Some Important Places In Kashmir

PATNITOP - One Pace To Visit For Snow During Winters In India

 

112 kms from Jammu, this famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games including skiing. 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. There is an ambitious plan of Patnitop Development Authority to develop Patnitop, Kud, Sud-Mahadev, Mantalai circuit. The construction work of Mall Road at Kud is to be taken up in the near future. Trekking route from Kud to Patnitop-Sanasar has already been completed. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-VaishnoDeviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending upto Latti-Dhuna.

Things To Do At Patnitop

Trekking - A range of trekking options is available here. Summer is the season when all trekking routes are open while some are open in winter too. There are excellent camping sites also enroute. The Sundarani- Jungal Gali-Jasarkote-Sanasar route in Jangal Gali area lets you choose any of three exciting treks. There are Trekking equipment hire shops of tourism Department at Jammu and Kud. They stock imported and local gear. These are available for fixed prices.

DAL LAKE- kashmir


The Dal Lake which has the length of 8 Km long and a width of 4 Km, spreads over a total of 26 Sq. Km. The fascinating Dal Lake is divided into two smaller ones the Lokut (small) and Bod (big) Dal. The south western part of the lake has a maximum depth of approximately 12 M. the Dal Lake gets some of its water from spring but is also supplemented by water from the mountain lake, Mar Sar. In the western part of the Lake one can glimpse a few islands, some bigger, some smaller. Its shores are very fertile and surrounded by willows. Potato, tomato, pumpkin, cucumber, radish and lots of other vegetables are grown here cultivation of the floating gardens which also lie in this part of the lake is another interesting feature. These gardens consist of reed rafts of different lengths and a width of approximately one and a half by three meters and are covered by 1020 CM thick layer of earth and mud. Vegetables and melons are grown on these artificial floating islands.


Dal Lake is, initially, one of the most confusing parts of Srinagar for it's not really one lake at all, but three. Further more much of it is hardly what one would expect a lake to be like - it's a maze of intricate waterways and channels, floating islands of vegetation, houseboats that look so firmly moored they could almost be islands and hotels on islands which look like they could simply float away.
 

PAHALGAM

The Valley Of Shepherds

 
At an altitude of 2,130m and about 95-km from Srinagar , Pahalgam is probably the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley. Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg the nighttime temperatures do not drop so low and it has the further advantage of the beautiful Lidder River running right through the town.

Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them. The Aru flows down from the Kolahoi glacier beyond Lidderwat while the Sheshnag from glaciers along the great Himalayan.
 

At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag Lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious to unpretentious trekkers' lodges, including JKTDC's delightfully romantic, fully furnished huts, partially concealed by giant pine trees.

Pahalgam Walks

There are many short walks available from Pahalgam and in addition it is an excellent base for longer treks such as those to the Kolahoi glacier or to the Amarnath cave. Pahalgam can also be used as a starting point for treks out of the region. Pahalgam is particularly famed for its many shepherds and they're a common sight, driving their flocks of sheep along the paths all around the town.

Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations.

Mamaleshwara
Mamaleshwara is only a km or so downstream from Pahalgam, and on the opposite side of the Lidder, is this small Shiva temple with its square, stone tank. It is thought to date from the reign of king Jayasima in the 12th century, even earlier.

Baisaran
This meadow, about 5-km from Pahalgam and 150m higher, provides excellent views over the town and the Lidder valley. Pine forests and the snowclad mountains surround the grassy glen. One can hire ponies for this trek from near the centre of town.

Tulian Lake
If one continues 11-km beyond Baisaran one reaches the Tulian Lake at 3,353m, 1,200m higher up. It is covered in ice for much of the year and surrounded by peaks, which rise more than 300m above its shores. It also can be reached by pony trek.

Aru
The little village of Aru is actually the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier. It makes an interesting day walk from Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for 11-km upstream. The main track, which also can be taken by car, is on the left bank of the river. There is also a less used, and more difficult path, on the right bank. At Aru one will often find the Gujars, living in their log huts with their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the higher sheep and goats, en route to the higher pastures for the summer.

Some Important Places In Kashmir

Gulmarg – Winter Season
 
Lack of snow in the beginning of the season and overbooked quality hotels presented the biggest challenges this past winter in Gulmarg. Perfect weather and excellent snow conditions in March were the biggest surprises and many happy customers the biggest joy – this is my summary of a successful and instructive 5^th winter season in Kashmir.

Upon my arrival in Gulmarg by the end of December I was confronted with a very unusual snow situation. Instead of being covered by the typical solid snow layer the ground was nearly bare, despite a snowfall of over one meter in the beginning of November. As my first guests were set to arrive only by mid January there was no reason to panic yet. Fortunately it started to snow a little in the beginning of January and because of the roughly 30cm of fresh powder the first program participants already had an opportunity to enjoy some runs in untracked terrain. The snow conditions were, however, still far away from what we were used to and from what our guests expected. Luckily we had warm and sunny weather during most of January which contributed a lot to our guests’ happiness with their vacation in the Himalayas.

A very positive experience in the past season was the snow condition in March. In previous years I left Gulmarg always at the beginning of the month, however, this year I decided to stay on till the end of March to get my own impression of the situation in order to make an educated decision on whether to propose my programs in this period too. I was positively surprised by the snow conditions and can now tell from personal experience that it is also possible to ski the whole day till mid March too, often still with good powder snow on north facing runs and even later in the month snow conditions remained good till the early afternoon. For people interested in “Free Touring” March is the perfect month offering many possibilities to ascend up to 4’500m by starting early from the cable car’s top station and to enjoy long descends to the valley floor. Another much appreciated factor of March skiing is the limited number of people on the mountain which means we have the terrain to ourselves more or less all time (at least up to now!).

The valley of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730 metres, 56-km south west of Srinagar. The name means 'Meadow Of Flowers' and in the spring it's just that, a rolling meadow dotted with countless colourful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not's and Buttercups. The valley itself is about 3-km long and up to a km wide.

All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day one can see all the way to Nanga Parbat is one direction and Srinagar is another. It's a popular day trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg, although many people extend their stay or use it as a base for trekking. The road from Srinagar rises gently towards the lower slopes of the range, passing through rice and maize fields.
 
Sonmarg

In Winter - November To FebruaryThe drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir.
Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (‘The meadow of gold’) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months.

Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.

The Meadow Of Gold
At a height of 2,740m, Sonamarg is the last major point in the Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into Ladakh . At the pass the green, lush Kashmiri landscape abruptly switches to the barren, dry landscape of Ladakh. Sonamarg is thus not only a good base for treks but also a jumping off point for trips into Ladakh.

The name means 'Meadow of Gold' and although this could be due to the profusion of flowers that carpet the meadow in the spring it is also possible that the name derives from Sonamarg's strategic trading position in the days when this was a major route into central Asia. The Sindh River meanders along here and abounds with Trout and Mahseer.

Sonamarg's Importance Is Two Fold:
It is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain lakes - Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. One trek leads all the way to the Amarnath cave . The other reason for Sonamarg's importance lies in the fact that it is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh .

Walks From Sonamarg

 
One of the most popular short walks from Sonamarg and a major attraction during the summer months is the 4-km route to Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot of the Sonamarg glacier. A path leads up to the Shakhdar hill, overlooking the glacier from the northeast. It is dangerous to climb the steep slope leading up to the glacier. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier. Often in early summer one will meet groups of Gujar passing through Sonamarg on their way to the alpine meadows for the summer.

Jolly Buoy Island of andaman

                                               Jolly buoy island complete view from sea in Andaman

Jolly buoy island is very famous for under water corals and the pristine clear beach. This place is one hour journey from Wandoor beach. Snorkeling and scuba diving are available here.
To reach Jolly buoy island people have to come to Wandoor beach. This is located in Mahatma Gandhi National Park. Wandoor beach is 30 Kms from Port Blair by road. This route is same for visiting Red Skin island also. Both Jolly buoy and Red skin are located at Mahatma Gandhi National park. The normal time leaving to Jolly buoy island at Wandoor beach is 9.00am. Make sure to reach Wandoor beach before 9.00am. All the ships leave at the same time and come back together.
Jolly buoy is a No Plastic zone. Before leaving to Jolly buoy island, people have to submit the list of all plastic items at Wandoor beach. They have to deposit a security amount of INR 100 against each plastic item. They will get the amount back after returning against producing the same items. Additional amount is also to be paid for each still and video camera.

 In Jolly buoy island nothing is available. Visitors are supposed to carry all items required for them like, food, water etc... At Wandoor beach tender coconuts are available.

People visiting this place through travel agents will get everything packed and will be accompanied by one of the person. People have to carry swim suits or other wears suitable for Snorkeling and scuba diving. Jolly buoy is a no man's land. When we visited the place, only two motor boats (port charter boats) along with small boats (for coral view) brought all the visitors and everything returned back. Jolly buoy island is just like an end of the world place. Surrounding the Jolly buoy island there are other islands with thick forests. People can enjoy the running sea view between these islands.
Visitors can enjoy the under water coral view through snorkeling, Scuba diving or from the glass bottom boat. As a standard trip, while getting down from the ship and transferring to the island through small boats, visitors will be taken through a ride and will be shown these under water corals through glass bottom. This is for only a very short duration (5 to 10 minutes). People willing to see more of these can hire a boat independently and enjoy. Additional amount has to be paid (INR 50 to 100) for each ride for 30 to 45 minutes. Additional amount has to be paid also for snorkeling and scuba diving.

                                                              Sea corals at jolly buoy beach of Andaman
Corals of Andaman
The under water corals in Andaman island beaches are colourful and live. One can experience the live corals at Jolly buoy, red skin, North bay and other island beaches. Snorkeling and Scuba diving is a great experience in these marine world.
Jolly buoy and Redskin islands are in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National park. Each of these islands are open only 6 months in a year to protect the corals. Jolly buoy and Red skin islands are opened alternatively.
For visitors who are scared of snorkeling and Scuba diving, they can avail glass bottom boat facility to see corals while traveling inside the coral beach. 45 minutes to one hour package is available. The charges for these facilities vary depending upon the time visitors like to spend. For 30-45 minutes, INR 50 is the normal amount one can afford. Confirm which island is opened for visitors before planning Andaman trip. Wheather proof cameras are available for rent if people are interested in taking the photograph of under water corals. Travellers can even try to take photos while travelling glass bottom boats. This is possible with additional cost and also after getting down from the main ship while reaching the beach.
North bay coral beach is a little bit crowded as it is very nearer to Port Blair and all facilities are available. In Jolly buoy and Red skin, because these are remotely located islands, no facilities are available and people have to carry all related belongings along with them.
Don't try to carry these corals along with you as this is considered as an affence. Get the reciept from the shop if you have purchased any pearls or corals in Andaman. This may help if any checkings are done at Air port. 

Welcome to Andaman & Nicobar islands ( HAVELOCK ISLAND)

                                                                  Pictured above:Havlock at Andaman 

Welcome to Havelock Island - The Perfect Holiday Destination in the Andaman group of Islands. Havelock Island is famous for its pristine beaches, coral reefs and for a relaxing holiday.

Havelock Island is a very small Island and most of the population are Bengali settlers. The distance between Port Blair and Havelock Island is 30 kilometers.

Beaches of Havelock Island

Radha nagar beach also  called as Beach No. 7, Vijay nagar beach also called as Beach No. 5, Govind nagar beach also called as Beach No. 3 and Elephanta Beach are the beaches in Havelock Island. Radha nagar beach which is also called as Beach No. 7 has been rated as the Asia's best beach by Times Magazine.

Radhanagar Beach (Beach #7) is the most beautiful on the island and was rated as the best in Asia by Time in 2004. Gorgeous, silky white sand backed by a forest that provides welcome shade looks out over turquoise water, some stretches with a sandy bottom good for swimming and some with excellent coral reefs that are great for snorkeling – a great combination indeed. Sunsets here are often spectacular and it's a popular time to be at the beach, but be careful not to miss the last trucks back if you're not staying here. A man with an elephant walks through the forest occasionally, offering rides for a fee. Buses run throughout the day until sunset, as do auto-rickshaws and shared 4 wheel-drive trucks. There are a few food shacks where the road hits the beach, all of which rent snorkels and fins.

 

                                                     Pictured above:Sea corals at Havelock beach of Andaman

Havelock is endowed with bewitching sandy beaches, lush green forest and coral gardens. Havelock Island, is the place were most tourists head for once when they arrive at Port Blair. This Island is 50 Km far away from Port Blair, and connected via regular boat service with a journey of 03 - 04 hours. Havelock Island is one of

the finest Islands in Andamans which commands beautiful sandy beaches, lush green forest and abundant under water coral life.