HAVELOCK ISLAND

HAVELOCK ISLAND
                 Largest island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Havelock Island is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs and great scuba diving experience. Havelock is about 30 km from Port Blair and has the distinction of being the most visited island in Andamans.Havelock Island is named after Maj Gen Sir Henry Havelock, a prominent British Army official during colonial times. Most of the Island is populated by friendly people who hailed from mainland India. Bengalis form the

HAVELOCK ISLAND

bulk of the settlers.Though Havelock is the most visited island, it has been insulated from the ill-effects of mass tourism. The island still still retains its pristine charm.Havelock Island comprises of a cluster of small islands known as Ritchie’s Archipelago which is about 30 km east of Great Andaman. Havelock Island is one of the few places in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the government encourages tourism with focus on eco-tourism.Havelock Island is known for its beaches. The most beautiful beach in Havelock is the Radhanagar Beach which was adjudged the ‘Best Beach in Asia’ by Time in 2004. Other beaches that are worth visiting are Elephant Beach and Vijaynagar Beach.Havelock Island is a haven for adventure activities and water sports. Scuba diving is the most popular activity on Havelock Island. The scuba diving activities are run by certified operators who offer instructions as well as equipment.Snorkeling is another favourite with tourists. Like scuba diving, snorkeling equipment and training are available on the beach. Snorkeling is popular among foreign nationals and is gaining popularity among Indian tourists as well.Trekking is another activity which attracts lots of tourists. Trekking trails are aplenty on different parts of the island. About 800 meters from the Vijaynagar Beach, is popular with confluence hunters. Confluence hunters are people who document places where latitudes and longitudes meet with the help of GPS (global positioning satellite) enabled equipment.The months of October to May are the best season for diving and also the most favourable period when it comes to weather. Havelock Island should be avoided during the monsoon months from August to November.

Radhanagar Beach: 

         Most beautiful beach in the Havelock Island, it was rated as the ‘Best Beach in Asia’ in 2004. Beautiful silky white

sand and sky blue water are the highlights of the beach. There are some areas with sandy bottoms and coral reefs which are excellent for swimming and snorkeling.Sunsets are mesmerizing to watch but keep track of time and catch the last bus if you are not staying close to the beach. There are auto-rickshaws and shared 4×4 jeeps available for transport to and from Radhanagar Beach. Radhanagar Beach is also known as beach number 7.

Elephant Beach:

           It is further north of Radhanagar Beach and popular among Indian tourists. Only a fraction of the beach remains after the tsunami in 2004 swept away large portions of the beach out to sea. The coral near Elephant beach is the best on Havelock Island which makes it a good spot for snorkeling. It can be reached by boat and on foot from Radhanagar Beach.

Kalapathar Beach: 

              The beach is on one corner of Havelock Island reachable from Vijaynagar Beach (Beach number 5). The beach gets its name from the nearby village and the black rocks (Kalapathar translates to black rocks in Hindi) that line the shoreline. The sea looks green almost like an emerald on one side and the silky white sand beach on the other side make it a great spot to relax.
Vijaynagar Beach:

          This beach is best suited for long walks along the shore and to relax. The calm water makes it a good spot for

swimming.

Scuba diving :
               Scuba diving is the main activity on Havelock island other than chilling out, lying on the beaches or hammocks and eating seafood. Andaman Bubbles, Barefoot Scuba, DiveIndia and Doongi Dives and are the top 4 SSI [2] and PADI [3] certified dive centers, providing good equipment and offering dive training. They share pretty much all of the same discovered dive sites, and prices are more or less standardized at Rs.4500 for discover scuba dive for non-certified divers, with a 10% discount for your own equipment for fun dives for certified divers. You don’t need to be a swimmer to do the discover scuba diving. Since most of the sites are not very close, usually two dives are made in one trip and most of the dives are conducted from the morning till lunch.

The diving possibilities around the Andamans are vast and it feels that what has been discovered is only the beginning...and even that is pretty great. As of now Havelock is the center of diving on the Andamans.Earlier, diving was done in converted dungi fishing boats but the government has mandated the compulsory use of speedboats for the safety of tourists. With the increase in the number of divers and dive schools a decompression chamber was recently opened at the naval base in Port Blair.

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PAHALGAM

PAHALGAM

PAHALGAM

Location :                                   Anantnag - Kashmir Valley                   Today's Weather

Altitude :                                    2130 mts                                             {weather pahalgam}                  

Population:                                 5922 (2001)

Area:                                          2,740 m (8,990 ft)

Side Valleys:                               Aru Valley, Chandanwari, Bisaran, Beetab Valley, Hajan, Mamal

Major Tourist Activity :               Trout Fishing, White Water Rafting, Golf, Horse Riding, Camping,                                                    Trekking, Mountaineering

Best time to visit :                       March to November

Arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth, the town of Pahalgam (Village of Shepherds) offers breathtaking views. One can just relax in one of the many  trek on some of the many mountains. One can trek to Lidderwat, Kolohoi Glacier or to Sonmarg. Snow skiing is an attraction during the winter months (from December to late February)

“Shepherd’s village”, Pahalgam is visited by tourists and locals in huge number for its gradual lowering of temperature and river Lidder flowing at an approachable distance. Traveling through meandering roads, Pahalgam opens up with a fresh coo1 breeze of the river. The Lidder river rises from the Kolohoi glaciers, Tarsar lake and Sheeshnag to join as tributary of Jhelum. Pahalgam has an astounding 9 hole golf course open for tourists now being extended into an 18 hole. The golf championships are organised by state government and private hoteliers in summer. Here, tourists and locals putt together in the shades of Pine trees surrounding the golf course

Pahalgam, a world famous hill station is 45 Kms. from the District Head Quarter at Anantnag and located on the banks of river Lidder at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level. Pahalgam is one among the five tehsils of Anantnag district and tehsil head quarters are located in the main town of Pahalgam. Once a great tourist puller and favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films is perhaps the best health resort in the country. Pahalgam also serves as base camp for the famous Amarnath Ji Yatra. The Pahalgam Valley presents glamorous look due to its pine forests, snow clad mountains, healthy climate and vast meadows and pastures. Pahalgam skirts Lidder river and torrential flow of water in Lidder river enriches the awesome beauty of the Valley.

Geography

Pahalgam is located at 34.01°N 75.19°E. It has an average elevation of 2740 metres (8989 feet).

Tourist Attraction

Baisaran

3 km from pahalgam is an exciting place where a stream flows through the meadows and pine

trees.Visitors can enjoy a horse ride available at the market place near the bus stand.

Amarnath ji Yatra

Pahalgam(Nunwan) is a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra. Which starts from June to August every year. Enrote to Anarnath Cave is Chandanwari (2,895 m), 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony. About 11 kms from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which, 13 kms away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural shivling in the Amarnath cave, which waxes and wanes with the moon.

The Holy Cave of Amarnathji is 46.7 km from Pahalgam at a altitude of 3952 meters, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The ice lingam formed by water droplets, symbolises Lord Shiva. Nearby are ice lingams of Mata Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya also. People visit the Holy Cave during th

e scheduled Yatra period.Yatris can hire a pony or Dandy from (Nunwan) Pohalgam. According to Bringesha Samhita ,a book in sanskrit , Rishi Bringesha once instructed his disciples to have darshan of sacred lingam at the holy cave , The pilgrims were harassed by demons on the way, Lord Shiva gifted rishis a scepter for their safeguard. Charri Mubarak today is a symbol of this protected caravan.

This Hindu pilgrimage is believed to be the discovery of a Muslim shepherd named Butta Malik who’s descendants still receive a percentage of the donations made by pilgrims. The State government organizes Yatra generally during June to August depending upon the Hindu calendar (Sawan Purnima). The yatra registration is must for all yatries, which is made available at J&K bank branches at selected cities of India. All stopovers have facilities from tents to medical camps and langars. The trek is covered in 2 to 3 days.

Shikargha

Pahalgam's famous picnic spot is a wild life reserve, reached on foot or by pony from main market.

Betab Valley

At a walkable distance is a tourist spot amidst pine trees in pahalgam is famous for many film shootings.

Tulian Lake

Most captivating lake at an altitude of 4000m, surrounded by the snow capped mountains. It is a full

day long trek from Pahalgam. Assistance of a local guide is highly recommended for conducting trekking to this high altitude lake.

Mamal Temple

Mamalika one of the ancient temple in Pahalgam built in 11th century by King Jayasimha, is situated on the right bank of the Lidder. The temple has a pedestal and a Shivalinga. A pure water spring rises at the site covered by a basin

Aru

is a resort village 11km from Pahalgam with a motorable road. From here, famous trek via Lidderwat leads to the Kolohoi Glaciers (36km) at an altitude of 3400mtrs. Here, you can have a glimpse of Kolohoi Peak, 5370 mtrs. Another trek from Lidderwat leads to the most desired twin Lakes, Tarsar 3794mtrs & Marsar 3788 mtrs (2-3 days trek).

Aishmuqam

Shrine of a Sufi saint Baba Zaina-ud-din Wali on a hillock at Ashmuqam is 86 km from Srinagar on route Pahalgam. Commonly known as “Zaino Shah Sahib”, the Sufi was a follower of Alamdar e Kashmir “Shiekh Noor ud Din”. The main sanctorum is situated inside a deep and narrow cave, several relics associated to Bab are kept in a room inside the cave. One of the relics is “The Rod of Staff” of Prophet Moses PBUH, which is believed to have been gifted by Shah Hamdan to Shiekh Noor-Ud-Din Noorani who further handed over the relic to his disciple. In about 15th century, Baba Zaina-ud-Din Wali belonged to Hindu family fron Kishtawar(Doda),His name was Zia Singh.He suffered from a desease that could not be cured by any doctor of the time. When he approached the famous saint Shaikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, his desease cured . There after Zia Singh became Shiekhs disciple and he accepted Islam. One week long Zool festival is celebrated in the month of April in respect of the Shiekh Zaina-ud-din Wali in a peculiar way of holding torchlights “leshi” in a procession, which start in the shrine are displayed to the public for seeking blessings.

Sun Temple

64 km from Srinagar and just 7 km from Anantnag is “Sun Temple” of Martand that belongs to the era of Pandvas . These are the most impressive ancient ruins of Sun temple built by King Lalitaditya

Mukhtapida 699-739 AD situated a top a plateau. According to a legend, Surya, the sun god was the l3th child born from a life less egg called Martand to Aditi wife of saint Kashyap. The foundation of the temple is said to have been between 370-500AD.Whereas some record the construction of temple by Ranaditya.

Avantipur Temples

Oil the to Pahalgam,30 km Srinagar, exist the massive and most impressive ruins of stone temples built during the rein of King Awantiwarman (855-883 AD). Awantipur once the capital of Kashmir is on the right bank of river Jehlum. A short stopover enroute Pahalgam will certainly be liked by the visitors interested in the history of the vale.

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PLACE TO SEE IN SONMARG

SONMARG

                 Sonamarg is situated at a height of 2740 m in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg is a small and beautiful hill resort. Sonamarg literally means the 'Meadow of Gold' and is known so due to the flowers that wraps the meadow in the spring. In the earlier days, Sonamarg lies on the main trading route into central Asia. Sonamarg is the last major point in the Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into Ladakh. At the pass, the green and lush Kashmiri landscape changes to the barren and dry landscape of Ladakh. The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents another face of the countryside in Kashmir and has snowy mountains in its backdrop. Sonamarg is the main base for the treks that passes along several mountain lakes like the Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the major point for the drive to Ladakh across the Zoji La pass. Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the yatra to the holy Amarnath cave. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months. The best time to visit Sonamarg is from April to June.

Adventure Activities in Sonamarg

              The Sindh River that flows through the Sonamarg is bountiful with Trout and Mahseer. So here, one can enjoy the trout and mahseer fishing. In the Krishnasar Lake also you can enjoy the trout fishing. Sonamarg also offers various trekking and hiking trails, which attract the adventure lovers. The adventure seekers may opt for trekking trails from Sonamarg to lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. In particular, trekking trips into the mountains should be undertaken only after consulting the Tourist Office at Srinagar or Sonamarg for safety and feasibility.

Tourist Attractions in Sonamarg

               Sonamarg offers various places of interest to the tourists like Nilagrad, Bisansar Lake & Krishnasar Lake and Nichnai Pass.
Nilagrad
               Nilagrad is a Baltic colony, situated about 6 kms. away from Sonamarg where a mountain river meets the Indus river. The water of the river is reddish in colour and is believed to have curative power of many diseases. The various people visit this place on Sunday to bath in the river.

Yousmarg
               Yousmarg is the famous picnic spot located near Sonamarg. Yousmarg is known for its green pastures, pines and firs.
NichnaiPass
                Nichnai Pass is the vintage point to view the breathtakingly beautiful lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal.

Thajiwas
                  Thajiwas is located after a short and interesting walk from Sonamarg.Thajiwas is known for the glaciers. The miniature plateaus, snowfields, pines and islets adds to the charm of Thajiwas.
Bisansar Lake & KrishnasarLake
                   Bisansar and Krishnasar are the two beautiful lakes added to the beauty of Sonamarg. The Bisansar Lake is situated at an altitude of 4084 m, while crossing the river at Nichinai Pass, with its its lovely natural beauty. Beside the lake is the Krishnasar Lake situated at an altitude of 3801 m, and famous for trout fishing.

How to Reach There ?

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Call:- 044-65623741, +91-90920 26222

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PLACE TO SEE IN GULMARG

GULMARG

          Gulmarg is well known for its amazing natural beauty and it is counted as one of the unique tourist destinations in the world. Gulmarg is surrounded by dense forest. This place is famous for its golf hikes and beautiful highland golf course. The natural beauty accompanied with clean fresh air and a beautiful environment highlights Gulmarg as a major tourist destination.

GULMARG GEARS UP FOR SNOW FESTIVAL 
          Gulmarg, the famous winter sports destination in Jammu and Kashmir, is being dressed up to host Snow festival on the eve of Christmas. Besides last year's star attraction - like snow cycling, night ice skating, snow making competition, sledge race, snow scooter races, skiing, snow rugby, etc - food festival and cultural events will form part of the snow event set to kick start tomorrow, a spokesman of the tourism department said. Encouraged by the success of... the snow festival last year, the spokesman said the tourism department is leaving no stone unturned to promote the hill station as winter sports

destination in national as well as international media. He said, besides the festival, the tourism department is also organising national winter games in Gulmarg from February 17 next year and international cross-country skiing which has been duly approved by the Federation Internal Skiing (FIS). The popular skiing resort was visited by a large number of foreign tourists last year and we expect the number will increase many fold this year. We have also decided to keep special facilities in place to lure maximum number of tourists from across the globe, he said. He claimed that Gulmarg is cheap and most affordable place for winter games across world for both domestic and international tourists. Besides winter sports, tourists can also enjoy the snowy beauty of the valley See.

GONDOLA IN GULMARG 
           Gulmarg has some of amazing treks in world, You can do Mountain Biking from June till

September and enjoy some of the best downhill Mountain biking in world. Skiing season starts from December till Early April. Snow Conditions are really good and you can get deep powder in Gulmarg ski resort every winter The main attraction here is the Gondola. Finished in 2004, it runs up to 3995 meters. Asight seeing trip to the top of the gondola. You can decide whether you wish to go to Stage two when you have reached stage one. Stage two is at a much higher elevation, right on the hill top and is clearly visible from the Gulmarg taxi stand. The hills visible from the top are said to be LOC and Pakistan administered Kashmir (specifically Nanga Parbat and (supposedly) the very tip of K2)

FOOD 
    With a fusion of spices and herbs, the local cuisine of Gulmarg will have you attaining gastronomic nirvana or will at least bring you close. You will find that the traditional dishes are rice based and typically consist of rice with mutton, chicken or fish cooked with vegetables. Sounds too simple? The meat and vegetables are cooked in many different styles in a blend of spices that will have you smacking your lips. Rogan Josh, lamb marinated with yogurt and almonds, slow braised with green and black cardamom, clove and peppercorn and Gushtaba, meatballs simmering in yogurt gravy, are two of the mouth-watering specialities you need to try.

YAKNI 

YAKHNI  : This lamb dish is cooked in curd based gravy which adds the delicious creamy texture. Don’t forget to finish the delicious meal with a cup of Kashmiri kahwa.
DUM ALOO  : A favourite amongst vegetarians, dum aloo is a typical Kashmiri dish, which gets its name as it’s cooked under pressure or dum. Some add dry fruits to enhance the flavour of the dish as well.

ROGAN JOSH  : Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine is primarily famous for its non-vegetarian dishes and rogan josh is its signature dish. This spicy red lamb-based curry is ideally eaten with saffron rice.


MAJOR ATTRACTION IN GULMARG 
          Gulmarg literally means “Meadow of flowers”. Gulmarg is located 60 KMs away from Srinagar which is an hour and half journey by car. Gulmarg has attracted millions of tourists throughout its existence with the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains in the back drop. One of the main attractions in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, the Highest Cable Car in the world. The 1st phase of the Gondola takes tourists to the height of 8530 ft to Kongdori Station and the second stage of the Gondola goes up to the height of 12293 ft. Tourists can enjoy horse Riding and can go riding to the magnificent “Strawberry Valley” , Leopards Valley and ride up to “Kongdori” to see the frozen lake of “Al- Pathar”. Gulmarg in winter is a magnificent experience, fully covered in a white blanket of Snow which turns it into a skiers paradise. The natural slopes here are untouched and prove to be a challenge to ace skiers! Besides the scenic side to Gulmarg, winter time in Gulmarg is a season of festivities with celebrations of “White Christmas” and New Year parties. Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently. The old name of Gulmarg was "Gaurimarg", the name of Lord Shiva's wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862–1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India.

POINTS OF INTEREST : 
          Gulmarg Gondola, Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Gulmarg, Outer Circle Walk, Gulmarg, Ningle Nallah, Gulmarg Gulmarg attracts skiers from all around the world (Jan - March) looking for a cheap skiing holiday (as compared to more expensive European destinations). There are only no liquor shops in entire Gulmarg and Liquor consumption is a social taboo Outside vehicles are not allowed in Gulmarg except for pickup and drop to hotels. Internally guests are required to move around on a Horseback or by walking.

SHRINE OF BABA RESHI
            Built in the 13th century, people from all walks of life visit the shrine to seek blessings. It is accessible by a motorable road from Gulmarg. Built in 1480, the shrine is dedicated to the Muslim scholar and saint, Baba Reshi who spent his days in meditation and prayer here.It’s also an architectural beauty. What makes an immediate impression is the old Kashmiri architecture of the shrine – lattice work windows, intricately carved deodar pillars and exquisite craftsmanship.

STREWBERRY VALLEY
             During summers, taste the freshest strawberry Gulmarg has to offer at Strawberry Valley. A walk to this unexplored part of Gulmarg is a delight in itself as you sample fresh strawberries. Don’t forget to pack some for later.

APHARWAT PEAK
              Apharwat Peak is one of the beautiful summits, situated at a height of nearly 4200 m above the sea level. It receives heavy snowfall and remains covered with snow for most parts of the year. The snow-covered slopes are ideal for indulging in skiing. The Line of Control is barely a few kilometres away from here. Lying in the second phase of the cable car ride from Gulmarg, reaching this spot is highly dependent on the weather condition.\

How to Reach There ?

Visit : FINE Yatra Tours & Travels

Call:- 044-65623741, +91-90920 26222

         +91-99765 58789,  +91-96057 65125

         +91-90922 81222, +91- 98408 16508

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