Thursday, 16 January 2014
travel kashmir: GULMARG
travel kashmir: GULMARG: GULMARG Gulmarg ( Meadow of Flowers) is a town, a hill station , a popular skiing destinat...
Winter In Kashmir
WINTER IN KASHMIR
By December the winter season starts to fall and covers the valley to hibernate. But at the same time skiing at Gulmarg and the Himalayan chakore & Wild duck shooting season starts which tourists have been enjoying since the British Raj. Also if by any chance the Dal-lake freezes then one can enjoy the ice skating too. From 1987 heli-skiing has also started in certain new areas.
It all gets covered with the colour of winter, the colour of dusk. Shades of grey start to dominate. Temperature start dipping, air breeze gets cooler, people add more layers to raise their body temperatures.
Winter in Kashmir is a five months season but the real winter is experienced in the forty days of Chilai kalan, starting from December 21 to January 31, and if it snows in these forty days, the experiences get worst. Old aged and children are forced to sit inside as the snow in Chilai kalan
Snow blanketed mountains, plains and white outlined trees especially Chinars may sound good to ears and are the usual clich?d lines used to describe the beauty of winter in Kashmir. It is beautiful to visualize as well but for its native’s winter brings a different experience. It is the worst season in the year, they say. Because of the facilities available in here, locals refer to winter as the ugliest season.
Living under these snow blankets has never been exciting for Kashmiris.
Heavy or light, the snowflakes cut the three regions, Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu, from each other.
Thursday, 9 January 2014
DAL LAKE
DAL LAKE
Dal Lake is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel".The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
Dal Lake is lined by gardens built in the Mughal era and many parks. Mughals, who were smitten by the beauty of Kashmir, laid extensive gardens to heighten its beauty. The best views of the lake can be seen from the Shalimar Garden and Nishat Garden that were built during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Jehangir.
Covering an area of 18 sq km, the Dal Lake is part of a natural wetland that covers an area of about 21 sq km which includes floating gardens. The floating gardens are known as ‘Rad’ in Kashmiri language. The floating gardens are known for the lotus flowers that blossom during the months of July and August. The Dal Lake is divided into four basins, Bod Dal, Nagin (also a separate lake), Gagribal and Lokut Dal. There is an island in the middle of Bod Dal also known as Sona Lank. Lokut Dal is also known as Rup Lank and Char Chinari.
HISTORY
During the Mughal period, the Mughal rulers of India designated Kashmir, Srinagar in particular, as their summer resort. They developed the precincts of the Dal lake in Srinagar with sprawling Mughal-type gardens and pavilions as pleasure resorts to enjoy the salubrious cool climate.After the death of Auregzeb707, which led to the disintegration of the Mughal Empire,Pashtun tribes in the area around the lake and city increased, and the Durrani Empire ruled the city for several decades.[In 1814 a significant part of the Kashmir valley, including Srinagar, was annexed by Raja Ranjit Singh to his kingdom, and the Sikhs grew in influence in the region for 27 years.
During the British RAj, the British also made Srinagar their capital during the summer months, attracted by the cool climate of the Kashmir valley, amidst the back drop of the majestic snow covered Himalayan ranges. The lake precincts experience temperatures in the range of 1–11 °C (34–52 °F) during winter and 12–30 °C (54–86 °F) during the summer season. The lake freezes when temperatures drop to about −11 °C (12 °F) during severe winter.Although the Dogra Maharaja of Kashmir restricted the building of houses in the valley, the British circumvented this rule by commissioning lavish houseboats to be built on the Dal Lake. The houseboats have been referred to as, "each one a little piece of England afloat on Dal Lake.
GALLERY
DOOD PATHIR
DOODHPATHRI
The place is just 42kms away from Srinagar, it's a beautiful place with carpet like meadows and A flowing river resounds with soft wind passing through the pine trees of the enclosures of the valley. It is also called as a VALLEY OF MILK because it produces rich milk in a large quantity It is said that the cattle grazing in the meadows of Doodpathri, produces rich milk in large quantity , this reason it is called the valley of milk Doodhpathri.
The shepherds from different areas travel to this place along with their cattles and stay there for days together. This area also connected to Gurez valley on its north. The place Doodhpathri has not been fully explored or one can say that not many tourists come there because of the terrible road which goes from Khan Sahab to Doodhpathri.
A local newspaper had published a photograph of Doodhpathri which showed the merciless chopping of trees and the bad condition of the road. One of the officials reacting just after seeing the photograph in the newspaper wrote back to the newspaper the heading of the reply that was published just the day after the photograph was published was "Felling trees at Dodhpathri and the clarification thereof".
The official had written that the road construction from Khansaheb Reyar Doodpathri has been undertaken under CRT (Central Road Funding) project and an amount of Rs. 1.20 crores as compensation was given to the Forest dept. by the R&B Department, and also it was felt that some trees were to be chopped down in order to complete the road widening.
One understands that the trees which would come in the way of road widening were to be chopped down but what about the trees which are far away from the road, why are they chopped down? If the compensation has been given to the Forest Department why are they not replanting the trees or are they waiting for some natural disaster to wake them up?Are the concerned authorities making a check over the smuggling which is happening even in broad daylight? What for are they (the concerned authorities)? Have they forgotten the responsibility that they have on their shoulders?All these question have to be answered someday or the other.
The shepherds from different areas travel to this place along with their cattles and stay there for days together. This area also connected to Gurez valley on its north. The place Doodhpathri has not been fully explored or one can say that not many tourists come there because of the terrible road which goes from Khan Sahab to Doodhpathri.
A local newspaper had published a photograph of Doodhpathri which showed the merciless chopping of trees and the bad condition of the road. One of the officials reacting just after seeing the photograph in the newspaper wrote back to the newspaper the heading of the reply that was published just the day after the photograph was published was "Felling trees at Dodhpathri and the clarification thereof".
The official had written that the road construction from Khansaheb Reyar Doodpathri has been undertaken under CRT (Central Road Funding) project and an amount of Rs. 1.20 crores as compensation was given to the Forest dept. by the R&B Department, and also it was felt that some trees were to be chopped down in order to complete the road widening.
One understands that the trees which would come in the way of road widening were to be chopped down but what about the trees which are far away from the road, why are they chopped down? If the compensation has been given to the Forest Department why are they not replanting the trees or are they waiting for some natural disaster to wake them up?Are the concerned authorities making a check over the smuggling which is happening even in broad daylight? What for are they (the concerned authorities)? Have they forgotten the responsibility that they have on their shoulders?All these question have to be answered someday or the other.
Doodhpathri stands out amongst other tourist destinations for its huge area. The fields and pastures are limitless. "Doodhpathri is unique in that it has an unbelievably large area on which expansions and development can be made," says Altaf Hussain, Executive Engineer, DDA (Doodhpathri Development Authority). "Such huge and versatile natural marvels are not present anywhere else in valley."
Doodhpathri and Parhacemaidan are sloping grassy landscapes with a diversity of multicolored flowers up to Changg. The famous Tosamaidan lies in the west. Beyond Shaliganga river is a snow-covered mountain range called Diskhil which presents an eye-catching sight. A massive green field called Dhandoran and a naturally built Stadium is a sight to see. The landscape is absolutely miraculous.
Natural beauty is not the only attraction in Doodhpathri; it's unique in its geographical, geological and botanical significance too. The geological and monumental wealth of this place opens new doors for geologists and experts. "One more interesting feature of the region is that there are five underground brick kilns on the left side of Parhacemaidan. Centuries old, these ovens, over which big pine trees have now grown up makes one to sit up and ponder about their existence at this far flung and remote place where no human habitation is being witnessed since centuries,” writes Bashir Mazhami in his journal "An Adieu" (2006). He further writes: "This opens the new areas to geologists and research scholars to deeply investigate into the samples of rocks, stones and earth after proper excavation and boost knowledge for generations to come."(GK)
Doodhpathri and Parhacemaidan are sloping grassy landscapes with a diversity of multicolored flowers up to Changg. The famous Tosamaidan lies in the west. Beyond Shaliganga river is a snow-covered mountain range called Diskhil which presents an eye-catching sight. A massive green field called Dhandoran and a naturally built Stadium is a sight to see. The landscape is absolutely miraculous.
Natural beauty is not the only attraction in Doodhpathri; it's unique in its geographical, geological and botanical significance too. The geological and monumental wealth of this place opens new doors for geologists and experts. "One more interesting feature of the region is that there are five underground brick kilns on the left side of Parhacemaidan. Centuries old, these ovens, over which big pine trees have now grown up makes one to sit up and ponder about their existence at this far flung and remote place where no human habitation is being witnessed since centuries,” writes Bashir Mazhami in his journal "An Adieu" (2006). He further writes: "This opens the new areas to geologists and research scholars to deeply investigate into the samples of rocks, stones and earth after proper excavation and boost knowledge for generations to come."(GK)
Wednesday, 8 January 2014
PAHALGAM
PAHALGAM
Pahalgam is a town and a municipal committee in Anantnag Districtt in India's northernmost state of jammu and kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination, and every year, many tourists visit Pahalgam.This world famous hill station is 45 km. from the District Head Quarter at Anantnag and located on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level. Pahalgam is one among the five tehsils of Anantnag district and tehsil head quarters are located in the main town of Pahalgam. It was once a tourist attraction and a favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films, and is still a health resort. Besides tourist huts, several hotels in private sector have come up here and these hotels provide modern facilities to their guests. A number of treks in this region also begin from Pahalgam, as the 35 km trail traverses through pinewoods to the spectacular Kolahoi Glacier.
Pahalgam is also associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari (2,895 m), 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August). The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony. About 11 km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which, 13 km away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 km away from there. During the month of Sawan, an ices talagmite forms a natural Shivling in the Amarnath cave.
GEOGRAPHY
Pahalgam holds a central position in the Lidder Valley. It has an average elevation of 2740 metres (8989 feet).CLIMATE
Pahalgam has Sub-Tropical Highland climate with long and cold winter with short and mild summer.Climate data for Pahalgam | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 2.0 (35.6) | 4.2 (39.6) | 12.1 (53.8) | 15.5 (59.9) | 18.5 (65.3) | 19.6 (67.3) | 20.1 (68.2) | 19.1 (66.4) | 16.4 (61.5) | 12.5 (54.5) | 8.1 (46.6) | 3.2 (37.8) | 12.61 (54.71) |
| Average low °C (°F) | −4 (25) | −0.2 (31.6) | 0.4 (32.7) | 5.9 (42.6) | 7.8 (46) | 9.4 (48.9) | 10.1 (50.2) | 9.5 (49.1) | 8.1 (46.6) | 3.8 (38.8) | −1.9 (28.6) | −2.5 (27.5) | 3.87 (38.97) |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 48 (1.89) | 68 (2.68) | 121 (4.76) | 85 (3.35) | 68 (2.68) | 39 (1.54) | 62 (2.44) | 76 (2.99) | 28 (1.1) | 33 (1.3) | 28 (1.1) | 54 (2.13) | 710 (27.96) |
DEMOGRAPHICS
As of 2001 India Pahalgam had a population of 5922. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. Pahalgam has an average literacy rate of 35%, lower than the Indian national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 49%, and female literacy is 17%. In Pahalgam, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.HISTORY
On August 1, 2000, at least 32 people including 23 Amarnath pilgrims and at least two police were killed when Kashmiri separatist terrorists threw hand grenades and attacked a hotel and police camp with small arms. Four police officials were suspended after a committee inquiry determined that 'excessive firing' by security forces contributed to casualties in the massacre.
PAHALGAM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
For effective management of the erstwhile Pahalgam Project Organization, the Pahalgam Development Authority is headed by a Chief Executive Officer who shall also function as Administrator/Chairman of local Town Area Committee/Notified Area Committee. This is a part of the Tourism Department.The area holds a rich cover of vegetation, the dominant forest consisting of conifers which account for over 90%. The principal species are Cedrus deodara, Pinus griffithii, Abies pindrow, Aesculus indica etc. The major shrubs are Indigofera heterantha, Viburnum spp., Sorbaria tomentosa etc. the ground cover is very rich and dicotyledonus herbs dominate: Rumex patientia, Primula spp., anemone spp., etc.There are many species of rare, endangered and protected species. The main species are hangul, musk deer, serow, brown bear, Leopard, rhesus macaque, grey langur, Himalayan mouse hare, etc.Wild bears still roam much of the area, and local villagers are on constant alert for their presence. Due to the constant threat of illegal border crossings, the Indian army is always patrolling the area and is on constant high alert. As the local population cannot carry firearms, this has saved the bears from being hunted to extinction. With the abundance of fresh trout in the rivers and local farm animals, they have plenty to eat. Monkeys also populate the area.
Kolhoi Glacier
Kolohoi Glacier, situated up the Lidder Valley, just below peak is currently a hanging glacier. It is accessible from Pahalgam via Aru It is known to have extended for at least 35 km in the past. It is basically hollowed out from global warming, the Asian brown cloud, and local environmental factors associated with mountain hydrology. According to the mountaineers from Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering (JIM) in 2008, the glacier has receded by half since 1985. The glacier is not safe to study because it is hollow and in places has 200-foot-deep (61 m) crevices.
Betaab Valley
Bataab valley is a very famous tourist spot situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Pahalgam. The valley got its name from the Sunny Deol-Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab. The Valley is towards northeast of Pahalgam and falls between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi and is en route Amarnath Yatra. The valley surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation.[
Gallery
GULMARG
GULMARG
Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers) is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination and a notified area committee in Baramulla District in the Indian state of Jammu and Kahmir.
The town is within the Himalayas and is within miles of the Line of Control between India and Pakistan.
GEOGRAPHY
Gulmarg is located 52 km from Srinagar. It has an average elevation of 2,690 m (8,825 ft).
DEMOGRAPHICS
At the 2001 India Gulmarg had a population of 664, though many people are required to leave by nightfall. Only tourists and those working in the tourism industry may stay overnight. Males constitute 99% of the population and females 1%. Gulmarg has an average literacy rate of 96%, higher than the Indian national average of 74.04%: male literacy is 97%, and female literacy is 22%. In Gulmarg, 0% of the population is under 6 years of age.
CLIMATE
Climate data for Gulmarg | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 0 (32) | 4 (39) | 13 (55) | 19 (66) | 20 (68) | 22 (72) | 25 (77) | 24 (75) | 18 (64) | 13 (55) | 7 (45) | 2 (36) | 13.9 (57) |
| Average low °C (°F) | −9 (16) | −3 (27) | 0 (32) | 6 (43) | 10 (50) | 11 (52) | 12 (54) | 10 (50) | 7 (45) | 5 (41) | 0 (32) | −2 (28) | 3.9 (39.2) |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 74 (2.91) | 71 (2.8) | 91 (3.58) | 94 (3.7) | 61 (2.4) | 36 (1.42) | 58 (2.28) | 61 (2.4) | 38 (1.5) | 30 (1.18) | 10 (0.39) | 33 (1.3) | 657 (25.86) |
HISTORY
Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently. The old name of Gulmarg was "Gaurimarg", the name of Lord Shiva's wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aural Stein(1862–1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favorite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India.
The surrounding areas were politically restive during a period of relative peace and quiet. The town is nestled within the imposing Himalayan peaks, and lies within miles of the Line of Control. It receives heavy snowfall during the winter season and is a popular ski resort.
With the abatement of militancy in the area, Gulmarg has quickly become one of the state's most visited destinations. The slopes of Afarwat Hills of the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalaya Chain boast one of the longest and highest ski slopes in Asia. The total distance covered by ski lifts is five kilometers and the resort peaks at an altitude of 3,950 m (12,959 ft), accessed by an aerial gondola (telecabine). The skiing project was inaugurated by the Chief Minister on 25 December 2004. The entire hill is guarded by the army at all times. The army, which is seen everywhere in the cities of Kashmir, is not in the town or the actual hilltop. Frisking is only done midway on the access road at 3 places: Tangmarg, near an army camp on the road from Tangmarg, and 5 km before entering Gulmarg. Gulmarg does not have any permanent residents. All living in Gulmarg are hotel employees and guests.
TOURISM
Gulmarg is easily accessible from Srinagar or Srinagar Airport (SXR), the capital of Kashmir, in under 2 hours by car or bus. Just 1 hour on the way is the town of Tangmarg, a key tourist attraction and also a main destination for skiers riding down from Gulmarg during the winter months. From Tangmarg, the Gulmarg plateau is just 30 minutes travel. Gulmarg has around 40 hotels ranging from extremely budget accommodation in private huts to hotels that are of a similar standard to a western Bed & Breakfast. When hotels say 5 star expect similar standards to the aforementioned bed and breakfast or motel. The peak season starts with the snowfall in December and lasts until March (April if it is a good season). The charges for one night stay during peak season in a hotel range typically between Rs1500 to Rs6500+, however there is also accommodation available for Rs500 which is only for the hardcore. The pre-season and post-season rates may have a discount but this is not standard.
According to CNN, Gulmarg is the "heartland of winter sports in India. Gulmarg was being mooted as a possible host for the 2010 Commonwealth Winter Games. As such, Gulmarg has been rated by CNN International as Asia's seventh best ski destination. This resort is famous because of its "Gulmarg Gondola," one of the highest cable car in the world, reaching 3,979 metres. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Apharwat Summit (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). The ropeway project is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm. The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway, which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes skiers to a height of 3,950 m (12,959 ft) on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Mt. Afarwat Peak (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). The second stage was completed in a record time of about two years at a cost of Rs11 crore and opened on May 28, 2005. The French company had also built the first phase of the gondola project, connecting Gulmarg to Kongdoori, in 1998.
The “heartland of winter sports in India”, as quoted by CNN, is a gathering ground for all things extreme sports and outdoors related. In the winter, the diverse and extreme terrain combines with torrential snowfall to create a snow destination that is among the best in the world. As the destination itself is still undeveloped, skiers and riders never have to suffer the long queues that are so prevalent in other international snow destinations – it is not uncommon to get up to 10 runs in a day from the top of the gondola and to be carving fresh lines in untracked snow for the best part of a day. Due to Gulmarg's steep terrain, the region is popular amongst advanced and extreme skiers from around the world and has been visited by a number of ski profssionals and featured in a number of ski films. During the 2012/13 winter season the Australian skier known as 'Wolf Pack' was widely regarded as the best and fastest skier on the mountain.
The summer is just as busy. With temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 °C, Gulmarg attracts outdoor sports fanatics with its world class golfing, trekking, mountain biking, horse riding, water skiing, and fishing.
Gulmarg has a lot of highest things along with its name, and of them is the Gulmarg golf club. It is the highest green golf course in the world. There are a few places of religious importance near the resort within a 5 to 20 km radius like Baba Reshi, Haji Murad at Kreeri. and Tangmarg.
Gulmarg is among the most famous tourist destinations in India and there is a need for some tightened regulation to save the environment of the area from over tourism.
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