Kashmir Tourist Destinations, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Khilanmarg, Mughal Gardens, jammu and kashmir tourism, kashmir travel

Gulmarg :
Gulmarg literally means ‘meadow of flowers’. Situated at an altitude of 2500 m from sea and 56 kms from Srinagar, Gulmarg is among the premier hill resorts of Kashmir. Horse riding or a ride on the cable car over the Kongdoori spur is a thrilling experience.
Pahalgam
Just 96 kms from Srinagar and situated at an altitude of 2130 m from sea,Pahalgam is an idyllic resort, located along the banks of River Lidder It is a jumping off point for many treks in the mountains and a base for Amernath yatra.
Sonamarg
This ‘Meadow of Gold’ as it is called in local language, this beautiful valley is situated at an altitude of 3000 m from sea and 86 kms from Srinagar on the way to Ladakh. This is the only place where one can see the snow at Thajiwas year round. The noise of mighty River Sindh reverberates around the valley.
Shalimar Garden
15 kms from Srinagar,this spacious garden was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife Noor Jehan (the light of world) The garden is spread over 4 terraces .
Nishat Garden
Situated on the eastern shore of Dal Lake and 11 kms from Srinagar this ‘garden of bliss’ was built by Asif Khan, brother of Noor Jehan in 1633 A.D..
Cheshmashahi
A tastefully laid gar was laid out by Shah Jehan, the builder of the Taj in 1632. The main attraction of this beautiful garden is a spring of cool, refreshing water of great medicinal value.
Shankaracharya Temple
Known also as Takht-i-Sulieman (Throne of Solomon) this temple of ancient origin is built on a hill. The temple offers a magnificent view of the valley and the snowy peaks of Pir Panjal.
Jamia Masjid
Originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 14 A.D and later enlarged by his son Zainul Abbidin popularly known in history of Kashmir as the Great King. Jamia Masjid is typical of Bhuddist-Saracenic structure wholly made of brick and timber. The roof is raised on 3000 mighty pillars of cedar. About 30000 people can pray at a time inside the mosque.
Hazratbal Shrine
This famous and most revered shrine of Kashmir is located on the western shore of Dal Lake just opposite the Nishat Garden. The shrine houses a piece of beard of Prophet Mohammed. This is displayed on special occasions.
Shah Hamdan Mosque.
Situated on the banks of river Jhelum, and made of timber this famous mosque was originally a monastery where the great preacher of Islam ,Hazrat Syed Ali Hamdani came and resided from Central Asia.
Budshah’s Tomb
The tomb of the mother of Sultan Zain-Ul-Abideen(1420-70) popularly known as Badshah is a splendid representative piece of the Shahmiri architecture. The monument, situated on the right bank of the river Jehlum near Zaina Kadal is the only one of its kind in and around kashmir which, compared to the wooden structures of the shahmiri period, is a wholly brick structure.
Hari Parbat Fort
Another historical monument of Srinagar is the Hari Parbat Fort constructed by the Afghan Governer, Atta Mohammad Khan(1808-10),on the top of the Hari Parbat or Koh-e-Maraan hill. The architecture of the Fort is similar to that of the forts in Central Asia.
Martand
This is a significant Archaelogical site. Its impressive Architecture reveals the glorious past of the area. This marvelous temple, dedicated to Sun god was built by the great king Lalitadatiya in 8th Century A.D. All that remains of the temple is a central rectangular building surrounded by a court and rectangular colonnade.