Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Gulmarg.

About 56 kms from Srinagar at 2730 meters, Gulmarg is one of the most alluring tourist destinations in India with lush surroundings and bewitching sights. Gulmarg's incredible beauty, prime location and closeness to Srinagar naturally make it one of the most visited hill resorts in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, Gulmarg's (meaning the "Meadow of Flowers") present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was spellbound by the sight of its grassy slopes bedecked with wild flowers.

Gulmarg is a favourite haunt of the travellers from round the world for its luxuriant surroundings, salubrious climate and bewitching sights. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of unimaginable beauty - but it is also popular for its golf course, which is highest in the world and skiing during the winter season. This is also an excellent trekking base. In winter, it is used to be India’s premier skiing resort.

Tourist Attractions: Gondola ride to Apharwat (cable car), Khilanmarg, Splendor of nature and Snowy Mountains.
Best Buys : Kashmiri shawls, kashmiri carpets, Tibetan handicraft items.
Best Hangouts: Khilanmarg, skiing, horse riding.
Best Activity: Gondola ride to Apharwat (cable car),
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Kargil, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam.
When to Visit: April and June

Major Tourist Attractions in Gulmarg
Skiing & Heliskiing
Gulmarg boasts of Asia's one of the most famous Heli-skiing resort. With the arrival of the December, the verdant green slopes of Gulmarg are carpeted with snow, giving shape to some of the finest natural slopes for ski runs of all levels.

Golf Courses
Gulmarg is also has one of the world's highest green golf courses at an altitude of 2,650 m, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building of its kind. There are facilities for the both the beginners and the professionals.

Gondola Lift
Gondola Lift offers a fun filled ride of a most unusual kind. Gulmarg's newly constructed Gondola lift from high above Gulmarg, through pine clad slopes, is breathtaking.

Getting There
Air: The nearest Airport from here is situated in Badgam District, which is well connected with all the major cities of the country.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at Jammu.
Road: J&K SRTC operates regular deluxe and ordinary bus services from Srinagar. In winter, the buses operate up to Tangmarg (11 kms from Gulmarg), the remaining distance being covered with smaller vehicles. Tourist taxis also operate between Srinagar and Gulmarg.

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