GULMARG
Gulmarg; the one destination that offers a tough competition to the fascinating Swiss Alps in the entire world, is one of the jewels of Jammu and Kashmir. Located at a fascinating height of 2,690m above the sea level, this picturesque hill station is popularly known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’ and is further adorned by the magical beauty of the mighty Himalayan Range.
A retreat since the Mughal Era, Gulamrg also allured the British officials during the Colonial Times. Its flamboyant beauty and exuberant charm still entices a large number of tourists from various corners of the world. Be it the usual travellers, nature lovers, adventure junkies or thrill seekers, this stunning hill station is a treat for all!
Acclaimed as the ‘Heartland of Winter Sports in India’ by CNN, Gulmarg truly stands up to the expectation. Home to the most fascinating cable car ride in India and the second highest in the entire world, this scenic hill station is also considered as the ‘Mecca of Skiing in India’. Its captivating snow clad hills and mountains has given rise to the popularity of several other outdoor and adventurous sports in the country. Well, if you still think Gulmarg is a paradise for the thrill lovers, you will definitely be wrong as this gorgeous hill station is also the home to one of the highest golf courses in the world.
PAHALGAM
Once you are in Pahalgam, you will get to know all the reasons, why this magnificent hill station is among the most sought after destinations in Jammu and Kashmir! Located around 90km from Srinagar and at an astounding height of 7,200ft above the sea level, this scenic vicinity along the banks of the Lidder River is known for its lush-green ambience and untouched beauty.
Also the origin of the sacred Amarnath Yatra, Pahalgam not only entices the occasional holidayers or the devotees. Its craggy and uneven terrains, enthralling trekking options and access to several other points also make it a hotspot among the adventure enthusiasts. Among all the treks, the one that trails for around 35km and takes the trekkers through exhilarating passes, dense pine forests and finally leads to the Kolahoi Glacier is the most popular.
Even for the nature lovers, Pahalgam proves to be an ideal destination. The wide range of flora and fauna of this region is an ultimate treat for those who are in love with the enchanting beauty of Mother Nature. This quaint hill station serves as the home to several endangered wildlife species like Leopard, Brown Bear, Hangul, Serow, Grey Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan Mouse Hare and Musk Deer.
SONMARG
Among all the magnificent places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir, Sonamarg has its own beauty and grace! Also known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, it is one of the most charming hill stations in the state and is known for its opulent beauty. Jotted with captivating hills and mountains that are blanketed with pearl-white snow, gurgling rivers and mesmeric glaciers, Sonamarg truly makes it in the list of must-visit places in India.
Beautifully sited on the banks of the Nallah Sindh, this graceful alpine valley is cossetted by the some of the fascinating peaks of the Himalayan Range. Located at an astounding height of 2,800m and around 84km from Srinagar, the meadow of gold got its name from its snow-clad mountains that reflects the magical views of the cerulean sky. Adding more to this enticing phenomenon, as the sun rises over the horizon, the entire Sonamarg valley creates a captivating spell on its visitors.
The abode of the Kolhoi and Machoi glaciers, this stunning hill station in Jammu & Kashmir is also known for its varied adventure options. The origin point of astounding treks to Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake and Gadsar Lake, Sonamarag is also known for its ‘Mahseer’ and ‘Trout’ fishing angling expeditions. Over the last few years, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Board has also encouraged river rafting that has been attracting rafting enthusiasts from different corners of the globe.
Though a quaint and tiny alpine valley,Sonamarg’s enticing beauty has made it one of the most beautiful places to visit in the entire country. It’s the magical appeal of this magnificent hillstation that has got the meadow of gold featured in several Bollywood films till now! Visit this enchanting valley, and you will cherish its memories all through your life!
AMARNATH YATRA
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Jaipur and all the major cities of India. Amarnath tour packages include accommodation as well as transportation facilities. Nowadays, Amarnath Yatra holiday Package by Helicopter is more popular among the devotees for being easy and time saving.
KATRA
Katra or Katra Vaishno Devi is popularly known, is a small town in Udhampur district of the Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, where the sacred temple of Vaishno Devi is located.Katra is located at an elevation of 754 meters (2,474 feet). Katra is situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. This attractive destination is located about 42 kilometers from the city of Jammu.Katra usually serves as the base camp for all those devotees who visit Vaishno Devi and this has made Katra one of the most famous tourist destinations. Hindi, Punjabi and Kashmiri are local languages of Katra.
The main bazaar of Katra is worth to visit which is famous for woolen garments, hosiery, leather jackets etc which are of excellent value from this place. One should also buy dryfruits which are the speciality of this state. Katra is located at 32.98°N 74.95°E.It has an average altitude of 754 metres (2,474 feet). As of 2011 India census, Katra along with Ban-Ganga had a population of 37569.
Katra is about seven – eight hour drive from Srinagar, Katra become famous because of the Vaishno Devi cave temple. Pilgrims gather here in millions to this holy temple town of the Goddess Vaishnodevi. This shrine is believed to be built by the Pandavas and it is one among the oldest of the all the temples in India and situated at an elevation of 5200 feet. The temple portrays almost all the deities of the Hindu Pantheon. High amidst the snow clad mountain peaks, the shrine has a commanding view of the wonderful Himalayas.
PATNITOP
This state is known for its many picturesque locations and landmarks, and travelling to Jammu and Kashmir. Patnitop is located in the Lower Himalayan Range close to the Pir Panjal range, 47 km from Udhampur and 112 km from Jammu.
This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 m across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. The towns of Kud and Batote are nearby. Kud is a very small town where sweet shops make fresh Patissa (a sweet). It may be bought hot and melts in one’s mouth. Batote is known as a place for quality rajma or the kidney bean.
LEH LADAKH
Leh Ladakh can be a great experience as these places have a lot of natural beauty. There are a number of attractions in LehLadakh that are filled with extreme pristine beauty, the list is inclusive of well- known ancient monasteries, other religious sites, palaces of the royalty, various gompas, mountain peaks, wildlife safaris, adventure activity spots and much more. Ladakh with a unique characteristic that is a blend of Indian, Tibetan as well as Buddhism linings make it a place which is worth paying a visit to.
This beautiful hilly region, every year, is visited by a large number of local as well as foreign tourists. It is both a popular summer as well as a winter holiday destination. Its untouched beauty, snow-clad mountain peaks, lush greenery and secluded spots attract a lot of honeymooners too. That is not all. With the range of adventure activities that it has to offer such as trekking, mountain biking, rafting, mountaineering and so on, it is well-known amidst adventure enthusiasts too.
VAISHNO DEVI
The Origin of Vaishno Devi is as mysterious as it is about several other Shrines from the past era. That is why it still remains difficult to find out exact date from when the Holy Shrine pilgrimage might begin. In fact a geological investigation and research of the Holy Cave has calculated that approximately one million years is the time frame since when pilgrimage continues. Vedic History of Vaishno Devi explains that there was no presence of female worshippers in the past while Rigveda found their presence in the mountain Trikuta. It especially focuses upon Shakti worship practice that continues since Puranic era.
Epic Mahabharatahas detailedmention of the Mother Goddess which indicates its relevance since time immemorial. The Origin of Vaishno Deviis best defined in this epic with reference to the Kurukshetrabattlefield in which both Pandavand Kaurv armies faced each other. As the descriptions explain, Pandav warrior chief Arjun had been told by Sri Krishna to initiate meditation before the Vaishno Devi Mother to seek her blessing to win battle. Arjun iniitated mediation thereafter and bowed his head while chanting ‘Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihitalaye’ that explains powerful goddess residing in the temple slop in a Jamboo mountain. The Jamboo in it indicated today’s Jammu as the researchers claim.
He istory of Vaishno Devi further examines facts like the gestures of winning Pandavs in the form of building huge temples at Kol Kandoli and Bhawan to venerate their gratefulness for this miraculous Mother Goddess whose charisma they had seen. The nearby mountain located close to the Trikuta Mountain supervises the Holy Cave whose five stone structures might symbolize the Pandavs, explain the researchers.
Other important reference that is oldest in nature indeed is the signof Guru Gobind Singh’s visit in the Holy Cave. It is said that Purmandal was used for this visit. Indications are clear through old foot tracks passing through the Holy Cave that has emerged as prominent pilgrimage center today.
The History of Vaishno Devi is enriched with many important references so are details about traditions and facts related with this Shrine that support its holiness. This place is considered best of the all holy places or Shaktipeeths that possess eternal energy through keeping the Mother Goddess safe. It is also known for one important reason of evidences found to observe the Mata Sati skull falling at this place. A section of researchers on the Origin of Vaishno Devi also claim that the right arm of Mata Sati would have fallen at this place though large number of researchers oppose such claims. Such researchers have definite claim that the right arm of Sati had fallen nearby Gandarbal in Kashmir region. Stone remains of human hands are still available inside the Holy Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji which are famously called Varad Hast or hands granting blessings and boons to devotees.
