The Hills of Kashmir are Calling You

Kashmir is a land that exemplifies beauty and is known as heaven on the earth. The lakes, flowers and the very aroma of Kashmir can make a profound difference to your life. It is different, it is unique...it is perfect. It has everything which we use to suppose in a Heaven. Long emerald lush meadows, milky moony nighttime, sunny days, snowflakes, rainbow over the sky touching hills and moderate climate, Kashmir has everything. Kashmir region is a quilt of Himalayas which is patterned by the lakes, rivers and stars. Home to marvellous scenic beauty sited in the Himalayas, this state offers a great view of snow capped mountains along with some gorgeous lakes and icy rivers.

There is a legend that relates how Kashmir came to be. It is believed that the entire state of Kashmir was once a colossal lake. The villagers played on the banks of the lake and indulged in numerous merriments. The lake and its surroundings were also loved by the Gods. However, a demon descended into the lake one day and began to ruin the peace of the land. So, the villagers prayed to the Gods who obliged the plea of the devotees and dried up the land, thus driving away the demon and peace was restored. However, there was no water but what remained was breathtakingly beautiful land, which is now the valley of Kashmir. The best time to visit Kashmir is in the spring and autumn, when the climate is pleasant.

Kashmir is world famous for its wooden handicrafts, Chinar trees and saffron flowers among others. Gulmarg and Sonamarg are famous for their snow slopes, where recently skiing has become a popular sport. The state has a lot of apple orchards, apples being the main product exported. It is also famous for its gardens like Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden and Chashmashahi and is home to the most beautiful lake of India, the Dal Lake.

The Houseboats of Kashmir are very unique concepts which allure many tourists. Staying in a big personal (on rent) houseboat in Srinagar, Dal Lake is always a very mesmerizing experience. Many people around the world appreciate the concept of houseboat which evolved from the British Raj and the traditions of Kashmir Lake. Today there are more than eight hundred houseboats in Kashmir, and the number of people who come for the Kashmir houseboat stay is soaring high. Houseboat operators offer both day cruises and ove
ight stays, a houseboat never cruises during the night. All meals are provided within the boat. There are separate bedrooms, bathrooms, dining space, overhead balcony. It is almost like a floating suite.

Qazinag National Park, Dachigam National Park, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Salim Ali National Park and Karakoram National Park are some of the places that highlight the rich flora and fauna of Kashmir.

Kashmir Beauty seems to be blended with a Mughal touch, be it food or art-craft or music & dance. This vibrant culture takes you to a refreshing tour to exquisite arts and crafts that are very unique to the rest of India. Apart from the world famous Pashmina shawls, you can find a wide variety of woodworks, paper mache and embroidery in this state.