General Information:
Area: 222,4000sq km
Popullation: 8.6 million
Capital: Srinagar
People per sq km 39
Main Languages: Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Ladakhi.
Best Time to Go: May to Septembar.

Srinagar

Srinagar is truly a tourists' delight. There are waterways with their unique life-style, houseboats, handcrafted souvenirs, on array of out door activities and much more. Srinagar greatly exhibits the influence of the Mughals, which it abound in water-front gardens laid with great care and love. These are now known as the Mughal Gardens.

Srinagar, the state capital, is situated at an altitude of 1,730 metres above sea lave. It is connected by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways flights directly to Jammu and New Delhi, and hence to every part of the national network. Srinagar is connected by an all-weather road to Jammu, which in turn is connected to many parts of North India. Srinagar's nearest railhead is Jammu which in turn connects all parts of the country, including Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and Kanyakumari.

 Mughal Gardens - Shalimar Bagh 
From the waterways on to the famous Mughal Gardens of Shalimar, Nishat and Chashma Shahi. This is Kashmir at its royal best, with beauty enhanced by the backdrop of lakes and mountains and carefully sited for the best views of both. Shalimar Bagh has an air of seclusion and repose, and its rows of fountains and shaded trees seem to recede towards the snow capped mountains.

Kashmir was a favorite of the Mughal emperors who visited it as often as they could. Cool and refreshing after the plains of North India where the business of governance kept them. they planted gardens with stepped terraces and flowing water courses. When they rested in their gardens, the dreamt they were in paradise. Cheshmashahi is the first Mughal garden you will pass after Nehru Park. 

Dal and Nagin lakes

The Dal and the Nagin lakes with their houseboats and shikaras are major tourist attractions. From the tourist point of view, the best initial exploration of Srinagar starts with riding aboard a shikara and following its course through the heart of the city.

 

Gulmarg 

The most famous among the Kashmiri meadow lands is Gulmarg, or the Meadow of Flowers. It is a saucer-shaped hollow over hanging the main valley of Kashmir. From Gulmarg, a ski lift is used to provide access to the slopes where winter skiing used to be very popular. A few kilometers from Gulmarg, beyond meadows, ridges and forests lie the snow slopes of Khillanbarg. On a clear day, the views from Gulmarg are superb. But the most thrilling of all is the view of the great mountains to the north and the magnificent peak of Nanga Parbat.

Gulmarg  a huge cup-shaped meadow, lush and green, with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of coe-bells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film and not surprisingly, has been the venue of several films. All around are snow capped mountains, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Naga Parbat in one direction and Srinagar in another. 

Gulmarg is the ultimate beginner's skiing resort. You don't need the kink of wardrobe you see on TV- slacks or a salwar kameez will do fine. You don't even need heavy woolens. as in Gulmarg you'll be able to hire snow boots, mufflers, woolen socks, windproof jackets and caps.

Sonmarg

Almost diagonally across the Valley lies Sonmarg. Here the Sindh river rushes through a gorge. Sonmarg is encircled by great peaks whose flanks gleam with the glaciers. Rich forests of silver fir, sycamore, and birch are present in the area. The green Sonmarg forms the divide between Kashmir and Ladakh, two completely different worlds.

The drive to Sonamarg is through yet another spectacular facet fo countryside in Kashmir, this time the Sindh Valley.Sonamarg, which means' meadow of gold has as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glaciera major ataction during the summer months. 

Chamba, Dalhousie & Khajjiar
Dalhousie, a sanatorium - resort established by the British, is known for its beautiful walks and forest trails. Moving higher, one passes a charming meadow, with a lake, this is Khajjiar. Surrounded by forests of the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, there is a temple dedicated to Khajjinag here. Further ahead is Chamba, a settlement perched on a cliff above a river. Chamba has beautiful mountain hideouts and is known for its quality handicrafts and art

 Pahalgam

Pahalgam  at the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag lame, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breath taking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer. 

Amount Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steeps hils, it is worth hiring a pony rather than waling. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations. The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hagan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Film goers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes