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Jammu and Kashmir, India is known as heaven on earth. In the seventeenth century the Mughal emperor Jahangir set his eyes on the valley of Kashmir. He said that if paradise is anywhere on the earth, it is here, while living in a houseboat on the mesmerizing Dal Lake. In Jammu and Kashmir the most important tourist places are Kashmir, Srinagar, the Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Jammu, and Ladakh.
In Kashmir Valley
* Srinagar - Capital of Jammu and Kashmir
o Dal lake - famous lake in Srinagar, with house boats called shikharas.
o Manasbal Lake
o Shalimar Gardens
o Nishant Gardens
* Gulmarg - popular hill station.
* Pahalgam - scenic valley
* Sonamarg - tourist resort.
* Amarnath temple - pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees of Lord Shiva.
* Eco-tourism places:Gurex, Dudhpathri, Bangus valley
In Jammu
* Vaishno Devi - famous shrine
* Poonch
* Patnitop - hill station
* Sanasar
* Eco-tourism places:Mantalai and Shivkhori
* Punj old fort
* Bhaderwah
* Shahdra Sharif shrine
* Bhimgarh Fort
In Ladakh
* Leh - capital of Lakakh, famous monasteries.
* Nubra Valley - scenic valley with towns of Deskit and Hundar.
* Lake Moriri - one of the largest and high altitude lakes.
* Pangong Lake - Lake divided between India and China
* Zanskar - scenic trekking areas.
Spring
The joyous chirping of birds, orchards heavy with fruits, alpine meadows dotted with grazing herds, and shepherds lilting with their music - a vivid mosaic of this place - takes shape before your wandering eye. It presents a picture of an unforgettable tapestry which is amongst the most beautiful any place in the world has to offer.
Summer
Fruits spill out of brimming baskets; strawberries and cherries, peaches and apricots; all the bounty of a fertile land. Pale green paddy fields rise in tiered steps upon the hills. In the high meadows, trout are jumping in rushing, snow-fed streams. The encircling snow-capped mountains provide a perfect setting for a valley that's vibrantly alive
Autumn
The misty morning sprawls over the vivacious valleys, the flushing meadows wrap the hillsides like a cloak. The sunlight softly caresses the leaves, the dew drops sparkle like diamonds to welcome the new day. The rustle of the fallen leaves adds to the music of the place and the sweet fragrance of flowers lingers on...
Winter
The white sheet of snow spread far and wide concealing the resonating beauty of this paradise. The soft snowflakes adorning the coniferous, the misty hazy breath, the chilly breeze gently tingling your senses, the tender sunlight deflecting from the ice capped peaks and spreading the much needed warmth. All so milky and pure. It is picture of a true heaven on earth.
HOUSEBOATS IN KASHMIR
Many tourists are attracted to Srinagar by the charm of staying on a houseboat, which provides the unique experience of living on the water in a cedar-panelled elegant bedroom, with all the conveniences of a luxury hotel. Srinagar's thousand or so houseboats are moored along sections of the Dal and Nagin Lakes and river Jhelum, each decorated fancifully and named romantically and even whimsically. Like hotels, houseboats vary in degree of luxury and have been accordingly graded by the Department of Tourism. A luxury houseboat, like a luxury hotel has fine furniture, good carpets and modern bathroom fittings, while the ‘D category’ (the lowest category) of houseboats, like low-budget hotels, is spartanly furnished. Like hotels too, houseboats vary widely in their locations. Some overlook the main road, others look out onto lotus gardens and yet others face tiny local markets and villages, all right in the middle of the lake! All houseboats, regardless of category, have highly personalized service. Not only is there always a "houseboy" for every boat, but the owner and his family are never far away. The cost per day of hiring a houseboat includes all meals and free rides from the houseboat to the nearest jetty and back, as no houseboat on the lakes is directly accessible from the banks.
Every standard houseboat provides a balcony in the front, a lounge, dining room, pantry and 3 or more bedrooms with attached bathrooms. All houseboats not moored to the bank of the river or lakes provide ashikaraas a free service from the houseboat to the nearestghat(jetty). Virtually every houseboat in Srinagar has been provided with a municipal water connection.
The brief particulars of some of the reputed group of houseboats are as under:-
Zaffer Group of Houseboats
Zaffer Group of deluxe Houseboats accommodate every venture from honeymoons to family reunions. And onboard a houseboat, there is every comfort a romantic couple might want.
Conveniences that allow time for each other and, most especially, a privacy that stretches for miles and miles! The houseboats are grand with hand - carved furniture and rich Kashmiri carpets. A houseboat boy is always on call and three meals are served daily from a menu of western, Kashmiri or Indian cuisine.
Golden Lotus group of Houseboats
When we think of Kashmir, the first thing that comes to our Mind is "Houseboats". Staying on a Houseboat means like living in Paradise, an experience one is not likely to find anywhere else on the surface of the earth. "Golden Lotus Group" has luxurious houseboats each beautifully furnished with 2 to 3 bedrooms (attached bathrooms having modern amenities) a sitting room, a dinning room and a front lake view balcony. The Houseboats are moored on the most charming sites on Nageen Lake
Signet Group Houseboats
Signet group of deluxe houseboats is another home away from home. The luxurious houseboats are always ready to provide hospitality to the visitors. With its well decorated and furnished rooms, luxurious and comfortable drawing/sitting room, personalised service round the clock and kashmiri/western food - it is home away from home.
HOTELS IN KASHMIR
In Srinagar there are hotels to suit every requirement in terms of price, location and facilities. The most desirable location for a hotel is considered theBoulevard, which overlooks the Dal Lake. Hotel rooms that overlook the lake cost more than those opening in the opposite direction. Dalgate, which is fairly central for shopping and nearest to the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), has mostly budget accommodation. Some good hotels are also located inSonawarandRajbagh, which are largely residential areas within 2 kms of the TRC. Also there are several hotels on Residency Road, which is right in the middle of a shopping centre, very close to the TRC.LalChowk, in the city’s centre, has several medium category hotels, mostly preferred by visiting traders.
The brief particulars of some of the reputed group of hotels are as under:-
Hotel Centaur Lake View
Centaur Lake View Hotel is a spectacular 5 star hotel, bounded by the world famous Dal Lake from three sides. The hotel's central location and close proximity to many of Srinagar's attractions make it the perfect base for both holidaymakers and business travelers. The responsive staff is always at hand to help make your stay at Centaur Lake View Hotel an unforgettable experience.
Hotel Akbar
Here you are into the world of Akbar Hospitality!
Hotel Akbar is located within the famous Dal lake. It is walkable distance to the market and the Boulevard road bordering the Dal - for early morning or evening strolls around.
Retire yourself into the Akbar Lawns; A natural carpet of thick green grass, and share the intimate moments or enjoy the solitude amongst the natural fragrance of rose garden and the tall trees casting gentle shadows over the colourful green world of Akbar.
Hotel Broadway
Unassuming luxury, a fresh approach and impeccable service, makes the Hotel Broadway Srinagar a perfect retreat for both holidaymakers and those on business. The bedrooms, suites, restaurants and bars within are no exception to the excellence. Well maintained rooms and suites at the Hotel Broadway Srinagar offer stunning view of the picturesque valley.
Hotel broadway is located about 1 KM away from the famous Dal lake.
How To Reach:
By Air
Indian Airlines operate regular daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu. They leave from Delhi directly, from Delhi via Jammu, and from Bombay via New Delhi and Jammu. Jet Airways also operate daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi as well as Jammu. Indian Airlines has its city office in the Tourist Reception Centre, while the Jet Airways office is close by.
Srinagar airport is 14 kms from the city. The taxi ride to the Tourist Reception Centre costs about Rs.450/-.
Indian Airlines:Airport Office Tel. : 2430334, 2430163 City Office Tel. : 2450256, 2450247
Jet Airways:Airport Office Tel. : 0194-2433035, 2433007 City Office : Dhanji-Bhoy Building, Sherwani Road, Srinagar-190001, Kashmir, India. Tel. : 0194-2480801-06.
Note:All foreigners are required to register themselves at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, at its Airport counter.
By Rail
The nearest railhead for Srinagar is Jammu Tawi (305 kms) where trains arrive from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Ahmedabad, etc. As with flights, train bookings have to be made well in advance. During the holiday season, additional trains operate to and from various parts of the country
By Road
National Highway 1-A, connecting Srinagar with Jammu, is a good, all-weather road with several sharp inclines and hairpin bends. It is maintained by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), which clears the road of any obstructions resulting from natural causes like landslides and heavy snowfall. The famous Jawahar Tunnel that connects Jammu with the Kashmir Valley across the Pir Panjal range falls en route
Super deluxe, A-class, B-class busses are operated by J&K SRTC as well as other transport agencies. These take approx. 11 hours to cover the journey and the cost per seat in J&K SRTC bus is Rs 150/- for super deluxe, Rs.110/- for A-class and Rs.100/- for B-class coaches
From Delhi an express coach service is available, which takes 26 hours to reach Srinagar at the cost per seat of Rs.750/-. For booking contact J&K SRTC Office, Kanishka Shopping Plaza, Ashok Road, New Delhi.
It is also possible to travel by taxi from Jammu to Srinagar in about 8 hours. The cost is Rs.2100/-(Tata Sumo) & Rs.2400/- car taxi. If you are travelling alone, it is worth enquiring at the taxi stand in the Tourist Reception Centre, Jammu (Tel 2546266) about the availability of taking a shared taxi at an approximate cost of Rs.460/- per head in car taxi Rs. 300/- per head in Tata Sumo.
For those wishing to travel to Srinagar by a private car from Jammu, there are several places en route which have been developed for the convenience of the motorist. Among them Jajjar Kotli, Kud, Pantnitop, Batote, Ramban, Banihal and Qazi Gund, all having tourist bungalows and provisions for meals, snacks, petrol pumps and repairs.
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