Kashmir is blessed with both abundant water and distinct seasons. Gentle summers and crisp autumns conspire to fill the land with bursts of color twice a year. Punctuated by winter that give the weeks of snowbouild The Mughal rulers of medieval Agra and Delhi had built many oases of shade and green in their marble and sandstone capitals, but it was in Srinagar that emperors and their gardeners were able to let their imaginations flower. The great gardens of Srinagar — known collectively as the Mughal gardens — are arranged around the massive Dal lake and it was here that Mughal kings and nobles would find peace and rest. Today, these form an inextricable part of the lives of Srinagar’s inhabitants.
Overlooking the Dal from the northeast are Shalimar and Nishat Bagh. Shalimar Bagh derives its name from an ancient resting house built by the king Pravarsena II and named Shalimar, or ‘the hall of love’. When the Mughal emperor Jahangir came to Kashmir in the early 17th century, he built a garden here, which was named ‘Farah Baksh’ or ‘delightful’.
Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh was built in three stages — The Diwan-e-Aam, for the emperor’s public audiences; the Diwan-e-Khas, where he would hold more private meetings; and a section walled off especially for the royal zenana. A central canal flowed through spacious lawns leading to pleasant, airy pavilions of which one survives today, together with exquisite decorations of red and gold flowers and geometrical designs on its walls and ceilings.In the warm months, Shalimar Bagh’s flower beds are rich with gorgeous roses, massive dahlias, deep red coxcombs, and the air carries the delicate perfume of magnolia blossoms; while in autumn, the centuries-old chinar trees burst into glorious shades of orange and gold. In winter, the grounds are covered in snow.
Nishat Bagh was the creation of Asaf Khan, Emperor Shahjahan’s prime-minister and uncle. Despite such close bonds, the emperor could not suppress a feeling of envy when he visited Nishat Bagh – in comparison, it seemed, and even the imperial Shalimar was wanting.
Nishat Bagh
Today, Nishat Bagh epitomizes what the National Geographic called the ‘nearly perfect marriage of art and nature’ in Srinagar’s gardens. Water still flows down the central channel, collecting in a large pool near the entrance from which pigeons drink. Flower beds are palettes of purple and red, yellow and pink; but nothing, perhaps, matches Nishat in the autumn, which ‘lights up the poplars in clear gold and the big chinars burn red’ – and all who visit linger on, unconscious of time’s passing.
Two small but enchanting gardens on a hill of the Zabarwan range, alongside the Dal lake, are Pari Mahal and Chashme Shahi. Of these, Pari Mahal is higher and was built as an observatory by Dara Shikoh. The most mystically-inclined of Shahjahan’s sons, Dara Shikoh gave the garden to one of his teachers, Peer Mullah Shah —and much of the prince’s spiritual investigations occurred on these seven terraces.
One can say, without exaggeration, that the view from Pari Mahal is like a painting, vast and yet filled with beautiful detail — the Char Chinar island, for example, floating in the Dal, or sparkling water hazards in the Royal Springs golf course below.
Chashme Shahi, the ‘garden of the royal spring‘, was built by one of Shahjahan’s nobles in 1642. Though not as extensive as either Shalimar or Nishat, Chashme Shahi has its charms — particularly the large pool at its centre, on which rain the waters of a sprightly fountain. There is a small cafeteria in the garden, where visitors may like to sip a cup of tea as the sun sets and coloured lights begin to illuminate the garden paths, creating a cheerfully modern kind of beauty.
Both Pari Mahal and Chashme Shahi, in fact, are best visited in the evening, one for the pleasure of its sunset, the other for these festive, electric colours.
Near the foot of the Chashme Shahi hill are two new additions to Srinagar’s horticultural riches. The first is the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, built over 80 hectares in 1969. Over the years, the garden’s research station has planted over 1.5 lakh plants here. For visitors interested in a more active outing, there is also a small lake with boating facilities.
The 19th-century poet Thomas Moore described Kashmir’s roses as ‘the brightest that earth ever gave’. Today, the youngest of Srinagar’s gardens may well be posing these roses stiff competition. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, conceptualized as recently as 2007 by the then chief minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has become immensely popular in the last five years. Over a million bulbs bloom to magnificent glory every April.
Srinagar boasts of two of the finest golf courses in India, and attracts both amateurs and professional golfers from across the country. The older Kashmir Golf Club was built in the 19th century, whereas the splendid Royal Springs Golf Course was commissioned in 2001.
Harwan Garden
Harwan Garden, situated on the hillside 3 kms from Shalimar Bagh on the road to Dachigam, makes for a splendid outing. A canal, Sarband, bordered with chinars, flows through the middle of the garden adding to its charm.
Excavations in Harwan village by the ASI have revealed major Buddhist ruins dated to the 3rd century AD, including a stupa, terracotta Buddha figurines and carved tiles, many of which are now on display in the Ram Nagar Palace Museum, Udhampur. Originally known as Shadarahadwan, Harwan hosted the third International Buddhist Conclave in the 4th century AD.
Information about must see tourist places in Kashmir
Kashmir, alluded to as paradise inferable from its unmatchable magnificence is encompassed by China, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Since the parcel of India and Pakistan, Kashmir has been under a question. Line of Control, the fringe, separates Kashmir amongst India and Pakistan. The hindus and muslims here have dependably lived in amicability. The Rishi custom of Hindus and Sufis has likewise existed together in agreement. Prior, Kashmir was called Kashyapamar and after that later progressed toward becoming Kashmir itself. Also Visit – Kashmir Paradise Tour
People and Culture of Kashmir
Jammu is significantly Hindus, with the nearness of Sikh and Muslims as well. Kashmir is significantly Muslim ruled with Hindus and Sikh being the minority. Individuals of Leh are Buddhist. Individuals of Kargil are Shia Muslim. The general population of Kashmir is broadly known for their accommodation basic, warm and continually inviting with open arms. Kashmiri is the dialect talked here. The way of life of Kashmir is exceedingly impact by Persians and Central Asian societies. Touring in Kashmir will give one an unmistakable thought of the way of life of the place.
Kashmir
Things to Do in Kashmir
With wonderful greenery enclosures, snow tops, lakes, landmarks, there are such a variety of spots to visit in Kashmir. Dal Lake is a world well known Kashmir vacationer put. Chasme Shahi, Betaab Valley, Shalimar Bagh include the lavish greenery bits of Kashmir. One can likewise make a beeline for Ladakh without which Kashmir touring is deficient. Ladakh has now transformed into a hot vacationer goal particularly for the bikers. Explorers can likewise take a ride on the Gulmarg Golconda over the snow crested mountains. Kashmir spots to visit additionally incorporate Shankaracharya sanctuary, Vaishnodevi sanctuary and Amarnath for all the Hindu enthusiasts. Nubia Valley and Khardung La are popular mountain territory spots to visit and loll in the excellence of Kashmir. Jhelum waterway, Lidder stream, Wular lake, are must visit spots to find in Kashmir alongside Dal Lake. Also Visit – Best of Kashmir Tour
Food and Shopping in Kashmir
There are such a large number of things to do in Kashmir separated from the touring. Kashmir’s pashmina shawls and stoles are world celebrated Kashmir attractions. Aside from this, there is a great deal more to shop when in Kashmir. Vintage maps, Chai Shoda for tea addicts, Namda (Kashmiri hand woven rugs), gems, Kashmiri craftsmanship, flavors and Doda Sapphire.
Kashmir visit is not finished without tasting its nourishment. Kashmiri food is world popular for the utilization of spies like cloves, cinnamon, saffron, cardamom. They give a unique smell and taste to the sustenance. Rice is an essential piece of the food. For non veg darlings – sheep, angle, chicken are likewise a piece of the cooking. The devour in Kashmir is known as the Wazwan. Green tea or Kahva is additionally a vital piece of the supper.
Beauty of Kashmir
Accommodation in Kashmir
Srinagar air terminal is 14 km far from the principle city. Explorers require not stress over how to achieve Kashmir as the network of flights, prepares and transports are exceptionally all around kept up. Flights to Kashmir fly from Delhi, Jammu and Mumbai. Srinagar railroad station can be come to from Delhi, Kolkata, Pune and Mumbai. Transports to Srinagar keep running from Jammu, with high recurrence. Lodgings to house vessels, Kashmir offers world class choices for remain. Taj Vivanta, Hotel Lalit, Grand Mahal are the few to specify extravagance stay inns in Kashmir. One can likewise remain by the lakes on a house vessel throughout the night. Also Visit – Srinagar Gulmarg Pahalgam Tour
Jammu Kashmir – Cultural Background
Jammu and Kashmir has the refinement of having multifaceted, variegated and novel social mix, making it particular from whatever remains of the nation, not just from the distinctive social structures and legacy, yet from land, demographically, moral, social substances, framing an unmistakable range of assorted qualities and preoccupations into Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, all maintaining various religion, dialect and culture, yet persistently intermixing, making it lively examples of Indian Unity in the midst of differences. Its distinctive social structures like workmanship and engineering, reasonable and celebrations, customs and ceremonies, soothsayer and adventures, dialect and mountains, implanted in imperishable time of history, say a lot of solidarity and differing qualities with unparalleled social union and social administration.
While the Kashmir has been the most elevated learning focus of Sanskrit and Persian where early Indo-Aryanic human advancement has begun and thrived, it has additionally been grasping purpose of coming of Islam bringing its overlay finest customs of Persian progress, resistance, fellowship and relinquish. Also Visit – Vaishno devi Patnitop Package
Kashmir
Individuals of Jammu and Kashmir – According to students of history, the precursors of Kashmiris are early settlers from India legitimate. With the spread of Buddhism, numerous researchers came to Kashmir from distant terrains for research and study. The contact of Kashmiris with the Roman, Greek and Persian human advancements come about into a combination of societies. A large portion of the general population guarantee their drop from the Indo-Aryan stock however one can undoubtedly discover individuals having a place with various and diverse races occupying Kashmir with unmistakable looks, dresses, nourishment propensities, traditions, discourse and conventions. Also Visit – Kashmir Summer Package
Kashmiris have made wonderful commitments to expressions of the human experience of narrating and magical verse, the Shaiva logic, syntax and the sciences. The imaginative and social virtuoso of the general population of Kashmir is apparent in their people melodies and moves and in addition the different expressions and specialties that are incredibly famous. Known for their enchanting magnificence, a large portion of the general population in the valley are reasonable complexioned, with light darker to dim hair, blue or dim to dark almond eyes, ruddy cheeks behind Indian tan, etched components and fine physical make-up. Superstitious by nature, Kashmiris are for the most part non-forceful and calm in nature and are God-dreading. Viewed as non-military in character, they are considered to a great degree warm, well disposed, and neighborly.
Srinagar
Kashmiri Muslims are for the most part more dynamic, lively and dynamic in nature and are viewed as unrivaled specialists, known for their time-regarded complex and excellent plans that they create on papier-mâché, wood, silver and gold. Wench’s agents, they likewise entertain themselves with horticulture, sheep rising, dairy cattle rising and other house businesses. 90% of the populace in the valley affirms Islam of both Sunni and Shia organizations. Also Visit – Luxury Kashmir Tours
Kashmiri ladies for the most part have such love of goldsmith that their headgear, ears, necks and arms shimmer with adornments. The normal trimming that Hindu ladies wear is the Dejharoo, a couple of gold pendants, holding tight a silk string or gold chain which goes through openings in the ears pierced at the top end of the projections. The Dejharoo symbolizes that the Kashmiri Pandit lady is hitched. Muslim ladies wear bundles of studs, the heaviness of which is bolstered by a thick silver chain alongside a few arm ornaments and pieces of jewelry. The entire outfit loans a most aesthetic impact to the presence of Kashmiri ladies.
Kashmiri Pandits carry on with a straightforward and cheap life. Individualistic and to a great extent scholarly, they evade difficult work and stick to proficient and authoritative employments. Because of the psychological militant exercises recently, a considerable lot of them have been removed from their country yet the legislature has been attempting to move them here. The Kashmiri Pandits don’t have stations like Hindus in whatever remains of India.
Shopping in Kashmir
Rice and meat is the staple eating regimen of the Kashmiris and Kashmiris pride over Karam Sag (a sort of verdant green vegetable), nadru (lotus stalk) and turnips that are viewed as sufficiently valuable to be exhibited as token endowments. The culinary craft of Kashmir, particularly, the cooking of sheep dishes in different ways, is exceptionally celebrated. The tea that the Kashmiris drink is called Kahva, which is a mixture of green tea leaves prepared in the samovar and advanced with beat almonds, cardamom seeds, and cinnamon stalks overdosed with sugar and served without drain. The other sort of tea is Shir chai, which is salted and drained, pink in shading and is finished with, bunches of cream. Also Visit – Vaishno Devi Srinagar Tour
Kashmiri Muslims used to wear the pheran, a long free outfit hanging down beneath the knees, a white turban tied on a skull top, a snug shalwar and trim less shoes called gurgabi. A white bit of material is held tight their shoulders like a stole. Hindu men wear churidar pajama rather than shalwar. The less princely Muslims wear skullcaps, which looks charming and does not convey any shawl. Dissimilar to a Hindu lady’s pheran, which gives her a Roman look, the Muslim lady’s pheran is perfectly, weaved in front. Though a Muslim lady’s pheran is knee-length, free and weaved in front and on the edges, a Hindu lady’s pheran touches her feet. For sagacity and simplicity it is tied at the midsection with collapsed material called lhungi. The long free sleeves are stylishly adorned with brocade.
With this sort of Hindu ensemble goes the crown called taranga, which is attached to a hanging hood and decreases down to the heels from behind. The folds of the taranga are made of splendidly squeezed lines attached to a pointed red-shaded and brocaded skull top with a couple of gold pins along the edges. Over the head and ears are bits of muslin weaved in gold string. Muslim lady’s headgear, the Kasaba, looks altogether different from the Taranga. It is red in shading, tied turban-like and held tight by a wealth of silver pins and knickknacks. It has an overhanging pin-scarf, which falls effortlessly over the shoulders. A work-a-day shalwar runs with it. Unmarried Muslim young ladies wear skullcaps, weaved with gold string and decorated with silver pendants, knickknacks and ornaments. With the section of years, an apparent change has come to fruition in the dress of the Kashmiri ladies. Saris, shalwar-kameez, churidars and pants are getting to be noticeably well known, yet none of these have a place with them as much as the great old pheran. Also Visit – Kashmir Honeymoon Tours Packages
Customs and Traditions
Customs and Traditions
The way of life of Jammu and Kashmir is a far reaching blending of traditions and practices of its three unmistakable areas, Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. Aside from its demographical varieties, particular social preoccupations of its components are what make the way of life of Jammu and Kashmir striking. Music, move, cooking, way of life, celebrations all these exclusive highlight the diversities common in these areas solidarity is reestablished when a repeating theme of social convention ties them together along these lines making it a piece of Jammu and Kashmir all in all. Culture of Jammu and Kashmir is in this way a fascinating impression of shading, get-up-and-go, congruity and harmony which makes Jammu and Kashmir to stand separated with its particular components of age old custom and profound ethnicity.
Dance in Kashmir
Music and Dance
Jammu and Kashmir has a rich custom of music, move and show. The society music and move of the state is the life saver of the Kashmiris. There are different move frames performed by the event – different seasons, collect, weddings and religious celebrations. One of the well known move types of the state is the Mask Dance, performed amid the Hemis celebration in Ladakh by the Lamas of the Hemis cloister. The artists, speaking to divine or fanciful figures, wear bright brocade robes and overwhelming covers as they perform stylized moves around the religious community yard.
Wedding functions in the state are set apart by the Hafiza move where youthful Kashmiri young men praise the reap season with Bacha Nagma move. Different acclaimed people moves of Jammu and Kashmir are Ruf, Wuegi-Nachun, Roul and Dogri. Among people music, the most celebrated is the Rabab and the normal melodic instruments are Dukra, Sitar and Nagara. Also Visit – Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking
To the extent types of music in Kashmir is worried there are three unmistakable structures, viz. Sufi, Ghazals and Choral Music. Wanawun is another type of music that is sung and played amid wedding functions in Kashmir.
Festivals
All the real Hindu celebrations in India are praised with equivalent eagerness in the condition of Jammu and Kashmir. Some of such noticeable fairs and celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir incorporate Lohri, Holi, Navratri, Baisakhi or New Year Day, Guru Ravi Das’ Birthday, Tihar and Samkrant. Curiously, all Hindu, Muslim or Sikh fairs and celebrations are religiously seen in the whole condition of Jammu and Kashmir.
Swan Tours - Blogs 