Kashmir Paradise

Kashmir: history

The Kashmir Valley has a written history going back to the Rajatarangini, a chronicle from the 12th century. The Mughal emperors arrived in 1586 and fell in love with the valley. They laid out the terraced gardens of Shalimar and Nishat beside Dal Lake.

Afghan, Sikh and Dogra rulers followed. Houseboats appeared in the late 1800s, when outsiders were not allowed to own land and so built their homes on the water.

Kashmir: tourist attractions

• Dal LakeA shikara ride past floating gardens, and a night on a houseboat.
• Mughal GardensShalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi.
• Shankaracharya TempleA hilltop Shiva temple with a view over Srinagar.
• Gulmarg GondolaOne of the highest cable cars in the world, up Mount Apharwat.
• PahalgamBetaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari, by local car or pony.
• SonamargThe 'meadow of gold', and a pony ride towards Thajiwas Glacier.
• Tulip GardenA hillside of tulips, open for a few weeks in spring.

Kashmir: excursions nearby

• Kheer Bhawani about 25 km from SrinagarA spring temple at Tulmulla.
• Doodhpathri about 45 km from SrinagarA quiet meadow with a cold, clear stream.
• Yusmarg about 47 km from SrinagarPine forest and open grassland.
• Avantipora & Martand on the road to PahalgamRuins of stone temples from the 8th and 9th centuries.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.