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Dal Lake:
Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of India and the second
largest in the state. Its three sides are surrounded by majestic
mountains and a large number of gardens and orchards have been laid
along the shores.. Dal Lake is unique in having hundreds of
houseboats, which afford an opportunity for tourists to reside on
the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Nageen Lake:
Nageen lake is located just a small distance away from Dal Lake. In
fact both the water bodies are interconnected by a small water
channel. In summer time the water is pleasantly cool. The lake is
one of the best ions, which you can enjoy a captivating round of
boating. Even in the middle of the lake you can experience the
thrill of shopping.
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 portion the Emperor's
garden called as the "Diwan-i�Khas" and the uppermost by far the
best garden was 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.
Nishat Garden:
Nishat garden, the garden of Delight, is the largest Mughal Garden
on Dal-Lake and was laid out by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jahan, The
empress of Mughal India and 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 with 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.
Pari Mahal
The name Pari Mahal appears to be a distorted version of "Peer Mahal"
built by Prince Dara Shikoh, eldest son of Emperor Shah ]ahan in the
year 1640 A.D. for his tutor Peer Mullah Shah. Once the royal
observatory, it is a seven terraced garden located on the base of
Zabarvan mountain range over-looking city of Srinagar and Dal-Lake.
The Mahal built for the meditation and summer residence of Peer
Mullah Shah is a replica of typical Mughal architecture in garden
layout, water now been restored to its glory with captivating
terraced gardens, motorable road up to the garden and wonderful
lighring effects which look marvelous and captivating at night.
Shanakaracharya Temple:
The sacred temple of Shankaracharya occupies the top of the The
sacred temple of Shankaracharya occupies the top of the hills known
as Takht-I-Sulaiman in the south-east of Srinagar. The site dates
back to 250BC. The philosopher Shankaracharya stayed at this place
when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma
Tulip Garden:
Tulip garden previously named as Model Floriculture Centre, is
located at the base of Zabarwan Hills with partial fromnt view of
picturesque Dal Lake. This garden was conceived, conceptualized and
created by Mr. Gh. Nabi Azad, the then Chief Minister, J&K in the
year 2006-07. Main aim of this garden is to boost floriculture and
advance tourism in Kashmir Valley. Over 12 Lakh tulip bulbs of 68
varieties of different colours are said to be blooming here every
year
Cheshma Shahi:
Chashma Shahi is a beautiful garden situated at the distance of
almost eight kilometers from the city. It was a natural spring
around which a garden was developed by the brother of Nur Jahan, the
famous queen of Jahangir, the third Mughal emperor. He was so
fascinated with the surroundings that he not only decorated the
spring�s surroundings with beautiful floral plants and ornamental
trees but also roofed the spring. A reservoir was constructed around
the spring from which water gushed through canal network to causing
fountains to play day and night, creating a soothing atmosphere
during the summers. Among the Mughal gardens of Kashmir Chashma
Shahi fascinated Shahjahan, the fourth Mughal emperor, the most
owing to the fact that it haunted him with the sweet memories of his
beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal who always accompanied him during his
visit to these gardens.
Pahalgam - Valley of Shepherds
Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and
Kashmir, in the northern region of India. Situated at an altitude of
2130 meters above sea level and positioned beside the Liddar River,
in the Liddar valley, Pahalgam is at a distance of 95 km east of
Srinagar. Pahalgam is known for the crystal clear waters of River
Lidder which is just before the entry into Pahalgam and is an ideal
spot for trekking, picnics and pony rides. Pahalgam is adorned with
lush greenery and tall pine trees. Pony rides take you around this
whole place. The picturesque location of this place also makes it an
ideal spot for movie shootings. Pahalgam is also the starting point
to take you to Pilgrimage shrines of Amarnath Caves, which is said
to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in July-Aug thousands of
Pilgrims approach the caves through here.The Valley of Shepherds as
it is called, the mystic land of Pahalgam soaked in the morning dew,
looks afresh and is protected by fir and snow capped peaks that
forms an ideal destination for the trekking aficionados. A plethora
of mountains and glaciers, it offers breathtaking views of the
valleys and the surrounding area. In short Pahalgam is rightly
called the Jewel of the Liddar Valley.
Betaab Valley
Enroute to Amarnath, the Betaab valley has got its name from a Hindi
Indian hit movie �BETAAB�. The film was picturised in this beautiful
valley. Located at an altitude of 2530 meters above the sea level,
this picturesque valley has all that which can attract you to its
beauty.
The eye catching sapphire like waters, the green fields, the meadows
(The �Deodar trees*�) add to the charming beauty of this heavenly
valley.
Yusmarg:
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. This is
Yusmarg- close enough to Srinagar for a picnic, idyllic enough to
make you want to stay for a few days. Here are walks of every sort -
a leisurely amble along flower-strewn meadows or away to where a
mighty river froths and crashes its way over rocks, its mild white
foam earning it the name of Dudh Ganga. Further away, a captivating
lake, Nilnag, is cradled by hills. 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.
Gulmarg - Land of the Snows
Gulmarg�s legendry beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar
naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country.
Originally called Gaurimarg by shepherds, its present name was given
in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the
sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was
a favorite haunt of Emperor Jehangir, who once collected 21
different varieties of flowers from here. From Gulmarg a picturesque
view of the Himalayas is visible from each and every corner of
Gulmarg.
The sight of the snow capped peaks, glaciers and fir woods in
Gulmarg leave you speechless at the very first glimpse. The drive to
Gulmarg takes around 2-3 hrs by road and is located at a height of
2650 meters above sea level. The journey to Gulmarg is fascinating
as it gives a pretty view of flat expanses of rice fields
interspersed with small hamlets, and rigid avenues of poplar.
Depending on the season, nature�s colors could be translucent green
in spring, summer�s rich emerald or autumns golden hues, when
scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg,
the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one
point, known simply as View Point, travelers generally stop their
vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow �
covered mountains almost within touching distance.
Sonamarg - The Golden Land
Sonamarg literally meaning � The Meadow of Gold� lies in the heart
of a beautiful valley carved by the river Sindh. At a magical height
of 3000 meters, the beautiful mountain resort is surrounded by
towering mountains that glow once the sun sets its eyes upon them.
Rich forests of silver, intermingled with Sycamore and fringed on
their upper borders with silver birch clothe the mountain sides
Sonamarg boasts of colorful valleys with grand rocky cliffs and
white glaciers. Situated 80 km�s northeast of Srinagar, the road
that runs to Sonamarg is the beginning of an enchanted journey into
a natural wonderland. Sonamarg is a wonderful destination for an
intrepid traveler, who is looking for exciting places known for
their adventure sports. Apart from valleys, the Sonamarg region also
boasts of high altitude lakes only reached via trekking trails.
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