About Jammu Kashmir : Jammu & Kashmir is famous as paradise on earth and the top most tourist destination of India. It is the northern most state of India and its greater part is situated in the Himalayan Mountains. J & K consists of three major regions i.e., Jammu – Winter Capital of the state, every year thousands of pilgrims visit holy shrine of Amarnath here, Kashmir Valley – Kashmir Valley is famous for the landscapes, Himalayas, nature, snow, greenery and cuisines. Its beauty is compared to the heaven, a famous poet has written in persian language to praise the beauty of Kashmir valley “Gar firdaus, rahe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast.” Means “if there is ever heaven on earth it’s here, it’s here, it’s her, Kashmir is popular destination for activities like fishing, camping, trekking, pilgrimage, horse-riding, gardens, Greenland, Skiing, Golfing and paradise for Honeymooners and Ladakh – it is also known as little Tibet of India and renowned for its remote mountain beauty and Buddhist Culture & monasteries.
Destinations of Jammu & Kashmir :
Srinagar : Srinagar is a panoramic beautiful city and summer capital of state Jammu and Kashmir. Its beauty can be admired throughout the year. During winters it is very cold and best place to see snow whereas in summers it is become picturesque when flowers blossoms everywhere in valley, snow melts and trees get into a new shapes. The roof-tops of the houses are turned into the flower gardens. One of the best part of Srinagar trip is the Houseboat stay - The beautiful unique architecture like floating hotels in the water. In Srinagar the popular lakes are Dal Lake and Nagin Lake where you can stay in Houseboats and also can enjoy the Shikara Ride in the evening.
Gulmarg : Gulmarg is an amazing hill station and popular destination in Kashmir and it is a must visit place during your trip to J & K. Here you can see the snow throughout the year and it is just 3.5 hrs drive from Srinagar. You can also go for the same day excursion trip to Gulmarg. Gulmarg is also quite popular for its Gondola Ride (Cable Car Ride). It is one of the best place to enjoy the Skiing and Golfing.
Pahalgam : Pahalgam is another attraction during your trip to Jammu & Kashmir. It is a kind of picturesque picnic spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Kashmir. On the way to Pahalgam from Gulmarg you can see the saffron farms of Kashmir from where you can also purchase the best saffron of the world. There natural beauty of Pahalgam includes pine trees, springs, Himalaya mountains, greenery. During the Amarnath Yatra it is one of the starting point of your journey and that time Pahalgam is highly in demand and always recommended to you to book your hotels well in advance to secure your place. It is good for river rafting as well.
Sonamarg : Literally Sonmarg means meadow of gold because the flowers that wraps the meadow in the spring time. Sonamarg is the main base for the treks that passes along several mountain lakes like the Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the major point for the drive to Ladakh across the Zoji La pass and also a base camp to start the yatra to the holy Amarnath cave. You can see some of the amazing glaciers in the Sonmarg area.
Amarnath Cave : Is one of the most important pilgrimage journey which opens only once in a year from May till August. The journey goes through some very picturesque places like Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Sheshnag Lake, Baltal, Ganesh Top, Chandanbari etc. This holy journey dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the toughest pilgrimage journey in India. In Amarnath cave pilgrims pray their homage to Lord Shiva in form of naturally ice made Shiva Lingam. Here you have the option to take the helicopter service if you are not able to walk long, trek, climb but you need to book it in advance or on same day you have to depends on your luck to get the seats. But Amarnath yatra is best if you go by road to admire the natural beauty of this place.
