PARADISE ON EARTH : KASHMIR
Jammu & Kashmir is located on the northern extremity of India with hundreds of scenic valleys overlooked by sky-scraping mountain peaks. The beautiful vistas of the region are unmatched by any other place in the world. Also known as the “Paradise on the Earth”, the state is world famous for its scenic splendour, snow-capped mountains, plentiful wildlife, hospitable people and local handicraft. Jammu & Kashmir lies in abode of the great Himalayas along with other mountain ranges like the Pir Panjal & Karakoram. The unique blend of terrain generates breath-taking landscape with gorgeous valleys, mountains, lakes, forests & meadows.
The natural beauty of the region is further enhanced by the seasonal variety all across the year. The Summers commence from month of April and last till July after which rainy spells are seen across. The valley becomes colourful with lush green meadows, gardens full of thousands of colourful flowers, fruit orchards with Apples, Apricots, walnuts etc. This season displays the beauty of the Kashmir valley and attracts tourists.
October onwards, the Jammu & Kashmir undergoes a climatic change where the temperatures start to drop steadily & by November, temp drops below zero. Snowfall starts & morphs the entire landscape from a colourful one to black and white. This season offers new vistas and scenery to the tourists who wait for the first snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir with indulgence. The entire area is frozen with low temperatures & the beautiful valleys turn into a different kind with frozen water surface & surrounded with snow-capped peaks.
There are a plethora of places in Jammu & Kashmir for the tourists to visit the place and that too vary in each season. Additionally, there has been efforts from the locals to ensure availability of various activities which can be indulged into to ensure a memorable trip to Kashmir. The Kashmir valley attracts tourists from across the globe making it a truly global tourist destination. The Dal lake and Mughal Gardens in Srinagar are one of the major attractions in Srinagar. The Tulip garden makes for an amazing sight during the summer season and is a must visit along with the Shikara rides in the Dal Lake. Talking of Shikaras, the houseboats in the famous Dal Lake provide a memorable stay in the sparkling waters with reflections of snow-capped mountain peaks. Guiding a novice to the natural wonders of Jammu & Kashmir, following famous and not so famous places make a memorable itinerary.
(a) Srinagar. It is the most beautiful and famous place to visit in Jammu & Kashmir where attractions like the Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Tulip Gardens, Old Town etc are situated. One can indulge in trekking, boating, shikara rides, water skiing or even bird watching. This is the largest city of Kashmir enclosed with mountains and gives an insight into Kashmiri culture.
(b) Gulmarg. It is famously called as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’ due to its vibrant flower covered landscape with a backdrop of snow peaks. There are various adventure activities available at this place like skiing, trekking & mountain climbing. Best time to vis this place is during winters when the snow provides amazing views with opportunity for skiing.
(c) Sonamarg. As the name suggests, this place is called as ‘Meadow of Gold’ due to its endless stream of stunning flowers & challenging trekking routes. The best season to visit would be during Summers in May to June.
(d) Kupwara. Also called as the ‘Delight of Kashmir’, Kupwara is a small district 90 Km from the state capital of Srinagar. It has finest of nature’s views with green meadows & sparkling waters.
(e) Kathua. Commonly know as the ‘City of Sufis’, Kathua is a highly underrated place in Jammu. This city has large presence of Sufi Shrines & is tailor made for history lovers.
(f) Pulwama. This small place is all about natural springs and apple orchards. Also called as the ‘Rice bowl of Kashmir’, this place is full of natural beauty. It is situated 40 Km from the state capital of Srinagar and is full of natural beauty of saffron fields.
(g) Pahalgam. Pahalgam is a fairy tale depiction of heaven on earth with dense forests, lakes, flower fill meadows & beautiful streams. It exudes tranquillity and serenity taking away all the stress and is a must visit for all nature lovers.
(h) Kishtwar. An inconspicuous location generally stays off the itinerary of the travellers but is one of the more offbeat places. The landscape here is mesmerising with loft hills, lush greenery and dense forests. The national park in Kishtwar is a major go for wildlife enthusiast.
Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir presents the very best of nature to the travellers & makes it memorable for a lifetime. The natural beauty, a stroll through the narrow streets of old town Srinagar, bumpy rides to remote places, serenity of Jhelum and Chenab or the reflections of Dal Lake are all memories which leave a lasting impression. This place offers a sense of absolute bliss while being here. Jammu & Kashmir is like a multifaceted jewel and crown for India. It grows onto you making one fall for it over and over again.
