Kashmir, Kashmir Travel, Kashmir Destinations, Kashmir Tourist Places, Kashmir Tourism, Kashmir Tourist Places, Kashmir Historical Places, Kashmir garden, Kashmir India, Kashmir Places, What to see in Kashmir, Kashmir, Where to Travel in Kashmir< Kashmir India, paradise on Earth Kashmir

Kashmir Tourist Places

Kashmir Travel:

Popularly known as 'The Paradise on Earth’, the Kashmir is ideally set between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range, known for its natural beauty worldwide, consisting of  Kashmir valley, Jammu and Ladakh.

Kashmir is a great enticement to the tourists from across the world. People from all corners of the world are driven towards the high snow covered mountains, the captivating serenity in midst of tall trees, the picturesque Dal Lake with long and beautiful shikaras and the invincible cool breeze that grips the whole region.

Kashmir also has some other attractions such as the Hazratbal Mosque situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, the Vaishno Devi cave shrine which is nestled in the Trikuta Mountain at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in Indian half of Kashmir. Similarly, the Amarnath Cave Shrine which is devoted to Lord Shiva is big place of worship for the Hindus. Several thousand devotees visit these two cave shrines every year especially during the months of July and August.

The capital city of the Jammu and Kashmir region Srinagar that lies on both the banks of Jhelum River and attracts millions of domestic as well as foreign tourists all round the year. The city is famous for its lakes and houseboats floating on them as well as the traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Other beautiful regions to explore are Jammu and Ladakh. Jammu is the inter capital of the state and is like a dream come true for all nature lovers. Similarly, Ladakh with its amazing landscapes rising high to the Himalayas, is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
If you are bewitched enough by the Kashmir city, quickly decide the means of transport to reach there. You can take flights of Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Deccan that operate to Srinagar and Leh. There is also train service that will take you to Jammu from where you can take buses and jeeps. You can also take a bus via Jammu and up to Srinagar or via Manali in Himachal Pradesh and up to Leh.


Kashmir Destinations
Srinagar:  The summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, Srinagar is situated in the valley of Kashmir. The city lies on both banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus River. The city is famous for its lakes and houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi. The headquarters of the Srinagar District are situated in the city.
Pahalgam:  95 km. east of Srinagar, 2400 mt. above sea level. Popular holiday resort. It is called “Shepherds village” at the head of the Lidder valley. Best place for trout fishing. Apart from angling , Pahalgam is also known as the starting point for trekking. Pilgrims route to Amarnath Cave.

Gulmarg: 56 kms from Srinagar, one and a half hour journey, 2690 mts above sea level. .It is called “Meadow of flowers”. In summer best for trekking, golfing and pony rides . One can have beautiful walk around and can see in good weather the high mountains like Naga Parbat (In Gilgit) 7650mts high, Kolohi and Harmukh which are 5425 and 5124 mts high. Gulmarg has the world’s highest green golf course in the world. There are cable cons that ferry the tourists up to the height of 3095 mts. (Gondola).

Yusmarg: 50 kms southeast of Srinagar, one and half hour journey through pine and fir forests. On the way to Yusmarg is the shrine of famous Kashmiri sufi saint : Sheikh Noor-ud-din, popularly known as Nunda Rishi. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a pony back. There is Tourist huts available.

Sonmarg: 87 km. from Srinagar, 3 hours journey, 2800mts above sea level. It is called Golden meadow” at the head of the river Sind with beautiful mountains and glaciers. Base for the treks to Harmukh range via Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag . Also the Pilgrim route to Amarnath Cave , which can be done in one day from here. Famous for Trout fishing.

       MUGHAL GARDENS

Nishat Bagh:  The Garden of bliss laid down by Asif Khan father of Empress Noorjahan in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. In Nishat commands magnificent view of the Lake and the Snow capped Pir Panchal Range to the west of the valley.

Shalimar Bagh: The Abode Of Love.’ Is said to have been a village, built by Paravarassna II. He used to stay here when on a visit to Sukhswami a saint living near Harwan. In 1619 Jehangir ordered a garden to be laid out this spot, calling it, Ferrah Bakkash (Delightful). In 1727 A.D Zaffar-Khan. A governor during the reign of Shah Jahan made an extension of it and called it ‘Faiz Baksh’ (Bountiful). The garden is laid down in four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal runs through the garden lined with polished stones and supplies with water from Harwan. Chasma – Shahi : East of Srinagar. Built in 1634 A.D by Shah- Jahan. It commands a superb view of the Dal Lake it has the advantage of having a natural spring of Pure, Cool and Sparking water known as Chasma- Shahi (Royal Spring).

Harwan Garden:  Harwan Garden is a beautiful garden, situated at Harwan, about 18 km from Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir. This huge garden lined with flower beds and Chinar trees, is an ideal spot for picnickers. The picturesque Harwan Lake is behind the garden. The canal flowing through the middle of the garden is fed by the lake.
Cheshma Shahi: Cheshma Shahi is one of the three major Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. It is located 9km from Srinagar city centre, and is the first Mughal garden that you would visit as you pass the Nehru Park. The name Cheshma Shahi means Royal Spring (shahi means royal and chashma means spring).

Cheshma Shahi is small and charming. It was laid out by the Mughal Governor Ali Mardan Khan for Emperor Shah Jahan, the ruler famous for building the Taj Mahal, in 1632.

Shah Jahan built a pavilion and laid out the Mughal garden in three terraces, each above the other by 18 feet. Cheshma Shahi is famous for the pure and refreshing spring that flows from it.

Built at a height above the city, Cheshma Shahi offers a great view of the surrounding area with the Zabarwan hills behind it.
Pari Mahal: Once the royal observatory, Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid out garden and is a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. A Buddhist monastery at one time, it was converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan's eldest son. Situated on the spur of a mountain overlooking the Dal, the ancient monument, with a well-laid spacious garden in front, is connected to Cheshmashahi by road. It is illuminated at night.

HISTORICAL PLACES:

Hari Parbat: The Hill of Hari Parbat crowned by the pathan fort who his visible from every part of the city. 400 feet above the plain, Legend says the hill grew from a pebble dropped by the goddess Paravati to crush a demon, in the form of Sharika bird (Maina). This is called now Hari Parbat.

Shankaracharya Temple: This Temple is situated at the height of 1000ft above the plain. The earliest of all the Temples built in 200 BC,. By Jalaka the son of the Great Buddhist convert Ashoka. The temple was subsequently rebuilt and dedicated by Raja Gopadittya in 6th Century. It is said to be that “ the Takhut-I-Sulaiman (throne one of the Solomon).

Hazratbal: It is the most important Muslim Religious place, situated on the western shore of Dal Lake.

Jamia Masjid: The largest Masque built by Sultan Sikandar Constructed in 1400 A.D. Enlarged by his son Zain-Ul- Abidin.

Tomb of Zain-Ul-Abidin: The most attractive chapter of Muslim rule in Kashmir (1421-1472) in the reign of Zain- Ul-Abdin.

Pather Masjid: Pather Masjid of the Mughal Mosque built by emperor Noor Jahan in 1620 A.D. wife of Jahangir. Muslims did not however use it for prayers.

Shah Hamdan: Originally built in 1953 AD. To commemorate the visit of Mir Syed Ali Hamdan destroyed by fire in 1479 and 1731 AD. It was rebuilt in 1732 by Abdul Barket Khan and since then stand as a land mark in the City. Built of timber, not a nail or Screw was used in the construction.     

Lakes Of Kashmir: 

Dal Lake: Dal lake of Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in India. It has been and continues to be a part of the poetry by some renowned poets. This is second largest lake of Jammu and Kashmir state after Wular Lake. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains from three sides and a large number of gardens and orchards have been laid along the shores. The University of Kashmir also stands along the shores of the Dal Lake. The hundreds of uniquely decorated houseboats which floats on the Dal lake afford an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Nagin Lake: Popular for water sports like water skiing, swimming, diving and sailing.

Manasbal Lake: This Lake is famous for Lotus flowers during summer and Paradise for Bird Watchers,. Between the river and foot of the Mountains spurs lower end of the Sind valley famous for Picnic spot.

Wular Lake: The Largest fresh water Lake in India 26 Km long and 8 Km wide. Surrounded by the mountains. The river Jehlum passes right through the Lake the deepest part is near the Hill Called Baba Shakur-ud-Din on the north west side.
There are many other lakes besides these like Anchar Lake, Harvan Lake , Konsarnag or Vishno Pad Lake. Gangabal Lake, Sheshnag Lake, Neelang Lake, Tarsar and Marsar lakes, Sokh and Dokh lakes.
        

Tags:Kashmir, Kashmir Travel, Kashmir Destinations, Kashmir Tourist Places, Kashmir Tourism, Kashmir Tourist Places, Kashmir Historical Places, Kashmir garden, Kashmir India, Kashmir Places, What to see in Kashmir, Kashmir, Where to Travel in Kashmir< Kashmir India, paradise on Earth Kashmir

Kashmir, Kashmir Travel, Kashmir Destinations, Kashmir Tourist Places, Kashmir Tourism, Kashmir Tourist Places, Kashmir Historical Places, Kashmir garden, Kashmir India, Kashmir Places, What to see in Kashmir, Kashmir, Where to Travel in Kashmir< Kashmir India, paradise on Earth Kashmir

Kashmir Tourist Places

Kashmir Travel:

Popularly known as 'The Paradise on Earth’, the Kashmir is ideally set between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Range, known for its natural beauty worldwide, consisting of  Kashmir valley, Jammu and Ladakh.

Kashmir is a great enticement to the tourists from across the world. People from all corners of the world are driven towards the high snow covered mountains, the captivating serenity in midst of tall trees, the picturesque Dal Lake with long and beautiful shikaras and the invincible cool breeze that grips the whole region.

Kashmir also has some other attractions such as the Hazratbal Mosque situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, the Vaishno Devi cave shrine which is nestled in the Trikuta Mountain at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in Indian half of Kashmir. Similarly, the Amarnath Cave Shrine which is devoted to Lord Shiva is big place of worship for the Hindus. Several thousand devotees visit these two cave shrines every year especially during the months of July and August.

The capital city of the Jammu and Kashmir region Srinagar that lies on both the banks of Jhelum River and attracts millions of domestic as well as foreign tourists all round the year. The city is famous for its lakes and houseboats floating on them as well as the traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Other beautiful regions to explore are Jammu and Ladakh. Jammu is the inter capital of the state and is like a dream come true for all nature lovers. Similarly, Ladakh with its amazing landscapes rising high to the Himalayas, is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
If you are bewitched enough by the Kashmir city, quickly decide the means of transport to reach there. You can take flights of Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Deccan that operate to Srinagar and Leh. There is also train service that will take you to Jammu from where you can take buses and jeeps. You can also take a bus via Jammu and up to Srinagar or via Manali in Himachal Pradesh and up to Leh.


Kashmir Destinations
Srinagar:  The summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, Srinagar is situated in the valley of Kashmir. The city lies on both banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus River. The city is famous for its lakes and houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi. The headquarters of the Srinagar District are situated in the city.
Pahalgam:  95 km. east of Srinagar, 2400 mt. above sea level. Popular holiday resort. It is called “Shepherds village” at the head of the Lidder valley. Best place for trout fishing. Apart from angling , Pahalgam is also known as the starting point for trekking. Pilgrims route to Amarnath Cave.

Gulmarg: 56 kms from Srinagar, one and a half hour journey, 2690 mts above sea level. .It is called “Meadow of flowers”. In summer best for trekking, golfing and pony rides . One can have beautiful walk around and can see in good weather the high mountains like Naga Parbat (In Gilgit) 7650mts high, Kolohi and Harmukh which are 5425 and 5124 mts high. Gulmarg has the world’s highest green golf course in the world. There are cable cons that ferry the tourists up to the height of 3095 mts. (Gondola).

Yusmarg: 50 kms southeast of Srinagar, one and half hour journey through pine and fir forests. On the way to Yusmarg is the shrine of famous Kashmiri sufi saint : Sheikh Noor-ud-din, popularly known as Nunda Rishi. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a pony back. There is Tourist huts available.

Sonmarg: 87 km. from Srinagar, 3 hours journey, 2800mts above sea level. It is called Golden meadow” at the head of the river Sind with beautiful mountains and glaciers. Base for the treks to Harmukh range via Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag . Also the Pilgrim route to Amarnath Cave , which can be done in one day from here. Famous for Trout fishing.

       MUGHAL GARDENS

Nishat Bagh:  The Garden of bliss laid down by Asif Khan father of Empress Noorjahan in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. In Nishat commands magnificent view of the Lake and the Snow capped Pir Panchal Range to the west of the valley.

Shalimar Bagh: The Abode Of Love.’ Is said to have been a village, built by Paravarassna II. He used to stay here when on a visit to Sukhswami a saint living near Harwan. In 1619 Jehangir ordered a garden to be laid out this spot, calling it, Ferrah Bakkash (Delightful). In 1727 A.D Zaffar-Khan. A governor during the reign of Shah Jahan made an extension of it and called it ‘Faiz Baksh’ (Bountiful). The garden is laid down in four terraces, rising one above the other. A canal runs through the garden lined with polished stones and supplies with water from Harwan. Chasma – Shahi : East of Srinagar. Built in 1634 A.D by Shah- Jahan. It commands a superb view of the Dal Lake it has the advantage of having a natural spring of Pure, Cool and Sparking water known as Chasma- Shahi (Royal Spring).

Harwan Garden:  Harwan Garden is a beautiful garden, situated at Harwan, about 18 km from Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir. This huge garden lined with flower beds and Chinar trees, is an ideal spot for picnickers. The picturesque Harwan Lake is behind the garden. The canal flowing through the middle of the garden is fed by the lake.
Cheshma Shahi: Cheshma Shahi is one of the three major Mughal Gardens in Srinagar. It is located 9km from Srinagar city centre, and is the first Mughal garden that you would visit as you pass the Nehru Park. The name Cheshma Shahi means Royal Spring (shahi means royal and chashma means spring).

Cheshma Shahi is small and charming. It was laid out by the Mughal Governor Ali Mardan Khan for Emperor Shah Jahan, the ruler famous for building the Taj Mahal, in 1632.

Shah Jahan built a pavilion and laid out the Mughal garden in three terraces, each above the other by 18 feet. Cheshma Shahi is famous for the pure and refreshing spring that flows from it.

Built at a height above the city, Cheshma Shahi offers a great view of the surrounding area with the Zabarwan hills behind it.
Pari Mahal: Once the royal observatory, Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid out garden and is a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. A Buddhist monastery at one time, it was converted into a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan's eldest son. Situated on the spur of a mountain overlooking the Dal, the ancient monument, with a well-laid spacious garden in front, is connected to Cheshmashahi by road. It is illuminated at night.

HISTORICAL PLACES:

Hari Parbat: The Hill of Hari Parbat crowned by the pathan fort who his visible from every part of the city. 400 feet above the plain, Legend says the hill grew from a pebble dropped by the goddess Paravati to crush a demon, in the form of Sharika bird (Maina). This is called now Hari Parbat.

Shankaracharya Temple: This Temple is situated at the height of 1000ft above the plain. The earliest of all the Temples built in 200 BC,. By Jalaka the son of the Great Buddhist convert Ashoka. The temple was subsequently rebuilt and dedicated by Raja Gopadittya in 6th Century. It is said to be that “ the Takhut-I-Sulaiman (throne one of the Solomon).

Hazratbal: It is the most important Muslim Religious place, situated on the western shore of Dal Lake.

Jamia Masjid: The largest Masque built by Sultan Sikandar Constructed in 1400 A.D. Enlarged by his son Zain-Ul- Abidin.

Tomb of Zain-Ul-Abidin: The most attractive chapter of Muslim rule in Kashmir (1421-1472) in the reign of Zain- Ul-Abdin.

Pather Masjid: Pather Masjid of the Mughal Mosque built by emperor Noor Jahan in 1620 A.D. wife of Jahangir. Muslims did not however use it for prayers.

Shah Hamdan: Originally built in 1953 AD. To commemorate the visit of Mir Syed Ali Hamdan destroyed by fire in 1479 and 1731 AD. It was rebuilt in 1732 by Abdul Barket Khan and since then stand as a land mark in the City. Built of timber, not a nail or Screw was used in the construction.     

Lakes Of Kashmir: 

Dal Lake: Dal lake of Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in India. It has been and continues to be a part of the poetry by some renowned poets. This is second largest lake of Jammu and Kashmir state after Wular Lake. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains from three sides and a large number of gardens and orchards have been laid along the shores. The University of Kashmir also stands along the shores of the Dal Lake. The hundreds of uniquely decorated houseboats which floats on the Dal lake afford an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Nagin Lake: Popular for water sports like water skiing, swimming, diving and sailing.

Manasbal Lake: This Lake is famous for Lotus flowers during summer and Paradise for Bird Watchers,. Between the river and foot of the Mountains spurs lower end of the Sind valley famous for Picnic spot.

Wular Lake: The Largest fresh water Lake in India 26 Km long and 8 Km wide. Surrounded by the mountains. The river Jehlum passes right through the Lake the deepest part is near the Hill Called Baba Shakur-ud-Din on the north west side.
There are many other lakes besides these like Anchar Lake, Harvan Lake , Konsarnag or Vishno Pad Lake. Gangabal Lake, Sheshnag Lake, Neelang Lake, Tarsar and Marsar lakes, Sokh and Dokh lakes.
        

Tags:Kashmir, Kashmir Travel, Kashmir Destinations, Kashmir Tourist Places, Kashmir Tourism, Kashmir Tourist Places, Kashmir Historical Places, Kashmir garden, Kashmir India, Kashmir Places, What to see in Kashmir, Kashmir, Where to Travel in Kashmir< Kashmir India, paradise on Earth Kashmir

Kashmir Tourism, Kashmir Travel, Kashmir Tourist Places, Kashmir Tour

Thanks to the prevailing peace this summer, Kashmir Valley is once again the vaunted paradise on earth, overflowing with tourists who have snapped up every possible airline seat and accommodation in hotels, guest houses, houseboats, tourist huts and lodges.

The arrivals for the year could touch a staggering one million, an official said. "Up to Wednesday, we had 485,828 tourist arrivals in the Valley since January. This includes 442,540 domestic and 13,207 foreign tourists. This apart, 30,081 tourists visited the Ladakh region during this period with most of them using the Srinagar-Leh highway to reach there", said a senior official of the state tourism department.

He said the arrivals are likely to go up, especially in July, as more tourists are expected to reach here. "The annual Amarnath Yatra begins on June 29. Around 300,000 pilgrims have registered their arrival to the Valley for this year's Yatra," the official told IANS.

"Amarnath Yatra pilgrims included, we are expecting a record number of tourist arrivals in the Valley this year", said the tourism department official, adding that the figure for the entire year could go up to one million.

Tourism is the Valley's second biggest money spinner after the Rs.2,000-crore horticulture sector. It was badly hit last year as the Valley had remained shut for over four months because of the summer unrest during which 110 people died in bloody clashes with the security forces.

"Tourist arrivals had dropped to zero after the unrest started here last year. Thanks to the prevailing peaceful atmosphere, more and more tourists are flocking to the Valley.

"Most hotels, guest houses and tourist lodges and huts in Srinagar and (hill stations of) Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam are fully booked. We have advance bookings for hotels and tourist huts for the next two months. All fights to Srinagar are operating at their full capacity these days," the officer said.

Most of the floating palaces, known locally as the houseboats, on the Nigeen and Dal Lakes in Srinagar city have full occupancy these days.

"It is a wonderful tourist season and all of us are praying things stay this way in the coming months and the next year as well", said Muhammad Ramzan, 54, the owner of a Dal Lake houseboat.

Tourist arrivals in 2009 were just 207,013 while 535,374 tourists - the bulk of them Amarnath pilgrims - came to the Valley last year. It is very difficult to get a taxi in the city these days as most of them are booked to ferry tourists to various destinations in the Valley.

There is a heavy rush of visitors daily to the Mughal gardens of Nishat, Shalimar and Chashmashahi in Srinagar and roads outside these gardens are usually crammed with vehicles carrying tourists.

Shikaras are used by the tourists for joyrides in the Dal Lake and the Nigeen Lake. After many years, the shikarawallahs are doing a roaring business here.

"I am busy these days carrying tourists for joyrides. My son also assists me when I get tired rowing the boat. Thank God it is a good tourist season this year," Abdul Salam, 48, a shikarawallah in the Nigeen Lake, told IANS.

A new attraction for the joyriders this year are the high-speed water bikes in the Dal Lake. Wearing life jackets, tourists enjoy the thrill. "It is great fun. There is no thrill bigger than the one you get riding a high-speed water bike in the Lake", said Suman, 31, a tourist from Delhi.

Another major attraction for the tourists is the pony ride from the north Kashmir Sonamarg tourist resort to the Thajwas Glacier. The slow moving mass of snow and water present a spectacle which defies description.

"As sunlight filters through the white mass of the glacier, it gives out a blue dazzle that is amazing," said Ragbir Singh, 51, from Chandigarh who returned to Srinagar after spending a night at Sonamarg, the meadow of golden flowers.

"There is fast stream rafting, snow boarding, water skiing, cable car rides in Gulmarg to the snow capped Afarwat Hills, mouthwatering local cuisine, disarming hospitality of Kashmiris and a hundred more indulgences for the tourists.

"It is rightly said one can never have enough of Kashmir," Suresh Kumar, 31, a tourist from Hissar in Haryana.

Source: http://lifestyle.in.msn.com/travel/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5233599

Kashmir Tourism, Kashmir Travel, Kashmir Tourist Places, Kashmir Tour

Thanks to the prevailing peace this summer, Kashmir Valley is once again the vaunted paradise on earth, overflowing with tourists who have snapped up every possible airline seat and accommodation in hotels, guest houses, houseboats, tourist huts and lodges.

The arrivals for the year could touch a staggering one million, an official said. "Up to Wednesday, we had 485,828 tourist arrivals in the Valley since January. This includes 442,540 domestic and 13,207 foreign tourists. This apart, 30,081 tourists visited the Ladakh region during this period with most of them using the Srinagar-Leh highway to reach there", said a senior official of the state tourism department.

He said the arrivals are likely to go up, especially in July, as more tourists are expected to reach here. "The annual Amarnath Yatra begins on June 29. Around 300,000 pilgrims have registered their arrival to the Valley for this year's Yatra," the official told IANS.

"Amarnath Yatra pilgrims included, we are expecting a record number of tourist arrivals in the Valley this year", said the tourism department official, adding that the figure for the entire year could go up to one million.

Tourism is the Valley's second biggest money spinner after the Rs.2,000-crore horticulture sector. It was badly hit last year as the Valley had remained shut for over four months because of the summer unrest during which 110 people died in bloody clashes with the security forces.

"Tourist arrivals had dropped to zero after the unrest started here last year. Thanks to the prevailing peaceful atmosphere, more and more tourists are flocking to the Valley.

"Most hotels, guest houses and tourist lodges and huts in Srinagar and (hill stations of) Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam are fully booked. We have advance bookings for hotels and tourist huts for the next two months. All fights to Srinagar are operating at their full capacity these days," the officer said.

Most of the floating palaces, known locally as the houseboats, on the Nigeen and Dal Lakes in Srinagar city have full occupancy these days.

"It is a wonderful tourist season and all of us are praying things stay this way in the coming months and the next year as well", said Muhammad Ramzan, 54, the owner of a Dal Lake houseboat.

Tourist arrivals in 2009 were just 207,013 while 535,374 tourists - the bulk of them Amarnath pilgrims - came to the Valley last year. It is very difficult to get a taxi in the city these days as most of them are booked to ferry tourists to various destinations in the Valley.

There is a heavy rush of visitors daily to the Mughal gardens of Nishat, Shalimar and Chashmashahi in Srinagar and roads outside these gardens are usually crammed with vehicles carrying tourists.

Shikaras are used by the tourists for joyrides in the Dal Lake and the Nigeen Lake. After many years, the shikarawallahs are doing a roaring business here.

"I am busy these days carrying tourists for joyrides. My son also assists me when I get tired rowing the boat. Thank God it is a good tourist season this year," Abdul Salam, 48, a shikarawallah in the Nigeen Lake, told IANS.

A new attraction for the joyriders this year are the high-speed water bikes in the Dal Lake. Wearing life jackets, tourists enjoy the thrill. "It is great fun. There is no thrill bigger than the one you get riding a high-speed water bike in the Lake", said Suman, 31, a tourist from Delhi.

Another major attraction for the tourists is the pony ride from the north Kashmir Sonamarg tourist resort to the Thajwas Glacier. The slow moving mass of snow and water present a spectacle which defies description.

"As sunlight filters through the white mass of the glacier, it gives out a blue dazzle that is amazing," said Ragbir Singh, 51, from Chandigarh who returned to Srinagar after spending a night at Sonamarg, the meadow of golden flowers.

"There is fast stream rafting, snow boarding, water skiing, cable car rides in Gulmarg to the snow capped Afarwat Hills, mouthwatering local cuisine, disarming hospitality of Kashmiris and a hundred more indulgences for the tourists.

"It is rightly said one can never have enough of Kashmir," Suresh Kumar, 31, a tourist from Hissar in Haryana.

Source: http://lifestyle.in.msn.com/travel/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5233599