Gulmarg is one of the
most splendid hill
resorts in the country, falling in the Baramulla Distt of
Kashmir. Initially, Gulmarg of Kashmir used to known by the name
of "Gaurimarg", by the shepherds pasturing their herds. However,
the present name of this hill resort dates back to the 16th
century. Sultan Yusuf Shah, impressed with the stunning
spectacle of the grassy hills adorned with colorful flowers,
gave the name of "Gulmarg" to this beautiful hill station.
Gulmarg hill station also served as the preferred rendezvous of
the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. It is said that the emperor once
collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here.
Gulmarg hill resort boasts of not only picturesque
locales, but also of the highest golf course in the world.
Situated at a height of 2,650 m, Gulmarg golf course is one of
the major attractions of the awesome hill station. Along with
that, Gulmarg is also quite famous as a skiing destination in
winters. The drive to Gulmarg is as beautiful as the hill
station itself. Alongside the road, the scenery changes from
boulevard of poplar to smooth vastness of rice fields, sprinkled
with some pleasing villages. The fir-covered hills characterize
the ascent to Gulmarg, Kashmir. There is also a spot on the way
to Gulmarg, known as "View Point", where tourist often stop to
admire the breathtaking sight of snow capped mountains.
The drive to Gulmarg is filled with a number of colors,
changing with the season. From the translucent green of spring
to summer's rich emerald to autumn's golden hues, the scenery
has something to offer in every season. The "Meadow of Flowers"
counts amongst some of the best tourist spots of the world. Gul
Marg tourism is famous not only for its awe-inspiring beauty,
but for a number of other attractions also. You can also take a
Gandola ride (cable car ride), taking the tourists up to
Kongdori, to enjoy the magnificent sights of the meadow from the
top. Also popular is a trek to Alpather Lake, approximately 13
km from Gulmarg. With the encircling forests of tall conifers,
Gulmarg assumes an unparallel beauty.
Gondola
Gondola, a scenic
hamlet in Gulmarg, is renowned for the beautiful surroundings
and pleasant ambience. The village is located at the picturesque
backdrop of majestic and lush green Himalayan peaks. One can
view the eye feasting natural beauty all around the village. The
village is apparently calm and unexplored.
The major attraction in Gondola is the Gondola lift. Gondola
lift is a cable car operating between Gondola in Gulmarg to
Kongdoor. The enjoyable pleasure trips in the cable car are
breathtaking and offer an experience for lifelong memory. The
exquisite view of the down hills and greenish valleys are really
enchanting for any nature lover.
Skiing:
In winter, Gulmarg acquires
a new persona - that of the country's premier skiing resorts.
Skiing, to many who watch it on TV, seems like a very elitist
sport, requiring a high level of training and expensive
equipment. They are surprised, when they visit Gulmarg for a
day's expedition to "see the snow", that others with the same
level of physical fitness and training are skiing down slopes.
Gulmarg is the ultimate beginner's skiing resort. One doesn't
requite a heavy woolen wardrobe - slacks or a Salwar Kameez will
do fine. In Gulmarg one will also be able to drift to one of the
many Ski shops and hire skis, sticks and goggles. Just find
yourself a ski instructor and set off down a slope. Neither does
one need to exert oneself climbing up slopes. The gentlest slope
of 200m is linked with a ski lift, which helps one to go up.
When one graduates to intermediate level - which will happen
after the first few days of practice, there are other
slopes, longer and steeper, which are connected by chair lift.
The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable
car, which allows a ski run of 2,213m.
How to Reach
Gulmarg By Air
Nearest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar which is 56 km away from
Gulmarg. Jeeps and Taxi cabs are available from airport to
Gulmarg, which will cost around Rs 1000 – Rs 1200. Srinagar is
well connected to Delhi with daily regular flights. Many other
Indian cities are also connected to Srinagar by air.
Gulmarg By Train
Closest Railhead from Gulmarg is Jammu. Jammu is connected by
rail to many cities in India; especially direct trains are
available from northern cities.
Gulmarg By Bus
Gulmarg is well linked by bus services from most of the
cities in Jammu and Kashmir. State owned buses and Private
tourist deluxe luxury buses are also available to reach Gulmarg
from various parts of J&K |
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