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Quick Getaways near Srinagar
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Gulmarg
- 48
kms away, first, it's the drive
from Srinagar that will mesmerise
you — what with the majestic
deodars standing tall by the roadside.
And then, it's the Meadow of Flowers
that will enthrall you with its
drop dead gorgeous sight. Home to
the highest golf course anywhere
in the world, it is also the Mecca
of winter sports in India. To add
to the excitement, heli-skiing facilities
have been recently inaugurated on
the famous snowfields of Gulmarg.
Pahalgam - At a
distance of 96
kms , by the beautiful
blue Indus,
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tucked into
Himalayan pine forests, lies the quiet hamlet
of Pahalgam. One of the more popular meadows,
Pahalgam serves as the base for the annual Amarnath
Yatra (July) as well as numerous trekking routes
that branch off from the valley.
Wullar
Lake - 60 km away is the largest fresh
water lake in Asia, situated at a height of
1,580 m and fringed by snowcapped mountains.
The jade blue water of the lake that mirrors
the picturesque sights around, also acts as
a flood reservoir with its levels varying with
the season.
Sonamarg
- 88 km away, the legendary Meadow of Gold,
Sonamarg at 3,000 m in the green slopes of the
outer Himalayas, looks simply out of a Swiss
picture postcard. The Indus River winds its
way through the pine forests and yields a generous
catch of trout and mahaseer for the discerning
angler. If you are not the 'fishy' type, then
roam around and try tracking the many big and
small waterfalls that dot the undulating landscape.
Activities in Srinagar
Srinagar is famous for its traditional Kashmiri
handicrafts. The Handicraft items make excellent
souvenirs from Srinagar. Besides the number
of utilitarian items of daily use, Woolen and
silk carpets from Srinagar are the specialty.
The carpets are not only done intricately, but
are also known for their subtlety and durability.
Chain-stitch carpets from Srinagar are also
popular craft items. You may purchase richly
embroidered woolen shawls in all colors and
intricate designs in Srinagar. Apart from regular
woolen shawls, you can also buy Pashmina shawls
(made from the hair of ibex), which is a highly
valued shawl made in Kashmir.
Exquisite papier-mâché
items such as boxes, vases, replicas of samovar
(metal container used for heating water for
tea), houseboat models, etc., in all shapes
and having bright colors and designs are among
the must-buys. As Kashmir is the only state
in India where walnut trees grow, craftsmen
here create intricate carvings on walnut wood
to make items like tables, chairs, stools, fruit
bowls, partitions, etc., that have rich floral
and trellis patterns carved on them.
The adventure
seekers and the animal lovers may plan a safari
to the Dachigam National Park. Only 22 kms away,
this park offers you the chance of checking
out the unique Himalayan flora and fauna at
Dachigam. Dachigam is home to Leopards, cinnamon
sparrows, black and yellow grosbeak, black bulbuls,
pheasant and the Himalayan grey langur.
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