Kashmir...Part 5:Gulmarg

Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in India. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here.

Gulmarg is about 56 km from Srinagar.We had our break at Tangmarg from where I could see hills of Gulmarg.....





Road from Tangmarg to Gulmarg (11 km) was simply awesome


And we reached Gulmarg


Gulmarg has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m.


Horse Riding is the best activity by which all the sites of Gulmarg can be seen. Horses can be hired directly or through the Tourist Office or through an agent.


Some of the sight view of Gulmarg:





We took a horse ride and that was almost 5 hours long journey.We went to snow covered mountains even in summer.The riding was wonderful and pleasing.






On the way back we found hot spring.Amazing peaceful place:





One of last scenery i caught in my camera:


Soon after that there was heavy rainfall with hailstorm.The Gulmarg was so cold and excellent.I had to leave the wonderful place,but i loved it from my heart.

Kashmir...Part 4:Mughal Gardens-Paradise on Earth

With terraced lawns, fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal's concept of paradise and are today very popular places for picnics and excursions.

Chashma Shahi

The original garden was laid out by Mughal wali Shah Jehan in 1632 AD on hilltop down the Parimahal. It is a wonderful place with scenarist views of Dal Lake and Srinagar city.

Gate of Chashma Shahi:

Garden view:



Lake view from the garden:



A botanical garden down the Chashma Shahi:

Nishat Bagh

Nishat was designed in 1633 AD by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jehan, situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop. This 'garden of bliss' commands a magnificent view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range which stands far away to the west of the valley.

Garden view:

Water flow:



Fountains:



Lake view from the Nishat:

Shalimar Bagh

Built by Mughal Wali Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan, Shalimar, is a beautiful garden with sweeping vistas over gardens and lakes, and shallow terraces. The garden is 539 m by 182 m and has four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal lined with polished stones and supplied with water from Harwan runs through the middle of the garden. The fourth terrace, by far the best, was once reserved for royal ladies.

First terrace of Shalimar:



Fountains on a row:



Second terrace of Shalimar:



Third terrace:







And the waterfall:

Harwan

Harwan is not a Mughal garden but remarkable remains of ancient ornamented tile pavements of the Buddhist period have come to light. It is situated on the hillside, south of the village of Harwan. The tiles depict the dresses of the people, such as loose trousers, Turkoman caps or close fitting turbans and large ear-rings which reveal Central Asian influence.

Harwan Lake and hills view:

Kashmir...Part 3:Srinagar-The Lake City

I reached to Srinagar (summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir) at night. So I had to wait till morning to see the city. Night was freaking sweet and I slept well. Wake up early and saw the beauty of Kashmir which I was eager to see.

The Dal Lake

Main attraction of the Srinagar is the Dal Lake and a Shikhara ride on it. The lake is very big and awesome. It is standing down the hills with crystal clear water and peace.

Houseboats look gorgeous and they added beauty to the Dal Lake. Houseboats are used both as hotel and for residence. Everything is available in Dal Lake. Life is so live there.

The Shikhara ride:

Dal Lake is famous for its Shikhara (a special boat). It is easy to find a Shikhara on the lake for few hours and I found it worth spending some money there.

View from the Shikhara:













Sunset on Dal Lake:



After sundown:



A moonlight night:



Night View of Dal Lake:





Shopping on the Dal Lake:







Thus we end a wonderful tour on Dal Lake. A lake synonymous to peace:

The City

Srinagar is a small city with around one million populations. The city is not so developed but it is an ideal place to live. Everything is excellent in this city, from its people to nature.

A busy area of the city:







A hotel near the Dal Lake:



Road beside lake: