» Sonmarg:
80 km north-east of
Srinagar and at an altitude of 2743 metres, this is strewn with alpine flowers,
giving it the sobriquet of "Meadow of Gold".
» Gulmarg: The hill
resort with magical meadows and mountains. Gulmarg literally means "the meadow
of flowers". In spring the slopes get a carpet of daisies, buttercups, blue
bells and other blooms. The slopes of Gulmarg make it Asia's only heli-skiing
resort.
» Pahalgam: Is at an altitude of 2,133 metres, at the
junction of Lidder and Sheshnag streams and amidst lofty deodars, fir, pine,
junipers and other conifers. For trekking and mountaineering, and pilgrimage to
the holy cave of Amarnath, the spot is an ideal starting point.
»
Religious Places: Kashmir has notably several religious shrines. The
Hazratbal Mosque in Srinagar is especially sacred to Muslims, because a reputed
hair of the prophet Muhammad is held there. Hindu shrines include Amarnath Cave,
northeast of Srinagar, and Vaishno Devi, outside Jammu city. Numerous Gompas
(Buddhist monasteries) dot the Ladakh region.
Shopper's Gusto:
Kashmir is a handicraft
lover's delight. Beauty and art is exhibited in Kashmiri artifacts: paper
mache, lacquered & painted in floral designs, wood carvings &
screens, carpets soft & fine in typical oriental designs. Silks,
woolen shawls embroidered in traditional paisley & hand work of great
beauty. The J&K Handicrafts Corporation has a large display of all
handicraft items, carpets, etc. at the Government Arts Emporium, housed in
what was once the British resident's mansion with a big. lovely garden.
The prices of all items here are fixed & quality guaranteed.