December 19, 2010 at 12:00 am · Filed under Srinagar
Since its beginnings, the Kashmir region has been a source of great works of art. The arts of the area reflect the culture and spirituality of the people who live there, as well as important historical events. Everything from the smallest handicrafts to the largest paintings reveals another perspective on the region. Today, a wireless internet connection will let you view many of these pieces of work. Of course, nothing beats the real thing.”The Arts of Kashmir,” a 2007 exhibit at the New York branch of the Asia Society, introduced the history of Kashmir art to a new generation in the West. This exhibit started with the origins of art in the traditions of indigenous peoples, usually portraying Hindu deities. For example, the collection included a “life-size bronze mask of the god Vishnu from the fifth century A.D.” A typical 7th-century piece was the limestone sculpture of the mother goddess Indrani, which was loaned from Srinagar’s Sri Pratap Singh Museum (a wonderful destination for art lovers traveling to Kashmir today). Read the rest of this entry »
June 9, 2011 at 12:00 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Kashmir is one of India’s most beautiful places to visit. It has been said by some to be a place everyone needs to visit before they die. It is located on the ranges of the Himalayan. Kashmir is a cold desert region. Kashmir is perfect for those on their honeymoon or looking for a place that has natural beauty. Kashmir has many sights to offer to tourists. This article discusses ten attractions in the Kashmir region.
The Tomb of Christ is a site that some historians believe was the final resting Read the rest of this entry »
May 27, 2011 at 12:00 am · Filed under Uncategorized
One of the hardest details of travel is finding the right accommodations for your needs. The majority of the accommodations in the Kashmir region are found in Srinagar and Jammu. Travellers have many options there to suit their wishes and budgets. When choosing between luxury hotels, guesthouses and everything in between you should consider your wishes in lodgings, as well as your budget.
There is a variety of five star hotels available for example the Hotel Grand Palace which began its life as a royal palace for the Maharajas, or the Hotel Hari Niwas Read the rest of this entry »
May 9, 2011 at 12:00 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Jammu and Kashmir, a state in northern India, is known for its scenic splendor. Visitors from many countries come for the skiing and mountaineering adventures in the snowy high altitudes. They also enjoy the region’s native culture and spicy cuisine. Kashmir historically is famous for its goat wool products, although exports have declined in modern times.
The Kashmir Valley with its clear lakes and lush gardens has been dubbed “Heaven on Earth.” Dal Lake, one of the most popular tourism destinations, is the site of Srinagar, the state’s Read the rest of this entry »
October 1, 2010 at 12:00 pm · Filed under Ladakh, Leh
Although Leh’s glory days are past, the magic of the Himalayas still lives on in this Kashmir town. Beginning in at least the 10th century AD, the kingdom of Ladakh was an important trading-post for travelers between Tibet and Kashmir. Ever since the 17th century, the site has been dominated by the royal Leh Palace, where the king of Ladahk made his home. Today, the nine-story ruins are open to visitors, who can enjoy an amazing view from the top of the building.Today, the Ladakh kingdom has been divided into the two districts of Leh and Kargil, with Leh being the largest district in India. Besides Leh Palace, there are plenty of other sites that continue to attract visitors from around the globeboth tourists and adventurous mountaineers, who swarm the mountain peaks between mid-May and mid-October. The Suru and Zanskar valleys are the site of the most difficult climbs, which may take up to three weeks to complete safely and may include crossing the Suru river. The Stok-Khangri Massif is also a popular temptation for thrill-seekers. Read the rest of this entry »
September 24, 2010 at 12:00 pm · Filed under Shikharas
Visit any of Kashmir’s luxurious lakes and you’re sure to see exotically-ornamented houseboats, known as “shikharas,” ringing the shore. Besides being a popular tourist attraction, these boats are an affordable alternative to land housing for many Indians. They range in size from small open fishing boats to larger “floating hotels” with 3 or more bedrooms. The finest examples are found on Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, and the Jhelum River in the city of Srinagar. Here, you’ll find a unique and enticing accommodation experience, which includes a dining area with full pantry, lounge, and a balcony where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and lakes.HouseboatsKashmir.com is one site which makes it easy to book a shikhara vacation. The best part about staying on a houseboat, of course, is that you can go to sleep in one location and wake up in another. Read the rest of this entry »
September 17, 2010 at 12:00 pm · Filed under Srinagar
What’s in a name? A lot, when you’re referring to Srinagar, the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In Sanskrit, “sri” is “wealth” and “nagar” is “city”, giving the most common reading of the name. However, “sri” can can also refer to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, as well as to the sun itself. This name captures the glowing beauty and abundance of the city, which prides itself on its tourist economy dating back the 19th century, when only 200 tourist passes a year were issued by the government. Even then, the city was one of the most popular sites.Srinagar is also known as the “Land of Lakes”, which signifies its main tourist attraction. Straddling a length of the 480-mile Jhelum River, the city does indeed host several lakes. The Dal Lake is the best known, as well as the second largest in the state. Read the rest of this entry »
September 10, 2010 at 12:00 pm · Filed under Himalayas
For winter sporting enthusiasts, the Himalaya Mountains are the Holy Grail of locations. Besides the two largest peaks in the world, Mount Everest and K2, the region features a unique environment where grasslands and savannas give way to sub-tropical forests and then snowy peaks. In addition, the mountains have developed their own mythology, with numerous reports of the Yeti and associations with the mystical city of Shangri-La. With all of this mystique surrounding it, it’s no surprise that skiers and mountaineers can’t wait to take to the peaks.At Kashmir Alpine Winter Adventures, doing so just got a whole lot easier. You can schedule your accommodations at a variety of hotels close to the Gulmarg Ski Resort, which features one of the highest gondola/ski-lifts in the world. Hotel options range from the luxurious Highland Park Hotel to the small, 6 room Rosewood Hut. Read the rest of this entry »
September 3, 2010 at 3:35 pm · Filed under Amarnath Pilgrimage
Every summer during the Hindu holy month of Shraavana (July-August), followers of the Hindu faith make the trek from the city of Pahalgam to the sacred Amarnath Cave Temple. Since many tourists already find themselves in Pahalgam due to its beautiful hotels, majestic mountains, and skiing during the winter, the Amarnath pilgrimage has also caught on with visitors. However, it’s important to remember that the pilgrimage and the destination are both important parts of the Hindu religion. The Amarnath Temple itself is believed to be over 5,000 years old, and appears in many ancient writings like those of Aryaraja (34 BCE 17 CE), who summered at the site.The cave is considered to be the home of Shiva on Earth, and contains an ancient ice lingam which Aryaraja also mentioned. The lingam has begun melting in recent years, for which many blame global warming. The pilgrimage has remained steady despite recent difficulties. Read the rest of this entry »
