings, Incentives , Convention & Exhibitions
Sher-I-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake has a Large Auditorium, Soundproof Conference Halls, Meeting Halls, Business Centre, Cafe, Banquet Hall, Projection room, and adequate area for Exhibitions. SKICC has not only boomed the MICE activities in the Valley but has also bolstered up the tourism industry as every related trade is benefitted. Most of the International, National & State level events are organized here. Adjacent to SKICC is the Centaur Hotel that offers a spectacular view to the guests.
Recently another well equipped conference centre has been opened at University of Kashmir campus. Situated in the posh locality near Nageen lake, its auditorium has a capacity to accommodate a large gathering. The MICE activities in Kashmir has been well understood by the private entrepreneurs as some leading hotels and houseboat groups with large gardens regularly organize the conferences and meetings for the national and multinational corporate sector.
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Transportation
The State Road Transport Corporation SRTC Bus Stand situated adjacent to the TRC, Srinagar has a huge fleet of vehicles from Tempo Travelers to Hi-tech Coaches which can be hired an the spot or in advance. SRTC operates the daily sightseeing buses to tourist destinations during summer from TRC. Rates per seat in 25 seater deluxe coaches are reasonable for return trip to Gulmarg Rs. 160, Mughal Garden sightseeing Rs. 110 and Pahalgam & Sonamarg Rs. 170.SRTC also has direct bus service from Delhi to Srinagar in deluxe coaches ranging from Rs. 900 to Rs l600 per seat
In Srinagar City, you can easily hire a Ambassador Car Tata Sumo, Qualis or Tempo Traveler from registered Tourist Tax Stands at most of the places from Boulevard to Lal Chowk and at other tourist destinations. Taxi stands have
authorized tariff list according to which the taxi can be hired to any part of the state.
The recent introduction of private Car Rental in valley by agencies like AlKhuddam has seen a tremendous change in tourist surface transport. Most luxurious chauffeur driven cars like Camry, Corolla, Skoda, Mercs and luxury coaches are available at affordable per day charges.This has opened a new era in modernising tourism in the State.Most of the Travel Agents arrange luxury cars, jeeps, 12-seater mini coaches and 35-seater luxury coaches for the visitors on scheduled tariffs.
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Specialities of Kashmir
Kashmir is full of specialties which have been carried on by generations for their necessity according to the climate and suitability. Pheran is a popular garment made of pure wool (patu) warn by men, women and children during the harsh Winter. Womenfolk generally wear one with embroidery work. Embroidered Pherans are popular among tourist.
Another famous creation of Kashmir is the portable brazier ‘Kangri’, a fire pot which is usually held under the Pherans. Kangris are available as decoration pieces also. ‘Kahwa’ sweet herbal drink flavoured by saffron and almonds is on all-season household drink served with a crispy ‘Sheermal’, ‘Kulcha’ or a ‘Bakerkhani’. Kahwa is preferred as a welcome drink on most occasions. Kahwa and Kashmiri salt tea “noon chai” is served in ‘Samawar’, a large sized copper kettle having a tube in the middle for burning charcoal. No function is complete in the absence of Samawar.
Kashmir has some of the best bakeries and confectionaries in the entire country. The special Kashmiri bread used by people from every class with daily morning tea is a half baked round and flat shaped bread called ‘Schout’. ‘Schoutchwour’ is a small sized, thick ,round shaped and funll backed bread used with evening tea. These special breads are produced by the small bread makers called ‘Kaandur’ present mostly in the residential areas. In Srinagar, there are modern bakery shops right from lal Chawk to Residency Road, MA Road.
Dalgate and other parts of the city where all type of cookies, cakes, pastries and English bread is available. |
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Handicraft & Shopping
Emperor Zain-ul-Abidin introduced the art of papier-mache, wood carving, stone cutting & polishing and developed the silk, shawl and carpet weaving. It is said that the arts and crafts developed under the patronage of Sultan who brought in the master artisans from Samarqand and Sukhara, he provided all amenities of life to these foreign artisans to popularize craftsmanship in Kashmir.The carpet industry got a boost during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jehangir when Persian knot style of weaving was adopted in manufacturing of carpets.
The renowned silken, handwoven, knotted carpets are available in magical designs and colours. The quality of carpet is measured by knots per square inch. If you desire to buy one that would last far decades, don’t mind shelling out a big amount for a worthy purchase. Carpet making is an intriguing experience. The instruction documents ‘Talim’ worked out by a master designer and the creative hands of weavers go hand in hand in making a carpet most desirable. One can visit a carpet factory to watch the weaving of the carpets.adorn the wardrobes of royal houses and elite class in Europe. The French Queen, Marie Antoinette, proudly wore it. Napoleon Bonaparte presented Pashmina to Empress Josiphine. Kani shawl’s unique weaving gives it a good price tag. ‘Raffal’ is a pure woolen shawl. Semi-Pashmina shawls are available in attractive designs and affordable price range.
The small & large decoration items mode of walnut wood, papier-mache, copper and willow wicker can be fascinating in rooms and offices. Aari & Sozni embroidery clothes are liked by both men & women. Crewel embroidery bedcovers & curtains, chain stitch rugs and Namclas will give your room a typical Kashmiri look. The leather from Kashmir gets exported to different parts of the world - jackets, wallets, handbags and gloves are some favourite buys among the visitors. Don’t forget to buy a cricket bat. Kashmir is one of the largest manufacturers of bats made of willow wood. A variety of bats is available in different sizes at reasonable prices.Shopping like in other tourist places is much talked about subject among traders in valley, while a traveler enjoys the nature. Every handicraft business man or a jeweler allures a visitor to purchase at his setup. The kind of amount a tourist likes to spend is exactly what a shopkeeper will offer.
Its is better to buy small articles like paper machie, wood carving, hand bags, chain stitch and willow wicker items if your budget is low. For heavy items such as carpets, shawls, jewelry, crewel, jackets and large wood carving items one should be ready to shell out a descent sum of money to purchase a quality product.
Bargaining could prove beneficial most of the times at some shops. Some of the famous shopping areas in Srinagar for the tourists are Boulevard, Dalgate, Kohankhan, Residency Road, Lambert lane, Poloview, Lal Chowk, Kokkar Bazaar and the interior parts of the city like Bohri Kadal, Maharjganj and Hazratbal. |
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Food
Wazwan is a course of over 14 dishes, mostly non-vegetarian. Dishes like Goshtaba, Tabakmaz, Rista, Rogan josh, Kababs and more are prepared out of a particular portion of Iamb meat. Vegetarian delicacies in Wazwan include AIu Bukhara (Apricot), Bambscoont (Quinces), Kashmiri Haak (green leave vegetable), Dum Aloo(Potataes), Mushrooms and Tomato Cheese.
’Vasta Waza’ is the head cook who excels in the art of preparing Wazwan in authentic Kashmiri style with the support of 5 to 50 men dressed traditionally in white cotton Pheran and Salwar.
Wazwan is cooked in large copper utensils on firewood spread almost over 10 meters commonly known as ‘Weur’. The prepared dishes are served on large carved copper platters called ‘Tream’ shared by four persons in traditional way of sitting over a ‘dastarkhwan’. A hand wash on a capper basin and water poured in a jug “Tash Naer” is followed by ‘Bismi-Allah’ prayers to start the feast. Though Wazwan has its real taste at a Kashmir wedding or any function, one can also relish this food at any good hotel restaurant at Residency Road Boulevard.
The stem of the lotus ‘nadur in autumn get pale straw color, ripe and ready to be eaten.Nadur is considered highly nutritious, it is is a delicious combination to be cooked with Fish. Dried fruit and vegetables is a delicacy during winter in Kashmir. Apple, turnip, brinjle, tomato and fish too are among the favourite dried fruits, Smoked fish is yet another favourite dish among the people. Most of these food items are flavoured with the homemade masala tiki ‘waer’. Harisa, minced meat cooked with numerous spices by the professional harisawalas is a household dish during the winters.
For typical Indian vegetarian food, there are many Dhabas and Restaurants on Boulevard and Dalgate area where one can be delighted with variety of Punjabi, Gujrati or pure vegetarian food. Most of hotels and houseboats provide every type of food from continental to pure Gujarati with satisfying quantity and homely taste. Nadur is considered highly nutritious, it is is a delicious combination to be cooked with Fish. Dried fruit and vegetables is a delicacy during winter in Kashmir. Apple, turnip, brinjle, tomato and fish too are among the favourite dried fruits, Smoked fish is yet another favourite dish among the people. Most of these food items are flavoured with the homemade masala tiki ‘waer’. Harisa, minced meat cooked with numerous spices by the professional harisawalas is a household dish during the winters.
For typical Indian vegetarian food, there are many Dhabas and Restaurants on Boulevard and Dalgate area where one can be delighted with variety of Punjabi, Gujrati or pure vegetarian food. Most of hotels and houseboats provide every type of food from continental to pure Gujarati with satisfying quantity and homely taste.
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Chinar
Atanus orientalis Kashmiriana “Bouin”, Chinar is the most gigantic tree found everywhere in the valley. Its growth too full size (over 100 feet) takes hundreds of years. Known for palm shaped leaves of up to 10 inches in length with pendulous burr-like spherical flowers. The shade of Chinar provides cool breeze during summers. Chinar shade has been preferred by most of the Sufi saints in valley, for this reason most of the shrines have more than one chinar near the complex area. Chinar is believed to have been imported into Kashmir during the Mughal period. The Chinar leaves symbolise Kashmir’s beauty. Impression of Maple can be seen in the designs of most of the handicrafts articles and woodwork. The famous political figures of National and International fame have always preferred to visit the valley during the autumn season, when chinar leaves turn red and surrounding area is covered with the leaves. Walking over the fallen chinar leaves is considered most romantic and a memorable experience.
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Music and Dance
Kashmir is famous for its Sufiana music, which provides peace to the listeners mind. Sufi music came from Iran in the 15th century and has established itself as the classical music of Kashmir Santoor is the prominent musical instrument used in ‘Sufiana musique’. Sufiana Kalams are always sung in chorus. Hafiz Nagma is the part of sufiana music performed by a female dancer moving delicately to the musical tones.
‘Band Pather, a spectacle full of satire and humour is performed by a group of artists in open public places to convey messages through drama. It is now occasionally performed at cultural festivals.
Kashmiri Chhakhri is the famous classical song liked by old & young with equal enthusiasm. The instruments generally used in ‘Chhakhri’ are Rabab, Sarong, Harmonium and an earthen pot ‘nout’. Each instrument gives a peculiar rhythm to the music which will make you hum along. Simply ask your travel agent to arrange a ‘mehfil” on any evening during the tour.
Kashmir has had some great poets like Mehjoor, Shamas Faqir, Rasul Mir, Zinda Koul, Dinanath Nadim and poetesses like Haba Khatoan. Mehjoor brought radical change in the Kashmiri poetry, he added the hard reality of life to the romance and religious poetry made by his predecessors, for which he is acclaimed as Shayir e Kashmir(poet of Kashmir).
The present laster’s choice is ready by October and time writers like Rehman Rahi, Farooq Nazqi have added to the charm of the Kashmiri literature and poetry. The poems & rhymes of all the poets’ are sung by renowned Kashmiri singers like, Ghulam Hassan Sofi, Ghulam Ahmod Sofi, Shamima Dev, Kailash Mehra, Raj Begum, Rashid Hafiz and many others.
The local dance popular as ‘Rauff’ in Kashmir is most attractively done by womenfolk decked up in ornaments and embroidered Pherans, choreographed spontaneously at any occasion. The dance is performed simply by keeping arms on each other’s shoulder and moving feet with the song. One can watch Rauff at every wedding. |
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Fruits and Dryfruits
Kashmir is blessed with abundant fruit varieties. The temperate fruits of Kashmir are known for the quality, flavour, freshness and shelf life.
Strawberry is the earliest fruit in Valley and Jammu region too; ripe by April it is valued for easy propagation, early maturity and high yield with 5 to 9 % sugar.
Most widely grown apple (schoont) of valley is Delicious, well shaped, crispy and aromatic matures in the month of September. Most popular apple of Kashmir is Ambri, famous for its flavour, fragrance and handsomeness ripens in October and stays unaffected for a long time. A large sized, crisp juicy and acidic maharaji apple matures in late October, mostly kept by the growers for self use to relish an apple a day in the harsh winters. American Trel is small, round shaped, very crispy and sweet apple ripens in September. Golden delicious apple is a taster’s choice is ready by October and available in the market till late January. Yellow in colour, soft, smooth and sweet has the highest food values.
With variation in size and taste Cherries (Gillas) too have different varieties. Mishri, Awal number and double are the most common that start to ripe from month of May and are available upto early July.
Creamy with acidic blend having pointed halves, Peaches (schunun) are harvested in the 3rd week of August. Oblong and crispy Apricots (schier) are yellow and ripe in last week of June. Dried apricots are a famous dry fruit available round the year in the entire state.
Pears (Tong) are available in late summer, bell shaped Nakh tang is crispy and sweet, whereas ‘Bagga Gosh’ or William Pears is juicy and fleshy with high fibre value. Plums ‘Santa Rosa’ (aeer) are of different varieties, round shaped, small and large sized ore red, yellow and green in colour. Crisp, fleshy, sweet and saurare available during mid summer.
Almonds (badaam) and walnuts (doon) in many varieties are available throughout the year. These are grouped on the basis of their shell thicknesses. Walnuts are grouped as Kagzi, Burzil and Wont. The walnut kernels are used in confectionary , desserts and also for extraction of oil. Famous Kashmiri Almonds are considered high nourishing with great medicinal value, Kagzi Badam are the most popular and expensive quality of almonds. Almond tree bloom is a caIl for the arrival of spring in valley. Almonds and Walnuts mature with sufficient shell thickness in the early autumn (August).
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Famous Flowers of Kashmir
“Womens delight and Mens fortune” flowers have been close to the heads of both genders. The presence of most sought after flowers in the world add to the charm and splendor of Kashmir. Lilly, Rose, Rosemerry, Panzy, Gladiolus, Cox Comb, Dog Flower, Caena, Delia, Snowballs, Lotus and Lavender are just few of the flower varieties found in Kashmir during four seasons of the year. Narssinsus, Daffodils and wild flowers called locally as Werkin, Tekbattin & Tahri Posh are the earliest flowers that announce the arrival of the spring. The budding of the fruit trees like almonds and apples creates an ambience of colourful life full of promises.
People of Kashmir have been fond of flowers since early times; even Jehangir has described the practice of planting tulips on the roof tops as peculiarity of people of Kashmir.
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Tulip Garden
If a bunch of flowers can do miracles, imagine what can lacs of Tulips, spread over more than 200 acres of land do! April 2007, for the first time govt of J&K let open Siraj Bagh ‘Tulip Garden’ for the .visitors. It is one of the oldest gardens used ar floricultural and botanical purposes in valley, situated in the foothills of Zabarwan range near Royal Springs Golf Course just 8 km from TRC. The superior quality tulip bulbs are imported from Holand in a huge quantity and cultivated over the acres Siraj bagh in the month of October & November, which is the sowing season for the tulips. Month of March the green leafy stems produce a single bud, which grows into a marvelous tulip flower from early April. Tulip lowers observe the spreading in the morning time and its contraction in the evening time, which makes it most magnificent flower on earth. It is called “a garden of heaven” where only lucky people get a chance to visit and carry back the magnetic charm and strength of strong colors of the Tulips. |
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Saffron Fields
World famous Saffron, ‘Zafaran’ or ‘Kesar’ of Kashmir is produced in the fields of Pampore, 11 km from Srinagar. Used in royal courts and theaters in Greece, saffron added the charm to the beauty of the Romans who used it for their baths. Today a gram of saffron is the ultimate gift to offer a friend outside the valley. It is a favorite spice used for coloring food and beverages. The saffron Kehwa with sheermal is a favorite welcome drink in Kashmir. It is said that 75000 flowers make a pound of saffron, thus its price is quite high. Saffron is used as a spice for adding delicate aroma, pleasing flavour and beautiful natural color to food, ice creams and shakes. Saffron festival has been scheduled to be held annually in Oct-Nov when the purple petalled flower bears the red stamen. The flower is plucked more than once in season by the men, women and children for sale. Geniune stamen is around 5 cm long reddish brown in colour , tubular and broad on one end and thin on the other. Saffron blooms from a bulb in a peculiar region where soil, altitude and rainfall are most suitable. Saffron is cultivated in about four districts of the state where geographical conditions are suitable. The pure and authentic purchase of saffron is real test for a saffron buyer.
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Tourist Attractions
Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised. In winter, when snow carpets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes. In spring and summer, the honey-dewed orchards, rippling lakes and blue skies beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains and valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, water-skiing in the lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or simply drifting down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and living in gorgeous houseboats are some of the most favoured ones. |
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DAL LAKE - The fabled sweet water lake is one of the most well known tourist destinations of Kashmir. The lake is an intricate waterway divided into three parts - Gagri bal, Lokut Dal and Bod Dal, by a series of causeways. It is the Jewel in the crown of the Kashmir and is eulogised by poets and praised abundantly by the tourists. The lake is 6.4 km long and 4 km wide. The Dal Lake is host to world famous Shikaras and Houseboats which vie with each other with eye catching names. Dal Lake changes its moods and scenery throught the day and after every few kilometers. It is lined with world famous Boulevard road.
Two small islands within the lake are popular picnic spots. Sona lank (silver island) and Rupa lank (gold island) which are also known as Char Chinar because they both have 4 Chinar trees on them. Tourists can enjoy Shikara rides, Kayaking and canoeing, Angling ( a license is required), or they can stay and experience Kashmiri hospitality aboard the numerous houseboats. A shikara cruise with snow capped mountains in the backdrop and through the luxuriant Mughal gardens, bring back the old splendor and show of “the Dal” in its most resplendent colors. Trek upto Shankarcharya through city forest area. Also shopping can be undertaken on the shopping mall at the Boulevcard road or you can simply cycle around the lake on Boulevard and observe the lake in its full grandeur.
MUGHAL GARDEN - There are numerous large and small gardens or "Baghs" scattered in and around Srinagar. With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, bright colourful flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Mughal Gardens of Chesma shahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors' concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions.
SHALIMAR BAGH - The most beautiful of all the Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh was built for Nur Jahan, by her husband Jehangir in 1616. The gardens are straight out of a fairy tale. The Garden has four terraces and is 539x182 meters and gets water from Harwan Lake through canal which is lined with around 150 fountains which dazzle with their display and electric lights add charm to the beautiful atmosphere. The top most of the four terraces called the “Abode of Love”, was reserved for the emperor and the ladies of court. The Garden blooms with innumerable varities of flowers in spring and autmn
NISHAT BAGH (The garden of spring) -These magnificent gardens designed by Nur Jahan's brother Asaf Khan, were laid down in 1633 and are among the largest of the Mughal gardens. 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, beautiful lawns, beautiful flowers and fountains. Nishat Garden lies in Srinagar district and it is 11 Kms from the dstrict headquarters. Shikara riding can be undertaken to Nehru Park from the Garden.
CHASMA SHAHI (The Royal Fountains) - Close to Srinagar is the smallest of the Mughal gardens. It is near the Oberoi Hotel. This garden is attributed to Shah Jahan and is set in beautiful surroundings. The cool water of the spring is highly refreshing and digestive.
PARI MAHAL (House of the Fairies) - Located just above the Chasma Shahi lie the ruins of this astronomical observatory built by Dara Shikho, a Mughal emperor and Aurangzeb’s elder brother. Pari Mahal offers a fine view of the Dal Lake and has beautiful terraced garden, which has been renovated in the recent past.
NASIM BAGH - Built by Akbar in 1586, these are the oldest of Kashmir’s Mughal gardens. It is a beautiful camping ground which is however restricted these days. This garden offers a splendid view of the Dal lake.
HARWAN LAKE - Harwan Lake is a clean and pure water lake, set among the mountains, with its dark green waters reflecting the lofty peaks of Mahadeo. The surrounding scenery is some of the best in valley. The water of Harwan lake is fed to huge garden lined with flower beds and massive Chinar trees via a beautiful canal flowing right through the middle. There is not much clutter of fountains and other fancy things rather it has 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. It also seves as take off point for visiting Wild life sanctuary of Dachi Gam and starting point of climb upto Mahadev Mountain.
PAHALGAM - World famous hill station is 45 Kms. from the District Head Quarter at Anantnag and located on the banks of river Lidder at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level. Pahalgam is one among the five tehsils of Anantnag district and tehsil head quarters are located in the main town of Pahalgam. Once a great tourist puller and favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films is perhaps the best health resort in the country. Pahalgam also serves as base camp for the famous Amarnath Ji Yatra.
GULMARG - Gulmarg's -aka "meadow of flowers'- legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. It is located in the Baramulla district of Kashmir at an altitude of 2,730 m. Gulmarg is 56 km southwest from the capital city of Srinagar and is close to the Indo-Pakistan border. A huge cup-shaped lush green meadow, Gulmarg looks like something out of a fantasy, and in spring, the green meadows are dotted with colourful bluebells, daisies, forget-me-nots and
buttercups. |
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Climate
The weather in Kashmir is like that of Europe, as it can rain any lime in any season. It is always advisable to carry rain proofs and warm clothes for children and senior citizens. A large part of the Kashmir tour is spent at high altitude destinations where rainfall is frequent and evenings always a few degrees colder than Srinagar in Spring as well as in Summer.
The variety of flowers in Spring and fruits in Summer will make your tour memorable. Autumn and Winter seasons are full of fun and chill. Autumn with dry, yellow and reddish leaves has a charm of its own and in Winter, be delighted to walk over the white blanket of snow. |
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Average Temprature in kashmir Valley
| Month |
Min.Temp. |
Max.Temp. |
Month |
Min.Temp |
Max.Temp |
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January
|
-4.1 |
8.5 |
July |
18.1 |
32.0 |
February |
-2.1 |
14.4 |
August |
17.1 |
28.5 |
March |
-0.1 |
17.2 |
September |
6.5 |
25.5 |
April |
5.1 |
24.2 |
October |
6.2 |
24.5 |
May |
10.4 |
27.5 |
November |
-0.1 |
17.5 |
June |
14.2 |
30.5 |
December |
-3.2 |
12.5 |
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Advised Clothing
| Season |
Months |
Clothing |
| Spring |
March to May |
Clothing |
| Summer |
June to August |
Cottons & rain proofs |
| Autumn |
September to February |
Light woolens & rain proofs |
| Winter |
December to February |
Heavy woolens & Jackets
suitable for sub zero temprature
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