The Spectacular Beauty of Kashmir:

An inspiration for art, music and pottery, Kashmir is also a honeymooners' paradise, a nature lover's wonderland and a shopper's dream come true. The sheer beauty and grandeur of the Kashmir Valley cannot be captured in plain words. Set at the foot of the awesome Himalayas, with the splendid Jhelum river meandering through it, this land of raw natural magnificence has enticed people from all over the world, for centuries. Kashmir is home to some of India's famous sites that leave the onlooker mesmerized. There are few places that must be visited, while in Kashmir.

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.

Kashmir is a handicraft lover's delight. Beauty and art is exhibited in Kashmiri artifacts: paper mache, lacquered and painted in floral designs, wood carvings and screens, carpets soft and fine in typical oriental designs. Silks, woolen shawls embroidered in traditional paisley and hand work of great beauty. The J and 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