Kashmir is rightly said to be natures grand finale of beauty, a masterpiece of earths creation, a beautiful mountainous landscape, the blossoming garden of tulips, Switzerland of east, blessed with four distinctive seasons- spring, summer, autumn and winter-which vie with one another in attracting the admirers round the year. Kashmir has remained a dream tourist and splendid landscape enriched by mughal emperors with well laid gardens and chiner trees, for its rich heritage, art and craft. Tourism to Kashmir gives a chance to the visitors to explore its rich culture and artistic tradition.

Srinagar
Golf, Swimming, water skiing, surf Riding, Boating, shikara ride, canoeing, Bird-watching, visit to dachgam national park walks and jogging in the pollution free and clean oxygen-rich and club activities.
Pahalgam
Trekking, hiking, horse riding, water rafting, golf, fishing, children amusement park, club visits.
Gulmarg
golf, horse-riding, sleding, snow skiing, Gondola ride, trekking, hiking, snow bike drives and jungle walks and of course club activities.
Sonmarg
Horse riding, sledging, white water rafting, trekking, fishing, camping.
Yusmarg
skiing, trekking, camping, pony ride.

NISHAT BAGH (Garden of pleasure)
Completed in the year 1634 during the reign of Emperor Jehangir, 9 kms from Tourist Reception Center, is the largest and the most popular of the mughal gardens having seven terraces with lush green lawns, beautiful flower beds, imposing chinar trees and a stream flowing down the center. It provides a breath-taking view of Dal Lake and is visited by tourists and local in huge numbers
SHALIMAR BAGH
The “Garden of love ” built by mughal Emperor jahangir from 1616-1619, for his beautiful queen noor jehan with black marble carved “Diwan-e-Khus “ used for Royal banquets and “diwan-e-Aam” for public audience. The cascading fountains and bright flower beds in summer and mighty chinars with golden leaves in autumn make it more charming.
CHASHMA-SHAHI (Royal Spring)
The spring of refreshing sweet water with medicinal properties cherished the Mughals is surrounded by a garden laid out by Shah jahan in 1632.
PARIMAHL: (Palace of fairies)
Cheshma-shaki, the mystic monument, surrounded by a beautiful garden, was built by Dara Shikoh, the son of shahjahan, in pursuit of his interest in spirituality and astrology.
TULIP GARDEN
Tulip garden located on the entrance to Cheshmashahi, Srinagar has become a major attraction for tourists and the lovers of flora and fauna in early Spring to watch hundreds of thousand of Tulip in widespread variety and multiple colours in full bloom. The garden –a dream project of nature loving former chief minister Mr. Ghulam nabi Azad – is all set to become one of the largest Tulip gardens of the World. His passion for a very short time in laying out of the garden possible in record time. The Tulip last for gardening made the Spring- precisely the month of March. A visit during “Tulip Season” with cool and fresh breeze will prove soul lifting in our own backyard of mother nature instead of having to travel to Amsterdam incurring huge amount.
BOTRANICAL GARDEN
It was established by the State Government for research in floriculture under the guidance of Mr. Kaul (Popularly known as Mamaji) an uncle of late Mrs. Indira Gandhi. The garden with a large variety of flowers and plants is located next to “Tulip Garden”.
DAL LAKE
DAL lake, 26sq.Kms in area, with fields of lotus blossoms, has remained heart and soul and an important landmark of Srinagar. It is divided by causeways into four parts having three Islands, Rupa lank popularly known as Char-chinari deriving its name from four chinars on it, the Sona Lank or Golden Island and Nehru Park. The Nagin lake completes the fourth part. The only boating, water skiing and surf-riding. Groups can also take a daylong excursion of different parts of the lake in a large dwelling boat called “Donga” having complete kitchen facilities for an unforgettable experience. A visit to world famous house-boats anchored in the lake is a novel experience.
ZABARVAN PARK (500Meters from Nehru park)
The beautifully landscaped Park in the foothills of Zabarvan on Boulevard is a popular rendezvous for the evenings with famous Kashmiri, Mughlai food, kahwa etc served in the mood for nocturnal yearnings.
DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK
It is about 140sq. Kms in area and home to about twenty species of wild life including the endangered Kashmir white patched steg “hangul”, brown and black bear, leopards, musk deer and numerous bird species. The “hangul” uniquely sheds horns in early spring and ascends to upper reaches and descends to lower areas with the re-growth of horns in autumn. The park has a wide range of fauna and flora, a trout fish farm and beautiful huts sires. A visit to Dachigam sanctuary is real treat of jungle safari, However, entrance passes for a visit is a pre-requisite and should be obtained from the office of the wild-life Department in advance.
HAZRATBAL SHRINE
Hazratbal or Dargah sharief or Aasar-i-sharief, wtatever name you call it, is the most revered muslim shrine in Kashmir. It situated on the Western shore of Dal lake, close to Mughal garden Naseem Bagh and the only marble mosque in Kashmir with a domed roof is the repository of a sacred hair or moi-e-Muqqadus of prophet muhannad (peace be upon him) displayed to believers assembled in huge numbers on certain occasions related to the life of prophet (PBUH) and his four companions.
THE SHANKARACHARYA TEMPLE
Located on top of 1000ft. hill known as Takht-i-sulaiman. Reachable by Kms of tarred road from Nehru park or on foot from Durganag side, the historians differ about who amongst the king Solomon. King Ashoka’s son jaluka or Emperor jahangir built the temple dating back to 3000-200 BC. The common belief, however, is that the temple got its present name from a great Hinduism in the region. He is believed to have stayed on top of the hill by the side of the temple. A visitor can have a panaromic view of Srinagar city from here and as such is also a photographers delight.
KHEER BHAWANI TEMPLE
The temple, in the middle of a spring, and most sacred to kashmiri pandits is among the living Hindu heritage sites in Kashmir. It symbolizes the godess Ragnya Devi believed to be another from of durga Mata and is affectionately known as Kheer Bhawani because of the tradition of offering “kheer” by large number of devotees to the sacred spring. It is said that before a catastrophe in Kashmir the spring water turns black.
HARI PARBAT FORT (KOH-I-MARAN)
The fort was built by Ata Mohammad Khan, the Afghan Government to Kashmir in 18th Century atop the hill koh-i-maran. The hill is surrounded by a wall built by Emperor Akbar during the last decade of 16th Century. The hill is considered sacred to Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs alike. For the Hindus its sacredness lies due to the presence of the temple of sharika, a from of godess Durga or Shakti. On its southern side is the historic shrine of Hazrat sultan or makhdoom saheb, a sufi saint revered by people of all faiths. Further down the hill is the historic Gurdawara Chatti padsshahi near the Kathi Darwaza gate of the fort and is dedicated to the sixth guru of Sikhs who stopped here during his Kashmir visit.
ROZABAL TOMB (Jesus Christ’s Tomb-peace be upon him)
It is believed that after Jesus Christ’s resurrection he travelled to Kashmir in search of the lost Israeli tribe and this Tomb is said to be the last resting place of jesus. Some historians say that God sent jesus to Kashmir as a prophet to end Idol worshipping. Tomb located at khanyar, Srinagar is visited by large number of visitors especially Westerners.
JAMIA MASJID (THE GRAND MOSQUE)
Jamia Masjid is a superd example of architecture, its roof supported by 370 wooden columns each of which is carved out of a single tree trunk. The mosque was rebuilt by Emperor Auranghzeb after the previous one built by sikandar, the Ruler of Kashmir was gutted in a devastating fire. There are huge congregations for Friday prayer and on the occasion of important muslim festivals.
MARTAND OR VISHNU OR SUN TEMPLE
This medieval temple lies atop a hill a few kilometers off the road to pahalgham. The temple has a pond-locally believed to have been created by lord Vishnu-full of fish. It has been a major traditional hindu pilgrimage. The devotees believe that the pilgrimage to holy cave of Shri Amarnathji is complete only when the pilgrims feed atta to fish in the pond on their return.
PARIHASPURA BUDHISTVIHARA CQMPLEX
Parihaspura located on the Srinagar-Uri Road has ancient ruins of Budhist vihara Complex. It was the capital of Kashmir during eighth century king lalitaditya muktapidya. The archeological excavation of site in the early 20th Century found a monastery, Bidhist Stupa, Shiva temple and raj Bhavan constructed with large stones.
BURZAHAMA RUINS
On the outskirts of Srinagar, the archeological excavations of the stone like remains of a culture that is so old that it is impossible to date with any certainty. Some experts date the life in the valley to 2500 BC.

OTHER PALCES OF SIGHTSEEING FOR DAY ACHABAL The cool and fresh breeze in the air rejuvenate the minds while the shades of the imposing chinar trees lining the spring enable anyone to breath in comfort . no winder why the Empress Noor jehan chose to develop this terraced mughal garden which went on to become her pleasure retreat. It has a spring flowing out of sosansar hills. Achabal has a trout hatchery as well.

KOKERNAG
A popular family and school picnic spot, a beautiful laid garden, a fresh water spring with curative properties, a botanical garden full of roses, a flowing water stream, the dense mountain-forests around with its serene and soul lifting atmosphere, is what Kokernag can be described as.
VARINAG
Verinagis considered to be the water of river jehlum the water flows from the base of a densely wooded hill. The spring, embanked by Mughal Emperor jehangir, narrows down into a canal and thus begins the historic river jehlum.
DAKSUM
Daksum located on Anatnag – simthan- Kashmir road is one of the most scenic spots with awesome surroundings of dense lush green pine forests, rich flora and fauna and trout-rich gushing stream.
AHRABAL FALLS
it is a terrifically beautiful 24.4 metre waterfall formed by vishavsar river. Accommodation available. This trekkers delight situated at an altitude at an altitude of 4000 metres is a large magnificent lake with glaciers rounded by mountains. It can be trekked in two days through Kungawattan-an unbelievably beautiful meadow.
YUSMARG
Yusmarg has some highest peaks in pir panjal range like Tatakoti 4725mts, Romesh Thong 5000mts, Sunset peak 4750mts which contribute to the formation of the mighty Doodh ganga river supplying water to large areas through a reserviour . it is believed that jesus Christ passed through this valley while traveling to Kashmir. “yus” is the short from of youza or jesus and marg means a meadow. The scenic beauty of Yusmarg mesmerizes the visitors.
WULAR LAKE
Asia’s largest fresh water lake has a depth upto 14 metres and its bed is deeper then the river jehlum which flows into it from South whereas madhumati and Erina nallahs enter it from east. Wular surrounded by mountains and hill-forests is an important habitat for fish. It is estimated that 50 percent of total fish production in Kashmir comes Fromthis Lake alpine. The singhara are water nuts are also grown on some parts of the lake thereby providing source of income of the residents residing on fingers of the lake.

Once a modest ‘ Shepherds Village situated on the confluence (sangam)of mighty sheshnag and lidder rivers has developed into a popular and modern summer redsort on either side of these rivers and mountains .These essence of pahalgam is the eternal sound of river lidder like the whisper of the wind through pine and fir. Itattrzcts huge number of locals and tourists due to its cool environs even during summer. Pahalgam has an awe inspiring 18 hole Golf course surrounded by line trees attracting the participation of local and national players in the tournaments.

Once in pahalgam one can trek, ponyride or drive to the mountain lakes, plain, meadows as suggested here under.

ARU
This village resort is connected by 11km motorable road from pahalgam.

BETAB VALLEY
Famous for film shootings is a plain scenic spot amidst pine trees 3 kms on Chandanwari road.

BAISARAN
This popular picnic spot 4 kms from pahalgam has meadows, pine trees with streams flowing through it.

SHIKARGAH
A wild life reserve at a close distance.

MAMAL TEMPLE
An 11th Century temple on the right bank of lidder has a shivlinga with a spring rising from there.

FRISLAN
Famous spot for trout fishing at a distance of 7 kms.

KOLHAI GLAIERS
At an altitude of 3400m and 36km trek from pahalgam via Lidderwat enroute to the 5300m Kolahai peak (one of the highest peaks in Kashmir)

Gulmarg meaning “the meadow of flowers” remained a favorite hill resort of the romantic Emperor jehangir and his beautiful wife noor jehan. It was also patronized and developed by the Britishers during their rule that set up a golf Course in 1904 which is the highest green golf course in the world. Gulmarg spell binding beauty with attractive meadow of flowers attracted the legendry love couple king yousuf shah Chak and the renowned poetess Habba khatoon. Country’s premier ski resort-come into its own during winter when it has some of the best slopes and is ideally suited for learning skiing. I has been the venue for holding major national winter games.

Gulmarg has been one of the favorite spots for film shootings and hundreds of successful movies have been shot here. It has Rani Temple and a Saint Mary’s Church atop a meadow hill. Children’s and a lake developed recently has become a major draw.

KHILAN MARG
6Kms from Gulmarg an uphill journey though beautiful pine forests gets rewarded with a Magnificent view and the presence of snow even during summer. It can be reached by taking a pony ride cable car.

ALPATHAR LAKE
A Magnificent lake at an altitude of 3850mtrs and from Gulmarg via khianmarg is rare experience.

Gulmarg meaning “the meadow of flowers” remained a favorite hill resort of the romantic Emperor jehangir and his beautiful wife noor jehan. It was also patronized and developed by the Britishers during their rule that set up a golf Course in 1904 which is the highest green golf course in the world. Gulmarg spell binding beauty with attractive meadow of flowers attracted the legendry love couple king yousuf shah Chak and the renowned poetess Habba khatoon. Country’s premier ski resort-come into its own during winter when it has some of the best slopes and is ideally suited for learning skiing. I has been the venue for holding major national winter games.

A MARVEL OF Nature, the everlasting that was glacier provides a golden opportunity for visitors to enjoy snow even during summer. It has attractive walks and treks. Pony ride is enjoyable. There are marvelous camp sites in this area, prime location for school camps and trekkers.

The holy cave of Amarnath is to be the abode of lord shiva. An ice shivling is formed by water droplets around full moon in the month of shravan and is worshipped annually by tens of thousand of devotees beginning month of June and culminates on the Raksha Mandhan. Pahalgam is the starting point for the annual Amarnathji yatra and passes through chandanwari (2895m/16km) pissu top (20km), sheeshnag (25km) panjtarni (40km) before reaching the Holy Cave after covering 46.7kms. The vehicles are available for the yatra upto chandanwari only. The Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir jointly with shrina board makes elaborate arrangements for the yatra like camps, Para medics, Langars etc. the yatra can also be undertaken by hiring ponies or Dandies are available in sufficient numbers on rates fixed by the Authorities.

Another route for holy Cave is from Baltal in Sonamarg where accommodation is available. The yatra can be completed in one day after a nights halt at Baltal. The terrain is, however, tough from this side.

Another convenient mode of performing the Dershan of the Holy Cave is by helicopter from pahalgam or Baltal run by private carriers booked through appointed General sales Agents in advance.

It is advisable to travel light, heavy woolens and rain proof jackets and use Trekking or sports shoes. The registration for yatra is compulsory.