Jayant and Kirti from Ajmer went to Kashmir for their honeymoon. They were aware of the serious security risk but since the Valley has been seeing a few tourists again, they decided to visit India's famous 'heaven on earth'.
DalLake - the famous lake which has been the spot for so many romantic film scenes, never fails to disappoint you. Surrounded by the mountains and red-gold chinar trees, going for a shikara ride on the lake is a highpoint of Kashmir. You could even stay on a houseboat instead of a hotel.
NaginLake is another lake where you can stay on a houseboat, if you wish to avoid the tourist crowds in the peak season. However, it is a bit further out of town.
Chasmashahi, Shalimar and Nishat Gardens - these are three beautiful terraced gardens laid-out by the Moghuls and replete with fountains, flowerbeds and ornate trees and shrubs.
Hazratbal Mosque - this is Shrinagar?s most famous mosque and attracts many pilgrims as it contains a relic of the prophet.
Translated as the 'meadow of flowers' this beautiful valley at 8,950 ft is a paradise on earth. There are green slopes, surrounded by pine forests and the tinkling LidderRiver flowing through it. Gulmarg has a golf course and ski slopes, but all these are now sadly deserted due to the security risk.
This pretty town in the LidderValley is the base for many treks to Kishtwar and SuruValley. (None of these are advisable now due to the security problem). It is also the base to the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath, where many people go each summer (especially in August) with the strong faith that they will be safe in the hands of god.
Holy Amarnath: A pilgrimage to paradise - Amarnath is an ancient pilgrimage centre. The Amarnath cave is located at a distance of 86 miles north east of Srinagar, at a height of 13000 feet above sea level.
Kashmir Blog - Kashmir includes the regions of Kashmir valley, Jammu and Ladakh. The Valley is a low-lying fertile region surrounded by magnificent mountains and fed by many rivers.
Official Websites
Jammu & Kashmir Tourism - Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Government portal - Official website of Dept. of Tourism, covers Jammu & Kashmir Entry formalities, Places of Interest in Jammu & Kashmir, Lists of Tourist Guides in Jammu & Kashmir and Transportation in Jammu & Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir Government - Jammu & Kashmir Government portal covering diverse topics including health, tourism, culture, climate, Tenders and e-Governance.
Other Useful Links
A brief history of Kashmir - The earliest history of Kashmir was recorded by the poet-chronicler Kalhana in the 12th century.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine - The journey to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is an enchanting journey of the places where Mata Vaishnavi had spent some time while observing various spiritual disciplines and penances.
