Places to visit in Kashmir

[abhishek]

GULMARG

Gulmarg's legendary 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 favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

[abhishek]

PAHALGAM

Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 250C. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious hotels to unpretentious trekkers' lodges, including J&K TDC's huts.

[abhishek]

SONAMARG

The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (‘The meadow of gold’) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months.

[abhishek]

Amarnath

"The Himalayan pilgrimages are the oldest organised travel system, evolved over time by Hindu sages and embodying the spirit of wander, adventure and spirituality"

One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time.

Shiva is known to have made his home in the Himalayas. He built no house nor shelter, not for himself or his bride. He was an ascetic, and yet married; he could be both for "he was the wild god sporting in the forest or taking his ease on a cloud."

Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).

[masterstroke]

nice snaps man,, thanks for sharing..

really kashmir is heaven on earth.

[gaurav]

Dharti par agar kahin swarg hai to woh yahin hai yahin hai yahin hai

[Madhu]

The most important shrine is of Amarnath cave situated about 48 KMs from Pahalgam which attracts devotees from all over the world. It is located in the upper reaches of the Distt at an altitude of about 13000ft. from the sea level. Shrine is believed to be an abode of lord Shiva. There are famous temples at Anantnag, Deviangan, Bijbehara, Akingam, ukbhavan, and Goswami Gund, Nagdandi Ashram. The famous shrines of Bab-Zain-Ud-Din Wali is existing at Aishmuqam. The shrine of Baba-Hyder Rishi is located at Anantnag. He is the last giant of Rishi order of saints.

[Madhu]

Jamia Masjid is a mosque in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. The Jamia Masjid of Srinagar is situated at Nowhatta, in the middle of the old city. An important mosque in Srinagar, it was built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD.[1] Later, the son of Sultan Sikandar, Zain-ul-Abidin got the mosque extended. The attractions of the Jamia Masjid of Srinagar, Kashmir include beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture, a magnificent courtyard and 370 wooden pillars. Another feature of the mosque is the peace and tranquility inside it, standing out against the hustle of the old bazaars around it. Thousands of Muslims assemble at the mosque every Friday to offer their prayers.

[Madhu]

The Hazratbal Shrine is a sacred Muslim pilgrimage destination, located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Situated on the banks of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, the Hazratbal mosque lies opposite the beautiful Nishat Garden, thereby offering a spectacular view of the lake and the mountains afar.

One of the most revered Muslim shrines, Hazratbal reflects the devotion and respect of Muslims for Prophet Mohammad. The Prophet’s hair, that is ‘Moi-e-Muqqadus’, is preserved at the Hazratbal Shrine. The ‘Moi-e-Muqqadus’ is usually on public display inside a glass casket only on religious occasions.

The history of Hazratbal Shrine dates back to the seventeenth century, when Sadiq Khan - the Subedar of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, built ‘Ishrat Mahal’ (Pleasure House), along with a garden at the site of the mosque. But in 1634, Shahjahan ordered for the palace to be converted into a prayer house. The shrine, in its present structure, was built by the Muslim Auqaf trust.

It was much later, in 1699, during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, that the ‘Moi-e-Muqqadus’ arrived in Kashmir. Initially it was preserved in the shrine of Naqashbad Sahib, located in the heart of the city. But the huge rush of devotees to get a glimpse of the sacred hair prompted it to be shifted to the comparatively bigger, Hazratbal Shrine which was then known as Sadiqabad.

[Madhu]

It is located at 1100ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-e-Suleiman. The shiva temple, as Kalhana belives, was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in 371 B.C. and as such is the oldest shirne in Kashmir. Dogra ruler,Maharaja Gulab Singh, constructed stone stairs upto the temple. In 1925,the temple was electrifed. The temple, besides a prominent religious place of Hindus, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a magnificient panoramic view of the Srinagar city.