Jammu & Kashmir Top Travel Picks
From the list of best destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, India Hotel Review has chosen the 10 top picks which are as follows:
1. Dal Lake Shikara Ride, Srinagar, Kashmir: Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir, the Dal Lake-Shikara Ride attracts infinite numbers of vacationers from different corners of the world. Dal Lake is a special charm amongst the honeymoon couples. Taking a ride on Shikara can surely be memorable experiences the leisure travelers. Spread over a large area, Dal Lake temperature decreases to less than minus degree Celsius. The travelers can figure out house boats, open shikaras and shops on the bank of the lake. The local populace of the region every year celebrates Summer Festival. During this festival various competitions are organized, and travelers can also get some good bargains on Shikara Ride.
2. Gardens of Srinagar: Shalimar Garden, Nishat Bagh and Chashma shahi are known amongst the chain of Mughal Gardens. Every year in the month of April the Tulip festival is organized at Shalimar gardens and millions of travelers throng these Mughal gardens. At this destination the travelers can behold the commanding views of the different variety of tulip flowers. Built by the Mughals in the past centuries, the Mughal gardens are illuminated with lights in the evening time.
3. Skiing and Gondolla lift at Gulmarg: There are good numbers of sports clubs in Gulmarg that organize various sporting events during winter months. The winter festivity is so humungous that good numbers of vacationers from different corners of the world visit this place to relish the views of snow covered mountains. A ride on a lift from up to the apex point of the peaks is what Gondolla lift has to offer. Gliding on the snow covered hills of Gulmarg is assured to bestow travelers with the most cherished memoirs.
4. Trek to Shivkhori, Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir: Shiv Khori cave is 200 meters long and 1 meter wide. According to legend, the existence of this cave was unknown to local population 40-50 years ago. One day a Muslim Shepherd saw many saints inside the cave. The saints who known to be in the astral form urged shepherd from disclosing anything about their existence. But despite the promise made, the Muslim shepherd revealed the truth. Till the year 2000 AD not many people knew about this cave. Since 2005 more than 3 lakh pilgrims visited this cave. The Katra Shrine Board has taken control over the development work of shrine. Rest house and other medical facilities have been developed. 3 Days Shiv Khori mela is also organized every year in the month of February end or March first week whenever Mahashivratri is celebrated.
5. Paragliding at Sanasar: Sanasar nestled 119 kms from Jammu and 17 kms from Patni top organizes paragliding events at regular intervals. Covered with snow during the major part of the year. This destination has such a geography makes suitable for holding any paragliding event. The paragliding clubs provide special guide assistance to the amateur gliders. All safety equipments are placed to ensure safety of the adventure enthusiasts. Watching every thing from bird’s eye view can be thrilling. Flying 10,000 ft above the sea level, Paragliding at Sanasar must not be missed by any chance.
6. Palaces of Jammu: The Palaces of Jammu are thronged by millions of revelers from different corners of the world. Amar palace and Mubarak Mandi Palace are amongst the league of famous palaces in Jammu. The travelers while on a visit to Mubarak Mandi Palace, also make a visit to Pink Hall in which the important centuries old artifacts can be seen. The instruments, clothes, weapons, ornaments, paintings of Dogra dynasty can also be viewed here. In fact, this hall has been converted into a art gallery. Another palace is Amar Palace which was deigned by a French architect. Now this palace is also converted into a art gallery and museum. Dr Karan singh has donated this palace to the trustees looking after its regular maintenance.
7. Hazratbal Dargah: The Hazratbal Dargah is a Muslim shrine situated on the bank of Dal Lake opposite to Nishat Bagh. Sprawling over a huge area, the hair Prophet Mohammed is preserved here. The legend has that when the piece of hair arrived in Kashmir, it was first preserved in Naqshband Sahib. As the shrine was small was not capable of handling the huge crowd. Therefore, Aurangzeb ordered the strand of hair to be preserved at Hazratbal Shrine. The Hazratbal shrine lies at a distance of 25 kms from the Badgam district in Srinagar, Kashmir. This destination is known by number of names the Assar-e-Sharif, Madinat-us-Sani and the Dargah Sharif. Mughal emperor Shahjahan`s brother constructed the Ishrat Mahal at the site of the shrine sometime in the year 1623, later when the emperor himself visited the site he ordered the place to be converted into a prayer house. The shrine as such was built by the Muslim Auqaf trust. Before the Hazratbal shrine was constructed the sacred hair was placed in the shrine of Naqshband Sahib. The architecture of the shrine is a combination of Mughal and traditional Kashmiri style.
8. Water Sports at River Lidder, Kolhoi Glacier: The water sports at Lidder include parasailing, boating, swimming and many more alike. The travelers who want to indulge in the water rafting. Lidder River provides an excellent option to the adventurers. Rafting in the turbulent areas of Jammu and Kashmir can be a challenging task. The rafting clubs provide all the safety equipments to the amateur rafters. During rafting the travelers will also get the spectacular views of the mountains, beautiful vistas and many more alike. Special events take place at river Lidder which can be best enjoyed during the summer season.
9. Marvelous vistas of Sonmarg. Kashmir: Sonmarg is famous for its tranquil environs. Covered by snowy hillocks, this destination offers the commanding views of the entire place. The hut roofed cottages, the locales in their traditional attires and the aromatic cuisines are assured to steal your heart forever. From November to February, Sonmarg receives heavy snowfall. Trekking, mountain biking and Skiing are some of the adventure options which can exclusively be enjoyed at Sonmarg. Nilgrad, Krishnasar Lake, Baltal are the major attractions in Sonmarg. These are also the largest perennial chains of lakes and rivers where entertainment and thrill are assured.
10. Wildlife in Jammu and Kashmir-Shikargha: Pahalgam’s famous tourist magnet is one of the richest wild life bio reserves. It can be reached on foot or by pony from the main market. Tigers, Lions, White Cheetah, Birds, Elephants and many other extinct species can be best viewed at this wild life bio reserve. The verdure hills, coniferous trees, perennial chains of rivers and azure skies are assured to catch the attention of your eyes. With the best tailor made tour packages, the travelers can also plan to go for a jungle jeep safari or camping. From the wide range of luxury and budget hotels in Pahalgam, the travelers can think of booking them at best price tags through an online booking offered by India Hotel Review.
