logo logo

Kashmir

EXPLORE KASHMIR

An optional subtitle

“Gar firdaus bar-rue zamin ast, hami asto, hamin asto, hamin ast.”
“If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here.”

The Mughal Emperor Jehangir said it all when he visited Kashmir in the 17th century. You’ve been places and you’ve been places, but if you have not visited this Paradise on Earth, you’ve missed out on an experience of a lifetime. The name Kashmir, in Sanskrit, implies land desiccated from water and is derived from the two words, "ka" (water) and "shimeera" (to desiccate). According to Hindu mythology, Sage Kashyap drained the erstwhile lake to produce the land of Kashmir. Modern day Jammu and Kashmir (J & K) is the northernmost state of India, lying mostly in the Himalayas. The state is bordered on the south by Himachal Pradesh, on the west by Pakistan, and on the north and east by China. (J & K) consists of three divisions: Jammu, the Kashmir Valley, and Ladakh. Srinagar is its summer capital, and Jammu, its winter capital. (J & K) is India’s only Muslim majority state. Minority religions in the state include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The languages spoken here are Kashmiri and Urdu, with most people also speaking Hindi and English. Kashmir is the only Indian state to witness all four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) and has something on offer for every type of traveller. While its quiet, almost virginal beauty makes it the ideal honeymoon getaway, it is also great for a family vacation, offering activities like shikara rides, horse riding, cable car rides, and much more. Adventure-seekers can trek the lovely mountainous terrain of Ladakh, and nature lovers will be smitten by the verdant greenery of the valley in summer and its snow-topped mountains in winter. For religious travellers, Kashmir offers the famous Amarnath Cave, a 5,000-year old shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, where an ice stalagmite is formed every year in the shape of a Shivling. Once you come here, you are sure to fall in love with its beautiful gardens, vast lakes, pristine streams, alpine forests, stunning mountains, and, most of all, its friendly people. Kashmiris are very warm and welcoming people.

PLACES TO VISIT

An optional subtitle

Nishat Garden

The Nishat Bagh is a 12 terraced garden located near Srinagar's famous Dal Lake. It is the second-largest Mughal garden in Kashmir after Shalimar Bagh. Popularly known as "Garden of Bliss", it has a splendid Mughal central water channel with several fountains, which is surrounded by tall Chinar trees. Nishat Bagh was designed and built in 1633 by Asif Khan, the elder brother of Nur Jehan. Even though the layout of Nishat Bagh was based on the design of the Persian gardens, the actual landscaping was done in accordance with the terrain and water patterns unique to Kashmir Valley. A stream of standstill water divides the garden into two halves, and each level of the garden is marked by a raised embankment which has its collection of kaleidoscopic flowers. You can catch a magnificent view of the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop.

Shalimar Garden

Shalimar Bagh is a beautifully laid out Mughal garden, the largest of the three Mughal gardens in Srinagar (the other two being Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi). This pristine attraction was built in the year 1619 by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife Nur Jahan and lies overlooking the scintillating waters of the Dal Lake. It is now a public park and is known as the "crown of Srinagar". The chini khanas or arched niches placed behind waterfalls and the chinar trees are the highlights here. The term 'Shalimar' is a Sanskrit word meaning 'Abode of Love' and is known by several other names such as Faiz Baksh and Farah Baksh. Sprinkled generously with well-trimmed gardens and exquisite architecture, Shalimar Garden is a gentle blend of natural allure and man-made structures. Exhibiting the exemplary craftsmanship of Mughals in horticulture, the Mughal garden is quite popular with tourists from all over the world.

Pari Mahal

Pari Mahal is a seven-terraced garden located above the beautiful Chashme Shahi Gardens near Srinagar. Also called the abode of fairies or the home of angels, the historical monument sits on top of the Zabarwan range overlooking Srinagar and the Dal Lake. The main attraction is the numerous colourful flowers and exotic fruit plantations. The Palace of Fairies (Pari Mahal) was built by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is believed that the mahal was once a Buddhist monastery. Later on, it served as a school of astrology for prince Dara Shikoh. The architecture of Pari Mahal is traditional Islamic type of architecture while the surrounding gardens are exceptionally well maintained.

Chashme Shahi

Chashme Shahi is one of the three Mughal gardens in Srinagar, located in the Zabarwan range overlooking the Dal Lake. Also known as Chashma-i-Shahi, it was built 1632 AD by Ali Marda Khan on the orders of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his eldest son Dara Shikoh. Chashme Shahi Garden is famous for its natural spring known as Rupa Bhawani. It remains open for tourists from March to November. Translating to the Royal Spring, Chashme Shahi is a terraced garden dotted with walkways, colourful plants and pools of water. Exhibiting exquisite Mughal architecture, the Chashme Shahi garden is influenced by the Persian gardens. It is built around a freshwater spring that was unearthed by Rupa Bhawani, a renowned female Kashmiri saint. The garden was originally named Chashme Sahibi after her (Rupa Bhawani's family name was Sahib)

Tulip Garden

The Tulip Garden was opened in the year 2007 and is owned by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Its earlier name was Model Floriculture Center. The garden is operated by the Department of Floriculture of the Jammu & Kashmir government. Spread across an approximate area of thirty hectares, the landscape is formed in terraced style, with flower beds scattered upon seven terraces. Situated at the foothills of Zabarwan Range, which is located between Pir Panjal and the Great Himalayan Range, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden provides a view of the famous Dal lake of Kashmir. Although Tulip flowers - with its sixty varieties present in the garden - are a majority in number, there are significant numbers of other species of flowers too like Hyacinths, Daffodils, and Ranunculus which are found in good numbers. Tulip festival is celebrated each year in spring when flowers are at the peak of their bloom. The Garden was opened up in the year 2007, and the Tulip festival is held each year to promote tourism in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The garden and the festival was adjudged, in the year 2014, as the second largest in the world. Apart from the beauty of flowers, the visitors are also given the option to buy local handicrafts and clothes from the local inhabitants who run their stalls in the garden, during the festival. Traditional music is also a form of entertainment offered to visitors during the festivity. Local artists, as well as performers of rock music too, are present to showcase their art form, giving the atmosphere the most pleasant touch, along with the scene which is already picturesque.

Harwan Garden

Situated in the small village of Harwan at a distance of 15 km from Srinagar in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the picturesque Harwan Garden resembles a fairyland straight out of a Disney story. Set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, the Harwan Garden offers tourists a site of unadulterated beauty and complete nirvana. Its lush greenery, blossoming flowerbeds, tall chinar trees and sprawling lawns make it a prime picnic spot and one of the best tourist attractions in the Kashmir Valley. Unlike the Mughal Gardens of Kashmir which are famous for their exquisitely designed terraces and beautiful fountains, the Harwan Garden relies on its pure natural beauty and mesmerizing charm to attract and delight tourists. It boasts a neat and clean concrete pathway with arched gates that are adorned with roses. A magnificently built canal, fed from a lake just behind the garden, passes through the center of the garden. This further enhances the Garden's enticing appeal and angelic charm. An ideal spot for picnics and excursions, the Harwan Garden is also considered as the gateway to the Dachi Gam Wildlife sanctuary. This place is also the base point for trekkers going to the Mahadev Mountain peak.

Shankaracharya Temple

The Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar, located on top of the Shankaracharya Hill, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest shrines in Kashmir. Also known as Jyesteshwara Temple, the temple is named after the great philosopher Shankaracharya who is believed to have visited Srinagar about ten centuries ago. The Shiva Linga he worshipped is located in the temple. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya attained spiritual enlightenment at this place and it was after this enlightenment that he went out and formed the four Hindu schools of Advaita, or the philosophy of non-dualism. The Shankaracharya temple sits on a solid rock and is constructed on a high octagonal platform that is approachable by a flight of around 243 steps. The top of the temple affords a sweeping view of the valley below. The Shankaracharya Temple is mostly visited by pilgrims and tourists on their way to Amarnath Yatra.

Hazratbal Shrine

The Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar is the holiest Muslim shrine and mosque in Kashmir, located on the banks of the Dal Lake. The silvery-white mosque houses a relic known as Moi-e-Muqqadas which is believed to be a sacred hair of Prophet Muhammad's beard. The hair is brought before the general public only on specific occasions. The shrine takes its name from the Kashmiri language, where Hazrat means 'holy', and the word bal stands for 'place'. Known by multiple names such as Assar-e-Sharief, Madinat-us-Sani and Dargah Shari, the Hazratbal Shrine is a beautiful structure made of white marble and is the only domed mosque in Srinagar. Women are allowed only till the first part of the Hazratbal Shrine. Situated on the banks of Dal Lake facing the Nishat Bagh, it affords a picturesque view of the lake and surrounding mountains. The weekly prayer at the Hazratbal Shrine takes place every Friday.

Hari Parbat

The majestic mountain overlooking the city of Srinagar is called Hari Parbat. Besides the famous Hari Parbat Fort, the mountain also has various Hindu and Muslim shrines and even a Gurudwara here. This park was open to public visitation only In 2014. Today, visitors can set up picnics here. The fort is in turn fortified by mountains and water bodies. Built during the 1700s, this fort was constructed by Atta Mohammad Khan, the Afghan governor of the time. However, the building of this fort was initially started by the Mughal emperor, Akbar during the late 1500s. But this fortification was left undone halfway through. The fort is currently used by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). It is currently under the maintenance of the Indian Archaeological Survey of India (IASI).

Kheer Bhavani

Situated in Tul Mulla village near Srinagar, Kheer Bhavani Temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Bhavani- the incarnation of Goddess Parvathy. The temple was originally named Bhavani Mandir but eventually came to be known as Kheer Bhavani due to the delicious rice pudding offered as prasad. It is built over a holy water spring in between tall chinar trees. The presiding goddess of this temple, Kheer Bhavani is prominently worshipped as the shielding deity of Kuladevi. This goddess is also known by many other names such as Ragnya Bhagwati, Ragnya Devi, Rajni and Maharagya Devi. Besides, this is one of the most revered sites in Kashmir, especially for Kashmiri Pandits. There are mats spread out under the surrounding Chinar trees for visitors to rest. However, photography may not always be allowed here.

Royal Spring Golf Course

Playing golf at Royal Spring Golf Course is a transcendental experience for golfers and nature lovers alike. This scenic golf course in natural environs, against the dramatic backdrop of the Zabarwan Mountains, overlooks the Chashma Shahi garden, and the course itself contains four of the Royal Springs. The entire golf course was carved out of a forest. As you enter the course, an array of tall trees and the clubhouse greet you, leading you to the magnificent golf course, with breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. The course is a professional 18-hole par 72 track that covers an area of 7,089 yards. Royal Spring Golf Course, which has hosted many international golfing events, is perfect for beginners as well as professionals.

Nigeen Lake

Located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Nigeen Lake is renowned for its pristine waters and stunning ambience. It is located next to Dal Lake but is much smaller in size. The lake gets its name from the word nageena which means “the jewel in the ring”. It is one of the best places in the city to catch the sunrise and sunset thanks to the beautiful landscape and willow and poplar trees surrounding it. It is home to a number of houseboats that accommodate guests, with shikaras ferrying them in and around the area. It is a tourist hotspot for those looking to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains in peace. The Nigeen club lies on the eastern shore of the lake, providing facilities such as saunas, gyms and a coffee shop. Tourists looking for a bit more adventure can also try swimming in the lake for a once in a lifetime experience.

Gulmarg

Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination located in Pir Panjal Range of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-covered lofty Himalayas, meadows of flowers, deep ravines, evergreen forested valleys, Gulmarg also has the world's second-highest Gondola ride. Gulmarg is one of the top honeymoon destinations in India. Gulmarg has also been developed as an adventure hub as the Indian Institute of Skiing, and Mountaineering is located here. A lot of courses on trekking, mountaineering, skiing, and snowboarding are offered by IISM. There are a lot of other private tour operators in Gulmarg as well, which provide similar courses and facilities for skiing and snowboarding. Known for its scenic beauty, Gulmarg has also been a popular destination for shooting various Bollywood films.

Sonamarg

"The Meadow of Gold"

Sonamarg, nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, emerges as a picturesque hill station located 80 kilometers northeast of Srinagar. Resting at an elevation of approximately 2,730 meters above sea level, Sonamarg is a haven for travelers seeking the embrace of snow-laden fields, majestic glaciers, and serene lakes that cast a subtle spell on all who visit. The allure of Sonamarg is heightened by the surrounding great Himalayan glaciers, including the Kolhoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier, giving rise to the famous Three Sisters of the Kashmir Valley. Overlooking this charming hill town are towering peaks like Kolhoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, Machoi Peak, and Sirbal Peak, making Sonamarg a sought-after destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. Sonamarg serves as the gateway to the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, a trekking paradise that unveils breathtaking mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Krishnasar. The Valley is gracefully divided by the Thajiwas range, known for its fir-covered Thajiwas spur, an ideal camping site offering stunning views. On the other side, visitors can marvel at cascading waterfalls and the Thajiwas Glacier, a prime attraction of this captivating destination. During winters, Sonamarg transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, creating a serene ambiance. However, accessibility becomes a challenge as the NH1D connecting it to nearby places shuts down due to heavy snowfall and avalanches. Sonamarg's unique charm lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its role as the base camp for various trekking routes. Adventurous souls can embark on journeys leading to the pristine mountain lakes surrounded by the mesmerizing Himalayan landscape. Notable trekking destinations include the Nichinai Pass, Thajiwas Glacier Trek, Baltal Valley, Satsaran Pass, and the challenging Zoji La Pass. Whether enveloped in the tranquility of winter or adorned with the vibrant hues of summer, Sonamarg promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking the mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas and the thrill of high-altitude adventure.

Pahalgam

"Valley of the Shepherds"

Situated in the Anantnag district, about 90km away from Srinagar, Pahalgam is a beautiful hill station and a popular tourist attraction of Jammu & Kashmir. Pahalgam is located on the banks of the Lidder River, and the rugged terrains, green meadows, and snow-capped mountains make it a perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts. Kolahoi Glaciers trek via a beautiful village named Aru is one of the popular trekking regions. Sheshnag Lake, situated near Pahalgam, is another bliss altogether. In addition, the long stretches of rivers in Pahalgam are the perfect site for people who enjoy trout fishing. Baisaran, also called the mini Switzerland, is a beautiful destination 6 kms away from Pahalgam. With tranquil meadows, pristine lakes and picturesque settings, you can just stroll down the area or sit down to have a picnic. Baisaran also offers activities like pony rides, zorbing, etc. Pahalgam is where the famous Bollywood movie Betaab, starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh, was shot. The valley was consequently named Betaab Valley after that. When in Pahalgam, remember to buy authentic Kashmiri saffron from Pampore. Chandanwari, situated in Pahalgam, serves as the base camp of one of the most important pilgrimages in India - the Amarnath Yatra. You could also go sledging on frozen glaciers.

Yusmarg

Considered by some as the best place in Jammu and Kashmir, mostly because of its undisturbed landscape, a less frequented but extremely beautiful hill station, Yusmarg is now connected by a very good motorable road. With the government working on its roads and connectivity, Yusmarg too, will soon become a tourist hub. At the moment, for those who enjoy trekking long distances and in the remotest of area, Yusmarg has forests with maple trees in them. Overall, Yusmarg is a beautiful place and can actually be called a mini hill stationed is a one of the most romantic places in the state. At a distance of 47 kms from Srinagar, it can also be called Switzerland or at least something close to it. It's the quietest place out of all tourist destinations in Kashmir and is also an amazing trek spot. Trek enthusiasts would definitely love it here! If you want to enjoy some greenery and peace.

Dachigam National Park

Dachigam, which means "ten villages", could have been named in the memory of the ten villages that were relocated for its formation. The park has been a protected area since 1910 and is famous for its coniferous forests and for the "hangul," or Kashmiri stag. The wild trees of the park take in wild cherry, plum, peach, apple, apricot, walnut, oak, willow, poplar, chinar, pine, and elm. Wildlife lovers can see animals like musk deer, leopard, Himalayan grey langur, Himalayan black bear, jackal, fox, jungle cat, and more. The park is an ornithologist’s delight and one can spot cinnamon sparrow, black bulbul, Himalayan monal, golden oriole, minivet, woodpecker, babbler, etc here. The wildlife sanctuary, which is 22 km from Srinagar, covers an area of 141 sq km.

Manasbal Lake

Manasbal Lake is one of nature's wonders with an impeccable beauty which classifies it as one of the most beautiful lakes in Kashmir. It is situated at a distance of 30 km from Srinagar which falls on the way to Wular Lake. The sparkling water of the Manasbal Lake makes it appear scenic and is also a means of living for the people. The name of the lake has been derived from the pure Mansarovar Lake in the region of Tibet. Manasbal Lake is a scenic location which attracts a huge crowd. Considered as the deepest lake in India it is also known as the supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes. Described as the heaven for birdwatchers, tourists are likely to experience a different aspect of Kashmir via its calmness. Garoka which is a Mughal garden is another very famous attraction built by Nur Jahan. Present on the banks of the lake, the ruins of the Manasbal Temple and Buddhist shrines boast of the Mughal era. Some of the small snow streams drain into this lake which is used for fishing by the locals. One of the best tourist attractions, the calm waters, and lotus leaves along with blooming flowers is a feast for the eyes.

Kokernag

Kokernag gets its name from two words—"koker," meaning "fowl," and "nag," meaning "serpent." A spring gushes out here at the base of a densely forested hill, where it divides into channels resembling a hen's claw, hence the name.Kokernag has been mentioned in the "Ain-e-Akbari", which says the water of the spring has medicinal and digestive properties. The Kokernag spring bubbles up at seven places at the foot of a forested mountain. Situated in the heart of the Bringhi valley, 70 km from Srinagar, Kokernag, which stands at 2,020 metres (6,627 feet), is set amidst sprawling gardens fragrant with thousands of blooming flowers. The place is famous for its gardens, freshwater springs, and trout. The towns and villages situated around Kokernag are Wangam, Hangalgund, Sangam, Zalergam, Duksum, etc.

Mission Statement

Journeys Exotica is an experienced Destination Management Company. We work with you to manage all elements of your travel in an efficient, cost effective and ethical manner.

Lattest Destination

Jammu
Kashmir
Ladakh

Contact Info

Hotel Duke, The Boulevard Road, Near Ghat No. 13, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir - 190001 (India)
Phone: +91 9560704343
+91 7011459343
Email: kashmir@journeysexotica.in