Kashmir

Reckoned to be the heartbeat of Srinagar, Dal Lake is the finest manifestation of the power and beauty of nature. Fringed by majestic mountains and the Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake has steadfastly maintained its position as a favourite tourist place to visit in Srinagar. The canopied Shikaras sailing on the sparkling water offers a picture perfect moment. On the other hand the houseboats on the lake render luxurious accommodation option. Along with nature lovers, Dal Lake also proffers great options to adventure seekers. Water sports including water skiing, golfing and hot air balloon riding have lately become quite popular in Dal Lake. The pride of Jammu & Kashmir tourism, Dal Lake invigorates visitors with its exceptional beauty all year round.

Gulmarg, the meadow of flowers, can rightly be called the crown of Kashmir. An ideal picnic spot, Gulmarg is always fun to visit. Taking its pride of place is the Gulmarg Gondola, which is Asia’s largest cable car project. Adorned with many spectacles of nature, Gulmarg receives visitors with open arms. As winter approaches, Gulmarg converts into an idyllic skiing resort. Apparwath, Kongdori and Shark Fin, which offer good opportunity for powder skiing are some important tourist places in Gulmarg. The sacred shrine of Baba Reshi is another attraction in Gulmarg and is also an important part of Jammu & Kashmir tourism.

Visited by close to 8 million pilgrims every year, Vaishno Devi is one of the most popular pilgrim places in the world. The most prominent tourist and pilgrim attraction is the Shri Mata Vaishno devi shrine, which is considered by many to be the holiest shrine in India. Other attractions are the Deva Mai temple, the Bhairavnath temple and the Dera Baba banda. Archaeology enthusiasts can also check out the Shiv Khori and Ardh Kuwari caves.

Traveling to Leh – Ladakh can be an exhilarating experience. Ladakh holds immense beauty for the beholder; the mountainous desert stretches from peak to peak, a divine painting done in strokes of purple, brown and grey, with streaks of silver and patches of green along the Indus River. Tourist Attractions in Leh-Ladakh includes its pristine beauty, its well known monasteries, its cities and the adventure sports like trekking, rafting in Indus and mountain climbing. Safaris are also part of its tourist attraction. Exploring Ladakh on the Yak back or the camel, can be an experience worth taking back home.

The city of Srinagar is famous for a number of things, amongst which the regal Mughal Gardens deserve a special mention. Established during the Mughal era, these royal gardens are exemplary of fine landscaping and intricate architecture blended with the ethereal beauty of nature. There are three such beautiful gardens in the city, which depict the inclination of erstwhile Mughal emperors towards nature and greenery. Inspired by the lavishly laid gardens of Persia, these Mughal Gardens mesmerise visitors with their scenic charm.

Pangong Lake also known as Pangong Tso is a beautiful endorheic lake situated in the Himalayas and is 134 km long, extending from India to China. Pangong Lake is situated at a height of 4350 m and is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the country. The beauty and allure of this lake has attracted people from all over the country and beyond. The lake is said to be in the process of being identified as a wetland with international significance under the Ramsar Convention and if everything goes as expected then the Pangong Lake will be the first in South Asia to be a trans-boundary wetland and that too under this convention.

Pari Mahal is a terraced garden situated to the southwest of Dal Lake, above the famous Chashme Shahi Garden. Alternatively known as Quntilon and Fairies’ Abode, it is counted amongst the star attractions of Srinagar. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s son Dara Shikoh built this garden in the memory of Mullah Shah Badakhshi – his tutor, who preached the Qadiri order of Sufi Islam. It was established in the mid 17th century on the remnants of an old Buddhist monastery. The monumental garden was used as an astronomical observatory and an important learning centre for astrological science.

The beauty of Thiksey Monastery is beyond one’s imagination. Tucked in the vicinity of Ladakh, this famous tourist attraction in Leh-Ladakh is located 20 kilometres from the main hub. More or less, this place looks like a kingdom on top of a hill. The complex houses a number of thankas, stupas, wall paintings and statues in the twelve storied building. This must visit attraction also has a museum which carefully treasures many sacred items. You can also find a large pillar engraved with the Buddha’s teachings and a 15 meter high Buddha statue at the main prayer hall.