Kashmir - India HillTop Trips - Splendid hills and Majestic retreats

Kashmir, Mountain Vacation, Man's fantasy has been struth here between high snow-capped ridges of the Himalayan range in the east and the Pier Panjandrum range in the west and south. From kings to the aliens have been the victims of this wonder snowy marvel of the north India. The swift-flowing Helium river sweeps past Srinagar and coils its way across the valley. Get smitten by the heavenly beauty of Kashmir on a heart warming trip as you go on unleashing this gradually.

Hill Resort | Elevation | Travel | Season | Tourist places | Accommodation | Location | Kashmir Map

The Hill Resort

Raj Taringini the chronology of the Kashmir Kings written by Kalhana eulogies the beauty of Kashmir as follows:"Kashmir Parvati Parkish; Tat Swami ch Maharanee's". Meaning Kashmir is as beautiful as Goddess Parvati manifest; and its owner is Lord Shiva Himself" And the Mughal Emperor exclaimed "Gar Bar-roe-e-Gamin Ats ; Hamlin Ats, Hamlin Ats Hamlin Aston. Meaning if there is paradise on this earth

Wullar

Wullar is a scenic reflection of untamed nature spreading across 125 kms and features to be one of the freshwater lakes in Kashmir. The turbulent wind ruffled water with exciting numbers of Avian life Wullar is most visited Lake in Kashmir. It is also one of the natural flood reservoir.

Kashmir Handicrafts

The various handicrafts of Kashmir are in tune with its age old splendid civilization, which has been perfected over centuries. The diverse articles ranging from woolen textiles, Pashmina shawls, embroidered suits, Kashmir silk saris, pappier machie, wood carving, hand knotted carpets etc. are crafted by highly skilled craftsmen, creating distinct products.

Kashmiri Food

The history of rich Kashmiri cuisine can be traced back to the fifteenth century migration of cooks from Samarkand to the valley of Kashmir. The descendants of these cooks, the Wazas, are the master chefs of Kashmir. The cuisines of Kashmir are made rich and delicious with the flavor of the spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron, etc.

Elevation

Srinagar - 2,130 metres. Pahalgam - 2400 meters.

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Location

The valley of Kashmir occupies the topmost position in the map of India. Kashmir, along with the region of Jammu, Ladakh and Gilgit forms the State of Jammu and Kashmir. From the numerous valleys situated in the state, Kashmir Valley is the biggest one, spread over an area of 105 sq km. Located approximately 1730 m above the sea level; it has Tibet in its east and Pakistan China and CIS in its west. The south of Kashmir is bordered by Punjab, while on the southwest is Himachal Pradesh.

Jammu and Kashmir location is between 32.17" and 36.58" North altitude and East to West, the State lies between 73.26" and 80.30" longitude. In case of latitude, Jammu and Kashmir matches up with South Carolina (North America), Fez (Morracco), Damascus, Baghdad and Peshawar (Pakistan). The standard time in Kashmir is 5.30 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and has a difference of half an hour with the local time.

The geographical location of Kashmir is such that it is surrounded by a number of foreign countries. This makes the Kashmir valley very important from strategic angle. As far as the geography of Kashmir is concerned, the valley has River Jhelum flowing through it, along with its tributaries.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

Best Time to Visit: March to October
For anyone interested in visiting the valley, the first question is "when to visit Kashmir, India" or the ideal time to visit the Kashmir valley. The best time to visit Kashmir is during the months of March to October. During this period the weather conditions in Kashmir are at their best. This period covers three seasons in Kashmir i.e., spring (March-early May), summers (early May-late August) and autumn (September-November). The blossoms of spring, the cool weather of summer and the gold and red hues of autumn all provide the peak season for Kashmir travel. From December to early March is the winter season for Kashmir, when the entire valley wears a white blanket of snow. For those, who enjoy chilling weather and are interested in skiing, winter is the time to be in Kashmir.

How to Reach There and Distances

In the following paragraphs, we have provided information about the various modes of traveling/reaching to Kashmir valley of India. Traveling to Kashmir is quite easy and accessible as the valley is well connected to other parts of India with a well-developed network of roads, air and rail. Read further to know "How to reach Kashmir":

By Air

Srinagar airport is approximately 14 km from the city. There are daily flights to Srinagar, operated by Indian Airlines (from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu) and Jet Airways (from Delhi and Jammu).

By Rail

Jammu Tawi, approximately 305 km far, is the nearest railhead for Srinagar. Trains from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and other cities arrive at this station only. During holiday season, when there is a heavy rush for Kashmir, additional trains operate for and from this station.

By Road

National Highway 1-A is the main highway connecting Srinagar with Jammu. J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) as well as a number of private Super deluxe, A-class and B-class busses operate to and from the state. Private taxis are also available for traveling to Kashmir.

Tourist places near Kashmir

Nishat Garden

A green promised land on the hill top, Nishant Garden dates back to 1633 AD and was laid by Queen Naur-Jean's brother Asia Khan. Large acres of panoramic views terraced with beautiful water channel flowing flowing in the mid of the garden decorates Nishant Garden with an immediate eye capturing beauty.

Shalimar Garden

Colorful fountains we-up the canals and variety of flowers bedight the Shalimar garden, that once served to be leisure park for the royal women. There are four terraces in the garden and was built Emperor Shah-Jehan for his beloved wife Nur-Jehan.

Chashmashahi & Parimahal

Set up by Shah Jehan in 1632 AD Chashmashahi or the Royal Spring is quiet famous for its spring of refreshing digestive mineral water. Fountains, fruits, flowers and different shrubs actually enhance the beauty of the garden when. Besides these there are chinars and pillars too. You can hop next to Pari Mahal kms uphills from Chasmashahi, where there is a school of astrology and philosophy based on various religions.

Dal Lake

Sir Walter Lawrence remarked Dal Lake to be a 'lake par excellence'. Dal has indescribable beauty and a jewel studded in the crown of Kashmir. The lake is 6x3 Kms and is divided in four parts by causeways known as Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin. Moreover the beauty of Dal lake is heightened by beautiful 'Shikaras'.

Gulmarg Village in Kashmir, India Harwan Garden

Hewn with purple light and rugged with bed of green gardens and massive Chinar trees, Harwan appears to be a resting place of Gods. A favourite tourist picnic spot Harwan is soothed out with a beautiful canal and green lawns.

Sonmarg

Situated at 9,000 kms. above sea level, Sonmarg is one of the smallest resorts in Kashmir, lying in the heart of a gorgeous valley carved by the river Sindh. Also known as "Golden meadow", this place gets its name 'Son' meaning golden, from the bloom of yellow crocuses that fill this valley in the spring.

Gulmarg

The best ski resort in the Himalayas, Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill spot in the country.

Srinagar

Srinagar, the summer capital is situated in the center of Kashmir valley and is surrounded by five districts. It possess deep green rice fields and river bridges, gardens in bloom, lakes rimmed by houseboats, a business center and holiday resort.

Pahalgam

Situated ninety five km east of Srinagar at an altitude of 2,130 metres Pahalgam is a quaint little village nestled on the banks of river Lidder. Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available.