Kashmir "an undiscovered beauty"
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| Sandeep Kumar - Tour Manager (India Tour escort) |
Kashmir is a destination which takes you back to nature. When you take Charismatic Kashmir package you are purchasing an opportunity to explore yourself. Kashmir is full of scenic beauty which you need to feel. Kashmir is all about spending leisure time with out any hurry. This destination is not like Singapore, Thailand etc where you pass time at shopping malls or at theaters.
One writer has beautifully explained nature and I found it true in Kashmir during my tour -
Imagine you are walking briskly in a valley but not getting breathless. Others have gone ahead, but why should you bother ? Let them go. You are enjoying the surroundings, trying to absorb as much as possible. When the air blows through the tall pine trees, they appear to be talking to each other. (Tour leader)
Imagine yourself on a small narrow, spiral road by the side of a small river. Crystal clear water is flowing down and you bend to scoop some of it in your hands. You wait for for a while to listen to the sound of flowing water.
Imagine you are roaming in the garden bare feet. The cool breeze is blowing gently. You feel the coolness of grass under your feet. It is wet with the morning dew. The sun is not up yet. There is some light in the east although. You are now touching the rose petals, how soft and lovely.
If you want to imagine these experiences for yourself and your partner then Kashmir is a perfect venue for your honeymoon. But the magic word over here is imagination. In today's hectic lifestyle when your mind is always busy in achieving sales and business targets to win the race of life,You need everything fast. But Kashmir is about laziness, roaming freely without any hurry, watching sunset without watching time. It might take you a day or two to master the art of imagination. But once you are through, it will take only few seconds to fly high with your imagination in Kashmir.
Lets find out how my group experienced the best of Kashmir on their first honeymoon.
My Journey to Kashmir
(India Tour Escort)
I was back from Himachal tour on 30th June 2013. I was in Himachal for three months.The places which I visited were Shimla, Kullu-Manali. I was in impression that I have seen the best valleys in India. But guess what! I was wrong. Still the best valleys were yet to seen. I reached home after my Himachal's tour on 30th June. Still my holiday hangover was not over and suddenly on 4rth of July 2013 I received a call. My boss was another side of the phone and asked me would you like to go to Kashmir. I said “why not”. He said you will receive your flight ticket by mail today and you will fly to Kashmir on 7th of July. I was shocked. It was too early still I was in my blue days and again assignment, too early.
But its ok for me, this traveling profession is my hobby so I was excited about my new assignment. Now when I shared this news with my parents and friends then I realized that I am going to an unusual destination. Somebody asked me is your life insured?
Wahoo! My family got scared after hearing the name of Kashmir. They were not ready to allow me. But this is the benefit of being adult that you take your own decisions.I convinced them that Make My Trip is a corporate and they will not put their Tour escort at wrong place, I am safe.
Finally on 7th July at 11:45 pm I boarded the flight and reached at Srinagar. At airport I went to flashback and started seeing all movies seen of Mission Kashmir (starring-Hritik Roshan). Firing, bomb blasting, killing, protest and blab la bla. When I came out of my flashback, I found one Kashmiri young man who politely asked me, Sir do you need a taxi?
I asked him how much to go to Mamta chowk? He replied, “Sir only Rs 550”.
I was surprised why so much money, Mamta chowk is only 25 km away from Srinagar airport (Thanks to Google).
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| Kashmir's Tour manager (India tour escort) |
I asked my driver why so much security is ? He said its normal here, do not worry. Tourists are always safe. No body says anything to tourist. OK this statement gave me some hopes.
(India tour leader)
{Note: - Although after spending few days in Kashmir I came to know that Kashmir is a safe tourist destination}
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| Colleague (India tour escort) |
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| Sandeep |
After doing the arrival of guest we take them to house boat and brief them about their whole tour. Pass them the necessary phone numbers of other tour managers also. Tell them about Do and Don’ts. (India Tour)
After guest’s check in now time was free for my excursion I asked the boat driver to drive slowly so I can enjoy the Himalayan valleys from Dal Lake. In evening Shikara ride is a must do activity.
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| Make My Trip's Tour Manager(India tour escort) |
Suddenly one day our Team coordinator asked for a meeting. He wanted to send everyone on running tour.
Now it was my chance to grab the opportunity because here my interest lies, “traveling with the large group of people”. I said yes and I choose to go first.
Charismatic Kashmir(India Tour)
In this Make Trip package we have 6 nights and 7 days. First day on Houseboat at Dal lake in Srinagar. 2nd day at Gulmarg. 3rd & 4th day – Pahalgam, 5th day again at Srinagar, 6th day at Sonmarg and 7th day – departure at Srinagar airport.
First Day
Srinagar
I had a list of 5 couples and all were from different places. Their flight landed at Srinagar airport at 12:45 pm. There was the driver Taarikh who received them. Then they reached at Dal lake at 2:00 pm. I was standing there to greet them because it was my first running tour of Kashmir so I was also very excited to meet the guest with whom I was going to travel for another 7 days. The couples came on time and when the lady (one of them) saw the Himalayan peaks from the Dal Lake she started shouting. I was happy by seeing that then I moved ahead introduced myself to them and asked them to board the boat. On the way I told them about Dal Lake length and deepness. Then finally after the 15 minutes sailing we reached at our Houseboat.
This houseboat is beautifully carved and nicely decorated. I asked the couples to settle down in the drawing room first so I could brief them about Kashmir and tomorrow’s plan.
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| Group leader |
I explained them that Kashmir is also known as “Heaven on earth”. Besides being famous for its landscape, Kashmir is also known for adventure tourism and for its rich art and crafts, its monuments and varied music. We will try to cover all these things in another seven days. During winters Gulmarg receives thousands of skiers but this is month of July and you will find snow only at 13,500 feet high where you can go by gondola ride(rope way). Snow is not sufficient over there but satisfactory to enjoy.
Wazwan is cooked in local households, which has lots of spices, primarily used to enhance the taste of meat. Snacks include lotus stems, potatoes and peas deep fried in gram flour.
Famous drink is “Kahwa” which consists of hot green tea, cardamom and saffron.
Famous winter wear is Feren.
Best buys – handicrafts are locally made of copper wear, silk saris (strictly for tourist) and tweeds (comfy long winter coats called ferin). Pashimina shawl, Pashimina dressing gowns, precious stone and jewellery.
(Tour leader) Then I informed them about their tour plan and facilities and complimentary services they will get from Make My Trip. After discussion we set 8:30 am check out time for tomorrow.
Day 2
Gulmarg
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| Gulmarg |
I went to the houseboat at 7:30 am so I could see the arrangements of breakfast. Everybody came to breakfast table at 8:00 am. Every couple had endless stories of their Dal Lake Shikara ride to share with me. Especially ladies were highly excited then we had breakfast together. And at sharp 8:30 am we moved for Gulmarg in our Tempo Traveler. On the way we saw the Jhelum river which goes to Pakistan. Then we crossed the Qmnarvali chowk. Then we found one circle and we took the road which goes to Pakistan and on our left the road goes to Jammu but our driver said we will come by Jammu road when we will come back to Srinagar.
Now we were heading towards the Pakistan, ha ha ha do not get confused we are not going to Pakistan. Actually Gulmarg is the last hill station after that Pakistan starts. Only one mountain divides the Pakistan. There is also Line of Control (LOC) AT 13,500 feet high. After 7 km of LOC the Pakistani border starts. Our vehicle was at speed of 60 km/hrs. Roads are good here not too bad. On the way on right, one cut comes which takes you to Baramulla. But we went straight towards Gulmarg.
After 5 km we saw a railway track and I was surprised by seeing this because Kashmir is not connected with railway network. Then our driver told us it is local train network which travels town to town only. This train has only six compartments. But very soon Kshmir would be linked with rest of India through rail network. Recently our PM Mr. Manmohan Singh has inaugurated a railway track.(work on progress).
We were excited by seeing all these places on the way because we only heard about LOC, Barramulla and Pakistani road on TV news. Now actually we were witnessing all these places and which is very safe too. Now the real sightseeing starts from 15 km early then Gulmarg. Apple orchards on both side of the road, high blue-mountains, long pine trees and lovely cold temperature like 22 or 23 degree even in July. This whole place is like heaven. Whole Gulmarg is full of white dizzy flowers and blue bell flowers. Golf course in the center due to its greenery looks awesome.
We went to Gondola ride straight. We purchased the tickets for level 2 which is 13,500 feet high and a snow patch is still left. It is world’s highest rope way. (French Technology)
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| Gandola(Rope way) |
We felt that we are flying literally. It is a capsule in which six people can settle. This is a must experience thing. I will say it is worth to spend Rs 1000 each for this ride.
At face 2 it was very cold you must carry your woolen jackets.
Now the real fun starts we all started running towards the snow as we were hungry for it.
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| Make My Trip Group at Gulmarg face 2 |
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| LOC at Gulmarg |
When everyone became tired of snow then we started moving towards LOC (line of control).
It is just one kilometer walk towards mountain. What an experience to see LOC which we had seen only in movies like Border and others. Indian army was posted there.
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| India tour escort |
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| At face 2 , Gulmarg, Kashmir |
3rd Day
Pahalgam (India Tour)Pahalgam is 152 km (apprx) from Gulmarg. So we left our hotel at 9:00 am after breakfast. Our next stop was at Pampur where actually saffron grows. so we purchased saffron from this village and also drank Kahwa. Wah ! What a taste. I love it.
This village is also known for Almond trees and Villo trees which are used for cricket bat. Cricket bats are also exported to England fro here. After that we crossed green tunnel. This place is called green tunnel because on both the sides of road there are lots of green trees, these are popler trees which are used for making match sticks. Old people of village think that sprits stay on these trees. And people claim they have seen it in the night. Now I am surprised why all sprits and ghosts are seen in night only. Then we reached at Anantnaag, earlier this place was known as chota Islamabaad.
After few km from Anantnaag the Lidder River starts. You can feel the cool environment here when river starts. Our vehicle was running at a good speed and seeing such a beautiful river is really a good experience. In Pahalgam we spent two nights. On first day after lunch we went to Baisaran valley by the ponies.
India tour escort
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| India tour |
Next day after lunch we went to Aru valley and Betab valley. In short, trekking in the Lidder valley is the best spiritual experience one can have; it is the worlds most beautiful and romantic adventure suitable for those who wish to commune with nature.
5th day
Srinagar
We left Pahalgam at 9:00 am for Srinagar. We reached Srinagar at 2:30 pm. So we decide to go for Srinagar sightseeing at 3 pm. At 3:00 pm we moved to dalgate and headed for Shankaracharya temple. It is fantastic temple on a hill overlooking Srinagar. We took our blessings there and proceed to next stop – Mughal garden.Mughal garden were created by Mughals like King Jahangir and Shahjahan. They used to spend their summer time in Kashmir only. Mughal garden also houses Chasmeshahi. Chasmeshahi is a natural spring where water is supposed to contain curative properties.
(Tour leader)
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| India tour escort |
Then we moved to Nishat Bagh, it is another wonderful garden in Srinagar. It is the largest amongst all the gardens and had a wonderfully flowing stream from the centre of this garden. This stream which has been channelized gives us a majestic look and is perhaps one of the best gardens to see. After this we went to Shalimar garden. This too has a central stream bisecting the garden into two parts. There is no electricity and fountains are regulated by water pressure. Same technique has been used at Tajmahal gardens too. You can also see Chinar trees which are 400 years old and only found in Kashmir.
After that we went to Dalgate, there are several shops on the Boulevard where salesman keeps his most valuable stuff displayed all over the showroom.
6th day
Sonmarg
Next day morning we left for Sonmarg which is just 87 km away from Srinagar. Here we witnessed the Sindh River. Sindh River comes from Ladakh and joins Jhelum River which goes to Pakistan. On the way we stopped at Sindh river and did photo session.
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| at sindh river |
It was a spiritual experience for me spending time at the bank of Sindh River. When you pour your feet’s into the ice cold water of river your body is relaxed and calmness comes automatically to you mind. Then we moved ahead towards Sonmarg . On the way we saw the bridge also where “Tango charlie” movie was filmed (Starring Ajay Devgan).
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| Glaicer at Sonmarg,Kashmir |
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| Kashmir |
Now it was time to see the real unusual beauty of a glacier .We hired pony’s over here to trekk the glacier. Although I wanted to run towards it like movie "Rocky I" because I am a fitness freak who runs 5 km everyday in morning or evening but a Tour manager always act in favor of group. He must be a team player not merely an individual player.
And my group was a luxury honeymoon group. So finally we settled down for pony. And then the race started and I was surprised to see that husbands were scared of riding the moles and wife's were leading.
With this group I realized that to make your Honeymoon memorable you do not need to go to Switzerland. You need only three things, one “Make my trip’s Charismatic Honeymoon package”, a passionate Tour manager like me h ha ah ahah and love for your companion.
A Detailed History of Jammu & Kashmir
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| Kashmir's Map |
The beauty of valley was known even from the ancient times. The mythological traditions supported fully by the research of geologists, confirm that the valley originally was a huge lake
called “Satisar” (the land of goddess Sati, consort of Lord Shiva) and its water was blocked near Barahmulla (ancient Varahmulla).
called “Satisar” (the land of goddess Sati, consort of Lord Shiva) and its water was blocked near Barahmulla (ancient Varahmulla).
Kashmir’s greatest historian Kalhana writes –
Kailash is the best place to live in three worlds (trilok),
Himalaya is the best in Kailash, and
Kashmir is the best place in Himalayas.
• According to the oldest book on Kashmir “Nimat Puran” , there was a saint Kashyap he came to the lake Satisar for Yoga & Sadhna. After performing penance for long time, the saint was blessed, and he was able to cut mountain near Varahmulla, which blocked the water of the lake from flowing into the plains below. The lack was drained, the land appeared. The saint encouraged people from India to settle in the valley. The people named the valley as Kashyap- Mar and Kashyap pura.
The name Kashmir also implies “land desiccated from water”, “ka” means (the water) and shimeera means (to desiccate). Ancient Greek called it “Kashperia” and Chinese pilgrim Hien-Tsang who visited the valley around 631 AD called it Kashi-Mi-Lo.
The name Kashmir also implies “land desiccated from water”, “ka” means (the water) and shimeera means (to desiccate). Ancient Greek called it “Kashperia” and Chinese pilgrim Hien-Tsang who visited the valley around 631 AD called it Kashi-Mi-Lo.
Hindu Period
Kalhana has started the history of Kashmir just before the great Mahabharat war and the first king was Go nanda Ist. But He and his descendents died in the battle of Mahabharat. After that 60 more kings ruled Kashmir but records were missing.
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| King Ashoka |
Scholars also accept the theory that Indo- Greek Kings ruled the valley for over 300 years before the start of “Turushka” (Kushan) rule in the State.
After Kanishka (last Kushan ruler), local weak rulers continued to govern the state, till we hear fro Kalhan, the arrival of Mahir Gul, the notorious Hun invader of our country.
8rth Century
Karkota Dynasty
In this dynasty we find the greatest ruler of Kashmir Lalitaditya Muktapid (724-761 AD). He is undoubtedly the Samudra Gupta of Kashmir. It was round about in 855-56 AD that Karkota dynasty ended.
9th century
And a new Utpal dynasty came in power. The King name was Avanti verman. The most important foundation of the King was his capital city of Avantipur, he built two temples, one dedicated to Lord Shiva & one to Lord Vishnu. The king Avanti died in a temple at Dal lake. (June 883).
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After the Utpal dynasty, Lohara dynasty (from Poonch) ruled in Kashmir till the end of Hindu rule in 1339 AD. |
From 1089 to 1101 AD king Harsha ruled the Kashmir.
From 1155 to 1339, the Kashmir rulers remained busy only in intrigues, debauchery and mutual quarrels. The valley soon fell prey to Mongols and Turkish invaders, free booters and foreign adventurers.
14th Century
In the beginning of 14th century a ferocious Mongol, Dulucha invaded valley through its northern side Zojila pass, with an army of 60,000 men.
His savage attack practically ended the Hindu rule in Kashmir. Three other adventurers Shah mir from swat(tribal) territory on the boarders of Afghanistan, Rinchin from Ladakh and Lankar chak fro Dard territory near Gilgit came to Kashmir.
His savage attack practically ended the Hindu rule in Kashmir. Three other adventurers Shah mir from swat(tribal) territory on the boarders of Afghanistan, Rinchin from Ladakh and Lankar chak fro Dard territory near Gilgit came to Kashmir.
All three men were granted lands by the King.
First Rinchin, the Ladakh price, organized an internal rising and seized the throne. He remained the ruler of Kashmir for 3 years and he embraced the Islam. Finally another rising was led by Shah mir. Shah mir ascended the throne under the name of Sultan Shamas-ud-din and his dynasty ruled the Kashmir for 222 years.
The descendent of Shah mir also marched towards Delhi and fought against army of Firoj Shah Tuglaq at bank of Satluj river but battle remain indecisive. So both remained in their own territory.
After Shah miri dynasty the Chak rule began in kashmir 1561 AD and lasted till 1587 AD.
16th Century
Aurangzeb’s time was signal for revolts and rebellions in several parts of country. There was absolute chaos in northern India after the invasion of Nadir Shah of Persia. In the end of 18th century, two kashmir noble man Mir Muquim kant and Khwaj’s Zahir Didmari disgracefully requested Ahmad Shah Abdali of Kabul to bring Kashmir under his control. Note: Meeting held at Lahore 1752 AD.
Afgan Rule: 1752 – 1819 AD (67 years)
The rule Moghuls ended in Kashmir valley but continued in northern India, normally up to 1857 AD. The pathan rule was the darkest period in the History of Kashmir. It was a reign of terror. The pathan rulers are now only remembered for their brutality and cruelty.
Sikh Rule: 1819-1846AD (37 years)
At last a deputation of Kashmiri people lead by Pandit Birbal Dhar, and his son Pandit Rajakak Dhar left for Lahore and requested Mahraja Ranjit Singh to conquer Kashmir. The Sikh rule lasted only for short span of time because rulers were busy in affairs at Lahore.
Jammu & Kashmir: A Profile
Total Area – 2, 22,236 sq kms
The State is bounded by Pakistan, Afghanistan and China from west to east.
The national highway 1-A connects the capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu with rest of the country.
The State ranks 6th in area and 17th in population among the States and Union territories of India.
The State consists of 22 districts.
J&K comprising three distinct climatic regions:
1. Arctic cold desert areas of Ladakh
2. Temperate Kashmir valley
3. Sub Tropical region of Jammu
Summer capital is Srinagar (May to October) and winter capital is Jammu (Nov -April).
Population (census 2011) – 1, 25, 48, 926
Lok Sabha Constituencies – 6
Agra Guide
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