Archive for the ‘Jammu & Kashmir’ Category
January 11th, 2012 | 
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Altitude : 2730 meters
State : Jammu and Kashmir
Languages : Kashmiri and Hindi
Attractions : Skiing
A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film and not surprisingly have been the venue of several films.
The valley of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730 metres, 56-km south west of Srinagar. The name means ‘Meadow Of Flowers’ and in the spring it’s just that, a rolling meadow dotted with countless colourful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not’s and Buttercups. The valley itself is about 3-km long and up to a km wide.
All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day one can see all the way to Nanga Parbat is one direction and Srinagar is another. It’s a popular day trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg, although many people extend their stay or use it as a base for trekking. The road from Srinagar rises gently towards the lower slopes of the range, passing through rice and maize fields.
The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there– roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature’s colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travelers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.
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The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. Situated at a height of 5, 300 ft., the site is located inside a cave in a hill. One of the most visited pilgrim sites in India, the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located in a cave, amidst the folds of the Trikuta Bhagwati hill at a height of 5, 300 ft., in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J & K). This cave temple is at a distance of 61 kms from Jammu and the last 13 kms of the way have to be negotiated on foot by the yatris, as the devotees are called. Once at the entrance to the cave, the path turns into a narrow tunnel with a cold stream named the Charan Ganga running through it. The pilgrim has to wade through this to reach the sanctum sanctorum.
Significance Of Vaishno Devi
The holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is unique as it contains the holiest of holy Pindis manifesting Mata in her three forms which are Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. Each of these forms represent particular attributes.
Maha Kali represents Tam Guna : Tam stands for darkness or unholiness. In her attribute of Maha Kali, Mata is constantly endeavoring to vanquish the forces of darkness. She blesses her devotees by giving them strength to never lose heart and constantly battle the forces of darkness till they prevail upon them. Maha Lakshmi represents Raj Guna : Raj stands for sustenance, prosperity and well being. In her attribute of Maha Lakshmi Vaishno Mata blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity and thus makes their life more comfortable and happy.
Maha Saraswati represents Satva Guna : Satva stands for purity and goodness. In her attribute of Maha Saraswati, Mata blesses her devotees with pure thoughts and a high intellect. This enables them to distinguish between the good and the bad, between righteousness and unrighteousness and helps them to adopt the correct path in life.
Yatra Of Vaishno Devi
The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from Katra, is Banganga, place where Mata quenched her thirst and at 6 km further down, is the holy cave at Adhkawari.The entire 13 km route is quite wide and tiled. Besides, the whole path is lit up every night by powerful sodium vapour lamps. The whole route is swept and cleaned from time to time throughout the day. Yatris are requested to keep the path clean.
Shelter cum sheds and shelter cum cafeterias are setup throughout the route. Pure vegetarian food is available at these outlets. Price charts are exhibited at all these outlets prominently. Drinking water has been made available all along the route, with water coolers and storage facilities.
Public utilities with automatic flushing systems along the track and at the Bhawan. After 6 km. of trekking, you would reach Adhkawari, the holy cave where Mata meditated for nine months. Do visit the cave. After 9.5 km., you would reach Sanji Chhat where you can rest for sometime. Accommodation is also available at this place. Bhawan is just 3.5 km. away.
How To Reach
By Air
Srinagar airport is approximately 14 km from the city. There are daily flights to Srinagar, operated by Indian Airlines (from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu) and other Private Airlines like Air Deccan, SpiceJet, Kingfisher, Jet Airways (from Delhi and Jammu).
By Rail
Jammu Tawi, approximately 305 km far, is the nearest railhead for Srinagar. Trains from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and other cities arrive at this station only. During holiday season, when there is a heavy rush for Kashmir, additional trains operate for and from this station.
By Road
National Highway 1-A is the main highway connecting Srinagar with Jammu. J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) as well as a number of private Super deluxe, A-class and B-class busses operate to and from the state. Private taxis are also available for traveling to Kashmir. This is one of the most adventurous though a bit strenuous travel track in India.
Main Attraction
Jammu popularly known as the winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is also well known for its temples and shrines. There are a number of Tourist Attractions in Jammu and the most popular one is the Vaishno Devi Temple which is located in the Trikuta hills close to the city of Jammu.
A large number of tourists from all over the country flock to this religious spot every year. Jammu is bordered by Kashmir in the north, Himachal Pradesh in the south, Ladakh in the east and Azad Kashmir in the west. Jammu is surrounded by the Pir Panjal ranges, Tawi river basin, Trikuta hills and the Shiwalik range which add to the natural landscapes and attractive surroundings.
Jammu was initially named after Raja Jamboo Lochan who founded the city but with time the original name which was ‘Jamboo’ changed to ‘Jammu’. There are a number of places of Tourist Attractions in Jammu such as the Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi Palace, and Dogra Art Museum, Sheesh Mahal, Surinsar Mansar Wildlife sanctuary and the Rani Charak Mahal. The Bahu Fort is famous for the Maha Kali temple. The Mubarak Mandi Palace is a harmonious blend of the Rajasthani, European and Mughal architecture.
Amarnath is 145 km east of Srinagar in Kashmir. There is an ice Silva-linga here that changes size with the seasons, and also as the moon waxes and wanes it becomes bigger and smaller. On the full moon day the linga is about 6 ft high. Each year on the full moon day of July-August (Sravana) when the Siva-linga attains its maximum height there is a festival at this cave temple. It is said that Lord Siva first appeared on this day.
It is located in a glacial valley at 4,175m (13,700 ft.). The cave is about 150 feet high and 90 feet long. Within the cave there are four or five ice formations that resemble the figures of different gods. The biggest figures of different gods. The biggest figure is regarded as Siva (Amarnath). On the left side of the linga is an ice formation called Ganesh, and on the right side is one of Parvati and Bhairava.
Amarnath Yatra
The of the most important event during July/ August, is Amarnath Yatra to the Holy Pilgrimage. This is an annual event when thousands of Hindus from different corners of the Globe visit Amarnath caves. The pilgrims trek from Pahalgam to these caves and worship the great ice Lingam. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknow to them, a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva). This is an event you certainly will talk about for the rest of your life.
Description Of Amarnath Cave
* This is The Cave which was chosen by Bhole Shankar for narrating the secrets of immortality and creation of Universe to Maa Parvati ji . The story goes like this . Centuries ago Maa Parvati asked Shiv ji to let her know why and when He started wearing the beads of heads ( Mund Mala) . 
Bhole Shankar replied when ever you are born I add one more head in my beads . Maa Parvati said ,” My Lord, my body is destroyed every time and I die again and again, but you are Immortal. Please let me know the secret of this .” Bhole Shankar replied that it is due to Amar Katha .”
* Maa Parvati insisted that she may be told that secret. For long Shiva ji continued postponing . Finally on consistent demand from Maa Parvati He made up his mind to tell the immortal secret . He started for lonely place where no living being could listen it . He choose Amarnath Cave . In preparation to that He left His Nandi ( The Bull which He used to ride ) at Pahalgam (Bail gaon) . At Chandanwari He released Moon from his hairs (Jataon). At the banks of Lake Sheshnag He released the snakes . He decided to leave his Son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Hill ) . At Panjtarni, Shivji left the Five Elements behind (Earth , Water, Air , Fire and Sky) which make living being . He is the Lord of these elements. It is believed that as a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world , Shivaji and Maa Parvati had Tandav Dance . After leaving behind all these, Bhole Shankar enters the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati Maa.
* Lord Shiva takes his Samadhi on the Deer Skin and concentrate . To ensure that no living being is able to hear the Immortal Tale , He created Rudra named Kalagni and ordered him to spread fire to eliminate every living thing in and around the Holy Cave . After this He started narrating the secret of immortality to Maa Parvati . But as a matter of chance one egg which was lying beneath the Deer skin remained protected . It is believed to be non living and more over it was protected by Shiva -Parvati Asan (Bed) . The pair of pigeons which were born out of this egg became immortal having listened the secret of immortality (Amar Katha). Many pilgrims report seeing the pair of pigeons when they trek the arduous route to pay their obeisance before the Ice-Lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).
How To Go
Air
Indian Airlines had daily flights to Delhi and Srinagar. There are also flights to Bombay, Calcutta, Chandigarh, and Leh. The Indian Airlines office(542-735) is at the Tourist Reception Centre on Vir Marg.
Train
The Shalimar Express departs from Delhi at 4.10 pm and arrives in Jammu at 7 am. There are other trains to and from Delhi. From Jammu there are direct trains to Bombay, Calcutta (Jammu Tawi Exp # 3152, daily, 6.15 pm, 46 ½ hr). Most buses leave between 6 and 7 am, in order to arrive before night. A ticket to Srinagar should be booked in advance. There are buses to Delhi (14 hr), Amritsar (5hr), and Pathankot (3 hr). From Pathankot you can get a bus to Dharamshala and Dalhousie. Deluxe buses depart from the railway station, usually between 6 and 7 am.
Pilgrimage of Mata Vaishno Devi is said to be one of the holiest pilgrims in world. Sri Mata Vaishno Devi resides in a cave and the cave is situated in the three peaked mountain called as Trikoot. Lakhs of devotees pay homage to Mata Vaishnodevi Ji every year. Mata Vaishnodevi fulfills all the wishes of her devotees and now the number of devotees have exceeded to 5 million every year. Devotees coming to Vaishno Devi are not only from India but also from abroad.
The holy cave of Mata Vaishnodevi Ji is located at the height of 5200 FT. Devotees mostly stay at Katra and take on the walk of 12 km. There is no idol of Mata Vaishno Devi inside the cave, there are only three rocks called as Pindies. Darshans for Mata Vaishnodevi Ji is opened 24 hours throughout the year.
The management of the devotees and regulation of the shrine is under Mata Vaishnodevi Ji Shrine Board formed in 1986. Mata Vaishnodevi Ji Shrine Board has done many activities for comforts of devotees and development of the place. Rs125 crore has been spent for the developmental activities. Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine board continues to invest all the donations and offerings received by the Darashanyatri for the improvements of facilities.
Time of Puja
At Maa Vaishno Devi temple Aarti is conducted both in morning and evening. Morning Aarti at Vaishno Devi is conducted before sun rises and evening Aarti at Vaishno Devi is conducted after sun set. 
Only Pandits, Pujaris along with Board’s senior most functionaries and staff are allowed to be present at sanctum- sanctorum at the time of Aarti at Vaishno Devi.
Darshans and Prasad
Puja is conducted for various goddesses and gods during morning Aarti at Vaishno Devi and evening Aarti at Vaishno Devi as the belief is that while Aarti at Vaishno Devi is being conducted all gods and goddesses will be present in sanctum Sanctorum. A divine lamp called Jyoti is lit for performing Aarti at Vaishno Devi and the lamp is brought outside in a thaal after completion of Aarti. This thaal will have all items used to offer Aarti along with Jyoti. Outside holy cave’s mouth Aarti is performed outside cave in the presence of all devotees. During this Aarti at Vaishno Devi and one performed inside yatris can hear the mantras and shlokas uttered by Pandit. On completing Aarti at Vaishno Devi outside Pujaris will distribute prasadam to yatris along with charanamrit or holy water. This whole process lasts for more than two hours and during morning Aarti at Vaishno Devi and evening Aarti at Vaishno Devi devotees are not allowed to have Devi Darshans.
Located at a suitable height and surrounded by trees Patinitop is a peaceful and quiet place in the Jammu region. Its at a distance of four hours from Katra. We can also visit Sanasar which resembles Patnitop. Sanasar is on a higher location. While going towards Sanasar, Mathatop/Nathatop are the places to visit. Patnitop also offers some trekking routes. Patnitop is 112 kms away from Jammu. Its at a height of 2024 meters across the Jammu Srinagar highway. Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots and nice walks in the mountains. In winters the resort is covered with thick snow. Its a major center for snow games like skiing. The major center of attraction in Patnitop is its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. That is why its one of the best resorts of Jammu region.
Patnitop counts amongst the best-developed tourist spots in the Kashmir valley. The natural beauty, dense pine forests and flourishing green landscape of this hill resort makes it a popular tourist destination. Patnitop also boasts of three freshwater springs, with ice-cold water and said to have medicinal properties. A 6-hole golf course (now being expanded to 9-holes) lures tourists to Patnitop in summers. You can also take an excursion to Sudh Mahadev, a holy place near Patnitop. There are many activities to undertake while on a tour of Patnitop, Kashmir. For the adventure lovers, there are amazing trekking options near Patnitop.
Trekking is more enjoyable in Patnitop during summer, when all the treks open up. The most popular trekking route around Patnitop is the Sundarani-Jungal Gali-Jasarkote-Sanasar route in Jangal Gali area. This route offers you three exciting treks to choose from. Then, there are the opportunities of riding ponies along little known trails, paragliding, camping and walks. The flowery meadows of Patnitop consist of an ideal place for walks and picnics. Skiing courses are also conducted at Patnitop in the months of January and February. All said and done, Patni top has something to offer to everyone in every season, so come and explore this beautiful destination!
Tourist Attractions
Skiing
Patnitop also attracts a lot of tourist because of the skiing possibilities that are present here. In winter months, special skiing classes for beginners has been introduced, specially in January and February. The snow covered slopes of Patnitop are not very steep or bumpy, so they turn out to be perfect for starters. For more experienced legs, there is Madhatop, just 5 km away from here, which is more difficult and challenging.
Jammu
Jammu is justly famous for its temples. Infact, it is known as the city of temples and the every fame of its trends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests and powerful Ziarats (shrines). If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the Dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that protects Jammuites.
The Naag Temple
Situated on top of the hill, the temple is more than 600 years old. The temple witnesses a large number of devotees on all days and on special occasions, the number is mind boggling. The temple is also a good option for excursions.
Location: 95-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K
Altitude: 2,130m
Main Attractions: Mamaleshwara, Baisaran, Tulian Lake, Aru
Best Time To Visit: In Summer – May To September In Winter – November To February
How To Reach
By Air: Srinagar is the nearest airport at a distance of 95 km.
By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead.
By Road: A 2½ hours drive from Srinagar by regular buses or taxis will take you to Pahalgam.
Famous for scenic beauty, the jewel of the Liddar valley, Pahalgam is situated in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Set at 2130 m above sea level, surrounded by the great Himalayas, it is positioned on the banks of the Liddar River. The alpine weather conditions create pleasant and mild weather conditions in summers from April to June, while winters from November to February are cold and experience heavy snowfall. The rainy seasons of July and August see a huge entourage of pilgrims who come here to visit the holy cave of Amarnath, the abode of Lord Shiva, as Pahalgam is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra.
The mention of Pahalgam is found in the regions ruled by the Mughals in the medieval period. Local Hindu kings later ruled over it as a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir until this princely state annexed into India, after independence. The natural beauty of Pahalgam and the luxuriant Liddar valley attracts the tourists. There are number of picnic spots on the shores of River Liddar, flowing near Pahalgam. Pahalgam is also a part of Asia’s only saffron growing area; the saffron plants are in full bloom in November. Pahalgam offers quite a few hiking and trekking trails, which one can explore riding on horseback. The snow capped peaks in the backdrop and lush green pine forests soothe the eyes of the travelers. The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling and trout fishing. Virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of wildflowers mark Pahalgam as part of the paradisiacal beauty of Kashmir.
Tourist Attractions
Tulian Lake
The 11 km long route beyond Baisaran takes you to the Tulian Lake at an altitude of 3,353m. The lake remains covered with snow most of the year and offers a number of adventure sports.
Mamaleshwara Temple
Located at a walking distance from Pahalgam, Mamaleshwara Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. This small temple has a square shaped tank made of stone. The temple is believed to have been built in the 12th century or even earlier.
Aru
The little village of Aru is actually the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier. It makes an interesting day walk from Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for 11-km upstream. The main track, which also can be taken by car, is on the left bank of the river. There is also a less used, and more difficult path, on the right bank. At Aru one will often find the Gujars, living in their log huts with their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the higher sheep and goats, en route to the higher pastures for the summer.
Vaishno Devi, a devotes of Lord Vishnu used to pray to Lord Ram had taken vow of celibacy.BhaironNath , a tantrick (demon-God) tried to behold her and gave a chase. The Goddess felt thirsty at Banganga and shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. The Goddess then meditated in the cave at Adhkawari. It took Bairon Nath nine month to locate Her, the reason why the cave is known as ‘Garbh Joon’ Mata Vaishno Devi blasted an opening at the other end of the cave with Her Trident when the demon -God located Her.
On arriving at the holy cave at Darbar, she assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut of Bhairon Nath’s head which was flung up the mountain by the force of blow and fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple is now located . The boulder at the mouth of the holy cave according to the legend is petrified torso of Bhairon nath who was granted divine forgiveness by the benevolent Mata in his dying moments.
Best time to visit
The main season for visiting the shrine is from March till July. The area’s very cold through most of the year, so this is the best time to visit. Even during the summer, the temperature’s not exactly high, so take along light woollens just in case it gets cold.
Timing
Visitors can enter the shrine 24 hours. Only during the aarti time the darshans are not allowed- in the morning and evening for half an hour. For entry into the shrine, devotees need to get a Yatra slip issued by the Shrine Board at Katra. The Shrine Board operates a Tourism Reception Centre at the Katra bus stand, from where the slip can be obtained; it’s free of charge. The slip must be presented at the Banganga checkpost within 6 hours of being issued. Furthermore, when you reach the Bhawan, just below the shrine, you’ll need to present the slip in order to be assigned a place in the queue of devotees waiting to go up to the shrine.