In case you are planning for summer vacations, and want to escape the unbearable heat, plan for north India. But where basically in North India, being covered with Himalayas ranges, you can find thousands of holiday destinations, with each having its own essence.
Now let's consider Jammu n Kashmir.
Known as the "Heaven on Earth", this is the place which is must visit once a lifetime. With huge and beautiful mountains surrounding, magnificent green chinar, unlimited apple and apricot trees. Jammu and Kashmir is popular among newly wedded couples, families, trekkers, bikers and all range of travellers who want to have a memorable trip and lots of pics to brag about in facebook.
So here I have created a small list of important places, which you can easily cover and enjoy in your short duration holidays.
- Dal lake: Most popular tourist destination in Kashmir valley as it is situated inside the Srinagar City. Surrounded by hills on one side and city houses by other side, this lake is heart of Srinagar City. There are many boat houses in the lake , providing most comfortable and romantic stay in Srinagar. There are costly, in case if your trip is budget trip. You can opt for Shikara Ride.
- Mughal gardens: There are like some 4 to 5 Gardens near to Dal Lake. Few are like Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden, Pari Mahal, Tulip Garden. These have 10Rs as entry fees and provide beautiful and arranged gardens decorated with flowers, trees and hill view on back. And the reason these are called Mughal Garden because of the architecture and historical monuments inside the garden.
- Shankracharya hill. A small hill with a Shiva Linga Temple on Top, near to Dal Lake. You are not allowed to take camera to the temple, so have to leave it behind.
- Gulmarg. This is approx 100km from Srinagar, which will take you 2hrs to reach. And worth visiting in any season. As in winters it is poular for Snow Activities and in Summers for its beautiful hill view. You will find Gondolas to take you to the top of hill. And riding Gondola is fun, if you have done with tickets in advance to avoid queue. Or else you can ride the ponnies to top.
- Pahalgam - Not possible to complete in one day. So get good hotels here. as there are many places to visit here. This is the place form where Amarnath Yatra Starts. And once you arrive you will find ponnies here also, who will take you to the beautiful places, and for far points there are taxies. Places include Betab Valley, Nehru Garden and many other points to keep you clicking.
