KASHMIR, in north India is the distinguished land of saints and hermits since ancient times is acclaimed for its scenic beauty in mountains snow clad peaks and floating clouds skyline. Since Mughal times it is a summer destination a style in vogue among people even till today.

The image of houseboats reflected in the waters of Dal Lake against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains is a reality, but this is only part of what Kashmir has to offer. The valley or vale is a large oval plain 136 km or 86 miles long and up to 40 km or 25 miles wide, with Srinagar at 1,593 m or 5,225 feet at the approximate centre. Although Srinagar is the focal point of any visit to the area the nearby villages of Gulmarg and Pahalgam have developed into major destinations in their own right. The area has become a national centre for a range of sports of which walking, trekking, climbing, golf, and fishing, are only a few.

The Kashmir region starts near Banihal 17 km or 11 miles before Jawarhar Tunnel where the dominant language changes from Dogri to Kashmiri and more of the houses and costumes are in the Kashmiri style. The landscape blossoms north of the pass where the lush fields of the Vale of Kashmir stretch away to the north.

Kashmir is now an all season destination. The winter months attract adventurous tourists even from abroad for skiing in the region. The season begins from December and ends in March. As the glacier begins to melt the gushing river and streams and the flourishing vegetation flowers and cool breeze attract people from the plain for peace and serenity. The River Jhelum is life line of the region. The land around the River bed is fertile. The crops of rice wheat and the acclaimed saffron is exported to plains. The apples of Kashmir are the best in the country.

Some 2,000 years ago King Ashoka supposedly visited the valley on a pilgrimage. In the 16th century the great Mughal Akbar came and was followed by Jehangir and Shah Jahan, all of whom left their mark in the form of buildings and gardens. In the late 19th century the area assumed its present appearance. Since then tourism has had a major, but not always positive influence. What Jawaharlal Nehru, whose family was from Kashmir , recalled in 1940 is still true: "Sometimes the sheer loveliness of it all was overpowering. How can those who have fallen under its spell release themselves from its enchantment?"

Canvas of Kashmir glorified by poets and artists alike is unchanged as spellbinding natural beauty remains the same magnetically drawing tourists towards it. The enchanting place with its cool temperature mountain peaks and soothing atmosphere and picturesque mosaic draws the tourist to revisit the place each year. India cinema has beautifully portrayed the beauty and charm of Kashmir on screen.
Dal Lake and its elfin Shikaras, the skiing in Gulmarg, the serene Lidder River intersecting Pahalgam, scintillating aqua lakes, and color spectrum in pastures are explored time and again by the national and international tourists.

Continents largest fresh-water lake filled by River Jhelum 45 km away is Wular lake located between the towns of Sopore and Bandipore . Wular's ecosphere makes it home for a remarkable variety of avifauna and the March end sees Central Asian migratory population that enjoys the water banks. For aviary lovers another habitat around is the Hokersar wetland 12 km away. In the fauna groove is the Dachigam National Park 23 km away. The endangered Hangul or Kashmir stag can be spotted here as well as the only species of red deer exists here. Traditional embodiments found down town; the quintessential floating market; chinar-fringed golf-courses are all very attractive.

Since the partition of India divided the state and cut the old road via Rawalpindi and Baramulla, the longer route via Jammu is the only practicable land link with the rest of India . The sole connectivity by road so far was through NH 1A . However the newly opened Mughal road is open for light vehicles. The centuries old route crossing mountains of 11000ft and was preferred by Shah Jahan to reach Kashmir links Bafliaz-Poonch in the Jammu region with Shopian in the Valley. This route is closed in winters. The inaugural Mughal Road Rally has popularized this route. Taxis take around 8-10 hours to cover the distance. Accommodation in houseboats is an eternal favorite.

If driving into Kashmir a few kms after NH 1 A zips out of the Banihal Pass in the mist of Pir Panjal Range will come across several locations ending with word nag meaning places with spring water; Anantnag famous for ancient Martand Temple an architectural master piece. 45 km from here is Shopian with Aharbal waterfall stated to be the best in the state. Kokeernag with a spring where water fans out as the claws of a cock; Verinag originating from river Jhelum; All are worth a vist.
The 119 km rail track passes through the chinars from Baramulla to Qazigund linking north Kashmir with its southern end in 3.5 hours.
An ever increasing number of visitors now arrive by air, but for those with time the longer route by rail and road is certainly more exhilarating.

Friends Travel Services an established and experienced travel agency situated in the heart of Delhi the Connaught Circus functions under the leadership of Director Mr. Rashid is fully equipped to arrange travel for individuals and groups to the paradise on earth the Kashmir valley. The itinerary is meticulously planned in connectivity with minimum time lose and maximum sightseeing. The journey happens through flight by road and train with minimum of fatigue. Mr. Rashid has served the tourism industry for decades now and satisfied clients are his permanent customers as the list of the newer ones increases. A visit to India is incomplete without visiting Kashmir.