Indian Excursions

NAINITAL: THE LAKE PARADISE

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Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources . Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District' of India . The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills . Nainital has a varied topography . Some of the important places in the district are Nainital , Haldwani , Kaladhungi , Ramnagar , Bhowali , Ramgarh , Mukteshwar , Bhimtal , Sattal and Naukuchiatal . Nainital’s unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother nature.

Nainital is headquarter of Nainital District. It is also divisional Headquarter of Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand State.Set amidst the towering peaks of the Kumaon Hills, the lake resort of Nainital has a lot to offer. From boating to feeding animals at the zoo; from picnicking on the hills to exploring Jim Corbett's home, Nainital has all that you could hope for in a hill station. Nainital is set in two parts, Tallital and Mallital, with the lake separating them. Tallital is the southern side of the lake, while Mallital consists of the northern upper reaches. The town was destroyed during the Landslip of 1880, and later rebuilt by the British. It is renowned for its lake, bird's-eye views, and prestigous educational institutions.

FACT FILE

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Area 11.73 sq km
Altitude 1938 m above sea level
Population 29.837
Languages Hindi, Kumaoni, English
Religion Hinduism (75.80%), Islam (15.23%), Sikhism(8.43%), Others (0.54%)
Annual Mean Rainfall 1294.5 mm
Maximum Temperature 25°C
Minimum Temperature 7.6°C
STD Code 05942

NAINITAL WEATHER

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Nainital's weather is pleasant throughout the year. Summers are warm but not hot. The temperatures in the summer season hovers around the 25 degrees Celsius mark. However, during winters, Nainital can become pretty cold with temperatures easily going below zero degrees Celsius. Snowfall is a regular phenomenon during the winter months, in Nainital.
During the monsoons, Nainital gets quite a lot of rainfall and the monsoon climate generally lasts from July till September, each year.

GETTING THERE

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By train
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, 35 km away. Taxis charge Rs 250-300 to Nainital. . Most hotels will arrange for a pick up on prior request, Rs 600-900.
Here are some useful trains to get to Nainital:

Train Number Train Name You may board at You may alight at
5013 Ranikhet Express Delhi Kathgodam
5035 Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express Delhi Kathgodam
3019 Bagh Express Howrah(Kolkata), Lucknow Kathgodam
4120 Dehradun-Kathgodam Express Dehradun, Haridwar Kathgodam

By road
There are daily bus services from Delhi. The buses leave from ISBT Anand Vihar delhi
and are run by Uttarakhand Roadways. Driving to Nainital takes 7 to 8 hours. From Delhi, it's highway driving throughout. NH 24 connects Delhi to Rampur via Hapur. At Rampur, turn and
head north on NH 87 all the way up to Nainital. En-route halts include the Wonderland, Rwy crossing, Moradabad and The Cottage, Jeliokot.

By plane
Contrary to popular belief, flying into Nainital is the fastest way to reach the hill station. Nainital is served by PantNagar Airport, located about 2 hours away. It is served only by Jagson airlines. It is one of the least busy airports in the country, handling only 6 scheduled flights a week.

JA 101 - Dep. Delhi 1315 Arr. PantNagar 1415 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
JA 102 - Dep. Delhi 1445 Arr. PantNagar 1545 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
FARE - Rs 2250/$ 90 for adults, Rs 1400/$ 55 for children.
Taxi fare is around Rs 1100-1200.

NAINITAL TOURIST ATTRACTION

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Naini Lake
Naini Lake forms the nub of the beauty of Nainital. Girdled by lofty hills studded with attractive villas and cottages, it is the most frequented tourist visitation of the hill station. The exquisiteness of this lake is doubly magnified during the night when its sparkling waters flirt with the numerous lights hanging on its edges, and lend it an unbelievably beautiful magical aura. There are also opportunities for yachting, boating and paddling that makes it equally enticing during the day.

Naina Peak
Also popular as China Peak, Naina Peak stands tall as the highest peak of Nainital, at an altitude of 2611 meters. Positioned 6 km from the main town, it offers inviting views of the surrounding landscape. One can have 360o view of the snowOne can have 360o view of the snow-cloaked Himalayan peaks flanking the rolling vistas below. Besides, Nainital expresses herself in full magnificence from this peak. Ponies and horses are easily available to reach the place.

Snow View
An uphill drive of 2.5 km through the winding mountain streets of Nainital takes one to the lap of Snow View, which is one of the most easily

accessible hilltops of the place. One can even reach the place by a ropeway (chair lift), on horseback or simply by taking a refreshing walk through the town. At a height of 2270 meters, it gives breathtaking views of the Northern Himalayan ranges with their unmatched snow-laden splendor.

Hanuman Garhi
For religious-minded tourists, one of the must-visit places is Hanuman Garhi in Nainital. Watching the sun gliding down the mountains is what makes the place the most interesting. Though popular for its spectacular sunset views, another highlight of the spot is the Hanuman temple located atop a nearby hill. Dedicated to the Hindu deity ‘Hanuman’, it found establishment under the hands of Baba Neem Kiroli and forms one of the place’s most popular tourist hotspots today.

Astronomical Observatory
Another tourist attraction that merits a visitation while on a trip to Nainital is the Astronomical Observatory. This 50-year old establishment perched atop the 1,950 m high Manora Peak is about 4.5 km from the main town. It is an interesting place to explore astronomical wonders. Open to public during the afternoons (working days), it remains flooded with visitors, especially during moonlit nights.

St. John Church
Another prime attraction of Nainital is the church of St. John. Built in 1844, the church stands on the northern end of town known as Mallital. It owes its name to Daniel Wilson, the Bishop of Calcutta, who visited Nainital in 1844 to lay the foundation of the church. The major highlight is a brass plaque on the altar of the chapel engraved with names of victims of the tragic Landslide of 1880.

Zoo Gardens
This high altitude wildlife sanctuary established to preserve the rich biodiversity of the hill station domiciles numerous species of exotic fauna and avifauna. It is a warm habitat to a variety of wildlife, including Snow Leopard, Siberian Tiger, Himalyan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Plam Civet Cat, Hill Fox, Ghoral, Silver Pheasants, Sambhar Deer, Owl, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Eagles etc. One can easily access the place, as it is just 1 km from the Nainital bus stand.

HOTELS IN NAINTAL

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Budget Hotels
Sarovar TRH, Tallital. Tel: 35570.
Hotel New Bharat,Zoo road,The mall,Reservation 09411107549.
Mountain Quail, Buldakote, Pangot. Tel: 9837177537, 9837068400.
Hotel Krishna, The Mall.
Hotel New Bharat,Zoo road,The mall,Reservation 0091-9411107549.
Ashok HotelRs.800 -Single Room,Rs.2300-2800 - Double Room, Tallital

Mid-range Hotels
Grand Hotel,The Mall. Tel: 235406,235008
Alka Hotel, The Mall.[10] Tel: 235220,236216
Palace Belvedere, Awagarh Estate
Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, Pangot.[12]
Vikram Vintage Inn, Mallital. Tel: 36177/9
Channi Raja, The Mall. Tel: 232859
Fair light trails resort, A Heritage Bungalow located atop Nainital.

Splurge Hotels
Abbotsford- Prasada Bhawan, Mallital. Tel: +91-9811040335, [13].
Arif Castles, Mallital.[14] Tel: 35801/3.
The Naini Retreat, Aryapatta Slopes. Tel: 05942 235105, 011 4652 0000
Manu Maharani, Grasmere Estate, Mallital. Tel: 37341/8.
Woodside Retreat, Pangot.[15] Tel: 4524878/4.

There are also a number of private villas offering accommodation in and around Nainital.
The Hermitage, Kailash, Chunkuwa, 00 91 124 4074947

Eateries In Nainital
Nainital, being close to Delhi, becomes the natural holiday destination for a lot of the capital's folks in the sweltering summer months. The eateries in Nainital reflect that with Punjabi staples being standard fare - most of the better eateries are in the Mall.
Woods, Alka Hotel, The Mall. Tel:235220.
Sher-e-Punjab, The Mall. Punjabi cuisine.
Embassy, The Mall.
Machan, The Mall. Tel: 37672
Laxmi, The Mall. Tel: 37476
Shiva, Barra Bazaar. Famous for sweets and veggie fare.
Aab-O-Dana, Arif Castles, Mallital.
Kumaon, Manu Maharani, Grasmere Estate, Mallital. Tel: 37341/8
Alcohol is served in the top-end hotels. There are no good bars outside the hotels, even in the Mall.
Tea is served in the dhabas of The Mall. Try the local Herbal Chai.
Verandah, Arif Castles, Mallital. This 24-hr cafe serves excellent coffee and pastries

PLACES TO SEE NEAR NAINTAL

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Nainital excursions consist of some of the finest places near the city. Excursions around Nainital, Uttarakhand are a must see for those visiting the city. Some of the famous places to visit around Nainital are:

Bhowali
Bhowali is situated at an altitude of 1,706 metres above sea level and is 11 kms. from Nainital. This place is very famous for the panoramic view that it provides. It is also famous as a hill fruit mart. It was established back in the year 1912.

Ghorakhal
Ghorakhal is a place that is famous for the temple of Lord Golu that is located here. Lord Golu is worshipped by the local people. There is also a Sainik School situated here.

Sat Tal
Sat tal is located at a distance of about 23 kms. from Nainital, and at an altitude of 1,370 metres above sea level. It is a very beautiful place which has seven lakes which are set in the oak forests. All these lakes are situated at an altitude of 1,370 metres. In Hindi, the word Sattal means seven lakes. This is one of the few places which is still unspoilt and unpolluted.
Every year, lots of migratory birds make their way to Sattal because of its fresh water lakes. The seven lakes that make Sattal are the following:
Panna or Garud Tal
Nal-Damyanti Tal
Purna Tal
Sita Tal
Ram Tal
Laxman Tal
Sukha Tal or Khurdariya Tal

Bhimtal
Bhimtal is situated at an altitude of 1,370 metres above sea level and is 22 kms. from the city of Nainital. The prime attraction of Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Lake which has a beautiful island at the centre. Apart from being a main tourist destination, it is also the mini district Headquarters since
most of the offices of the district administration has been shifted here. Bhimtal is named after Bhima of Mahabharata.

Naukuchia Tal
Naukuchia Tal is located about 26 kms. from Nainital and 4 kms from Bhimtal, at an altitude of 1,220 metres above sea level. The Naukuchia Tal Lake is a beautiful lake that is 983 metres long and 693 metres broad. There is provision for rowing, padding and yachting at the lake as well.

Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is located at the Nainital - Almora road, about 9 kms. from Bhowali and 17 kms. from Nainital. It is a pilgrimage centre which has achieved huge recognition for the ashram of famous Neem Karoli Maharaj. Kainchi Dham is named because of the two sharp hairpin bends of the road. Kainchi is a local term of Uttarakhand..

Mukteshwar
Another very important excursion around Nainital is Mukteshwar. Situated at an altitude of 2,286 metres, it is in the Kumaon hills. As with most of the other places of Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar provides a beautiful view with the Himalayan ranges surrounding it. From here, one can view the second highest peak of India, Nanda Devi. A renewable park which is developed by The Energy and Research Institure (TERI) is also a prime attraction of Mukteshwar. This park uses solar energy for its electricity needs.

Ranikhet
Located about 60 kms. from Nainital, Ranikhet is a very beautiful hill station. According to mythology, Ranikhet had won the heart of Rani Padmini, who was the Queen of Raja Sudhardev. Since the Queen chose Ranikhet as her place for her abode, this place came to be known Ranikhet ever since. Ranikhet, in Hindi means 'Queen's Field'. The climate is pleasant with mild summers and chilled winter. This is among the few unexplored destinations offering serene environment, traffic-less streets, and hospitable people.

Kausani
Kausani is another excursion spot that is located not too far from Nainital. It is situated in some thick pine forests, on top of a narrow ridge. Mahatma Gandhi spent 12 days in the year 1929, in Kausani and he penned his experience on the Geeta Anashakti Yoga. It is an ideal spot for those looking to get away from the usual hustle-bustle of the city.

Almora The hill station of Almora, located in the Kumaon hills, has fascinated travellers from all over the world. It is among the very few hill stations not developed by the English. Geographically, Almora is surrounded by Pithoragarh in the east, Garhwal in the west, Bageshwarin in the north and Nainital in the south. Placed over a picturesque horseshoe-shaped ridge, some of the major attractions of Almora are G. B. Pant Museum, Kasar Devi Temple, Chitai Temple and Udyotchandesvar Temple (also Nanda Devi Temple).

Corbett National Park Set up in 1936, the Corbett National Park is India’s first national park. Situated on the foothills of western Himalayas, the park has grown including the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary as a part of its 1,319 sq. km of reserved area. The park is situated mainly along the valley of the Ramganga River. The river swarms with gharial, mugger, mahseer and flocks of cormorants. Apart from tigers (90 in number in 1984), leopards, jungle cats, fishing cats, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, jackal, yellow-throated marten, dhole, Himalayan palm civet, Indian grey mongoose, common otter, porcupine, and black-naped hare are found all over the park. Elephants can be seen in the park.

TIME OF YATRA

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Anytime of the Year. But main season for visiting the shrine is from March till July. The area’s very cold through most of the year, so this is the best time to visit. Even during the summer, the temperature’s not exactly high, so take along light woolens just in case it gets cold.

ACCOMODATION AND OTHER FACILITIES

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The most convenient place to stay is Jammu, just over 60 km away. Jammu has a number of good hotels, guest houses and inns, both private and government-owned. Katra itself has a number of guesthouses where it is possible to get a room.
For the convenience of the pilgrims, the Shrine Board offers Free as well as Rented Accommodation at Jammu, Katra and also along the Holy Track. At Jammu, accommodation is available at Vaishnavi Dham and Saraswati Dham complexes located right next to Jammu Tawi Railway Station. At Katra, accommodation is available in the Niharika complex, situated next to the main Bus Stand. Accommodation is also available at Adhkuwari, Sanjhichat and Bhawan. For the convenience of the Yatries, a number of halls have been provided at at Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat & Bhawan. Pilgrims can take rest here while waiting for their turn for the Darshans of the Holy Goddess or before proceeding further. These halls are available free of cost but their availability is on a first come first served basis. Pilgrims can also spend the night in these halls. Toilet facilities have been made available here.

For the convenience of the pilgrims, Blanket Stores, Toilet Blocks, Bhojanalayas & Catering Units and a Medical Aid Centre have been opened up in the near vicinity of these accommodations units.
Along the 13 km climb from Katra to Vaishno Devi are a number of shelters where pilgrims can rest for a while. Ardhkunwari, Sanji Chhat (4.5 km short of the shrine), and the Bhawan have accommodation, though limited. Accommodation is always at a premium, so if you plan to stay overnight along the route to Vaishno Devi, it’s essential to make reservations beforehand.

Teashops and snack bars dot the route leading to the shrine; these serve only vegetarian food.

Further information and help regarding visits to the Vaishno Devi shrine can be obtained from the Shrine Board in Jammu (Tel: 0191-2433742).

How To Reach Vaishno Devi

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The airport closest to the Vaishno Devi shrine is at Jammu. Jammu is an important transit hub, well connected to the rest of the country through air, train and road links. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate regular flights to Jammu from Srinagar and Delhi; Indian Airlines also has two flights weekly from Leh to Jammu. A large number of trains link Jammu to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bhopal, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Similarly, an extensive network of roads links Jammu to other parts of the country.

For pilgrims headed for the shrine, the base for the trek up to Vaishno Devi is Katra, 50 km from Jammu. Katra is connected to Jammu by National Highway 1A); regular buses and taxis are available for Katra from Jammu Airport, from the Railway station and from the General Bus Stand in Jammu. Buses leave the bus stand every 15 minutes for the shrine; bus services operate from 6 am to 8 pm.

From Katra, the shrine is a 13 km trek up a mountain; the climb can be done on foot or by using ponies and dandies (local palanquins).Pilgrims climb one km to Banganga, where the goddess is believed to have stopped to drink water; six km further is the cave shrine of Ardhkunwari, where it is believed she meditated for nine months.
The last halt before the actual shrine is the Bhawan, where there are arrangements for wash- and- change, accommodation and for depositing luggage and valuables.

Entry
For entry into the shrine, devotees need to get a Yatra slip issued by the Shrine Board at Katra. The Shrine Board operates a Tourism Reception Centre at the Katra bus stand, from where the slip can be obtained; it’s free of charge. The slip must be presented at the Banganga checkpost within 6 hours of being issued. Furthermore, when you reach the Bhawan, just below the shrine, you’ll need to present the slip in order to be assigned a place in the queue of devotees waiting to go up to the shrine.

Vaishno Devi

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About The Temple
Jammu is popularly known as the City of Temples. Innumerable temples and shrines with glittering Shikhars soar into the sky, like caretakers of the city, creating the ambience of a truly holy city. 50 Kms from Jammu, this small town serves as the base camp for visiting the famous shrine of Vaishno Devi Ji in the Trikuta Hills. The shrine is approachable on foot along a 12 Kms. long well laid foot-path. Every year, nearly 4 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to Vaishno Devi Ji.

Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti, located in the hill of Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Hinduism, Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess.

The temple is near the town of Katra, in Udhampur district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most revered places of worship in Northern India.

According to Hindu epic, Maa Vaishno Devi took birth in the South of India in the home of Ratnakar Sagar, Her worldly parents had remained childless for a long time. Ratnakar had promised, the night before the birth of the Divine child, that he would not come in the way of whatever his child desired. Ma Vaishno Devi was called Trikuta as a child. Later She was called Vaishnavi because of Her taking birth from Lord Vishnu's lineage. When Trikuta was 9 years old, She sought her fathers permission for doing penance on the seashore. Trikuta prayed to Lord Vishnu in the form of Rama. During Shree Ramas search for Sita, He reached the seashore along with His army. His eyes fell on this Divine Girl in deep meditation. Trikuta told Shree Rama that She had accepted Him as Her husband. Shree Rama told Her that during this Incarnation He had vowed to be faithful to only Sita. However the Lord assured Her that in Kaliyuga He would manifest as Kalki and would marry Her.In the meantime Shree Rama asked Trikuta to meditate in the cave found in the Trikuta Range of Manik Mountains, situated in Northern India. Ma decided to observe the Navratra for the Victory of Shree Rama against Ravan. Hence one reads the Ramayana during the 9 days of Navratra, in remembrance of the above connection. Shree Rama promised that the whole world would sing Ma Vaishno Devis praise. Trikuta was to become famous as Vaishno Devi and would become immortal forever
High, High to the north, amidst snow capped mountains and sprawling forests arise from within the shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi. Our journey takes you to this awesome wilderness, a place so holy and sacred, a place of mystery and adventure known to most in modern world.

The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar. Everyday of the year a mass of humanity surges up steep pathways that cut across the hillside, mile after mile. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the Himalayan trail to Her abode to ask for a boon, "A Mannat", rarely goes back disappointed. A super natural power seems to draw them through the mountain and they climb up those great heights step by step, chanting "Jai Mata Di".

KASHMIR WILDLIFE

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About Kashmir	Accomodation in Kashmir	Climate in Kashmir	Adventure Sports in Kashmir
Kashmir Excursions	Kashmir Gardens	Facts about Kashmir	Tourists Attractions
Getting There	Wildlife in Kashmir

Kashmir Tourism in India offers a perfect tour package filled with all inclusive travel interests along with the wildlife trip in Kashmir. Travel to Kashmir in India and explore some of the highest terrains of the world to come across some of the rarest species of the world. Trip to Kashmir, India and make your wildlife tour to Kashmir very pleasing and satisfying. Trek to the highest lands and deepest valleys of Kashmir with rare to find yaks, blue sheeps, haguls, Kashmiri stags, pheasants and lots more. Wildlife tourism in Kashmir is complete with wildlife stocks of India.

Dachigam National Park: amidst forests of silver birch and conifer roams the hangul. Rare and on the verge of extinction till a few years ago, the national park at Dachigam contains the last viable hangul population in the world. Related to the red deer of Europe, this breed is characterized by its white rump patch and impressive spread of antlers. At one time the exclusive hunting pre-serve of the Maharaja of Kashmir, it was declared a national park in 1951, and owing to a strictly enforced conservation programme, the hangul population, once 150, now stands at over 400 animals.

Dachigam, spread over an area of 141 sq km, is the home of 20 mammal species including the leopard and over 150 species of avifauna. Open throughout the year, there is no prime viewing season, as the visitor will find something of interest all through the year.

The Hemis High Altitude National Park: includes the catchments of two valleys which drain into the River Indus. It is named after the famous monastery - Hemis, and sprawls over 600 sq km. approachable by road from Leh. This national park contains several camping sites. The area is barren and rocky, covered only sparsely with vegetation. Most of the ten species of mammal here are extremely rare - shapu, bharal, great Tibetan sheep, ibex and snow leopard.

Overa Wildlife Sanctuary: located 76 km from Srinagar, near Pahalgam, it has an area of 32 sq km, and is famed for its many species of pheasants. It sustains 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of birds.

Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve: located 76 km from Srinagar, near Pahalgam, it has an area of 32 sq km. Several species of birds as wed as fauna are found here - musk deer, brown bear, leopard to name a few. The altitudinal range varies from 3,000 to 5,425 metros above sea level.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve: 48 km from Srinagar, the reserve has an area of lS0 so km. and an altitudinal range of 2,400 - 4,300 meters above sea level. Fauna includes Himalayan musk deer, red fox, brown and black bear.

Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary: situated only 6 km away from Jammu city, this sanctuary occupies an area of 31 km. The area sustains 8 mammal species including nilgai and barking deer, and 15 species of birds.
Other sanctuaries near Jammu are:
Nandni Wildlife Sanctuary: (26 km) the sanctuary has an area of 33 sq km.

Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary: named for the two lakes on each corner of it, this sanctuary comprises an area of 98 sq km, and supports a mammal population of 8 species, and up to 15 species of birds.

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary: spread over an area of 10 sq km, the sanctuary houses an appreciable variety of bird and animal life, most notably cheetal or axis deer.

Kishtwar High Altitude National Park: in Jammu is interesting for the marked variations in topography and vegetation that occur here. Spread over an area of 400 sq km, the park contains 15 mammal species including the musk deer, and Himalayan black and brown bear. There are 50 species of birds. Prime mammal viewing season is from March to May.

ADVENTURE SPORTS

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About Kashmir	Accomodation in Kashmir	Climate in Kashmir	Adventure Sports in Kashmir
Kashmir Excursions	Kashmir Gardens	Facts about Kashmir	Tourists Attractions
Getting There	Wildlife in Kashmir

Kashmir offers a series of a little less rigorous adventure sports, such as Water Skiing, on Srinagar's Dal and Nagin Lakes, a popular part time in the valley. Water trekking is calculated to delight anyone wanting to explore the valley in a boat. A Gondala, locally known as Shikara, takes sightseers along a five-day route along rivers and lakes situated within the valley. Enjoy spending nights camping along the way. Trout fishing is another delightful water sport in Kashmir and fishing season lasts all through summer.

(ADVENTURE SPORTS) Ladakh offers great scope for undertaking adventure activities amidst landscapes of breathtaking, rugged beauty. The most popular and best established among these are trekking , mountaineering and river-rafting .

Golf

Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For the would-be golfer, there are golf sets on hire, pros to instruct one in the game, and temporary memberships. Naturally, these facilities are available to players as well, except that serious golfers usually carry their sets along

River Rafting
A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and funning it requires technically skilled participants and careful organisation. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs.

Mountaineering In Ladakh
The area most frequented by foreign climbers is the Nun-Kun Massif in the Great Himalayan Range. Its easy accessibility from the Kargil-Pudum road and the shortest possible approach march to the base camps makes this massif the most attractive climbing destination in the Great Himalayas, necessitating advance booking years ahead.

Trout Fishing
Fishing is big business in Kashmir through spring and summer. The British introduced the brown and rainbow trout to the streams of Kashmir, where they have thrived. At the same time they introduced the system of anglers reserving ' beats' on their favorite river. Reservations for beats should be made before one arrives in Kashmir, through an Indian Government Tourist Office or directly to the Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar

Water Skiing
Water sports are the 'fun' aspect of Kashmir. The Dal and Nagin lakes in Srinagar and the Manasbal Lake, 32-km from Srinagar are the best places for water-skiing.
The largest expanse of the Dal, the Boddal, has privately owned 'bathing boats' which hire out motor launches, water-skies and trained instructors. There are more bathing boats at the Nagin Lake and also a government run Institute of Water Sports. The Nagin lake too has trained instructors and is more popular because of its clean water.

Trekking
Trekking possibilities include short, daylong walks up and down mountain slopes to visit isolated villages or monastic settlements, or across a ridge to enjoy the sheer beauty of the lunar mountainscape. Or long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. For example, the trek from Lamayuru in the Indus valley to Darcha in Lahaul across Zanskar takes nearly three weeks. Most of the established routes traverse the Zanskar range, which separates the Indus valley from separates the Indus valley from Zanskar.

KASHMIR EXCURSIONS

2009-09-02T03:46:00.000-07:00

About Kashmir	Accomodation in Kashmir	Climate in Kashmir	Adventure Sports in Kashmir
Kashmir Excursions	Kashmir Gardens	Facts about Kashmir	Tourists Attractions
Getting There	Wildlife in Kashmir

KAshmir excursions include some of the popular travel destinations near the valley. All these places are famous for their picturesque beauty. Be it the scenic Wullar Lake or the spring of Verinag or the Mughal Gardens of Achabal, each place charms with its splendor. Then, there are the wonderful walks of Daksum and Yusmarg that leave you completely at peace with yourself. Excursions around Kashmir are also for those interested in bird watching like the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, near Wullar Lake. A trip to Kashmir would be incomplete without inclusion of these excursions in your itinerary. Some of the popular excursions around Kashmir valley in India are: Achabal, Daksum, Kokernag, Verinag, Watlab, Wullar Lake, Yusmarg, Aharbal etc.

Achabal
Achabal is situated at a distance of 58 km from the district of Srinagar. Reached via Anantnag, Achabal served as the pleasure retreat of the Mughal Empress Nur Jehan. Situated at a height of 1,677 m, Achabal is a visual treat for the eyes. Achabal is adorned with one of the best Mughal Gardens in India.

Daksum
As you drive past the Mughal Gardens of Achabal, you will come across the picturesque Daksum. Situated amidst the magnificent grandeur of the Kokarnag springs, it presents an awe-inspiring sight. Standing at an altitude of 2438 m in a densely forested gorge, Daksum offers peace and tranquility.

Kokernag
Situated at a height of 2,020 m, Kokernag is approximately 70 km from the district of Srinagar. Blooming gardens surround this spring, which bubbles at seven places at the foot of the forested mountain. The water of Kokernag in Kashmir is believed to have medicinal and digestive properties.

Verinag
Verinag is situated at a distance of approximately 80 km from Srinagar. Reached through the link road, it is located at a height of 1,876 m. It is believed that the Verinag spring in Kashmir is the chief source of the river Jhelum. There is an octagonal base at the spring, surrounded by a covered passage.

Watlab
If you want to experience the real Kashmir then a trip to Watlab is a must for you. As you move away from the well-traversed areas of the valley, slowly and steadily, you will get to see the Kashmir you have never seen before.

Wullar Lake
Wullar Lake is approximately 60 km from the city of Srinagar, between the towns of Bandipore and Sopore. Spreading over an area of 125 km, Wular Lake is said to be one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. The Wular Lake of Kashmir changes character after every few miles of its course.

Yusmarg
Yusmarg is approximately 47 km from the Srinagar and lies in the Badgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The two-hour drive to the place is an enjoyment in itself. Grassy pastures stretching to acres of land, the dense forests full of pine trees, with the backdrop of splendid snow capped mountains leave you almost speechless.

KASHMIR GARDENS

2009-09-02T03:41:00.000-07:00

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Location : Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K
Comprise Of Three Gardens: Shalimar, Nishat And Chashma Shahi
Built By: Mughal Emperors

Mugal Gardens
Kashmir At It's Royal Best
The Mughal (also spelt as Moghul) emperors built gardens from Tehran to Agra but it is in Kashmir, complemented by the lake and the mountains, that they reach their perfection. Indeed after houseboats and the mountains it is these gardens for which Kashmir is most famous.

The Garden's Layout
The gardens all follow the same rectangular layout with a series of terraces rising one above the other up the hillside. Down the centre flows a stone channel carrying water through a series of pools and cascades. This system of carrying running water through the artificial cascades, and the layout of the fountains, was introduced to India by the artisans employed by the emperor Akbar. 'Bagh' means garden. One can enjoy some of Srinagar's better gardens in a leisurely bike ride around the shores of the lake.

Shalimar Bagh
Set some distance back from the lake, but reached by a small canal, the Shalimar were built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jahan, 'light of the world' in 1616. Although it is known today as the 'garden of love' it was originally named the Farah Bakhsh or 'delightful garden'.

The garden is built in four terraces with traditional water channel running down the middle. The gardens measure 540 by 183 metres. During the Mughal period the top terraces used be reserved for the emperor and the ladies of the court and was the most magnificent. It included a pavilion made of black stone in the middle of the tank. Black Marble fluted pillars supported the pavilion, which was used as a banquet hall.

Shalimar Bagh has an air of seclusion and repose, and its rows of fountains and shaded trees seem to recede towards the snowcapped mountains. A Son Et Lumeiere or sound and light show is put on here every evening during the May to October tourist season.

Nishat Bagh

The Nishat Bagh is another lovely garden with its 12 terraces representing the 12 signs of the zodiac, which descend gradually and seem to almost merge into the lake. It is situated on the banks of world famous Dal Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills. With its flowerbeds, trees, fountains, the Nishat presents a dramatic sight. The gardens were designed in 1633 by Asaf Khan, brother of Nur Jahan, and follow the same pattern as the Shalimar gardens with a polished stone channel running down the centre and a series of terraces.

It's the largest of the Mughal gardens measuring 548 metres by 338 metres, and often the most crowed. The walks beside the channel are bordered with lines of cypresses and Chinars. Also found within its vicinity are some remains of Mughal period buildings including a double storey pavilion enclosed on two sides latticed windows.

Directly behind the garden is the Gopi Tirth, a small spring gushing forth crystal clear water, which feeds the garden water.

Chasma Shahi
Smallest of the Srinagar Mughal gardens, measuring just 108 metres by 38 metres, the Chasma Shahi, or 'Royal Spring', are well up the hillside, above the Nehru Memorial Park. The fresh water spring in these pleasant, quieter gardens is reputed to have medicinal properties.

The gardens were laid out in 1632 by Ali Mardan Khan and include three terraces, an aqueduct, waterfalls and fountains. The water from the spring supplies the fountains and then goes through the floor of the pavilion and falls to the lower terrace in a fine cascade of five metres, over a polished black stone chute.

Some extensions have recently been made to the gardens. Like all the gardens the Chasma Shahi is open from sunrise to sunset but unlike the other gardens this is the only one, which charges admission. There is a small shrine, the Chasma Sahibi, near the gardens, which also has a fresh water spring.
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ACCOMODATION IN KASHMIR

2009-09-02T03:35:00.000-07:00

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Kashmir is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in India. Every year, the Kashmir valley sees a large influx of tourists, domestic as well as foreign. As Kashmir has been a popular destination on the tourist map of India for a long time, finding accommodations is no big problem at any popular destination. You will get all types of accommodation facilities almost at every location. A number of hotels as well as houseboats count amongst the main places to stay in Kashmir. Other than that, there are also a number of guesthouses in the valley that provide cheap accommodation.

Houseboats
Houseboats (known as Shikaras locally) in Srinagar offer the tourists a unique experience. The luxury of staying on the serene water of a lake in a graceful boat, with all the services of a luxury hotel, draws many tourists to Srinagar. Most of the houseboats anchor along the banks of Dal Lake and Nagin Lake only. Just like hotels, the houseboats of Kashmir are also categorized. There are Deluxe, A-class, B-class, C-class and D-class houseboats in Srinagar.

Hotels
There are numerous hotels in Srinagar, located around the Dal Lake. Offering a comfortable stay to the tourists, these hotels provide breathtaking sights of the beautiful locales of Kashmir. There are numerous A-class, B-class and C-class hotels in Kashmir, each serving to the needs of a particular class of people. Some of the leading A-class hotels of Kashmir are:
• Ahdoo's Hotel, Residency Road
• Akbar Hotel, Kohankhan Dalgate
• Broadway Hotel, M.A.Road
• Centaur Lake View, Chashmashahi
• Grand Palace Hotel, Palace Road
• Imperial Lake View, Nehru Park
• Lake Isle Hotel, Nagin Lake
• Madhuban Hotel, Old Gagribal
• Parimahal Hotel, Boulevard
• Ruby Hotel, Lambert Line
Guest Houses
In case you are looking for cheap accommodation, you will get numerous cheap and budget guesthouses not only in Srinagar but also other popular destinations in Kashmir valley.

CLIMATE IN KASHMIR

2009-09-02T01:47:00.000-07:00

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Climatic Conditions
Kashmir has erratic climatic conditions. All around the state of Jammu & Kashmir the climate changes along with various geographical conditions. Near the middle mountains winter is cold and lasts for a long time. The monsoon brings a lot of rain at this part of the region. In the higher mountain regions around the valley, there is often a snow fall. Summer in Kashmir is mild and much shorter than winter. Altogether the climate of Kashmir is either very chilling or pleasant through out the year.

In the valley of Kashmir, winter is chilling cold and lasts from November to March. There are strong wind, snowfall and rainfall during this period. Warmer weather starts in the middle of March and lasts till the end of July, but at this period of the year there is a lot of rain leading to landslides.

As the state of Jammu & Kashmir is dotted with lakes and waterways, the atmosphere becomes damp which covers the valley with a mist & fog.

The climate of J&K is just the opposite from the rest of India. While the mercury reaches the breaking point in the foothills in the summer time, people of Ladakh and Kashmir wait for the snow to melt for there daily normal use. From October onwards, Jammu becomes a much more pleasant destination. However, the best time to enjoy the beautiful valley of Kashmir and the adventures of Ladakh region is between the months of May and September.

Geographical Conditions
The state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) lies between 4 degrees of latitude from 32.17 to 36.58 North. Within these 640 kms. there is a sudden rise of altitude from 305 mtrs. to 6910 mtrs. above sea level. J&K, therefore, lies between the hot plains of the Jammu province and coldest dry desert-land of Ladakh. These territories are, as such, transitional in climate.

The Seasons in Jammu & Kashmir
The seasons are marked with sudden change and the year is divided into six seasons of two months each.
» Spring March 15 to May 15.
» Summer May 15 to July 15.
» Rainy Season July 15 to Sept. 15.
» Autumn Sept. 15 to Nov. 15.
» Winter Nov. 15 to Jan 15.
» Ice Cold Jan. 15 to March 15.
» From December 24 to March 8 temperature is often below zero. Strong winds blow from south and southeast. There is snowfall during winter and there are thick black clouds in the sky.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

2009-09-02T01:36:00.000-07:00

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Srinagar :
(The capital of Kashmir) Visit Hari Parbat Fort, Jama Masjid, Walk in the old bazaar and over one of the seven old Bridges on river Jhelum, view from outside the shrine in honour of Shah Hamdan.

Gulmarg:
Gulmarg is surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers ,Gulmarg is known for unparalled beauty nad is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world.It is famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course. It is premier resort for winter sports in the country.The meadow of Flowers is a world famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters.

Raghunath Temple-is dedicated to Lord Rama. The inner walls of the temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. The galleries are covered with lakhs of 'Saligrams'. The surrounding temples are dedicated to other gods and goddesses from the epic, Ramayana. The temple is located in the heart of Jammu. Construction of the temple was started in 1835 by Maharaja Gulab Singh and completed by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860.

Patnitop:
Patnitop is enveloped by thickly wooded forests,Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountainscape of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with athick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games includingskiing. It is the best developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover.

Pahalgam:
Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available. Kolahoi is a popular destinantion via Aru a charming meadow. Pahalgam is base camp for the pilgrims of Amarnath.

Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96 Kms from Srinagar. The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. The road to Pahalgam takes from Khannabal or alternatively from Bijbehara villages from this National Highway. Every sort of transportto suit every budget from Buses to Taxisply on this Highway.

Ladakh:
Ladakh, known for centuries as the 'land of passes' (La-pass; Dakh-land), is a mysterious land shrouded in myth and legend -- a land where history and mythology merge. It was described by Fa-hian, who travelled across it's inhospitable terrain in 399 A.D., as "the land where snow never melts and only corn ripens". Leh is the capital city of Ladakh

FACT FILE

2009-09-02T01:19:00.000-07:00

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Area: 20.36sq. kms
Altitude: 305 metres
Population: 2,23,361 ( 1981 census)
Languages: Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi , Urdu and English
Best season: September to April
Major Cities: Zanskar , Gulmarg , Kargil, Pahalgam , Sonamarg , Patnitop ,Leh-Ladakh , Srinagar

GETTING THERE

2009-09-02T01:10:00.000-07:00

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Flying To Kashmir Srinagar Airport is connected with Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi by daily direct and via Jammu flights operated by Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Spice jet, Air Deccan and GoAir.

Rail Jammu Tawi, the railway station to reach Jammu, is connected by rail to Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Madras and other main cities in India.

Road Jammu, on N.H.no 1A, is connected by good all-weather roads to all parts of India..

About Kashmir

2009-09-01T01:33:00.000-07:00

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Jammu and Kashmir is the northern most state of India, nestled in the Himalayas. It is blessed with magnificent beauty. Being here in the land, one thinks the famous lines of Persian poet Firdaus to be justifiably right; “Agar Firdaus bar me Zaminast Haminasto haminnasto haminasto." (If there is heaven anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here). The state of Jammu and Kashmir includes the regions of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh.