3. PROMINENT HILL STATIONS
PAHALGAM : It is one of the most beautiful valleys in the
land of Jammu & Kashmir . Might river Lidder flows through the resort and
challenges the adventure loving people. The Pahalgam wildlife sanctuary is a
major attraction of this place along with the trekking routes. Pahalgam falls
enroute to the famous “ Amarnath Cave “ and serves as a base camp for the same.
One can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of side valleys of Pahalgam also , namely
Aru Valley , Chandanwari , Baisaran and Bettab Valley . Some other tourist
attractions of Pahalgam are:
1.
Fishing at Lidder River ( License is required(
2.
Sledging at the frozen Glaciers
3.
Long walks in the jungles
4.
Alpine
Skiing
5.
White Water Rafting ( Lidder River)
6.
Horse Riding
7.
Trekking
At Kolhou , Tarsar and Marsar lakes
8.
Golfing at 18 hole International Golf Course.
GULMARG
It is one of the most appreciated tourist spots in Kashmir .
The natural beauty of the place is sublime and among the sightseeing spots ,
the world’s highest Gondola and the
world’s highest golf course are the most famous . The drive to Gulmarg is
filled with a number of colors, changing with the season. From the translucent
green of spring to scenery has something to offer in every season. The “Meadow
of Flowers” counts amongst some of the best tourist spots of the world. Gulmarg
is famous not only for its awe- inspiring beauty, but for a number of other
attractions also. You can also take a Gondola ride (cable car ride) , taking
the tourists up to Kongdori and Apharwat to enjoy the magnificent sights of the
meadow from the top.
SONAMARG
“Golden Meadow” mesmerizes visitors with its picturesque
beauty. The sun rays falling on the snow capped mountains reflect a golden
sparkle, giving the hill station its name. Also this place houses the Thajwas
glacier . Sonarmarg serves as another base for undertaking the holy yatra of
the Amarnath cave. The Yatra is organized every year during the month of July –
August . In Sonamarg, you will get to try many adventurous sports as well. Some
of these are:
1. Trekking to Thajiwas Glacier , Pahalgam etc
2. Sledging ( at frozen glaciers)
3. Angling ( lisence required)
4. Long walks in the jungles
5. Alpine Skiing
6. White Water Rafting
YUSMARG
Yusmarg is approximately 47 km from Srinagar and lies in the
Badgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The 2 hour drive to the place is an
enjoyment in itself. Grassy pastures stretching to acres of land, the dense
forests full of pine trees, with the backdrop of splendid snow capped mountains
leave you almost speechless. Within commutable distance from Srinagar, the
capital of Kashmir, Yusmarg is the perfect place to go for a picnic. It is
possible that after reaching this place, you may want to even stay for a few
days. Specially enchanting for the lovers of long walks in picturesque locales.
Doodh –e-pathri is yet another bowl shaped valley about 42
km from Srinagar. It is a recent discovery in the valley covered with the green
carpeted meadows. The water gushing here resembles the sight of flowing milk.
The water gushing here resembles the sight of flowing milk. That’s how it gets
its name Doodh –e-pathari. Once here, one can spot herds of cattle grazing in
the meadows.
Gurez is a valley located in the high Himalayas, about 123km
from Srinagar in Northern Jammu and Kashmir . At about 8000 feet (2400 m) above
sea level, the valley is surrounded by snowcapped mountains . It has diverse
fauna and wildlife including the Himalayan brown bear and the snow leopard. The
Kishan Ganga river flow through the valley. The road to Gilgit runs through
Gurez . Tourist accommodation is also available at Gurez.
AHARBAL
Aharbal fall lies at an altitude of 2500 meters. A 70 km
journey from Srinagar that passes through world famous apple orchards of
Shopian takes you to the mesmerizing fall formed by Veshav River that passes
through a gorge. The beauty of the fall attracted even Mughal Emperor Jehangir
and his beloved queen Nur Jehan. It is a base camp for Kounsernag ( 13500 ft) .
Source of River Veshav, covered with Glaciers is a lovely attraction for
trekkers and mountaineers. The tourist spot is surrounded by lush green meadows
and mountains. The spot is accessible from Anantnag via Kulgam (40km) and
Rojouri ( 75km) . Accommodation is available in Tourist Bungalow, cottages and
private guest houses. Don’t miss the visit to this spot during your trip to
“Paradise on Earth”.
KOKERNAG
Kokernag , 24 km from
Anantnag, is known for its collection of springs , which in totality producers
an image of the claws of a “ Kojer” or a cock, a trait to which the place owes
its name. Kokernag is blessed with rich soil which promotes the growth of
several varieties of plants and flowers. A tour to Kokernag is incomplete
without seeing the state’s biggest Trout fish hatchery. The place has
a plesant look in all seasons
because it surrounded with pine trees and lofty mountains.
Verinag spring is about 26 km away from Anantnag and is the
source of the river Jhelum. The spring is situated at the bottom of hill
covered by pine trees and evergreen plants. The wonderful and charming
construction of the spring as well as its adjacent garden compel the visitors
to see it again and again. The construction of the banks of spring as well as its
surroundings is of rare shape. The Mughal emperor Jehangir constructed it and
carvers for this purpose were brought from Iran.
ACHABAL
Once the pleasure retreat of Empress Nur Jehan , Achabal (
1677 m) has a fine garden in the Mughal style, with its own special charm and
character.
Situated at the foot of a hill with a row of majestic
chinars framing it, the Mughal gardens are a visual delight with their stepped
terraces, formal elegance , ornamental shrubs , sparkling fountains and falling
water. Achabal is 8km from Srinagar, via Anantnag.
GOLF, as we know it today, has its origins in the 19th
century. This elite game has been a part of Kashmir since last 10 decades and
over the past 20 years golf surely has become the pet sport of the state. Kashmir
often the golfers some exciting grounds. From spring beginning in April through
to the late Autumn, the cooler temperatures allow the golfer to enjoy this
superb sport. Both Kashmir and Jammu have exciting golf courses to play. These
courses i.e Royal Springs Golf Course,
Kashmir Golf Club and Lake View Gold Course. While Gulmarg and Pahalgam also
boast of having an 18 hole golf course each.
The Royal Springs Golf Course, a testing 18 hole, par 72
course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, is spread over 300 acres of
undulating fairways and greens . The course uses the natural landscapes to
challenge the most discerning golfer. The setting is delightful and the
spectacular view of the Pari Mahal makes a magnificent backdrop.
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