Paradise On Earth Called Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir, the charming state endowed with stunning natural beauty is regarded as the ‘Crown’ of India as well as the ‘Heart of Asia’. It shares international boundaries on three sides with China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan and is bounded by Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in the south.
Geographically and culturally, this northernmost State of the country can be divided into three distinct regions. Kashmir Travelling Voyage Offers Day Treks, Mountain Trekking In Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Gureez Valley, And Marvelous Kashmir Tour Packages Known as Paradise on Earth Called Kashmir.
Paradise On Earth Called Kashmir
Paradise on Earth is Called Kashmir, The hilly plains of Jammu lie in the south and the high-altitude desert region of Ladakh is in the north. And in the middle, like a dazzling jewel in the crown, is the verdant valley of Kashmir. The mountainous State is traversed by six mountain ranges -the Shivalik, the Pir Panjal, the Great Himalayas, the Zanskar, the Ladakh, and the Karakoram. The great rivers -Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi along with a number of tributaries, flow through the State.
The lofty snow-clad mountains, verdant valleys, rampaging rivers, wonderful waterfalls, lovely lakes, lush green meadows, spectacular scenic beauty, ancient shrines, magnificent forts and palaces, and above all the beautiful people have made Jammu and Kashmir a paradise on earth and one of the most popular tourist destinations, since time immemorial. Famous Items Kashmir Shawls And Carpets, Papermachie, Wood Carving, Firan.
History Of Kashmir
Kashmir, the land of eternal beauty nestles picturesquely in the lap of majestic_Himalayas. This land of lofty snow-clad peaks and verdant valleys, sparkling rivers and serene lakes, stunning gardens, stately chinars, and flowering meadows was rightly regarded as the ‘Paradise on Earth’ by the Mughals. Its pristine beauty has inspired artists, musicians, and poets since time immemorial.
Over the years, the beauty of Kashmir has lured visitors from all parts of the globe. “Rajatrangani” and “Nilmat Puran” record the early history of Kashmir. According to mythological legends, Kashmir was once a large lake.
Rishi Kashyap drained off the water of the lake and the beautiful land of Kashmir emerged. The recorded history of the valley dates back to emperor Ashoka (3rd century BC), who is said to have introduced Buddhism to Kashmir, which was further supported by emperor Kanishka. Huns occupied the valley in the 6th century, but it attained freedom in 530 AD. Soon after came the rule of Vikramaditya of Ujjain. After the decline of the Vikramaditya empire, the region was ruled for some time by local rulers.
Lalitaditya ( 697 -73 8 A.D. ), considered to be the most famous Hindu ruler of Kashmir, extended his empire up to Bengal in the east, Konkan in the south, Turkistan in the northwest, and Tibet in the northeast. He is credited with constructing many beautiful buildings. Islam was introduced to Kashmir in the 13th -14th century and Zain-ul-Abedin (1420 -70) was the most famous Muslim ruler. In 1586, Akbar conquered Kashmir and it flourished under the Mughals.
In 1752, Kashmir passed into the hands of Afghans, who were succeeded by the Sikhs. Finally, it passed into the hands of the British, after the signing of the treaty between British and Kashmir rulers. Kashmir is at its scenic best all around the year. The colors of the landscape change from the radiant white of winter, to the clarity of spring, the cool green of summer, and the fiery colors of autumn. This paradise, resplendent’s glory is also a honeymooner’s delight and shopper’s dream come true. A visit ~ to Kashmir is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience Heaven On Earth Kashmir.
SRINAGAR Scenic Srinagar, set in the heart of Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 meters above sea level is the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir state. The charming city of lakes and gardens also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, sprawls elegantly on both sides of the river Jhelum, which is crossed by seven bridges. The idyllic Dal and Nagin Lakes, linked by a network of backwaters further enhance the beauty of Srinagar. According to Kalahana, the author of Rajatarangini’, the city was originally named Srinagar and was founded by emperor Ashoka (3rd century B.C.) at Pandrethan, about 8 km. from the present town.
The present town was established by Pravarasena II and finds mention in the travelogues of Hiuen Tsang, the famous Chinese Traveler, who visited Srinagar in 631 A.D. Lalitaditya Mukhtapida was the most illustrious ruler of the Hindu period, which ended in 1339. Persian influence over the city’s art and culture was introduced by the Afghan Badshah, Zain-ul Abidin (1420-70). But, most of the city’s formal beauty and its fine mosques are a result of the patronage provided by the Mughal rulers Srinagar was the summer resort of the Mughals, Who Built gorgeous gardens with fountains, waterways, pavilions, and terraces placed between groves, of chinar and willow.
Places Of Interest In Srinagar
Places of Interest Dal Lake Delightful Dal, the largest lake of the city is indeed an icon and focal point of Srinagar. The lovely Lake measures 6 x 3 km. and is divided by causeways into e four parts Gagribal, Lokutdal, Boddal, and Nagin Lake, Both Lokutdal and Boddal have an island in the center -called Rup Lank or Char Chinari and Sona Lank respectively.
The beautiful Char Chinar island is named after four stately Chinar trees. The Nagin Lake at the foot of Shridhara (Zabarwan) mountain is the smallest and the most beautiful part of the Dal. The deep blue waters of the lake are encircled by a ring of green willow and poplar trees, which gives the shape of a coiled Nagin (a female snake of the Naga species). One can also enjoy a shikara ride at Dal Lake, stay at houseboats, swim and water skiing, etc. at the Dal. HOUSEBOATS & SHIKARAS The Dal Lake is also famous for its majestic houseboats and shikaras.
A houseboat has about two to four bedrooms with attached bathrooms and a common drawing and dining room. These are furnished luxuriously, with rich wood carved interiors, laid with beautiful Persian carpets, and housing priceless Kashmiri handicrafts. Staying in a houseboat is a very unique and unforgettable experience.
It is the most favored accommodation for most of the tourists. Generally, houseboats at Dal are of all categories, from deluxe to D class, while houseboats at Nagin are normally luxury class and those at the Jhelum are largely economy class. Most of the houseboats on Nagin Lake and Jhelum are near the coast and can be accessed directly from the land. The houseboats can be reached by shikaras, gondola-like boats, with spring cushion seats and silken curtains.
The shikaras are also used for pleasure rides, which is one of the most soothing and relaxing aspects of holidays in Kashmir. Many places of interest around Dal Lake can be visited on a shikara. Another unique feature is the marts-on-boats and one can go shopping on a shikara and stay best hotels in Kashmir. The cargoes of anything from flowers and vegetables to handicrafts and general merchandise over here.
Kashmir Tourism Places
Kashmir Tourism Places, Nehru Park It lies on the base of Dal Lake just below the Zabarwan mountain range and is the busiest area on the boulevard, with several houseboats on the banks.
The park is ideally located and affords a fine view of Dal Lake. It is beautifully illuminated in the evenings. Hazratbal Shrine The white marble shrine with a dome and a minaret is located on the northwest shore of the Dal Lake. It enshrines the holy hair ( bal) of Prophet Mohammed and is regarded as one of the holiest Muslim shrines of Kashmir. The sacred relic was brought from Medina about a thousand years ago and is displayed to the public on special occasions.
A large number of devotees assemble here to offer prayers on Friday. The architecture of the shrine is also unique, as it is the only Muslim shrine of Srinagar with a dome, while the others have a distinct pagoda-like roof. Mughal Gardens Kashmir was the favorite summer resort of the Mughal rulers. They developed excellent Mughal gardens, noted for their stepped terraces and flowing water courses.
Srinagar Local Sightseeing Packages
Srinagar local sightseeing Packages The famous Mughal gardens in Srinagar including the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh are located on the far (east) side of Dal Lake, amidst spectacular scenic beauty. Shalimar Bagh: The beautiful garden was laid by Emperor Jehangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan.
The huge garden measures 539 m. x 182 m. and has four terraces with staircases leading from one to another beautiful fountains in between and a canal runs through the middle of the garden, which is supplied with water from Harwan Garden Kashmir. The fourth terrace of the garden is by far the best and was once reserved for the royal ladies. A panoramic view of the garden and lake can be enjoyed from here. Nishat Bagh :
Nishat Bagh or the ‘Garden of Bliss’ was built in 1633, by Asaf Khan, the brother of Empress Nur Jahan, The garden is set picturesquely on the banks of the Dal with majestic Zabarwan hill forming the backdrop. It is the largest of the gardens with several terraces and a central water course flowing elegantly through the garden.