Kashmir Tour Places

Shalimar Garden

Shalimar garden was built by Mughal Emperor Jehangir in the year 1619 AD and called it "Farah Baksh" (the delightful). Eleven years later Zaffer Khan the Governor of Kashmir during Emperor Shah Jahan's reign extended the garden and called it "Faiz Baksh" (the Bountiful). The garden was graded in three sections. The outer garden known as the Diwan-i-Aam, the central porrion the Emperor's garden called as the "Diwan-i­Khas" and the uppermost by far the best garden was meanc for the Empress and her ladies. The romantic effect of numerous fountains in large tanks and central water channel, cascades, and monumental pavilions, mighty chinars, lush lawns laden with colour and fragrance speak volumes for the taste of Great Mughal. The garden covers an area of 12.40 ha.15 kms from the TRC.

Nishat Garden

Nishat garden, the garden of Delight, the largest Mughal Garden on Dal-Lake was laid out by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir, in the year 1632 A.D. It is located on Dal-Lake about 2.5 Kilometers to the south of Shalimar and commands a magnificent view in the west and has a panoramic back drop of mountains in the East. The garden had originally 12 terraces. Enchanting central water channel, rippling fountains in large tanks and channels and sparkling cascades amidst bountiful colours, lush lawns and mighty chinars are principal features of this pleasure garden. The garden is spread over an area of about 20 ha.

This garden is situated on the national highway about 45 Km from Srinagar on the bank of River ]ehlum.This garden was built by Dara Shikoh eldest son of emperor Shah ]ahan in the year 1640 A.D. It served as camping round for Mughal journey. Majestic Chinars add to the beauty of this garden.This garden is spread over an area of 17.15 ha.

Botanical Garden Kokernag, Anantnag

The pleasure garden of serene beauty against the backdrop of high and thick pine forests existed earlier on about 0.8 ha. in front of the famous springs of pure, cool mineral water.In 1969 the garden was extended to an area of about 26 ha. and converted into a' Botanical Garden besides being a pleasure garden. New lawns have been laid and about One Lakh ornamental plants, trees, bushes, roses, as well as flora from the wild niches of higher range has been planted. A separate section comprising of wild flora of the valley is mainrained in this garden.Modern effects like rosary, Japanese bridges over the gushing water stream, water ponds, live garden seats, topiary work etc. are points of attraction in the garden. 

Mughal Garden, Verinag Anantnag

The present name Verinag is probably the deformed version of Virah-Nag in Sanskrit. It is located about 61 Kilometers south of Srinagar at the foot of Banihal hill range. The gushing spring of Verinag is the source of the river Jehlum in Kashmir.Mughal Emperor Jhangir was highly impressed by the natural beauty of this irregular spring and its surroundings and built an octagonal tank of sculptured stones around it in 1620 A.D. Seven years later his son Shah Jahan constructed cascades and fountains.

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 2420 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.

Pahalgam River Rafting

The sport of white water river rafting calls for a triumph over the swift swirling river as it gushes past spectacular mountains. It is practised mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it frothes and foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep gradients. As with trekking, mountaineering and other sports, river rafting too has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty. The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus April to September are most appropriate. The equipment required is ordinary outdoor gear, goggles, antiseptic cream and a liking for getting wet Pahalgam is a town and a notified area committee in Anantnag district in India's northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination, and every year, many tourists visit Pahalgam. Kolohoi Glacier, situated up the Lidder Valley, just below Mount Kolohoi, is currently a hanging glacier. It is basically hollowed out from global warming, the Asian brown cloud, and local environmental factors associated with mountain hydrology. According to the mountaineers from Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering (JIM) in 2008, the glacier has receded by half since 1985. The glacier is not safe to study because it is hollow and in places has 200-foot-deep (61 m) crevasses. The sounds of cracking can be heard from either side of the ice field, which indicates an imminent collapse. The preferred method of approach for viewing is to take the right side. This approach offers less boulder fields on the approach, and the occasional goat/horse/cattle herder can be approached for cheese and Kashmiri tea on the way. Reaching Kolohoi, trekking up the Lidder Valley, you will encounter some of the most difficult terrain in the western Himalayas, but the views are breathtaking.

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. Gulmarg is a town, a hill station and a notified area committee in Baramula district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.Gulmarg is located 52 km from Srinagar.Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently. The old name of Gulmarg was "Gaurimarg", the name of Lord Shiva's wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862–1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India. The surrounding areas were politically restive during a period of relative peace and quiet. The town is nestled within the imposing Himalayan peaks, and lies within miles of the Line of Control. It receives heavy snowfall during the winter season and is a popular ski resort.According to CNN, Gulmarg is the "heartland of winter sports in India."Gulmarg was being mooted as a possible host for the 2010 Commonwealth Winter Games. As such, Gulmarg has been rated by CNN International as Asia's seventh best ski destination.This resort is famous because of its "Gulmarg Gondola," one of the highest cable car in the world, reaching 3,979 metres.The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Apharwat Summit (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). The ropeway project is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski.

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. Sonmarg or Sonamarg is a town of Jammu and Kashmir state of India. Situated at 87 km from Srinagar, it is a popular tourist destination. Sonamarg, at an altitude of 3,000 metres above sea level, 87 km north-east of Srinagar. The drive to Sonamargh is though yet another spectacular facet of country side in Kashmir, this time in Sindh Valley. The Sindh Valley is the largest tributary of the valley of Kashmir. It is upwards of sixty miles long, and valley and deep rock-girt gorge to open grassy meadow land and village-dotted slopes. 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, snow trout can be caught in the main river.Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months. However, there is need for some stricter regulation to save the environment of the area from over tourism. Litters such as plastic bottles, etc., are strewn all over along the track.The climate of Sonamarg is very bracing; but the rainfall is frequent though not heavy, except for two or three days at a time in July and August with fine spell in between. From Sonamarg, trekking routes lead to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar (4084 msl), Krishnasar (3810 msl) and Gangabal (3658 msl). Other lakes in the region are Gadsar, stocked with snowtrout and Satsar, glacier-fed and surrounded by banks of alpine flowers. A close by excursion is to Baltal, 15 km north of Sonamarg. This little valley lies at the foot of the Zojila, only a day's journey away from the sacred cave of Amarnath. Trekkers can also reach the starkly splendid roof-top of the world – Leh, by crossing over the Zoji La pass. A large number of Hindi movies have been pictured in the serene beauties of Sonamarg.

Yusmarg

One hour drive from Srinagar, this idyllic meadow is ideal for a day’s picnic or a short walk along the mighty "Doodh Ganga" river, its name deriving from its milk white foam. Picnic on its banks or simply doze in the sun. A starting point for many peaks like "Trata Kutti" and "Sang-safed" - this is a trekkers base. Yusmarg is a small meadow set in the heart of mountains to the south-west of Srinagar. It is an ideal picnic spot and the Nilnag Lake can be visited from here. A two hour drive from Srinagar ( 47 kms ) will take you to acres upon acres of grassy meadow ringed by forests of pine, and towering beyond them, awesome and majestic snow clad mountains. Nearby are several peaks-Tatta Kutti and Sang Safed to name a couple of them. About 13 kms from Yusmarg, a short detour away from the Srinagar road, is Charari- Sharief, the Shrine of Kashmir’s patron saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi, now rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1994 which engulfed the entire building. Yusmarg is an ideal day-picnic resort.One can enjoy pony ride in and around Yusmarg. Trek to the mountain lake of NilNag can be undertaken from Yusmarg. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a pony back. There is Tourist huts available. Neel Nag of Yusmarg would have been one among the sources of Jehlum, the second source (present) day source at Verinag was the third source of the river. However, the geologists widely are of the opinion that Neelnag (Yusmargh), whose water level always remain constant even in the rainy days owes to the reason that it must be contributing its precious water to ‘Verinag’ owing to the transfer of water from lake at higher altitude to the lake at lower place.

Daksum

A trekker’s paradise (2 hours very scenic drive) swathed in coniferous forests, gurgling streams, hidden grassy meadows, where your only company is the sound of the gushing Bringhi river or an occasional shepherd tending his flock. Daksum is also famous for its trout - an angler’s heaven.

Wular and Manasbal Lake

Wular is Asia’s largest fresh-water lake, formidable in its size is like a chameleon with every mile of its strectch.The calm waters of Manasbal lake are retreat for bird watchers. Glide on a shikara on the lake with only gentle sound of the water and the birds to break the silence (2 hours round trip).

Shikara Rides

You can enjoy beautiful rides on shikaras; visiting Nehru park, Kabutur Khana, Charchinari, Floating Islands and typical vegetable farmer villages on the Dal lake. The canals are spectacular. Shikara is a type of wooden boat which is normally found in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Shikaras are used for various purposes like transportation, fishing and seaweed harvesting. Some of the poor people in Kashmir use these shikaras as floating homes. Shikaras are among the popular tourist attractions in the valley of Kashmir as several tourists take a cruise along the Nagin and Dal lakes in this region. There are many houseboats and shikara communities along the Dal Lake who have lived for centuries. Most of the houseboats are perfectly furnished in English Style and chairs, couches, tables, proper beds and bathrooms with hot water are included in these houseboats. Shikara ride is one of the most relaxing and soothing aspects of a holiday in the valley of Kashmir. Shikaras are being used for longer tours which is one of the worthful pleasures ride around the Lakes of Dal and Nagin. This two hour shikara ride takes tourists on a soothing sightseeing tour of some of the interior parts of the placid and calm waters of the Dal Lake.As this Dal Lake is centrally situated in the landscape of Srinagar several places of interest are been built in its surrounding area.

Aharbal

As on approaches the great waterfall of Aharbal, the distant rumble turns into a roar. Dotted with delighful picnic spots this waterfall is also the starting point for intresting treks. (1½ hour drive). One of the beautiful places to see in Kashmir is the AHARBAL WATER FALL.In fact so thrilling is the beauty of this water fall that one tries to go near and near to it and keep watching it for hours together . The water fall of 24.4 metres is created by river VESHAV( VISHNU PAAD ) as it moves further down from KUNGWATTAN area to join river JHELUM or VITASTA at SANGAM (just near BIJBIHARA Bridge) . The source of River VESHAV is KOUNSER NAAG Lake . As a matter of fact there are two water falls . Another fall just fifty metres below the main fall is about 7 metres in height . The roar of this fall with mist created by water vapours looks horribly beautiful.The fall provides a potential to generate about 100 Megawatts of Hydroelectric power for this Power starved state . The water fall is about 76 kms from Srinagar city if we take a shorter route via P and Shopian . The other route is through Khannabal and Kulgam . This route is a little longer roughly 95 kms from Srinagar city . From Shopian town the actual Fall site is about 16 Kms. One has to go down just 100 well laid out steps, duly fenced to reach the fall from the car parking area of Aharbal.Entire area is being developed by Aharbal Development Authority. Restaurants , Huts for night staying , Tea stalls , and view spots are fast coming up. The area is mostly inhabited by Gujjars and Pahari speaking people though some kashmiris also live in and around AHARBAL.Just 3 kms from SHOPIAN Town near village CHOWGAM, a road branches to BAFLIAZ ( POONCH ) . The road is known as Mughal Road.

Dachigam National Park

At one time the exclusive hunting preserve of the local Maharaja and now a beautiful sanctuary spread over an area of 141 sq.kms owing to a strict conservation programme. Dachigam is the home of 20 mammal specials including the Kashmir Hangul, Snow leopard, black bear and over 15 species of avifauna (18 kms drive). Dachigam National Park is located 22 kilometers from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of 141 square kilometers. The name of the park literally stands for "ten villages" which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated for its formation. The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir and later under the observation of the concerned government authorities. It was initially created to ensure clean drinking water supply for the city of Srinagar. It was finally upgraded and declared a National Park in the year 1981.Dachigam National park is located among the high mountains of the mighty western Himalayas. The variation in altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this vast variation, the park is very clearly demarcated into an upper and lower region. The terrain ranges from gently sloping grasslands to sharp rocky outcrops and cliffs. Part of the park lies above the tree line and this area displays its own kind of natural beauty with bare rock mountains and crevices.The mountainsides below the tree line are heavily wooded. Most of this coniferous forest consists of broad leaf species. Interspersed between these are alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls and scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally known as Nars, running down the mountain face. Most of the grasslands and meadows, except in the harsh winters, are covered with brightly coloured flowers. Located high among its interiors is the Marsar lake from which flows the Dagwan river. This river flows all the way down to, and past, the lower region where it runs along the only proper road in the park and is also famous for its fish population, the trout.