The history cites Kashmir location as a big lake and thus the name Kashmir which translates as a region bifurcated by water. The earlier capital of the place was Srinagar established by King Ashoka an important centre for the spread of Buddhism during the 9th century. Later the region was acquainted with Hinduism and both religions existed together. In 1339 Shah Mir Swati ushered Muslim Dynasties and Empires. After this the region saw rise and fall of many kingdoms. Emperor Akbar ruled the region from 1586 as a huge empire. Hari Singh was the ruler of the state when India-Pakistan partition took place in 1947. The princely state was given the choice to be part of India, Pakistan or stay as independent state. Maharaja of Kashmir opted to be part of India.

KASHMIR, pleasingly magnificent and alluring tourist destination has all attributes that make it the paradise on earth. Mountains, Valley, Meadows, Snow Green Forest, Gushing Rivers and Majestic Landscape make it a complete holiday resort through all seasons more so in summers and winters. Its natural beauty is world renowned.

THE SIGHTSEEING IN KASHMIR

The Mughal left behind panorama of designer gardens in the form of Chesma Shahi, Nishat and Shalimar Gardens. These are well maintained till today and popular tourist destinations. Smallest of the Mughal Gardens at Srinagar, the Chasma Shashi are well up the hillside. The garden was laid in 1632 but has been recently extended. These are the only garden with an admission charge. Sandwiched between the lake and the mountains, the Nishat Gardens have a superb view across the lake to the Pir Panjal Mountains. Designed in 1633 by Nur Jahan's brother Asaf Khan, this is the largest of the Mughal Gardens and follows the traditional pattern of a central channel running down a series of terraces. Set some distance back from the lake but reached by a small canal the Shalimar gardens were built for Nur Jahan by her husband Jehangir in 1616. During the Mughal period the topmost of the four terraces was reserved for the emperor and the ladies of the court. During May to October sound and light show is put on in these beautiful gardens.

Sightseeing nearby Kashmir

Gulmarg
The large meadow of Gulmarg is 52 km from Srinagar at 2730 meters. This is also an excellent trekking base and in winter it is a premier skiing resort. Gulmarg is the classic hill station of Kashmir with majestic conifers and riotous carpets of flowers on the meadows. The golf course in summer and the ski slopes in winter make this a fashionable resort the year round. The trails around Gulmarg give dramatic views of Nanga Parbat at 8,126 meters the westernmost peak of the Great Himalayan Range, first climbed by Hermann Buhl in 1953.

Pahalgam
Pahalgam is situated at a distance of 95 km west of Srinagar at a height of 2130 metres. The scenery around Lidder River bisecting the town, with fir trees spread out on mountain slopes and at the top interspersed with snow clad peaks is very magnetic in appeal. It is also the point of trekking inception for small routes and those leading to Kolahoi Glacier and Amarnath Cave. Flock of sheep grazing the meadows is a common sight here.

Sonmarg
Sonamarg is the final destination of Kashmir before the climb leading to Zoji La Pass at 3529 meters leading to Ladakh region. Sonamarg at 2,748 meters means the Golden Meadows and is the last township before the bleak areas of the Trans-Himalayas.

Amaranth
At the full moon in the month of July-August thousands of Hindu pilgrims make the yatra to the Amarnath Cave when a natural ice lingam the symbol of Lord Shiva reaches its greatest size. The spirit of this immense pilgrimage is amazing.

Jammu
Jammu on the plains is the second largest town in the state but for most travelers it is just a jumping-off point for the trip north to and Mata Vashnio Devi .

Katra
Katra is a puny town at the inception of Trikuta Mountains leading to Vaishno Devi Temple. It is located 42 km away from the main city of Jammu and comes under Reasi district. Katra is the terminus for traffic to the temple of Vaishno Devi .

Mata Vaishno Devi
This esteemed and significant cave temple at 1,700 meters is dedicated to the three mother goddesses of Hinduism. Thousands of pilgrims visit the cave each year after making a steep 12 km climb from the road-head at Katra. It is the richest and most popular temple in north India .

Leh Ladakh
Leh was known historically by different names. It was called Maryul or low land by some Kha- chumpa by others. Fa-Hein referred to it as Kia-Chha & Hiuen Tsang as Ma-Lo-Pho. Leh is the capital city of Ladakh while Ladakh is a plateau lying close to the Himalayas. The place has the privilege of being a matchless tourist location on earth bestowed by its snow clad beauty, landscapes, enthralling silence that will offer you a breath taking experience of your life.

Kargil
Kargil an exotic city of Jammu and Kashmir! Kargil is situated at a height of 2704m and is located about 204 km to the west of Srinagar. It is the second largest town of the Ladakh, which is encircled by the Himalayas. Due to this strategic location, Kargil has an immense potential for adventure activities along with the base station to the Zanskar Valley. Suru basin forms another important feature of the landscape of Kargil. The Drass and Wakha streams of Suru River meet here, providing water for cultivation of barley, wheat, peas and various other vegetables and cereals.