Chashma Shahi (The
Royal Spring)
This garden, smallest of
the gardens, nearest to the city was laid out in 1692 by Ali Mardan
Khan. It measures 108 by 38 meters and a central channel flows
through it like those of other gardens. It has three terraces.
Recently it has been extended and new terraces have been added
to. The spring, from which the garden derives its name, it credited
to possess medicinal properties. It is the only garden where the
visitor must pay for admission.
Khir Bhawani
25 km. from Srinagar and
5 km. from Ganderbal is a marble shrine with gold plated dome
in the middle of a pool formed by spring waters which change colors
from time to time, know as Khir Bhawani. the personal guardian
Goddess of the Kashmiri Hindus. Hundreds of them visit to holy
shrine to pay their respect everyday.
Mansabal Lake
32 km. from Srinagar on the
circular tour of Wullar Lake, is Mansabal lake named after the
famous Lake Manasarover. This panoramic lake, lotus laden in summer,
is a bird watchers’ paradise. The lake abounds both in fish
and aquatic birds and also has very fine camping grounds on its
shores. Its crystal clear, placid water make it a much sought
after peaceful heaven.
Acehabal
Situated at the altitude
of 1,677 meters at the foot of a wooded hill, Acchabal is 56 km.
from Srinagar via Anantnag. This spot of immense beauty has lovely
garden designed by Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jehan,
in 1620 AD. The water of a spring flows through the stone lined
three canals over three terraces and the same number of cascades
having several fountains. There are Tourist Huts and Tourist Bungalow
and also a cafeteria which serves tea and snacks.
Verinag (The Source
of Jhelum or Vitasta)
Verinag, the source of Jheluni
or Vitasta, is famous for its copious spring. The legend is: Once
Lord Shiva prevailcd upon his consort Parvati to appear in the
form of a river, and thrust his trident into the earth. Immediately
a stream gushed out in a span or Vitasta’, the name Jhelum
was known in the ancient times. Verinag is also known as Nil Nag
and was sacred to Naga king of this name. The Octogonal pool of
deep blue waters and the surrounding arcade were begun by Jehangir
but were completed during Shah Jahan’s leign. Down the stream,
in the east, are remains of a royal pavillion and baths. The steam
is an angler’s paradise, as it abounds in fish.
Kausar Nag (The Vishnu
Pad)
This delightful lake, formed
like a foot with toes and heel, at 3658 metres height, is fed
by snow fields around it. It is 50 km. south from Srinagar. The
Panjal peaks, looming large over it, add to its majestic glory.
Aharbal & Kungawatan
Amidst picturesque environs,
the gigantic Aharbal fall coming down from u height of 24 meters,
makes a glorious sight in the morning, when the rays of the sun
transform the spray into a rainbow spectrum. This glorious pleasure
spot, 50 km. south of Srinagar has a Tourist Bungalow and a Rest
House. Kungawatan is breath-taking meadow. The entire lone is
trekkers paradise.
Dachigrain
Originally a royal game preserve,
Dachigram Wildlife Sanctuary, rich both in flora and fauna, is
21 km. from Srinagar ahead of Harwan. Such wild animals as the
Himalayan black bear, brown hear, musk deer, the hangul or Kashmir
stag and panther haunt its wild expanse. Tourists are required
to obtain spiced permits from the Chief Wild Life Warden to enter
the sanctuary.
Daksum
A serene and beautiful forest
retreat, girdled by mountains, Daksum is 85 km. south-east of
Srinagar. There is a cafeteria and catering arrangements are also
available, from here one can trek to Kishtwar through the Simthan
Pass.
Ganderbal
19 km. from Srinagar on Srinagar
Leh route, on the banks of the river Sind, at the height of 5,200
feet is Ganderbal. it provides excellent camping grounds with
its stately chinars and turfy banks.
Martand
This is a sun-temple, situated
6 km. to the east of Anantnag and 64 km. from Srinagar. This temple
was built by King Lalitaditya MuktaPeeda, a well-known warrior
king (669-739 A.D.). These massive construction and architectural
design inspire a beholder with awe and wonder.
Yusmarg
Forty km. from Srinagar Yusmarg
is a beautiful small valley in the hills of Pir Panjal range.
The way to this pleasure spot is lined with giant pines with fires
on either side. There are Tourist Huts and Rest Houses. Ponies
are also available for trips to nearby places. As a base for many
short treks, Yusmarg is becoming increasingly popular it is said
to be the place where Christ Once came.
Wular Lake
Wular Lake, the largest fresh
water lake in india, is 60 km. from Srinagar. 19 by 10 km. in
area the lake is situated amidst picturesque 5 with high mountains
making it a big pond. Jhelum passes right through its heart. Rich
in legend and lore, the lake gets stormy at times. A wonderful
bubbling spring in the lake around which the lake waters swirl
gently, is a rich experience. Zaina Lank, a small but a picturesque
island adds to the fascination of the lake.
Srinagar has a variety of accommodation suiting to all purses
and preferences. The reservation for the accommodation in the
adjoining area (excursions) could be had through the Dy. Director,
Tourist Reservations Deptt., Srinagar. Besides, scores of good
hotels and lodges, Srinagar has many houseboats for tourists’
stay. A stay in a houseboat is a rare experience. A trip to Kashmir
is said to be incomplete without such an experience, however short
it may be., There are thousands of houseboats including Deluxe
ones, which are luxurious like five star hotels, first class and
economy class as well. They provide both boarding and lodging.
The houseboats on Dal and Nagin Lakes, with all the modern amenities
and conceivable luxuries, offer a perfect aquatic holiday to those
who chose to live in them. There you have your own cook, an expert
in Kashmiri cuisine, to provide you with the mouth-watering and
filling Wazwan’, Rista’ and ‘Gustaba’,
‘Kahwa from gleaming samovars’. Vendors visit you
in shikaras, a floating emporium ladden with fruits, flowers,
shawls, pherans, poots, carpets, jewellery and various attractive
and useful articles to handicrafts.
A Trip to Gulmarg
Gulmarg or ‘the Meadow
of Flowers’, is charming hill station, situated at 2,653
meters, amidst tall pines, gigantic firs and snow-capped mountains
shining in their pristine glory. It is 51 km. from Srinagar. In
spring its slopes get a flowers’ carpet with daisies, forget
me notes, butter cups and blue bells spreading a riot of colors.
The Mughal Emperor Jehangir is said to have once collected as
many as 21 different varieties of wild flowers. Its previous name
was Gaurimarg, which was changed to Gulmarg by King Yusuf Shah,
who roamed about here with his mistress 1-labba Khatoon.
In winter it is covered with thick velvet snow, transforming its
gentle slopes into a paradise for skiing, skating and tobogganing.
The resort has a 2000 meters long ropeway to lift the skienthusiasts.
Another 180 meter ski-lift is also there on the training slope.
Training facilities are available and the equipment can be hired.
The resort has also one of the finest and the highest green golf
course in the world. It has been recently relaid by famous Australian
Golfer, Mr. Peter Thomson. The Gulmarg Golf Club holds spring
and autumn tournaments. The golf season begins from May and lasts
up to mid-October.
The road to Gulmarg from Srinagar passed through paddy fields
and scenic avenues till it reaches Tanmarg (2,255 meters). From
here a steep, narrow foot path as well as a metalled road winds
through blue pines to Gulmarg. From Tagmarg one can also hire
a pony. The buses go directly up to Gulmarg in summer and in winter
also provided the roads are clear. There are tourist huts, Chalet
type hotels and tourist bungalows, for accommodation in the Govt.
controlled lodges/rest houses, advance reservation can be had
through the MD, Tourist Development Corporation, Srinagar. An
11 km. circular walk girdling Gulmarg, runs through pine scented
woods which offers panoramic views of Naga Pavbat across the vale
in the north. Harmukh and Sunset peaks, Apharwat ridge and the
rugged slopes of Ferozpur.
Khilanmarg
At the foot of Apharwat Mountain,
4 km. from Gulmarg, Khiianmarg is just 40 minutes walk from Gulmarg.
The meadow l by 365 meters in area and carpeted with wild flowers,
offers- a superb view of the gigantic Naga Parvat. Colossal Harmukh
and other peaks as well as of the wide expanses of shimmering
Wular and other lakes.
Alpather Lake
Alpather, set in an alcove
under the Cover of main Aphrawat Peak, is 13 km. from Gulmarg
and at the altitude of 4,51 1 meters. The lake flecked with floating
ice, can be reached by a well graded pony track. It is advisable
to visit in only summers as the route becomes dangerous in winters
on account of slippery snowy tongues.
Licnniarg, Ningal Nallah and Ziarat ofBaba Reshi are other places
of tourist interest around Gulrnarg.
Sojourn in Sonamarg
Sonamarg, or the Golden Meadow,
strewn with wild flowers and surrounded by lofty mountains, at
a height of 2,740 meters, is 84 km. distant from Srinagar. An
all-weather highway connects both these places. Nestled in the
beautiful valley carved out of the River Sindh, this picnic spot
is also an excellent base for trekking. The Sonamarg Glacier is
just 3 km. south of Sonamarg, and midway are a Rest House and
a Tourist Hut. The charming side valley of Thajiwas at the foot
of Sonamarg glacier offers grand camping sites. The mountain slopes
are covered with fir, birch pine and sycamore. Glacier blankets
the whole mountain range and water from falling into the camping
sites. The road to Ladakh also passes through Sonamarg. There
are tourist buses to Sonarnarg from Srinagar run by the JK Road
Transport Corporation.
Pahalgam (The Village
of Shepherds)
At the junction of Lidder
and Seshnag streams, and amidst lofty deodars, fir, pine, junipers
and many other conifers is Pahalgam at an altitude of 2.133 meters.
Originally small and sleepy village of shepherds, Pahalgam has
grown into a major tourist centre because of its many scenic attractions.
A stay in Pahalgam is a totally exhilarating holiday from routine
life for trekking and mo enthusiast, the spot is an ideal base
and starting point. This is also a base for the pilgrimage to
the holy cave of Amarnath.
Pahalgam is accessible by road and there is daily bus service
from Srinagar. JK RTC also operates sight-seeing coach services
from Srinagar to Pahalgam and Anantnag. In Pahalgam there are
a number of Tourist Huts, a Tourist Bungalow and dormitory complex
besides a good number of private hotels with all the modern facilities
including central heating.
The Amarnath Pilgrimage
16 km. from Pahalgam, at
Seshnag’s confluence with Austam Marg Stream, is Chandanwari
at an altitude of 2,896 meters. Famous for its snow bridge, it
is the first camping ground for the tourist going to Amarnath
cave. Trek then passes over a steep ascent called Pissoo Ghati
(3,377 meters). Above is Zojipal, the glacial terrace. Further
up is the emerald lake Seshnag, reflecting the silvery glaciers.
This lake is also rich in legends. Panchatarani is the last camping
ground. The desolate plain here is drained by the river Panchatarni
and surrounded by Snow Mountains. The river is fed by five streams
and the glaciers. From Panchatarni the climb is steep along the
Amarganga tributary and through the mountains.
The holy cave of Amarnath is situated inside a steep cliff at
at altitude of 4,000 meters. A massive ice-lingam inside the cave
waxes and wanes with the phases of moon. The legendary pair of
white doves sit besides the shrine. Legend says that it was here
that Lord Shiva explained the secrets of creation and salvation
to his consdrt Parvati, and the doves overheard them.
The return journey to Srinagar can be via Sonamarg. Trek from
Baltal to Sonamarg is just 15 km. Baltal is a small idyllic valley
and it is here that the Amaravati stream from Amarnath joins the
river Sindh. Baltal is at foot of Zojila Pass. There is a Dak
Bungalow.
Trekking
Kashmir is a paradise especially
for those interested in trekking. Passing though the breath-taking
pulchritude of nature, unpolluted by modern, synthetic life, is
a unique experience. Owing to the charms of idyllic trekking hundreds
of people come here. The Govt. have also provided quite a number
of facilities on the treks. Trekking equipment can also be hired
at reasonable rates. Some of the popular treks are:
Pahalgam-Kolahai glacier; Tarsar & Marsar Lakes; The Trek
to Sindh Valley; Sonamarg-Gangabal Trek.
More>>
|
