Added: 05/31/2006 |
Kashmir or Heaven on EarthKashmir... One of the most dangerous territorial disputes and one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Its history and nature are as unique as its slow-paced lifestyle and arts. Compared to the Earth paradise, Kashmir looks majestic with wild flower meadows, overhanging mountainous peaks, vast lakes, interlacing with floating gardens and forests, and sparkling glaciers.
India and Pakistan view the entire region of Kashmir as a disputed territory, and Kashmir is considered one of the most dangerous territorial disputes in the world for strong nuclear capabilities of India and Pakistan. The countries have already fought two wars over Kashmir in 1947 and 1965, and in 1999, there was a border conflict in the Kargil area of India-controlled Kashmir.
Despites these conflicts, Kashmir is popular among tourists as a region of incredible beauty as well as a center of ancient history, philosophical, literary and religious culture of Hindu. Kashmiri literature, sculpture, music, dance, painting, and architecture have had profoundly influenced the entire Asia.
Kashmir, often called the Heaven on Earth, is beautiful overall, but some spots stimulate unreserved admiration. This is Gulmarg, or a Meadow of Flowers, located at an altitude of two thousand three hundred and seventy meters, in Baramulla district. A huge cup shaped meadow is decorated with towering peaks, covered with conifers, fir and pine trees.
Gulmarg is not only the region of a special beauty, but also a popular resort all the year round. In winter, the mountainous slopes turn into excellent ski slopes, attracting tourists from around the globe. Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, as well as a historical clubhouse. The golf courses are suitable for both amateur and advanced players.
Sonamarg, or the Golden Meadow, is another jewel of Kashmir. Located at an altitude of two thousand seven hundred and forty meters, it has brilliant forests of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine. Sonamarg is ideal for trekking, sledging its frozen glaciers, alpine skiing and walking in the jungles at lower altitudes.
Srinagar (The city of Sun), the "Venice of the Himalaya" the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is ideal to start exploration of Kashmir. In addition, it offers many sights worth seeing as well as various sports and entertainment facilities. Srinagar is close to three famous lakes of Kashmir - the Dal, Nagin and Anchar. The Dal, Srinagar's largest lake, is extremely gorgeous with its floating gardens and beautiful houseboats.
Along with multiple natural wonders, Kashmir region is full of historic and archeological treasures. One of them is the Sun Temple, located at Martand. The temple was built in the seventh century on the very top of Plateau, and although today the temple is partly ruined, it gracefully towers above the surroundings with its elegant outlines.
Jamia Masjid is one of the oldest and the most spacious of all the mosques in Kashmir, situated in the heart of the city. The foundation of the mosque was laid by Sultan Sikander in 1398 A.D. The area of this architectural wonder is spacious enough for over thirty thousand people to offer prayers at a time.
Kashmir is also known for its low-paced lifestyle - Kashmir looks almost untouched by the world progress. Locals wear traditional colorful clothes, enjoy folk music and dance, and celebrate festivals. If you want to see more modern and advanced India, visit Karnataka, and its capital Bangalore city, which is the third-largest city in India with prestigious colleges and research institutions, numerous nightspots, and elite cricket clubs.
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