Poetry of Nature
Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a many-faceted diamond,
changing its character with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful.
Three Himalayan ranges, Karakoram, Zanskar and Pir Panjal - snow-capped, majestic,
frame the landscape from Northwest to northeast. Great rivers flow down from
these mountains into the valleys below, forested with wild orchards and lily
laden lakes.
Kashmir is awesome grandeur, serenity, and a wild profusion of colour. The
Mughals, who celebrated beauty, planted their symmetrical gardens and added
a further dimension to the valleys of Kashmir. They also left behind a heritage
of exquisite artisanship among the people, making the handicrafts of the land
prized gifts the world over.
Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas take shape. In winter, when snow
carpets the mountains, skiing, tobogganing, sled-riding are popular sports.
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. Golf at 3,000 meters above the sea, water-skiing, sailing and angling
for prized rainbow trout. Or simply drift into dreams down the willow fringed
alleys of lakes in gorgeous houseboats. The possibilities are endless.
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Srinagar 
Dating back to the 3rd century BC, founded by Emperor Ashoka, Srinagar grew
on both banks of the river Jhelum in the heart of the Kashmir Valley. It is
the state capital and lies 900 kms. north of Delhi. The Dal Lake is its waterfront.
Between the lake and the mountain ranges are the Moghul gardens; Shalimar,
Nishat and Chasm-e-shahi.
The oldest and largest of mosques of Kashmir are also in Srinagar. In the
heart of the city, rises the 304 mts. high Shankaracharya Hill also known
as the Throne of King Solomon. It offers a panoramic view of the city, the
valley and the Pir Panjal range. On the north-eastern side is Hari Parbat,
another sacred mount which has a fortification built by Emperor Akbar in 1592,
surrounded by fragrant almond orchards. A Durga temple stands nearby at Chareshwari.
Then there are the Pather Masjid, built in 1620 by the Empress Nur Jehan,
the Madani Masjid built by Sultan Zain-ul-Abdin, the poet-musician-ruler of
Kashmir, the single greatest influence on the artistic heritage of the land.
Within motorable distance of Srinagar, are the
following places:
Avantipur- famous for its sulphur springs and Moghul summer
palaces.
Martand (on the way from Srinagar to Pahalgham) with a 7th
century Vishnu temple built by king Lalitaditya Muktapid. Martand is also
famous for its hot springs with curative powers. A surya (sun) temple built
by Lalitaditya lies in ruins 3 kms away, revealing a definite Roman influence
with Bengali Pala architecture.
Kokarnag - 70 kms away in the heart of the Bhringi valley
- has springs flowing at an altitude of 2,000 mts. said to possess miraculous
curative powers The remains of a pavilion and baths built by the Moghuls can
be seen at Verinag, 80 kms away from Srinagar. The Jhelum has its source here.
Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, has the Himalayan black and
brown bear, musk deer and the Kashmiri stag hangul.
Burzahom- the remains of a settlement dating back to 2,500
BC
Pahalgham- Unspoilt by the ravages of progress, 96 kms east
of Srinagar, nestled on the banks of the river Lidder lies the quaint village
of Pahalgham The serious angler’s delight, even amateurs manage a fair
catch of rainbow trout from the rushing streams with bustling schools of fish
The large brown bear is a natural inhabitant of the thick pine an fir forests
that cover the mountainside Pahalgham has a golf course at 2400 mts. above
sea level and is well equipped as a base for trekkers Camping equipment, ponies
and porters are readily available. Kolahoi glacier is the popular destination
via Aru, a charming meadow. Pilgrims bound for Amarnath stop at Pahalgham,
their first point of worship
Gulmarg - India’s finest ski resort, Gulmarg, 53 kms
from Srinagar, is known as “the meadow of flowers.” It also has
the distinction of offering the highest natural golf course in the world at
2890 mts. Mid-December to March, Gulmarg becomes an exciting winter sports
resort Skiing, tobogganing, ski-bobbing, are some of the activities offered
here, with instruction and equipment facilities.
Sonmarg - Gateway to Ladakh, at an altitude of 2740 mts.
with brilliant forests of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and
pine, Sonmarg is a golden meadow of enthralling beauty Three lakes, Kishtawar,
Vishensar and Gangatal can be viewed from the snow-covered Nichinai Pass 20
kms east of Sonmarg is the Zoji-la Pass at 3540 mts. which leads into the
Ladakh plateau.
