Kashmir valley is truly a paradise on Earth. It is so beautiful and breathtaking that one will surely fall in love with its beauty at the first sight. Jammu and Kashmir has a national charm and beauty. It lies in the peaks of Himalayas. Jammu was under Hindu Dogra kings and has famous temples and forest retreats whereas Kasmir's capital city 'Srinagar' has a lot of offer from its scenic beauty, holidays on lakes with Shikaras and houseboats. The valley of Kashmir is a "Jewel in India's crown". It is a wonderland and a dream come true.
Kashmir was known as "paradise on earth" by the Mughals. The four season in Kashmir i.e. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter have its own characters and charm.
During Spring i.e. March to Early May is the time when millions of flowers blossoms. The weather during this time is very pleasant. It is during this time when rains pour but the showers are brief.
Summer Season is from May to August. The climate is cool and temperatures drop slightly during night. The whole valley turns green with trees, meadows, and rice fields.
Autumn is considered as Kashmir's best season. It starts in September when the valley turns to gold from green and later to red. During this times it is very cold and heavy woolens are required.
December to March is Winter. This time, the valley is fully covered with snow. During this time "Bukhari" a typical Kashmiri stove is used for warmth and is much effective in winter.
Though there are many many places of beauty and interest in Kashmir, some of the most important and which attracts thousands of tourists are as follows----
GULMARG - is one of the best tourist places of Kashmir. Gulmarg means "Meadows of Flowers". It was first called as "Gaurimarg" by the shepherds.
During the month of April, the TULIP GARDEN or THE INDIRA GANDHI GARDEN is opened for visitors. The roads of Gulmarg are fully covered with snow at this time. The Gulmarg Golf Club was started in 1911 by the Britishers. There is "GONDOLA CABLE CAR" which is regarded as the 2nd highest in the world, first being Venezuela i.e the largest in Asia. It starts from "Gulmarg base station to Kandor" and from 'Kandor to Aparwath'.
Gulmarg is India's major Ski resort in winter.
PAHALGAM AND SONMARG------Pahalgam is a hill town also called as 'Valley of Shepherds', with breathtaking views. There are many picnic spots like Baisaran, Chandanwari, and Hagan which attract many Filmmakers for its magnifying beauty. While traveling for Sonmarg one has to cross the Sindh Valley which is another spectacular sight with Sindh river flowing along and it is a major attraction during summer. Sonmarg is also a major Trekking Base and a major station for Ladakh across the Zojila Pass.
AMARNATH AND VAISHNO DEVI----Amarnath shrine are around 5000 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for the formation of "ICE LINGAM". Amarnath Yatra takes place in the month of July or August when lakhs of devotees visit the shrine every year.
The Holy Shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi is located here in TRIKUTA MOUNTAINS in the town of Katara. Over one Crore of pilgrims visit the shrine to offer prayers to the three Devi's i.e.Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati.
LEH-LADAKH--This is yet another beautiful place one visits. Leh is a quiet spiritual town with Buddhist Culture. It is famous for its architecture like Shanti Stupa, Leh Mosque, and Leh Palace. Ladakh is a very photogenic place and people flock all over the world to visit this adventurous place. The praises of its beauty are sung worldwide. Ladakh is also known as " Little Tibet".
DAL-LAKE--- It is one of the most important landmarks of Srinagar, which is spread over 15 km , is considered the heart, a jewel of Srinagar. It attracts thousands of tourists because of its uniqueness of Houseboats, Shikaras, Floating Gardens and Floating Flower and Vegetable Market.
Jammu is the Winter Capital and Srinagar is the Summer Capital of the state. The entire colorful environment makes it a place of terrific beauty. Friendly people, beautiful gardens, beautiful lakes, streams , landscapes make Kashmir an incredible place of tourism. Urdu is the official language but many other languages are spoken like the Kashmir, Ladakh, dog and even Hindi. the tourism industry has provided a new look to Kashmir and has become one of the favorite destination. The lovely hill station, Mughal gardens, trekking and skiing base, many world famous temples, pine and coniferous trees, large variety of roses, tulips and other flowers, many endangered species, wildlife sanctuaries, variety of birds, handicrafts and woolen shawls, i.e. the whole flora and fauna makes Jammu and Kashmir a world famous place and worth a visit.
Kashmir is also known as "THE SWITZERLAND OF THE EAST".
Jehangir, the great Mughal emperor after visiting the valley of Kashmir exclaimed that -
" IF THERE IS PARADISE ANYWHERE ON THE EARTH, IT IS HERE, IT IS HERE, IT IS HERE"