Kashmir was once called Heaven on Earth, and one of the most beautiful places in the world. However, in last couple of years, terrorism has faded its charm – A place home to Himalayan Ranges. Yet the previous year, Kashmir recorded the maximum number of tourists ever. The alluring beauty of Kashmir gives you a reason to live and visit this place again and again.  The famous Dal lake where you can stay in houseboats, a five star luxury beyond the hotels that offers you the options to choose your cuisine according to your own taste and enjoy your meals while looking at the hustle and bustle of the Dal. The Shikaras, Kashmiri handicrafts like shawls, woodcarvings, dried fruits, saffron and the Kashmiri Culture are some of the attractions.
Here are the top reasons to visit Kashmir:

1. Beauty:  Needless to say, Kashmir offers such breath taking views that it becomes extremely difficult for one to go back home! From the very beautiful Tulip, Nishat, Chashma Shahi and Mughal Gardens to the marvelous hill stations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam & Sonamarg; Kashmir has it all.

Dal Lake

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Hello Ghumakkars

We had spent three days in Kashmir and had covered Gulmarg and Sonamarg. If you still haven’t read the previous posts then click here. Moving on, next day was our fourth day in Srinagar. According to the itinerary, we had to leave for Pahalgam. We woke up around 7:30 AM, had our breakfast, and were all set by 9:00 AM. Mr. Rouf was waiting for us on the other side of the lake. I was somewhere very excited to discover Pahalgam, but I wasn’t happy, as this was the last day in Kashmir. :( Anyway, I cheered up, and we were then taken by a shikara to the other side of the lake.

The Green Tunnel

Mr. Rouf told us that Pahalgam is a town and a notified area committee in  Anantnag district. It is 76 kms from Srinagar and 55 kms from Anantnag. He also told us the on our way, we would pass through the Green Tunnel, Saffron Fields and shops. We had to buy some dry fruits and Saffron on the way. He also told us that Pahalgam is a world famous hill station located on the banks of river Lidder at an altitude of 7200 ft. and was once a humble shepherd’s village with breathtaking views.

Pahalgam is an ideal place for an adventure sports enthusiast. It offers wonderful treks, skiing, mountaineering and camping sites. Facilities for roller-skating, table tennis, badminton and cards are available at the Pahalgam Club. One can take a temporary membership at the Pahalgam natural golf course.

Some famous spots, which Pahalgam offers, are:

i). Chandanwari (16km* : 2,923m): famous for its snow bridge.

ii). Baisaran (5 km* : 2,438m): Pine forests dot this meadow which presents a picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains.

iii). Aru (11 km* : 2,408m) – This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 mts.

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Hello Ghumakkars

Thank you people for a wonderful response to the previous post. If you still haven’t read it then click here. It was our second day in Kashmir. We had covered Sonamarg and we back to our hotel by 4:00 PM. According to our itinerary, we had to go to Nishat Gardens. I have already written about the same here. After covering the scintillating Nishat Gardens, we now had to go for a Shikara/Gondola Ride on Dal Lake. The Dal is famous not only for its beauty, but for its vibrance, because it sustains within its periphery, a life that is unique anywhere in the world. The houseboat and shikara communities have lived for centuries on the Dal, and so complete is their infrastructure on the lake, that they never have to step on land! Doctors, tailors, and bakers – you’ll see them all in tiny wooden shops on the lake, near picturesque vegetable gardens and acres of lotus gardens.

Shikara

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Hello Everyone!

As they say beauty is in the eyes of beholder. And that is so true of the Valley. In Kashmir there is as much hidden as revealed. So the Valley has to be seen with the eyes of the soul. These words were true as soon as I visited Kashmir “The only Paradise on Earth”! It was the month of October’11 & the year was about to end. I desperately wanted to go on a journey. The traveler in me was hungry! So, We decided to plan a trip to Kashmir. My Dad made the necessary booking & arrangements. We were to leave Lucknow on 5th Nov’11 (2 days before Eid) & the trip was for ten days. I was so excited that I used to literally mark the days on a calendar. Each day I used to chant Kashmir! Kashmir! Kashmir! which definitely irritated my family! Days flew by, and the bags were packed. We took off from Lucknow and reached Delhi the same evening.As we had a connecting flight the other day so we stayed in my Mausi’s residence. Next day, in no time we were in Kashmir.

Snow capped mountains

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