Kashmir is known for its unearthly beauty, which has earned it the title of  " Paradise on Earth". Kashmir Valley is part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in north India.

Tourist Spots of Kashmir

Gulmarg

Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. 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 favorite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

Mata Vaishnodevi
One of the most Religious & Hindu Pilgrimage destination in India, is located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Maa Vaishno Devi shrine is conveniently located from Delhi.

Shri Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the oldest shrine of India, located at a height of 5300 feet on the holy Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik Hill Range. The Holy cave is 13 Kms from the Base Camp Katra. The Town Katra is 50 Kms away from Jammu and 35 Kms from District HQ Udhampur and is linked by road. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the most popular Shrines of India.

Shankaracharya Temple

It is located at 1100ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-e-Suleiman. The shiva temple, as Kalhana belives, was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in 371 B.C.and as such is the oldest shrine in Kashmir. Dogra ruler, Maharaja Gulab Singh, constructed stone stairs upto the temple. In 1925, the temple was electrified. The temple, besides a prominent religious place of Hindus, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Srinagar city.

Jama Masjid

It is one of the oldest and the most spacious of all the mosques in Kashmir, situated in the heart of the city. The foundation of the mosque, an architectural wonder was laid by Sultan Sikander in 1398 A.D. The area of the mosque is 384 ft X 381 ft. spacious enough for over thirty thousand people to offer prayers at a time.

Shalimar Garden

The Garden, 15 Kms from the city centre, was built by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife, Nurjahan. The gardens with four terraces is 539 by 182 meters and gets water from Harwan through a canal lined with fountains. The fourth terrace was once reserved for royal ladies.

Dal Lake

The world famous water body described by Sir Walter Lawerence as the "Lake par-excellence", half a kilometers from the city, is the jewel in the crown of Kashmir eulogized by the poets and abundantly praised by the travelers and tourists. The lake of late has unfortunately, considerably shrunk in size causing concern to environmentalists. The Governments have chalked out an ambitious project to save the lake from extinction. The lake is 6 X 3 km divided by causeways into four parts, Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin. Two islands, Sona Lank and Ropa Lank, within the lake add to its beauty. Nagin is the most lovely part of the Dal Lake separated by a causeway.

Sonmarg

Sonamarg, at an altitude of 3,000 metres above sea level, 87 km north-east of Srinagar. The drive to Sonamargh is though yet another spectacular facet of country side in Kashmir, this time in Sindh Valley. The Sindh Valley is the largest tributary of the valley of Kashmir. It is upwards of sixty miles long, and valley and deep rock-girt gorge to open grassy meadow land and village-dotted slopes.

Sonamarg, which means 'meadow of gold' has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. the Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months.
The climate of Sonamarg is very bracing; but the rainfall is frequent though not heavy, except for two or three days at a time in July and August with fine spell in between.