Kashmir Sight Seeing Tour

The tourist attractions of Kashmir consist of some of the finest places in and around the valley. It is one of the most charming and scenic places in India. Sightseeing in Kashmir is mainly about appreciating the beauty of the nature. Glittering glaciers, snow covered mountains and picturesque hill stations all add to the tourist appeal of Kashmir. As you take a trip to the Kashmir valley you will get to know various untouched facets of the wonderful "Paradise on Earth". Have a look at some of the popular tourist spots in the Kashmir valley.

Kashmir is destination for ....

Fishing, camping, trekking, Horse-riding,
Biggest Flower gardens and vast Greenland,
Best skiing Slopes of Gulmarg during wintertime,
Golfer to play his best at the highest golf course in Gulmarg,
Trekker to hike the Himalayas,
Honeymoon couple to enjoy their married life on the serene waters in
Houseboats or under the soothing shades of Mighty Chinar Trees.

Kashmir (Jammu & Kashmir ) consists of three regions

1. Jammu

2. Srinagar Kashmir

3. Ladakh

Jammu

The gateway of Kashmir, the winter capital elevation 300mts lies at the foot of Himalayan region of Kashmir. This city has a long been a center of Indian pilgrimage Dogra culture, temple city. Majority of Hindus with small Muslim communities around Banihal and Kishtwar south of the Kashmir valley, around Poonch and the border.

Places of interest

Surinsar Lake

42 Km. A picturesque picnic spot.

Mansar Lake

80 Kms a beautiful Lake surrounded by hills accommodation in Huts and Tourist bungalow.

Katra

On the pilgrimage route to the famous shrine of MATA VAISHNO DEVI which is in Katra 50 kms from Jammu Chanting Aloud "JAI MATA DI" (HOLLY MOTHER ) thousands of pilgrims chanting it during the NAVRATRAS in March April and September October to reach the Shrine a trek of 15 kms from Katra. The path has been paved and facilities of drinking water, snack bars, medical aid. There are also Helicopter services from Jammu to Katra and also from Katra to Shrine’.

Excursions

Aknhoor, 30 kms a picnic spot on the river Chenab.

Patnitop

Hill station, charming plateau at 1950m, surrounded with dense woods and Lush greenery of pines. Patnitop is an any time place the best time for visit during May to June , and autumn September to October. From December to March surrounded by Snow one can do skiing/, sledging. Carry woolen at all times as showers can suddenly cause a chilled. 5 hours drive from Jammu 110 kms and to Srinagar 180 Km. There are good accommodation hotels / Tourist bungalow and youth hostel.

Srinagar

The Jammu and Kashmir’s Summer capital more than 2000 years old in the heart of Kashmir valley spreads out on both side of river Jehlum. Srinagar has been called the “Venice of the Orient”

Elevation

5214fts-1700mtrs, Population one million, majority of Muslims.

Gateway to Ladakh

The quaint charm of Houseboats of Dal Lake, Nageen Lake and Naseem Lake in Srinagar to stay is a MUST .The Houseboats are having two Bed rooms, three bed rooms and four bed rooms with attached bath, with dining and Sitting room also with Sun-deck. Each houseboat is having the attendant who can also serve the food. Explore lapping journeys on a Shikara in the lakes, past floating gardens.

Houseboats In Kashmir

Houseboat were introduced accidentally in Kashmir. Most of British Civil and Military officers serving in the plains used to come to Kashmir with their families for holidays. They wanted to built houses for themselves but the Maharaja (King) of Kashmir of that time was suspicious of their designs and did not allow them to buy land, so they built the first Houseboat- named Victory designed by Mr M T Kenhard in 1888. Later other copied this design and now there are about 500 Houseboats in Srinagar for commercial purpose.

Places of interest

Pahalgam

95 km. east of Srinagar, 2400 mts above sea level. Popular holiday resort. It is called “Shepherds village” at the head of the Lidder valley. Best place for trout fishing. Apart from angling , Pahalgam is also known as the starting point for trekking. Pilgrims route to Amarnath Cave.

Accommodation

Good Hotels / lodges and Tourist Bung lows. Three hours journey by road from Srinagar, can be covered by Deluxe buses. Taxi can also be hired for the day trip basis.

Gulmarg

56 kms from Srinagar, one and a half hour journey, 2690 mts above sea level. .It is called “Meadow of flowers”. In summer best for trekking, golfing and pony rides . One can have beautiful walk around and can see in good weather the high mountains like Naga Parbat (In Gilgit) 7650mts high, Kolohi and Harmukh which are 5425 and 5124 mts high.Gulmarg has the world’s highest green golf course in the world. There are cable cons that ferry the tourists up to the height of 3095 mts. (Gondola).

Accommodation : Plenty of hotels/Huts/lodges with reasonable prices. Taxis and Deluxe buses are running from Srinagar.

Yusmarg

50 kms southeast of Srinagar, one and half hour journey through pine and fir forests. On the way to Yusmarg is the shrine of famous Kashmiri sufi saint : Sheikh Noor-ud-din, popularly known as Nunda Rishi. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a pony back. There is Tourist huts available.

Sonmarg

87 km. from Srinagar, 3 hours journey, 2800mts above sea level. It is called Golden meadow” at the head of the river Sind with beautiful mountains and glaciers. Base for the treks to Harmukh range via Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag . Also the Pilgrim route to Amarnath Cave , which can be done in one day from here. Famous for Trout fishing.

Gateway to Leh (Ladakh)

Accommodation: Few Hotels/ Huts and Lodges. Taxis and Deluxe buses are running from Srinagar.

Mughal Gardens

Nishat Bagh

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.

Shalimar Bagh

The Abode Of Love.’ Is said to have been a village, built by Paravarassna II. He used to stay here when on a visit to Sukhswami a saint living near Harwan. In 1619 Jehangir ordered a garden to be laid out this spot, calling it, Ferrah Bakkash (Delightful). In 1727 A.D Zaffar-Khan. A governor during the reign of Shah Jahan made an extension of it and called it ‘Faiz Baksh’ (Bountiful). The garden is laid down in four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal runs through the garden lined with polished stones and supplies with water from Harwan.Chasma – Shahi : East of Srinagar. Built in 1634 A.D by Shah- Jahan. It commands a superb view of the Dal Lake it has the advantage of having a natural spring of Pure, Cool and Sparking water known as Chasma- Shahi (Royal Spring).

Harwan Garden

Harwan Garden is a beautiful garden, situated at Harwan, about 18 km from Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir. This huge garden lined with flower beds and Chinar trees, is an ideal spot for picnickers. The picturesque Harwan Lake is behind the garden. The canal flowing through the middle of the garden is fed by the lake.

Cheshma Shahi

Cheshma Shahi is one of the three major Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. It is located 9km from Srinagar city centre, and is the first Mughal garden that you would visit as you pass the Nehru Park. The name Cheshma Shahi means Royal Spring (shahi means royal and chashma means spring).

Cheshma Shahi is small and charming. It was laid out by the Mughal Governor Ali Mardan Khan for Emperor Shah Jahan, the ruler famous for building the Taj Mahal, in 1632.

Shah Jahan built a pavilion and laid out the Mughal garden in three terraces, each above the other by 18 feet. Cheshma Shahi is famous for the pure and refreshing spring that flows from it.

Built at a height above the city, Cheshma Shahi offers a great view of the surrounding area with the Zabarwan hills behind it.

Pari Mahal

Once the royal observatory, Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid out garden and is a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. A Buddhist monastery at one time, it was converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan's eldest son. Situated on the spur of a mountain overlooking the Dal, the ancient monument, with a well-laid spacious garden in front, is connected to Cheshmashahi by road. It is illuminated at night.

Historical Places

Parimahal

(The palace of Fairies) It was a school of Astrology built by Dhara Shikua, Shah Jahan’s eldest son for his tutor Muhlah Shah. School of observatory.

Hari Parbat

The Hill of Hari Parbat crowned by the pathan fort who his visible from every part of the city. 400 feet above the plain, Legend says the hill grew from a pebble dropped by the goddess Paravati to crush a demon, in the form of Sharika bird (Maina). This is called now Hari Parbat.

Shankaracharya Temple

This Temple is situated at the height of 1000ft above the plain. The earliest of all the Temples built in 200 BC,. By Jalaka the son of the Great Buddhist convert Ashoka. The temple was subsequently rebuilt and dedicated by Raja Gopadittya in 6th Century. It is said to be that “ the Takhut-I-Sulaiman (throne one of the Solomon). Panoramic view of whole Srinagar City .

Hazratbal

It is the most important Muslim Religious place, situated on the western shore of Dal Lake.

Jamia Masjid

The largest Masque built by Sultan Sikandar Constructed in 1400 A.D. Enlarged by his son Zain-Ul- Abdin.

Tomb of Zain-Ul-Abidin

The most attractive chapter of Muslim rule in Kashmir (1421-1472) in the reign of Zain- Ul-Abdin.

Pather Masjid

Pather Masjid of the Mughal Mosque built by emperor Noor Jahan in 1620 A.D. wife of Jahangir. Muslims did not however use it for prayers.

Shah Hamdan

Originally built in 1953 AD. To commemorate the visit of Mir Syed Ali Hamdan destroyed by fire in 1479 and 1731 AD. It was rebuilt in 1732 by Abdul Barket Khan and since then stand as a land mark in the City. Built of timber, not a nail or Screw was used in the construction.

Lakes Of Kashmir

Dal Lake

Dal lake of Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in India. It has been and continues to be a part of the poetry by some renowned poets. This is second largest lake of Jammu and Kashmir state after Wular Lake. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains from three sides and a large number of gardens and orchards have been laid along the shores. The University of Kashmir also stands along the shores of the Dal Lake. The hundreds of uniquely decorated houseboats which floats on the Dal lake afford an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Nagin Lake

Popular for water sports like water skiing, swimming, diving and sailing.

Manasbal Lake

This Lake is famous for Lotus flowers during summer and Paradise for Bird Watchers,. Between the river and foot of the Mountains spurs lower end of the Sind valley famous for Picnic spot.

Wular Lake

The Largest fresh water Lake in India 26 Km long and 8 Km wide. Surrounded by the mountains. The river Jehlum passes right through the Lake the deepest part is near the Hill Called Baba Shakur-ud-Din on the north west side.

Anchar Lake

The Anchar Lake is a swampy area. The Sind Nullah enters this lake from one side and flows out from the other. It is about 8 Kms long and 3 Kms. wide. Gandarbal is a famous township on its north-west bank.. Anchar Lake is a bird water's paradise where you will be able to watch and identify many species of birds, some of them on their way to extinction.

On the banks of this lake is situated Soura with SKIMS, Buchpora, Ahmad Nagar, Pandach, Nagbal and finally Ganderbal. Toulmul and the Mansbal lake is farther north, infact northeast near the bottom of the mountains.

There are many other lakes besides these like Harvan Lake , Konsarnag or Vishno Pad Lake. Gangabal Lake, Sheshnag Lake, Neelang Lake, Tarsar and Marsar lakes, Sokh and Dokh lakes.