why one should visit kashmir

Why One Should Visit Kashmir

Planning on visiting Srinagar in Kashmir, one of the top hill stations in India.
21. Kheer Bhavani Temple
The temple of Kheer Bhawani is situated at a distance of 14 miles east of Srinagar against the background of natural sight near the village of Tula Mula. This temple, is located in the middle of a spring, around which there is a vast area whose floor has been covered with smooth and beautiful stones. In it exist large and old chinar trees beneath which the pilgrims sit or sleep on mats of grass. The colour of the spring goes on changing. While most of the colours do not have any particular significance, the colour black is taken as an indication for inauspicious times for Kashmir.
22. Martand Sun Temple
Martand Sun Temple, constructed in the medieval era during the period from the 7th to the 8th century AD, is dedicated to the Hindu sun god, Surya. Lalitaditya, one of the kings of the Surya dynasty, built this temple at the top of a plateau in proximity to a small town named Anantnag. It is considered to be one of the finest works of King Lalitaditya with its 84 columns placed at regular intervals. Square lime stone bricks were used in the construction of this temple showcasing the skills of the artisans of the place at that time.The majestic architecture of the temple makes it one of a kind. A magnificent shrine at the centre with the backdrop of mountains enveloped with snow, adds to the charisma of the place. The temple also offer a panoramic view of the valley of Kashmir
23. Charar I Sharief
Charar i Sharif, located at a distance of about 28 km from Srinagar is popularly known as Hazrat Sheikh Noor ud Din Wali. It was built in honour of the Muslim Sufi Saint Hazrat Sheikh Noor ud Din Wali, more than 600 years ago. Hazrat Sheikh Noor ud Din Wali was born in 1377 to a woman called Salar Sanz and was known in the earlier part of his life as Nund Reshi or Sahazanand. It is said that just three days after his birth, Hazrat Sheikh refused to drink his mother is milk. He later accepted the milk of a female saint or yogini known as Lal Ded who subsequently declared him her spiritual heir.He was the first person to introduce Rishism in the valley. He preached non violence, vegetarianism, tolerance, and communal harmony. His followers knew him by different names such as Alamdar e Kashmir, Sheikh ul Alam, Sarkhel e Rishiya, and Sheikh Noor ud Din Noorani. Hazrat Sheikh also made several contributions in the field of philosophy and poetry. When he died in 1438, around nine lac followers assembled at this shrine within two days. His remains were buried at the Charar i Sharif. This shrine has been destroyed many times since, but it still holds great religious significance.
24. Hazratbal Mosque
This is Dargah Hazratbal Mosque.The holy hair of beloved Prophet(SAW) is housed here.It was brought from Madina Tayyibah,by Sayyid Abdullah,to India,in the reign of mughal emperor shah jahan.Later on, during the reign of Aurangzeb Alamgir,Sayyid Abdullah,gifted it to his Kashmiri disciple and friend,Hazrat Isawari,who was in delhi,in connection with his business.Before Ishawari could bring the holy relic to Kashmir,He died on his trip and the relic was brought to kashmir,by his aid,alongwith the the mortal remains of Ishawar,under the patronage of royal guard,which Aurangzeb Alamgir provided,after confirming the authenticity of the holy hair.On arrving in Kashmir it was housed in Nakshband Sahib mosque,but keeping in view the huge number of visitors,the relic was,immediately, shifted to present day Hazratbal Mosque.Hazrat Ishawari was buried in the compound of Hazratbal mosque and the holy relic housed in the buliding,that had been built by Shah Jahan,few years ago.The present structure,made of marble and a replica of Green Dome of Madina Tayyibah,was built in 1980 is,when Sheikh Abdullah was the chief minister of the state.Hazratbal mosque, is also known as,MADINATUS SANIby kashmiris,meaning..Second Madina Tayyibah,by qayoom ul hassan shah..
25. Dachigam National Park
Located very close to Srinagar (22 km), Dachigam National Park with its splendid forests and magnificent scenery is easily accessible. Of all the many sanctuaries in the state, the one at Dachigam is the best known. At one time the exclusive hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Kashmir, it was declared a national park in 1951, and owing to a strictly enforced conservation programme, the Hangul population, once 150, now stands at over 400 animals. The two sectors of the Park Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of 141 sq km. and altitudes vary between 1,700 and 4,300 metres. Two steep ridges enclose the Park with its great topographical variety deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from the Masrar Lake (4,300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through Lower Dachigam.
26. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Gardens
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden was set up in 1969 and it was fully established in 1987. This garden has a dense temperate forest of Oak trees. This garden has a collection of well nursed and well maintained temperature trees and plants. It has a variety of different trees species of more than 50 breeds along with a wide range of plants and flowers. A greenhouse lies in the middle of the garden where you will be able to spot different types of Orchids.The botanical garden is home to more 1.5 lakh ornamental plants. Compared to Mughal Garden, this one is quiet and peaceful and it has a treasure of more than 300 breeds of Flora which includes cedar trees and willow trees. This is a well designed modern landscaped garden. Some hidden areas of garden have sidewalks made up of concrete along the side of the garden to encourage a stress free walk to nature lovers.

There is a stunning lake here that spreads over 17 hectares. There are paddle boats in the lake that help visitors enjoy the beauty of this lake and garden. This garden has a beautiful lake and it provides sights of a pleasurable water garden and charismatic waterfalls.For the pleasure of children, there is a small field with merry go round, swings and see saw games. This garden is a best place devoted to plant lovers and nature lovers.Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is divided into four components by the name of sporting garden, research section garden, botanical garden and centre of plant introduction. It also consists of several mini gardens. In this garden one can feel the beauty and blessing of nature.

27. Gulmarg Gondola
The Cable Car ride, popularly known as the Gondola Lift or Ride is the special attraction of Gulmarg. It is located at a distance of 1km in the west of the Gulmarg bus stand. The managing authority of the Gulmarg cable Car ride is the Jammu and Kashmir State Cable Car Corporations.There are two divisions of the ride one is from Gulmarg to Kongdoori and the second one is from Kongdoori to Apherwat. It starts from an elevation of 2690 m above sea level and go up to a height of 3090 m. It finally reaches Kongdoori by passing over the wonderful pine forests below.The tourists enjoying the cable car ride get thoroughly enthralled by experiencing the magnificent sight of the greenery of the hilly terrains and the picaresque setting all around. The cable ride also overtakes the marvelous meadow of colorful flowers called Khilanmarg during its journey. One of the most popular attractions of Gulmarg, an extremely famous resort in the world, is the Gulmarg Gondola. This is the single cable car system in the whole of Asia that can go up to an altitude of 13,500 feet above sea level.

The French company puma had designed the Gondola as a part of a technical cooperation, and the JKCCC or Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation is now in charge of its operation. Phase I and phase II are the two stages of its operation.Every single Gondola comes with a yellow colored small cabin with a capacity of 6 adult persons. The cabins of the Gondola Ride are suspended with the support of high strength cables that are constantly moving. It takes two stops and slows down for the purpose of boarding and disembarking of the riders.

28. Xuelian Feng
Xuelian Feng, Xuelian Peak or Snow Lotus Peak, is one of the major mountains of the Tian Shan mountain range. It lies in Xinjiang province, China, about 50 kilometres (30 mi) east northeast of Jengish Chokusu, the highest peak in the range. It is notable for its large, steep relief above the nearby valleys, and for its large topographic prominence. (It is ranked 84th in the world by this measure). The peak has two summits, with the main being the north summit at 6,627 m the south summit has an elevation of 6,527 m.The Tokai Section of the Japanese Alpine Club made four expeditions to Xuelian Feng, in 1986, 1988, 1989, and 1990, with the last being successful in ascending the main summit. (The 1989 expedition ascended the south summit and Junction Peak, another subpeak to the south of the main summit, with elevation 6,450 m, and came close to but did not reach the main summit.) In 1990, the expedition was led by Kazuo Tukushima, and ascended from the Karakume Glacier. The route ascended the southeast ridge of Junction Peak, then traversed a long (2 km/1.2 mi) corniced snow and rock ridge to reach the main summit tower.
29. Tulip garden
Tulip Garden in Kashmir is Asia is largest tulips garden and there is a likely hood that it can become the worlds second largest largest too.The tulip garden which is in Srinagar is commonly known as Siraj Bagh and is located no the banks of the famous Dal Lake. When viewing the garden you are able to see the large variety of colors of the flowers, and there are over 60 varieties of early, mid and late blooming tulips.The tourism authorities in the state said they are using the festival to promote the state as a preferred destination. ot of Indians go to Holland just to see tulips, but now this place is near and more affordable for the domestic tourists. We feel we will get more tourists. We have come to know that about 12,00 tourists and mostly outsiders have come here, said Tanveer Jahan, a secretary of tourism department. The garden at the foothills of Zabarwan overlooking the famed Dal Lake has about 60 varieties of multi colored tulips. The festival that also showcased, the state is traditional art and culture, was an instant hit with the foreigners. You cannot find any of these products in other parts of India.
30. Rangdum Monastery
The 200 year old Rangdum Monastery is situated in the most isolated part of the Suru Valley in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. A prominent centre of Tibetan Budhism, the monastery is part of the Gelugpa or yellow hat order.The monastery falls in Suru Valley but culturally it is part of Zanskar. Situated at an elevation of 11,998 ft, it is amongst the most important landmarks of the Ladakh region. The monastery is 130 km south east of Kargil and falls midway between Kargil and Padum.According to legend, the monastery was built by Gelek Yashy Takpa during the reign of King Tsewang Mangyul of Ladakh. The monastery looks like a fortified structure.The view that unfolds as you go up the mountain towards the monastery is mesmerizing. Snowcapped mountains, glaciers and barren splendour of the valley leaves every traveller to the valley impressed.Another highlight is the mani walls made up of mani stones. The mani stones with the inscription Om mani padme hum, roughly translated, means Hail to the jewel in the lotus, have to be passed from their left side. You have to move clockwise around the mani walls in the direction the earth and the universe revolve, according to the Buddhist doctrine.The mani walls at Rangdum are better and unique unlike other mani walls found in Ladakh. Some stones also have pictures of chortens and mandalas along with the usual inscriptions.