Kashmir Valley

Kashmir the pradise on Earth 

Set like a jeweled crown on the map of India, Kashmir, a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always sumptuously beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from north and south. They are the source of great rivers flowing into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes. 

Moguls aptly called Kashmir 'Paradise on Earth "where they went over the hot plains of India, the valley's cool environs in summer. Here they laid with great love and care, Srinagar many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as Mughal Gardens. Anecdotes of four and five centuries ago describe their love for these gardens, and the rivalry that is centered around their ownership. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a legacy of exquisite handicrafts among thes people and making handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world. 

Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realized. In winter. When snow blankets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes in spring and summer, honey-fogged orchards rippling lakes and blue skies beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains and valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above sea level, water skiing in the lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or simply drifting down the willow fringed

alleys of lakes Shikara and live in beautiful houseboats are some of the most favored them.

SEASONS

Kashmir has four seasons, each with its own peculiar character anddistinctive charm. These are spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Spring

which extends roughly from March to early May is when one millionblossoms carpet the ground. The weather during this time may glorypleasant at 23oC or chilly and windy at 6oC. This is the seasonwhen Srinagar experiences rains, but showers are short.

Summer

Extends from May to late August. Light wool may be necessary to wear out of Srinagar. In higher altitudes night temperatures dropslightly. Srinagar at this time experiences day temperaturesbetween 25 ° C and 35oC. At this time the entire valley a mosaic of different shades of green - rice fields, meadows, trees, etc. andSrinagar with its lakes and waterways is a heaven after the scorching heat of the Indian plains.

Autumn

beginning of autumn, perhaps Kashmir's most beautiful season, is towards September, when green turns to gold and then to russetand red. The highest daytime temperatures in September arearound 23oC and night temperatures dip to 10oC in October and a further decline in November, when heavy wool is crucial.

Winter

From December to early March is winter time, which presentsSrinagar in yet another mood. Bare, snow-covered landscapesbeing watched from the side of the heat from a fire is a joy that cannot be described for all those who have not experienced it. Somehouseboats and hotels remain open in winter, these are eithercentral heating or heated with 'bukharis', a typically Kashmiri stovekept fire with embers of wood, quite effective in winter.

How to reach

Srinagar-- the summer capital of State, is connected by direct flights operated by Indian Airlines / Jet Airways / Sahara Airways, etc. There are daily direct flights from Delhi / Jammu to Srinagar. For details/reservation.

Daily Super delux / Sleeper buses also run from Delhi to Srinagar. For details/reservation

Jammu-Tawi is the nearest rail head for the travellers to Srinagar. There are overnight trains operating from Delhi to Jammu viz. Shalimar Express / Jammu Mail / Jhelum Express / Pooja Express / Uttar Sampark Kranti Express, besides day trains Viz. Malva Express / Super fast Express. Jammu is also connected by train with Mumbai, Kolkatta, Chennai and other cities in the Country.

Delux buses and Taxies also operate from Jammu to Srinagar for the passengers arriving Jammu by train. For details/reservation