The power of nature is overwhelming, as you can never find a parallel to it. The mighty river, majestic mountains, dense forests, roaring waterfalls and everything that’s natural, is gorgeous, mysterious and powerful. A natural surrounding can stimulate you, calm you, and challenge you to explore its beauties or stun you into silence to enjoy its serenity. If you are game to enjoy the limitless beauties of nature, Kashmir could be the right place for you. Kashmir in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir is the land that is beyond description, greets you with its snowcapped mountains, picturesque valleys, serene lakes, magnificent trees, vibrant flowers and with a scope to enjoys many adventures including trekking, water rafting, canoeing and tons more.
The second largest lake in Kashmir, Dal Lake, is one among the leading attractions in Kashmir. The view of the lake is stunning with mountains on its three sides and plush greenery on its banks. Houseboats not only offer you a superb opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the lake but they also provide you unique experience which will remain fresh in your memory for long.
Nagin Lake lies at the foot of Zabarwan Mountain. It is a neighborhood of the famous Dal Lake. Willow trees and poplar trees surround the lake. Though the lake is smaller in comparison to Dal Lake, it’s quieter and nice. The serenity of the place, birds flying around and therefore the beautiful sunset render magic to the atmosphere.
Mughal Gardens may be a magnificent display of the Mughal architecture. Three gardens that combine to make the Mughal Gardens include Nishat Bagh, Chashma Shahi and Shalimar Gardens. Nishat Bagh was laid out in 1634 AD. It is situated on the banks of Dal Lake. The garden has twelve terraces and the lowest terrace connects to Dal Lake. Shalimar Bagh garden is taken into account to belong to 6th century AD but it vanished later.
Constructed by Shah Jahan’s son Dara Shikoh within the year 1650, Pari Mahal may be a beautiful work of architecture. It was named after Dara Shukoh’s wife Nadira Begum, who was also called as Pari Begum. Situated at the highest of Mountain Zabarwan, the six-terraced garden overlooks Srinagar.
Drass Valley ranks second within the list of coldest inhabited places of the planet, the primary being Oymyakon in Siberia. However, the position now seems to have changed contrary to the existing list as global warming has pushed back Siberia to the second place and ranks Drass Valley at the top. It is situated at an altitude of 3230 m. being a decent valley with cold winds blowing constantly, Drass is colder than many high altitude places on earth.
Baltal Valley is one of the beautiful valleys in Kashmir. Located on the banks of River Sindh, the valley offers breathtaking views. It is located at an altitude of 2743 meter above water level. It is a famous camping place as pilgrim tents are seen all along the picturesque valley to facilitate the stay of tourists to Amarnath.
Sonamarg is situated on Srinagar-Ladakh Highway and its 80 km faraway from Srinagar. Sonamarg means ‘Meadow of Gold’ and it is named thus as the rays of the sun are reflected by the peaks making the entire valley sparkling bright. The mountain ranges here rank amongst the very best ranges within the world.