A Divine Transformation at Temples of Jammu Kashmir

Endued with myriad tourist attractions, the state of Jammu and Kashmir boasts of its pilgrimage tour. It has innumerable religious spots and sacred sites that make it a popular destination for devotees as well as tourists. Some major temples in Jammu & Kashmir include Vaishno Devi, Amarnath Temple, Shankaracharya Temple and Sudh Mahadev Temple.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is home to many temples, which are internationally renowned. Various temples and shrines with 'Shikhars', touching the sky create an ambience of a tranquil destination.

Major temples of Jammu Kashmir include:

Vaishno Devi

Snuggled in the ranges of the majestic Trikuta mountain, the cave shrine is known for fulfilling the wishes of people. Since time immemorial, millions of devotees have been visiting the destination. It is a holy cave shrine that lies at an elevation of over 5000 feet. The cave houses ancient images of the three deities, the Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi. People from different faith, creed and religions visit the shrine year after year to pay their obeisance.

Amarnath Temple

This famous cave temple in Jammu & Kashmir is home to one of the holy trinity, Lord Shiva. It lies at an elevation of 12,760 feet above sea level. The holy cave of Amarnath belongs to some interesting legends, which tell that Lord Shiva shared the secret of creation and eternity to His consort Goddess Parvati at this place. A dove couple secretly heard their conversation and they learned the secret as well. They reborn and made the cave their eternal abode.

Raghunath Temple

Lies in the centre of Jammu, the majestic Raghunath temple is a famous attraction of the destination. It is enveloped with other temples, which are dedicated to the various gods of the Hindu mythology. Constructed in the 19th century by the Dogra rulers, the temple boasts of its magnificent architecture. Its gold leaf interiors makes it an important part of Jammu Kashmir temples tour.

Shankaracharya Temple

Tourists can take a stroll to Shankaracharya Temple, which adds popularity to Kashmir tourism. It is among the most revered destinations of Hindu pilgrimage. Lies atop the hills, the temple positions itself at an elevation of 1100 feet above the Srinagar city. Devoted to Lord Shiva, the temple was known as Gopadri.

Sudh Mahadev Temple

A famous temple of Jammu Kashmir Temple Tour, Sudh Mahadev shelters a natural black marble Lingam. Lies at an elevation of 1225 m, this sacred shrine has a spring, called Pap Nashni Bowli. People believe that taking bath in the spring exempts you from all sins. After taking bath, devotees proceed to the sacred temple of Lord Shiva.

Ranbireshwar Temple

Built by Raja Ranbir Sings, it is another well-known temple in Jammu, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple houses the 12 Shiva lingams of crystal and galleries with various saligrams, installed on stone slabs. It offers a spectacular view of the deserted forested hills.

Wildlife of Kashmir to Heighten the Joy of Holiday

The highest and the largest range of mountains in the world, the Himalayan range is among the most gorgeous natural wonders on earth. It has gifted Jammu and Kasmir with a diverse topography. The state houses many popular wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the major ones include Dachigam National Park, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve and Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary.

Blessed with varying geography, Kashmir preserves various types of plant and animal life. The inaccessible peaks of the Himalayas serve as perfect breeding grounds for the Chiru, the rare deer and others, which add popularity to Kashmir tourism. The snow leopard takes shelter in the snows covered mountain crevices. The plains of Jammu are an abode of birds like yellow grosbeak, pheasants and others.

Various wildlife parks protect the different species of flora and fauna. Let us have a look.

Dachigam National Park

It lies 32 km from the capital city. Sprawling over an area of 140 sq km, the park is among the few remaining habitats of rare species, including hangul, leopards and musk deer. The Park is well-known for harbouring the most exotic variety of wildlife in Kashmir. With its dense forests of pine on the various mountain slopes and shrubs, Dachigam stream is a spectacular sight. The park is also an abode of the endangered hangul or the Kashmir stag, which is the only species of red deer to be spotted in India.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

This forest reserve is known for protecting the most endangered wildlife of Kashmir. The reserve covers an area of 180 sq km, and lies at an elevation of 2,400 - 4,300 m above sea level. This encompass musk deer, hangul, snow leopard, brown bear and fox. It has a rich bird population, including snow cock, blue rock pigeon, Jungle Crow and Kashmir Roller. In winters, tourists can spot high-altitude bird species who move to the lower valleys.

Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary

Jammu & Kashmir wildlife tour takes you to the sanctuary that boasts of being the largest park in South Asia. Lies at 12000 feet from sea level, it sprawls over an area of about 3,350 sq. km. It is a famous sanctuary of Ladakh. Hemis sanctuary is known for providing shelter to snow leopards, bharal, goats, wild sheeps and shapu. September to March is the best time to see the wildlife of the park. Trekking routes remain open from mid June to mid October. On their Kashmir wildlife tour, visitors can also enjoy a jeep or elephant safari to spot the various endangered species of wildlife.

Overa Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife destination in Kashmir positions itself at 87 km away from Srinagar. It houses a rich variety of flora and fauna. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot animals like snow leopards, musk deer, hangul and langurs in the park. The birds of the sanctuary include Himalayan Thrush, griffon vulture, mynah and others. Visitors can also come across a variety of plants including mushrooms, pines and other grasses.

Savouring Majestic Kashmir on Houseboats

With exquisitely carved interiors and fancy bedrooms, Kashmir houseboats are truly arresting. You can enjoy the captivating beauty of Kashmir from the comfort of houseboats. Tourists can enjoy a warm stay in Firdous, Kushal, Nishat and Kushdil.

Your trip to the 'Paradise on Earth', Kashmir is never complete without exploring the scenic beauty of the state on houseboats. The first thing that will come to every tourist's mind when they think about Kashmir is houseboat. The idea of staying in houseboats, far from the madding crowd and in close proximity to nature, appeals to everyone.

With houseboat tours in Kashmir, you can explore all the attractions of Kashmir. From attractive furnitures to fine decoration, internet service to multi-cuisines restaurant, houseboats in Kashmir have all the luxuries and modern amenities of a luxury hotel. Visitors have the pleasure to choose from deluxe houseboats to affordable ones. They come in different sizes with three double bedrooms to one double bedroom houseboat. Beautifully carved out of wood, the houseboats of Kashmir allow tourists to get close with nature. Some houseboats also let tourists enjoy shikara ride and explore the gorgeous lakes of Kashmir like Dal Lake. Some of the houseboats have been in service since 19th century.

Various types of houseboat accommodations in Kashmir are:

Firdous

Firdous houseboat is perfect for family vacation. The grand houseboat has three double bedrooms with attached bathrooms and drawing room. There's non-stop supply of hot and cold water. You will also get internet, electricity, cable TV, telephone and cooking service in Firdous. With carved wooden furniture and excellent interiors, Firdous lets tourists have a homely comfort while staying in the houseboat. You can also enjoy sunbathing on the houseboats top-deck.

Kushal

Khushal has two double bedrooms and is a bit smaller in size than Firdous. Generally preferred for family holidays, Kushal has an amazing interior designs and comfy furnitures. You will find the use of Kashmiri handicrafts in Kushal. While staying in the houseboat, the visitors can experience the cool breeze, the chirping noise of the birds, the spectacular natural vistas and the sounds of rolling waters.

Nishat

Honeymooners will find Nishat just perfect for them. With one double bedroom and equip with all the modern amenities, the houseboat maintains privacy and lets couples enjoy a quality time together in the bliss of nature.

Kushdil

Kushdil is also popular among the honeymooners. The houseboat has one double bedroom that comes with an attached bathroom. It also has all the basic modern facilities.

Gulshan

Gulshan has double bedroom and a frontal verandah. It is ideal for family vacations. The sight of snow-capped mountains from the verendah of Gulshan is amazing.

Clermont Too

Clermont Too has two double bedrooms and features all the luxury comforts like electricity, spacious bathrooms, laundry, telephone and other facilities. The houseboat ensures privacy, warm and comfortable stay for tourists.