A Mesmeric Mountainscape with Patnitop Tours

Adorning the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, Patnitop is an enchanting hill town in India. The land is a fabulous site for picnic-lovers, tourists and adventure-enthusiasts. The spectacular picnic spots, tranquil walks and majestic views of the mountains form the backdrop of the Chenab basin. It becomes a skiing resort in winters and offers a number of snow games.

Visit Patnitop to enter a land of fascinating attractions. Situated at a requisite height and enveloped by trees, Patnitop is a tranquil destination on your Jammu Kashmir tour. Visitors can have a delightful experience of dense woods and lush greenery of Pines.

Patnitop tourism offers you the opportunities to visit the fascinating places like:

Kud

Lying in Kashmir, Kud is a part of the lower Himalayan range. It lies about 32 km from Udhampur and positions itself on the Udhampur Srinagar Highway. Kud is also known for its sweet shops for offering hot Patisa, which is popular among tourists. Situated 103 km from Jammu, this famous resort lies at an elevation of 1738 m and serves as a must-visit site of Patnitop tours.

Sanasar

This serene valley is located at an altitude of 2079 m, which is around 19 km from Patnitop Kashmir. Tourists can enjoy several walks in the adjoining hills. With a cup-shaped meadow enveloped by majestic conifers. This is a place for a tranquil holiday. During summers, it serves as a centre of nomadic Gujjar tribes. Adventure-enthusiasts can indulge in paragliding.

Sudh Mahadev Temple

Located near Patnitop, there is an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a popular attraction of Patnitop tour packages. Legends say that Goddess Parvati was engaged in worshipping the 'Shivling' when a demon, Sudheet emerged to pay his regard. The appearance of the demon daunted Parvati and made Her cry out. Her cry woke Shiva who was then asleep. God flung His 'Trishul' at the demon. After realising His mistake, Lord Shiva returned the demon his life. This is the site where Sudheet sought salvation. After this incident, the place has got the name of Sudh Mahadev. It is believed that the temple still has the remains of the 'Trishul'.

Madhatop

It is a 5 km trek from Patnitop hill station that lies along the Sanasar Road. The area of Madhotop remains enveloped with thick snow during winters that beckons many skiers. There are 3 natural water springs that are known for their curative properties. It is about 112 km from road and positions itself at an elevation of 2024 m.

Shiva Garh

Abounding in natural beauty, Shiva Garh is another fascinating attraction in Patnitop. Located on the trekking route in Patnitop, it lies at an elevation of around 3,500 m. It is among the trekking routes of Patnitop. The destination is a favourite among adventure lovers and holiday makers.

The Naag Temple

Situated near Patnitop, the Nag (Cobra) temple is more than 600 years old. Primarily made of wood, the temple has withstood several centuries though it is not a rugged temple construction. Hoards of devotees flock here during the Nag Panchami Festival. Pilgrim gather here to pay their homage and they also worship the snake King Cobra. Due to its location amidst the green surroundings, the temple serves as one of the awe-inspiring sites of Kashmir attractions.

With their plethora of tourist attractions, Patnitop tours are a big hit with tourists. Take the delightful opportunity to soak yourself in the charm of enchanting Kashmir attractions.

Get the Refreshing Vibes with Srinagar Tourism

A modern water-world, Srinagar is dominated by Dal lake. Lying in the heart of Kashmir valley, Srinagar has everything to allure you. Its enveloping natural beauty and spectacular tourist attractions make it a famous tourist place to visit.

The capital city of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar is a famous tourist destination in India. Centrally located at the heart of the majestic Kashmir valley, the city represents beauty and romance. The tourism in Srinagar is usually categorized into its pristine lakes, well-laid gardens and bustling markets.

Dal Lake

Spread over a vast area of 26 sq. km, Dal Lake is among the most famous tourist attractions of Srinagar. Known for its houseboats, the lake is settled against the snow-covered Himalayas. With its scenic environs, the lake has become the perfect place to sojourn. Its unmatched beauty has always been an inspiration for poets and nature lovers. The lake serves as a hub to enjoy a plethora of water sports like swimming, water surfing, kayaking, shikara rides, canoeing and angling.

Shankaracharya Temple

Tourists can visit this ancient shrine with Srinagar travel guide. It positions itself on the Shankaracharya hill. Located at a height of 1100 feet on the South-east of the city, this sacred spot also offers the picturesque vistas of the valley. Legend says that Saint Shankaracharya spent some time of his life at this site. The inner sanctum enhances a modern ceiling and several Persian inscriptions.

Mughal Gardens

Built by the Mughal Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, there are three gardens. The Shalimar Bagh, the Nishat Bagh and the Chashm-e-Shahi are the three names. All these gardens are constructed by following the Mughal architectural style.

Hazratbal Shrine

Literally, the name Hazratbal means a Majestic Place. It is also known as the Dargah Sharif. This sacred spot of Muslim lies opposite the Nishat Bagh on the left bank of the Dal Lake. It is considered as the holiest Muslim shine in Kashmir. Hazratbal also has the relics of Moi-e-Muqqadas. Many people visit the site on their Jammu & Kashmir tour.

Wular Lake

Counted among the popular attractions in Srinagar, it is a large freshwater lake and is fed by River Jhelum on intervals.

The lake is known for various water creatures and birds, who flock the lake frequently. Owing to the availability of various species of fishing, maximum fishery business is achieved by Wular Lake.

Shikara Ride

An important feature about Srinagar is its Shikara ride. The classic reasons why people visit Srinagar are the houseboats. Shikara ride is very popular among tourists who throng to the place from far and wide. The ride takes tourists along the serene Dal Lake at the backdrop of the splendid snow-capped Himalayas. The most attractive feature of the ride is its floating gardens during the joyride.

Srinagar Tourism offers you the unlimited opportunities to enjoy your vacation at its best. Embark on a Jammu Kashmir tour to spend your holiday amidst the serene ambience of hills.

Gulmarg Tourism Presents a Fusion of Beauty and Adventure

Unfolding an array of beauteous attractions, Gulmarg tourism is a hub of recreation. Explore the charm of Kashmir destinations and make your India tour a lifetime affair.

Located at an elevation of 2730 m, Gulmarg sits in the Baramula district of Jammu & Kashmir. Literally, the city means "meadow of flowers". Its grass slopes, tranquil environment and scenic beauty altogether makes your Gulmarg tour more memorable.

Nuzzled with dazzling peaks in the Himalayan ranges, Gulmarg is an enchanting picnic spot. Gulmarg tourism attracts all types of tourists for its lush green backdrop, gorgeous landscapes, blooming gardens and serene lakes. This spectacular hill station lies at an elevation of 2730 m.

Gondola Ride

It serves as an amazing attraction of Gulmarg in Jammu Kashmir. It is also known as Gondola Ride. The magnificent view of the lush green terrains and the spectacular views of the environs offer a memorable experience to tourists on their cable car ride. The ride also overpasses Khilanmarg, which is a colourful meadow of flowers.

Alpather Lake

Gulmarg hill station houses a triangular lake under the shade of Apharwat hill, this famous Alpather Lake is a specimen of visual delight.

Lying 13 km away from Gulmarg, the lake is entirely frozen or partially frozen with logs of ice, depending upon the season. For travellers interested in horse riding, the lake will be a wonderful site to enjoy a fun-filled day. The lake is also linked to the town through a small ridge.

Baba Reshi Shrine

A sacred mosque in the Gulmarg valley, Baba Reshi Shrine is dedicated to a Muslim scholar. Built in 1480 during the rule of Zain-ul-Abidin, the king of Kashmir, the tomb is dedicated to an important courtier of the king. The five century old shrine was built with the architectural styles of Mughals and Persian. The shrine lies in a huge stretch of lush green lawns that can accommodate hoards of tourists. Being highly revered, the tomb is visited by scores of pilgrims every year. Travellers can reach here by local means of transportation like sledges and field chutes.

Golf Courses

Gulmarg also houses the green golf courses, which are among the world's highest ones. The destination also treasures a clubhouse. Golf sets on hire are also available.

Khilanmarg

This is a highland meadow and is a big hit with tourists. Lying just 4 km away from Gulmarg, the destination can be easily reached by walk or pony. On your Gulmarg tour, you can visit this picturesque attraction that offers you the breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains, the Alpather Lake, the Wular Lake and rice fields. Horse riding is another popular activity here.

Adventure in Gulmarg

Gulmarg skiing is very popular among tourists. The charming city covers a new persona in winters. The destination also serves as an ultimate skiing resort for beginners. Snowboarding and trekking are also popular adventure sports in Gulmarg. Tourists can also take delight in skiing races, which are held during Easter and Christmas. Provided by the Gondola cable car, a ski run of 2, 213 m is the longest ski run in Gulmarg.

Thrill and Fun of Adventure Sports of Jammu Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir is a spectacular state where you can enjoy both beauty and adventure. The snow fall is a magical treat for tourists, visiting the state from far and wide. Some of the popular adventure activities like trekking, skiing, golfing, fishing and waters sports.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is the heart of various exciting adventure sports. Besides local sightseeing, tourists can also indulge in a plethora of adventure sports. It houses in store mountaineering, trekking and skiing. The gushing rivers and lovely streams in the Himalayan areas are ideal for river rafting, which add popularity to Kashmir tourism.

Some of the most enjoyed adventure sports in Jammu & Kashmir are:

Skiing
This adventure is among the most popular attractions for adventure-enthusiasts. Done on open slopes, skiing is an exciting adventure. Gulmarg in the Himalayas is the best ski resort. With good snow conditions, Gulmarg is the perfect place for all the ski lovers.

Golf
Adventure tour in Jammu and Kashmir takes you to a world of entertainment. The state brings you the unique opportunity to play golf all through the summer from the months of April to November. Gulmarg and Srinagar are the two destinations in Kashmir that offer green golf courses. The golf set, balls and various other golfing equipment are available on rent.

River Rafting

With its perfect fusion of mountains, lakes and rivers, the place beckons tourists to enjoy the thrill of river rafting. These waterways add charm to the beauty of the land and are of main sources to attract travellers with its verdant valleys. If you wish to travel faster, then hiring a motor boat will be good option. Indus and Lidder rivers are suitable to enjoy white water rafting on your Kashmir tour.

Trekking
Kashmir is a heaven for trekkers. The terrain from the Shivalik hills of Jammu to the rocky mountains of Ladakh is a delight for adventure enthusiasts. This is the place where you can come across a lot of diversity. Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar are the main trekking points. Lamayuru, Zanskar and Darcha are the important points for trekking.

Water Skiing
In Kashmir, water sports are fun-filled. The Nagin and Dal lakes in Srinagar are the perfect places to enjoy water-skiing. The Dal has the largest expanse, which has privately owned 'bathing boats'. Tourists can hire these for motor lunches and water-skies.

Mountaineering
Foreign climbers throng to the place in the Nun-Kun Massif in the great Himalayan range. Travellers can reach to the place from the Kargil-Pudum road. The shortest possible way to the base camp makes this mountain range most appealing climbing site in the Great Himalayas.

Angling
Kashmir has been aptly referred to as the angler's paradise. With a chain of glaciated streams, lakes and rivers, the place offers good opportunity of angling. Tourists can embark on adventure and sports tour to have fun in angling.

Visit the Abode of Natural Treasures on Sonmarg Tour

Sonmarg Tourism

Sonmarg is a popular hill station of Jammu & Kashmir. This hill town gets completely covered by the flowers, which make it look more appealing. Sonmarg is also famous for its lovely side walks. Other nearby places to see include Nilagard, Baltal and Gadsar Lake.

The beautiful city of Sonmarg positions itself at a high altitude of 2, 470 m above sea level, which adds charm to Kashmir tourism. It literally means the “Meadow of Gold”. Enveloped by the spectacular glaciers and serene lakes, the town is a gorgeous flower-laden meadow in the magnificent Himalayan mountain regions. Lying in the Kashmir valley, Sonmarg is an ideal gateway to Ladakh.

Abounding in natural gifts, Sonmarg tourism is very popular among tourists. From the place, tourists can also have a look of the snow-covered mountains of Ladakh. Surrounded with alpine trees from all corners, Sonmarg hill station has few gorgeous flower collections in Jammu & Kashmir. In winters, the town is enveloped with snow that offers it a charming sight.

Few popular attractions of Sonmarg include:

Nilagrad

Nilagrad is the place where assemblage of a mountain river as well as Indus river can be seen on your Sonmarg tour. The wonderful thing about the site is that water in the river is of red colour. Locals believe that the water has amazing curative powers, which can treat any skin disease. Huge number of people take bath in the river.

Krishnasar Lake

Lying on a height of 3801 m above sea level, Krishnasar Lake is among the most fascinating lakes in the series of many Himalayan lakes. Travellers from all over the country visit the place to take delight in its unspoiled beauty. You can see travellers busy in trout fishing, which makes it a popular excursion site on Sonmarg travel.

Baltal

Baltal is striking grassland that is located right at the foot of Zoji la pass, near Ladakh territory. It is more famous for its adjacency to Amarnath cave. The site turns into a popular camping site during the Amarnath yatra when many pilgrims set up their camps at the site.

Adventure in Sonmarg

Besides beautiful places to see in Sonmarg, travellers can also take delight in exciting adventure sports. The town has become popular for various excursion opportunities. Short walks and trek routes to adjoining areas add charm to the Sonmarg tour. It boasts of its hiking as well as trekking trails. The snow-covered peaks in the Himalayas and the hilly mountainous regions invite trekkers from far and wide. Another fascinating thing about Sonmarg is that it serves as the base camp for various trekking expeditions. The prime treks passing through different mountain lakes like Gadsar, Vishansar, Gangabal, Satsar, and Kishnasar has also its base at Sonmarg.

Sonmarg Tour takes you to a scenic world where all you can do is the natural beauty and exciting adventure. Adding new heights to Kashmir tourism, Sonmarg is a must visit hill town in India.

Article Source : http://www.squidoo.com/sonmarg-tour

A Divine Transformation at Temples of Jammu Kashmir

Endued with myriad tourist attractions, the state of Jammu and Kashmir boasts of its pilgrimage tour. It has innumerable religious spots and sacred sites that make it a popular destination for devotees as well as tourists. Some major temples in Jammu & Kashmir include Vaishno Devi, Amarnath Temple, Shankaracharya Temple and Sudh Mahadev Temple.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is home to many temples, which are internationally renowned. Various temples and shrines with 'Shikhars', touching the sky create an ambience of a tranquil destination.

Major temples of Jammu Kashmir include:

Vaishno Devi

Snuggled in the ranges of the majestic Trikuta mountain, the cave shrine is known for fulfilling the wishes of people. Since time immemorial, millions of devotees have been visiting the destination. It is a holy cave shrine that lies at an elevation of over 5000 feet. The cave houses ancient images of the three deities, the Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi. People from different faith, creed and religions visit the shrine year after year to pay their obeisance.

Amarnath Temple

This famous cave temple in Jammu & Kashmir is home to one of the holy trinity, Lord Shiva. It lies at an elevation of 12,760 feet above sea level. The holy cave of Amarnath belongs to some interesting legends, which tell that Lord Shiva shared the secret of creation and eternity to His consort Goddess Parvati at this place. A dove couple secretly heard their conversation and they learned the secret as well. They reborn and made the cave their eternal abode.

Raghunath Temple

Lies in the centre of Jammu, the majestic Raghunath temple is a famous attraction of the destination. It is enveloped with other temples, which are dedicated to the various gods of the Hindu mythology. Constructed in the 19th century by the Dogra rulers, the temple boasts of its magnificent architecture. Its gold leaf interiors makes it an important part of Jammu Kashmir temples tour.

Shankaracharya Temple

Tourists can take a stroll to Shankaracharya Temple, which adds popularity to Kashmir tourism. It is among the most revered destinations of Hindu pilgrimage. Lies atop the hills, the temple positions itself at an elevation of 1100 feet above the Srinagar city. Devoted to Lord Shiva, the temple was known as Gopadri.

Sudh Mahadev Temple

A famous temple of Jammu Kashmir Temple Tour, Sudh Mahadev shelters a natural black marble Lingam. Lies at an elevation of 1225 m, this sacred shrine has a spring, called Pap Nashni Bowli. People believe that taking bath in the spring exempts you from all sins. After taking bath, devotees proceed to the sacred temple of Lord Shiva.

Ranbireshwar Temple

Built by Raja Ranbir Sings, it is another well-known temple in Jammu, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple houses the 12 Shiva lingams of crystal and galleries with various saligrams, installed on stone slabs. It offers a spectacular view of the deserted forested hills.

Wildlife of Kashmir to Heighten the Joy of Holiday

The highest and the largest range of mountains in the world, the Himalayan range is among the most gorgeous natural wonders on earth. It has gifted Jammu and Kasmir with a diverse topography. The state houses many popular wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the major ones include Dachigam National Park, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve and Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary.

Blessed with varying geography, Kashmir preserves various types of plant and animal life. The inaccessible peaks of the Himalayas serve as perfect breeding grounds for the Chiru, the rare deer and others, which add popularity to Kashmir tourism. The snow leopard takes shelter in the snows covered mountain crevices. The plains of Jammu are an abode of birds like yellow grosbeak, pheasants and others.

Various wildlife parks protect the different species of flora and fauna. Let us have a look.

Dachigam National Park

It lies 32 km from the capital city. Sprawling over an area of 140 sq km, the park is among the few remaining habitats of rare species, including hangul, leopards and musk deer. The Park is well-known for harbouring the most exotic variety of wildlife in Kashmir. With its dense forests of pine on the various mountain slopes and shrubs, Dachigam stream is a spectacular sight. The park is also an abode of the endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag, which is the only species of red deer to be spotted in India.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

This forest reserve is known for protecting the most endangered wildlife of Kashmir. The reserve covers an area of 180 sq km, and lies at an elevation of 2,400 - 4,300 m above sea level. This encompass musk deer, hangul, snow leopard, brown bear and fox. It has a rich bird population, including snow cock, blue rock pigeon, Jungle Crow and Kashmir Roller. In winters, tourists can spot high-altitude bird species who move to the lower valleys.

Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary

Jammu & Kashmir wildlife tour takes you to the sanctuary that boasts of being the largest park in South Asia. Lies at 12000 feet from sea level, it sprawls over an area of about 3,350 sq. km. It is a famous sanctuary of Ladakh. Hemis sanctuary is known for providing shelter to snow leopards, bharal, goats, wild sheeps and shapu. September to March is the best time to see the wildlife of the park. Trekking routes remain open from mid June to mid October. On their Kashmir wildlife tour, visitors can also enjoy a jeep or elephant safari to spot the various endangered species of wildlife.

Overa Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife destination in Kashmir positions itself at 87 km away from Srinagar. It houses a rich variety of flora and fauna. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot animals like snow leopards, musk deer, hangul and langurs in the park. The birds of the sanctuary include Himalayan Thrush, griffon vulture, mynah and others. Visitors can also come across a variety of plants including mushrooms, pines and other grasses.

Savouring Majestic Kashmir on Houseboats

With exquisitely carved interiors and fancy bedrooms, Kashmir houseboats are truly arresting. You can enjoy the captivating beauty of Kashmir from the comfort of houseboats. Tourists can enjoy a warm stay in Firdous, Kushal, Nishat and Kushdil.

Your trip to the 'Paradise on Earth', Kashmir is never complete without exploring the scenic beauty of the state on houseboats. The first thing that will come to every tourist's mind when they think about Kashmir is houseboat. The idea of staying in houseboats, far from the madding crowd and in close proximity to nature, appeals to everyone.

With houseboat tours in Kashmir, you can explore all the attractions of Kashmir. From attractive furnitures to fine decoration, internet service to multi-cuisines restaurant, houseboats in Kashmir have all the luxuries and modern amenities of a luxury hotel. Visitors have the pleasure to choose from deluxe houseboats to affordable ones. They come in different sizes with three double bedrooms to one double bedroom houseboat. Beautifully carved out of wood, the houseboats of Kashmir allow tourists to get close with nature. Some houseboats also let tourists enjoy shikara ride and explore the gorgeous lakes of Kashmir like Dal Lake. Some of the houseboats have been in service since 19th century.

Various types of houseboat accommodations in Kashmir are:

Firdous

Firdous houseboat is perfect for family vacation. The grand houseboat has three double bedrooms with attached bathrooms and drawing room. There's non-stop supply of hot and cold water. You will also get internet, electricity, cable TV, telephone and cooking service in Firdous. With carved wooden furniture and excellent interiors, Firdous lets tourists have a homely comfort while staying in the houseboat. You can also enjoy sunbathing on the houseboats top-deck.

Kushal

Khushal has two double bedrooms and is a bit smaller in size than Firdous. Generally preferred for family holidays, Kushal has an amazing interior designs and comfy furnitures. You will find the use of Kashmiri handicrafts in Kushal. While staying in the houseboat, the visitors can experience the cool breeze, the chirping noise of the birds, the spectacular natural vistas and the sounds of rolling waters.

Nishat

Honeymooners will find Nishat just perfect for them. With one double bedroom and equip with all the modern amenities, the houseboat maintains privacy and lets couples enjoy a quality time together in the bliss of nature.

Kushdil

Kushdil is also popular among the honeymooners. The houseboat has one double bedroom that comes with an attached bathroom. It also has all the basic modern facilities.

Gulshan

Gulshan has double bedroom and a frontal verandah. It is ideal for family vacations. The sight of snow-capped mountains from the verendah of Gulshan is amazing.

Clermont Too

Clermont Too has two double bedrooms and features all the luxury comforts like electricity, spacious bathrooms, laundry, telephone and other facilities. The houseboat ensures privacy, warm and comfortable stay for tourists.