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Gulmarg
The valley of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area,
stands at 2,730 meters, 56-km south west of Srinagar. The name
means 'Meadow Of Flowers' and in the spring it's just that, a
rolling meadow dotted with
 countless colourful Bluebells, Daisies,
Forget Me Nots and Buttercups. The valley itself is about 3-km
long and up to a km wide. All around are snow-capped mountains,
and on a clear day one can see all the way to Nanga Parbat is one
direction and Srinagar is another. It's a popular day trip from
Srinagar to Gulmarg, although many people extend their stay or use
it as a base for trekking. The road from Srinagar rises gently
towards the lower slopes of the range, passing through rice and
maize fields.
Best Time To Visit:
In Summer - May to September
In Winter - Nov to February
Pahalgam
At an altitude of 2,130m and about 95-km from Srinagar, Pahalgam
is probably the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley.
Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg the night time temperatures
do not drop so low and it has the further advantage of the
beautiful Lidder River running right through the town. Pahalgam is
situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and
surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare,
snow-capped peaks rising behind them.
Best Time To Visit:
In Summer-May To September
In Winter-Nov To Feb.
Patnitop
With all its beauty at a hill station, it is a charming plateau at
2, 024m. The meadow is surrounded by dense woods and lush greenery
of Pines. Tracks lead to pockets where time stands still and calm
prevails. Picturesquely situated at a high altitude, there are
good bridle paths passing through wooded lanes and fascinating
scenery link Patnitop with Kud and Batote. There are three,
gushing, ice-cold freshwater springs in the area, which are said
to have medicinal properties. The complete tourist circuit covers
Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Deviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund,
Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending upto Latti-Dhuna.
Best Time To Visit:
Summer- May To June
Autumn-September To October
Winter - December To March
Srinagar
The capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in the
state, Srinagar (1,730m) is famous for its canals, houseboats and
Mughal gardens. The city itself is quite unlike most other large
Indian cities for here you are much more in Central Asia than on
the sub continent. It's a city full of intriguing alleyways and
curious buildings. A place where it's very easy to spend a few
hours simply wandering - particularly along the old city streets
near the Jhelum river.
Best Time To Visit:
In Summer - June To Early Nov
In Winter - Dec To Feb |
