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About Kashmir |
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Enchanting travelers, saints and poets over the centuries - splendor of the Valley of Kashmir remains to have an everlasting affair with the mankind. Sir Walter Lawrence writes “Valley is an emerald set in pearls; a land of lakes, clear streams, green turf, magnificent trees and mighty mountains, where the air is coo/ and sweet, where men are strong and women vie with the soil in fritful/ness.” It is said that the ancient Greeks called it Kasperia and the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang ‘KashiMi La. Famous in the world as Cashmere or Kashmir its locally pronounced as Kasheer, this paradise on earth is an ultimate destination where travelers visit to discover a dream. According to Hindu mythology in a huge lake called Satisar a demon devoured the people who lived along the mountain sides. A saint by the name of Kashyap Rishi came for the rescue of the people; he drained the water of the lake with his prayers & devotion to the lord, the demon was overpowerd and the land appeared in the shape of valley that was called Kashyap-Mar. The word Kashmir si said to imply the land desiccated from water where ‘Ka means water ond shimeera means to desiccate.
In the past, Great Mughals and the British resided in Kashmir to escape the scorching heat of the plains. With the growing short holidaying culture among tourists, the Valley is an ideal destination to spend 5 to 1 5 days. Staying over a month has been the choice of foreign visitors who trek where no one stands between the glory of nature and mankind.
Sir Franscis Young Husband comparing Kashmir with Switzerland, writes” It has the same b/ue sky and - sunshine, but its purple hi//s are on a far grandeur scale, and if it has no sea, it has lakes and rivers of rugged variety,of natural scenery of fie/d and forest,of rugged mountains and open valley.”
Perched at an average height of 1515 meters above sea level, this northernmost area of the Indian subcontinent is separated from the plains by the Pirpanjal Range and surrounded by Karakoram Range on the north. Mesmerizing fresh air towering mountains, Iush green meadows, mystical blue-green lakes,exquisite food & handicrafts, countless flora & fauna and Kashmir’s enchnting
four seasons offer true colours of Earth.People of Kashmir speak Kashmiriwith a slight variation in the dialect in various districts of the Valley. In distant and peripheral areas, ‘Gojri is spoken by Gujjars or nomads. Urdu is widely understood and spoken in most parts of the Valley. English too is not unknown, particularly at tourist destinations.Large round silver ornaments known as”Tumar” worn by womenfolk and turbans worn by men have been partof the traditional attire of people in the Valley. Generally of friendly friendly nature, Kashmiris are working and hospitable which has been the real force behind epitornizing Kashmir as paradise.
Kalhanas Rajtarangini written in 11th century is the earliest record available on history of Kashmir. Kalhana mentions that "Kailash is the best place in the three worlds ‘tri!ok’, Himalayas the best place in Kailash
and Kashmir the best place in Himalayas”.According to Rajtarangni, Gonanada I came to the throne of Kashmir about2448 BC. His descendants ruled for many centuries. King Ashoka conquered Kasmir in 250 BC and made Srinagar the capital of his empire. Ist century AD saw the arrival of Kushan Dynasty.Emperor Kanishka organised the 3rd great council of Buddhists at Harwan.From the Karakota dynasty, the great ruler a Muktapida is mentioned as ruler in 8th century. The 9th century witnessed the rule of Utpal dynasty that produced a great ruler Avanti Verman .during whose reign Avantipur was the capital. In the 10th century, Loharo uled in Kashmir .11th century saw rule of King Harsha, a poet and a lover of art & music.12th century witnessed the rule of King Jaisimha. In the l3th century, Kashmir witnessed upheavals, though Islam was earlier spread by the famous saint Bulbul Shah RA, it was in mid-14th Century that Muslim rule started with Shah Mir’s arrival from CentralAsia.
The arrival of great Islamic preacher Syed Ali Hamdani RA from Persia during the rule of Sultan Qutab-ud-Din (AD 1395) witnessed wide-spread of Islam in the
valley.The Sultan was succeeded by his son Sultan Sikandar, ‘The Idol Breaker’. He followed by his son Sultan Zoin-ul-Abidin(AD 1421 - 1474), an exceptionally
peaceful ruler. He was reputed for being enlightened and restructuring Kashmir and was deservedly surnamed as Budshah ‘The Great King’.He said to be buried at ‘Budshah Tomb’in the vicinity of Zaina Kadal. In 16th century, ‘Chaks’ gained power. Yousuf Khan,commonly known as ‘Yousuf Shahi Chak’ ruled in AD 1580. He fell in love and married a peasant woman, Haba Khatoon, the famous poetess of Kashmir. His son Yakub Khan took over the reins in AD 1582. After consolidating the Mughal Empire in northern India, Emperor Akbar’s forces conquered Kashmir in AD 1586.
The Mughal rule lasted for 166 years. The Afghans ruled Kashmir from 1756 to 1818. In 19th century, Sikhs ruled Kashmir, who further installed Dogras as the rulers. On 16th March 1846, Raja Gulab Singh secured the sovereignty of Kashmir from the British under the Treaty of Amritsar. In 1947 when India became independent, Maharaja Hari Singh annexed Kashmir into the Indian Dominion. |
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GOLFING in KASHMIR
A luxury sport introduced a century ago by the Britishers; Kashmir today offers magnificent golfing opportunities in three seasons during the year (April to November). The golf courses in valley spellbound the players by the charm of their environs.18 hole Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) on Boulevard (6 km), nestled between Zabarwan Hills, spans 300 acres of wonderful landscape that offer fantastic putting experience. Its uncompared magnificence created by the surrounding mountains and the shimmering Dal Lake enthrals the players of international repute.
The course was designed and laid out by world renowned golf architect, Robert Trent Jones II, who has designed about 500 courses all over the world. The 18 hole, 6445 meter course at a par of 72 offers a challenge to all levels of players who delightfully compete in the exotic environs. The fairways are turfed with cool season grass of different shades. The club building is built in a style reminiscent to old Kashmiri architecture with separate wings of locker rooms and other facilities like billiards, table tennis, card room and a restaurant.
The pay-and-play policy at RSGC from morning to evening makes it paradise for every golfer. The charges are economical too.
Besides, there is an old golf course, Kashmir Golf Club, near TRC. Laid in 1887, this 18 hole course par of 70, spread over 52 acres is surrouded by the mighty chinar trees. A 9 hole course on the Boulevard, just before the RSGC is yet another favariout course of the golfers.
The courses at Gulmarg and Pahalgam are actively used by golfers during summers, the natural slopes surrouded by the pine trees makes it worth to play at. A project for Sonamarg golf course is already in pipline, the golf consultant state consider Sonamarg ideal for the sport. Competitions are organised during spring, summer and autumn at all these courses, where golfers from across the world compete with talented golfers of the state.
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Meetings, Incentives , Convention & Exhibitions
Sher-I-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake has a Large Auditorium, Soundproof Conference Halls, Meeting Halls, Business Centre, Cafe, Banquet Hall, Projection room, and adequate area for Exhibitions. SKICC has not only boomed the MICE activities in the Valley but has also bolstered up the tourism industry as every related trade is benefitted. Most of the International, National & State level events are organized here. Adjacent to SKICC is the Centaur Hotel that offers a spectacular view to the guests.
Recently another well equipped conference centre has been opened at University of Kashmir campus. Situated in the posh locality near Nageen lake, its auditorium has a capacity to accommodate a large gathering. The MICE activities in Kashmir has been well understood by the private entrepreneurs as some leading hotels and houseboat groups with large gardens regularly organize the conferences and meetings for the national and multinational corporate sector. |
TRANSPORTATION
The State Road Transport Corporation SRTC Bus Stand situated adjacent to the TRC, Srinagar has a huge fleet of vehicles from Tempo Travelers to Hi-tech Coaches which can be hired an the spot or in advance. SRTC operates the daily sightseeing buses to tourist destinations during summer from TRC. Rates per seat in 25 seater deluxe coaches are reasonable for return trip to Gulmarg Rs. 160, Mughal Garden sightseeing Rs. 110 and Pahalgam & Sonamarg Rs. 170.SRTC also has direct bus service from Delhi to Srinagar in deluxe coaches ranging from Rs. 900 to Rs l600 per seat
In Srinagar City, you can easily hire a Ambassador Car Tata Sumo, Qualis or Tempo Traveler from registered Tourist Tax Stands at most of the places from Boulevard to Lal Chowk and at other tourist destinations. Taxi stands have
authorized tariff list according to which the taxi can be hired to any part of the state.
The recent introduction of private Car Rental in valley by agencies like AlKhuddam has seen a tremendous change in tourist surface transport. Most luxurious chauffeur driven cars like Camry, Corolla, Skoda, Mercs and luxury coaches are available at affordable per day charges.This has opened a new era in modernising tourism in the State.Most of the Travel Agents arrange luxury cars, jeeps, 12-seater mini coaches and 35-seater luxury coaches for the visitors on scheduled tariffs.
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Specialities of Kashmir
Kashmir is full of specialties which have been carried on by generations for their necessity according to the climate and suitability. Pheran is a popular garment made of pure wool (patu) warn by men, women and children during the harsh Winter. Womenfolk generally wear one with embroidery work. Embroidered Pherans are popular among tourist.
Another famous creation of Kashmir is the portable brazier ‘Kangri’, a fire pot which is usually held under the Pherans. Kangris are available as decoration pieces also. ‘Kahwa’ sweet herbal drink flavoured by saffron and almonds is on all-season household drink served with a crispy ‘Sheermal’, ‘Kulcha’ or a ‘Bakerkhani’. Kahwa is preferred as a welcome drink on most occasions. Kahwa and Kashmiri salt tea “noon chai” is served in ‘Samawar’, a large sized copper kettle having a tube in the middle for burning charcoal. No function is complete in the absence of Samawar.
Kashmir has some of the best bakeries and confectionaries in the entire country. The special Kashmiri bread used by people from every class with daily morning tea is a half baked round and flat shaped bread called ‘Schout’. ‘Schoutchwour’ is a small sized, thick ,round shaped and funll backed bread used with evening tea. These special breads are produced by the small bread makers called ‘Kaandur’ present mostly in the residential areas. In Srinagar, there are modern bakery shops right from lal Chawk to Residency Road, MA Road.
Dalgate and other parts of the city where all type of cookies, cakes, pastries and English bread is available. |
Handicraft & Shopping
Emperor Zain-ul-Abidin introduced the art of papier-mache, wood carving, stone cutting & polishing and developed the silk, shawl and carpet weaving. It is said that the arts and crafts developed under the patronage of Sultan who brought in the master artisans from Samarqand and Sukhara, he provided all amenities of life to these foreign artisans to popularize craftsmanship in Kashmir.The carpet industry got a boost during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jehangir when Persian knot style of weaving was adopted in manufacturing of carpets.
The renowned silken, handwoven, knotted carpets are available in magical designs and colours. The quality of carpet is measured by knots per square inch. If you desire to buy one that would last far decades, don’t mind shelling out a big amount for a worthy purchase. Carpet making is an intriguing experience. The instruction documents ‘Talim’ worked out by a master designer and the creative hands of weavers go hand in hand in making a carpet most desirable. One can visit a carpet factory to watch the weaving of the carpets.adorn the wardrobes of royal houses and elite class in Europe. The French Queen, Marie Antoinette, proudly wore it. Napoleon Bonaparte presented Pashmina to Empress Josiphine. Kani shawl’s unique weaving gives it a good price tag. ‘Raffal’ is a pure woolen shawl. Semi-Pashmina shawls are available in attractive designs and affordable price range.
The small & large decoration items mode of walnut wood, papier-mache, copper and willow wicker can be fascinating in rooms and offices. Aari & Sozni embroidery clothes are liked by both men & women. Crewel embroidery bedcovers & curtains, chain stitch rugs and Namclas will give your room a typical Kashmiri look. The leather from Kashmir gets exported to different parts of the world - jackets, wallets, handbags and gloves are some favourite buys among the visitors. Don’t forget to buy a cricket bat. Kashmir is one of the largest manufacturers of bats made of willow wood. A variety of bats is available in different sizes at reasonable prices.Shopping like in other tourist places is much talked about subject among traders in valley, while a traveler enjoys the nature. Every handicraft business man or a jeweler allures a visitor to purchase at his setup. The kind of amount a tourist likes to spend is exactly what a shopkeeper will offer.
Its is better to buy small articles like paper machie, wood carving, hand bags, chain stitch and willow wicker items if your budget is low. For heavy items such as carpets, shawls, jewelry, crewel, jackets and large wood carving items one should be ready to shell out a descent sum of money to purchase a quality product.
Bargaining could prove beneficial most of the times at some shops. Some of the famous shopping areas in Srinagar for the tourists are Boulevard, Dalgate, Kohankhan, Residency Road, Lambert lane, Poloview, Lal Chowk, Kokkar Bazaar and the interior parts of the city like Bohri Kadal, Maharjganj and Hazratbal. |
FOOD
Wazwan is a course of over 14 dishes, mostly non-vegetarian. Dishes like Goshtaba, Tabakmaz, Rista, Rogan josh, Kababs and more are prepared out of a particular portion of Iamb meat. Vegetarian delicacies in Wazwan include AIu Bukhara (Apricot), Bambscoont (Quinces), Kashmiri Haak (green leave vegetable), Dum Aloo(Potataes), Mushrooms and Tomato Cheese.
’Vasta Waza’ is the head cook who excels in the art of preparing Wazwan in authentic Kashmiri style with the support of 5 to 50 men dressed traditionally in white cotton Pheran and Salwar.
Wazwan is cooked in large copper utensils on firewood spread almost over 10 meters commonly known as ‘Weur’. The prepared dishes are served on large carved copper platters called ‘Tream’ shared by four persons in traditional way of sitting over a ‘dastarkhwan’. A hand wash on a capper basin and water poured in a jug “Tash Naer” is followed by ‘Bismi-Allah’ prayers to start the feast. Though Wazwan has its real taste at a Kashmir wedding or any function, one can also relish this food at any good hotel restaurant at Residency Road Boulevard.
The stem of the lotus ‘nadur in autumn get pale straw color, ripe and ready to be eaten.Nadur is considered highly nutritious, it is is a delicious combination to be cooked with Fish. Dried fruit and vegetables is a delicacy during winter in Kashmir. Apple, turnip, brinjle, tomato and fish too are among the favourite dried fruits, Smoked fish is yet another favourite dish among the people. Most of these food items are flavoured with the homemade masala tiki ‘waer’. Harisa, minced meat cooked with numerous spices by the professional harisawalas is a household dish during the winters.
For typical Indian vegetarian food, there are many Dhabas and Restaurants on Boulevard and Dalgate area where one can be delighted with variety of Punjabi, Gujrati or pure vegetarian food. Most of hotels and houseboats provide every type of food from continental to pure Gujarati with satisfying quantity and homely taste.
Nadur is considered highly nutritious, it is is a delicious combination to be cooked with Fish. Dried fruit and vegetables is a delicacy during winter in Kashmir. Apple, turnip, brinjle, tomato and fish too are among the favourite dried fruits, Smoked fish is yet another favourite dish among the people. Most of these food items are flavoured with the homemade masala tiki ‘waer’. Harisa, minced meat cooked with numerous spices by the professional harisawalas is a household dish during the winters.
For typical Indian vegetarian food, there are many Dhabas and Restaurants on Boulevard and Dalgate area where one can be delighted with variety of Punjabi, Gujrati or pure vegetarian food. Most of hotels and houseboats provide every type of food from continental to pure Gujarati with satisfying quantity and homely taste. |
CHINAR
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Atanus orientalis Kashmiriana “Bouin”, Chinar is the most gigantic tree found everywhere in the valley. Its growth too full size (over 100 feet) takes hundreds of years. Known for palm shaped leaves of up to 10 inches in length with pendulous burr-like spherical flowers. The shade of Chinar provides cool breeze during summers. Chinar shade has been preferred by most of the Sufi saints in valley, for this reason most of the shrines have more than one chinar near the complex area. Chinar is believed to have been imported into Kashmir during the Mughal period. The Chinar leaves symbolise Kashmir’s beauty. Impression of Maple can be seen in the designs of most of the handicrafts articles and woodwork. The famous political figures of National and International fame have always preferred to visit the valley during the autumn season, when chinar leaves turn red and surrounding area is covered with the leaves. Walking over the fallen chinar leaves is considered most romantic and a memorable experience. |
Music and Dance
Kashmir is famous for its Sufiana music, which provides peace to the listeners mind. Sufi music came from Iran in the 15th century and has established itself as the classical music of Kashmir Santoor is the prominent musical instrument used in ‘Sufiana musique’. Sufiana Kalams are always sung in chorus. Hafiz Nagma is the part of sufiana music performed by a female dancer moving delicately to the musical tones.
‘Band Pather, a spectacle full of satire and humour is performed by a group of artists in open public places to convey messages through drama. It is now occasionally performed at cultural festivals.
Kashmiri Chhakhri is the famous classical song liked by old & young with equal enthusiasm. The instruments generally used in ‘Chhakhri’ are Rabab, Sarong, Harmonium and an earthen pot ‘nout’. Each instrument gives a peculiar rhythm to the music which will make you hum along. Simply ask your travel agent to arrange a ‘mehfil” on any evening during the tour.
Kashmir has had some great poets like Mehjoor, Shamas Faqir, Rasul Mir, Zinda Koul, Dinanath Nadim and poetesses like Haba Khatoan. Mehjoor brought radical change in the Kashmiri poetry, he added the hard reality of life to the romance and religious poetry made by his predecessors, for which he is acclaimed as Shayir e Kashmir(poet of Kashmir).
The present laster’s choice is ready by October and time writers like Rehman Rahi, Farooq Nazqi have added to the charm of the Kashmiri literature and poetry. The poems & rhymes of all the poets’ are sung by renowned Kashmiri singers like, Ghulam Hassan Sofi, Ghulam Ahmod Sofi, Shamima Dev, Kailash Mehra, Raj Begum, Rashid Hafiz and many others.
The local dance popular as ‘Rauff’ in Kashmir is most attractively done by womenfolk decked up in ornaments and embroidered Pherans, choreographed spontaneously at any occasion. The dance is performed simply by keeping arms on each other’s shoulder and moving feet with the song. One can watch Rauff at every wedding. |
Fruits and Dryfruits
Kashmir is blessed with abundant fruit varieties. The temperate fruits of Kashmir are known for the quality, flavour, freshness and shelf life.
Strawberry is the earliest fruit in Valley and Jammu region too; ripe by April it is valued for easy propagation, early maturity and high yield with 5 to 9 % sugar.
Most widely grown apple (schoont) of valley is Delicious, well shaped, crispy and aromatic matures in the month of September. Most popular apple of Kashmir is Ambri, famous for its flavour, fragrance and handsomeness ripens in October and stays unaffected for a long time. A large sized, crisp juicy and acidic maharaji apple matures in late October, mostly kept by the growers for self use to relish an apple a day in the harsh winters. American Trel is small, round shaped, very crispy and sweet apple ripens in September. Golden delicious apple is a taster’s choice is ready by October and available in the market till late January. Yellow in colour, soft, smooth and sweet has the highest food values.
With variation in size and taste Cherries (Gillas) too have different varieties. Mishri, Awal number and double are the most common that start to ripe from month of May and are available upto early July.
Creamy with acidic blend having pointed halves, Peaches (schunun) are harvested in the 3rd week of August. Oblong and crispy Apricots (schier) are yellow and ripe in last week of June. Dried apricots are a famous dry fruit available round the year in the entire state .
Pears (Tong) are available in late summer, bell shaped Nakh tang is crispy and sweet, whereas ‘Bagga Gosh’ or William Pears is juicy and fleshy with high fibre value. Plums ‘Santa Rosa’ (aeer) are of different varieties, round shaped, small and large sized ore red, yellow and green in colour. Crisp, fleshy, sweet and saurare available during mid summer.
Almonds (badaam) and walnuts (doon) in many varieties are available throughout the year. These are grouped on the basis of their shell thicknesses. Walnuts are grouped as Kagzi, Burzil and Wont. The walnut kernels are used in confectionary , desserts and also for extraction of oil. Famous Kashmiri Almonds are considered high nourishing with great medicinal value, Kagzi Badam are the most popular and expensive quality of almonds. Almond tree bloom is a caIl for the arrival of spring in valley. Almonds and Walnuts mature with sufficient shell thickness in the early autumn (August). |
Famous Flowers of Kashmir
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“Womens delight and Mens fortune” flowers have been close to the heads of both genders. The presence of most sought after flowers in the world add to the charm and splendor of Kashmir. Lilly, Rose, Rosemerry, Panzy, Gladiolus, Cox Comb, Dog Flower, Caena, Delia, Snowballs, Lotus and Lavender are just few of the flower varieties found in Kashmir during four seasons of the year. Narssinsus, Daffodils and wild flowers called locally as Werkin, Tekbattin & Tahri Posh are the earliest flowers that announce the arrival of the spring. The budding of the fruit trees like almonds and apples creates an ambience of colourful life full of promises.
People of Kashmir have been fond of flowers since early times; even Jehangir has described the practice of planting tulips on the roof tops as peculiarity of people of Kashmir.
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| TULIP GARDEN
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If a bunch of flowers can do miracles, imagine what can lacs of Tulips, spread over more than 200 acres of land do! April 2007, for the first time govt of J&K let open Siraj Bagh ‘Tulip Garden’ for the .visitors. It is one of the oldest gardens used ar floricultural and botanical purposes in valley, situated in the foothills of Zabarwan range near Royal Springs Golf Course just 8 km from TRC. The superior quality tulip bulbs are imported from Holand in a huge quantity and cultivated over the acres Siraj bagh in the month of October & November, which is the sowing season for the tulips. Month of March the green leafy stems produce a single bud, which grows into a marvelous tulip flower from early April. Tulip lowers observe the spreading in the morning time and its contraction in the evening time, which makes it most magnificent flower on earth. It is called “a garden of heaven” where only lucky people get a chance to visit and carry back the magnetic charm and strength of strong colors of the Tulips.
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| SAFFRON FIELDS |
World famous Saffron, ‘Zafaran’ or ‘Kesar’ of Kashmir is produced in the fields of Pampore, 11 km from Srinagar. Used in royal courts and theaters in Greece, saffron added the charm to the beauty of the Romans who used it for their baths. Today a gram of saffron is the ultimate gift to offer a friend outside the valley. It is a favorite spice used for coloring food and beverages. The saffron Kehwa with sheermal is a favorite welcome drink in Kashmir. It is said that 75000 flowers make a pound of saffron, thus its price is quite high. Saffron is used as a spice for adding delicate aroma, pleasing flavour and beautiful natural color to food, ice creams and shakes. Saffron festival has been scheduled to be held annually in Oct-Nov when the purple petalled flower bears the red stamen. The flower is plucked more than once in season by the men, women and children for sale. Geniune stamen is around 5 cm long reddish brown in colour , tubular and broad on one end and thin on the other. Saffron blooms from a bulb in a peculiar region where soil, altitude and rainfall are most suitable. Saffron is cultivated in about four districts of the state where geographical conditions are suitable. The pure and authentic purchase of saffron is real test for a saffron buyer.
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Climate
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The weather in Kashmir is like that of Europe, as it can rain any lime in any season. It is always advisable to carry rain proofs and warm clothes for children and senior citizens. A large part of the Kashmir tour is spent at high altitude destinations where rainfall is frequent and evenings always a few degrees colder than Srinagar in Spring as well as in Summer.
The variety of flowers in Spring and fruits in Summer will make your tour memorable. Autumn and Winter seasons are full of fun and chill. Autumn with dry, yellow and reddish leaves has a charm of its own and in Winter, be delighted to walk over the white blanket of snow.
. Average Temprature in kashmir Valley
| Month |
Min.Ternp |
Max.Temp. |
Month |
Min.Temp |
Max.Temp |
| January |
-4.1 |
8.5 |
July |
18.1 |
32.0 |
| February |
-2.1 |
14.4 |
August |
17.1 |
28.5 |
| March |
-0.1 |
17.2 |
September |
6.5 |
25.5 |
| April |
5.1 |
24.2 |
October |
6.2 |
24.5 |
| May |
10.4 |
27.5 |
November |
-0.1 |
17.5 |
| June |
14.2 |
30.5 |
December |
-3.2 |
12.5 |
Advised Clothing
| Season |
Months |
Clothing |
| Spring |
March to May |
Clothing |
| Summer |
June to August |
Cottons & rain proofs |
| Autumn |
September to February |
Light woolens & rain proofs |
| Winter |
December to February |
Heavy woolens & Jackets suitable for sub zero temprature |
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The famous Kashmiri shawl is available in different qualities. Pure Pashmina shawls
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