EXCURSIONS:
Gulmarg (50 km)
The name literally means 'valley of flowers'. These highland pastures are at 2,730 metres. The approach through towering poplars reaches you to expanses of undulating slopes, lush green in summer and pristine white in winter. It offers a magnificent view of the mountains and is frequented by skiers, golfers and trekkers. The shrine of Baba Reshi, a saint revered by both Hindus and Muslims, lies close to Gulmarg.
Pahalgam (96 km)
This idyllic village on the banks of the Lidder River is popular with golfers and anglers. Pahalgam also has camping facilities, ponies for short rides, skiing equipment for the winter and white water rafting in the Lidder. At Kolahoi Glacier close by, it is possible to have a sledge ride on the ice. The surrounding pine forests are home to the Himalayan brown bear.
Pahalgam serves as base camp for the famous pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave.
Sonamarg (80 km)
This 'Golden Meadow' at a height of 2,740 metres is a tranquil mountain retreat wooded with sycamore, silver birch, fir and pine trees. 20 kms east lies the Zoji-La Pass at 3,540 metres, leading to the moonscape-like deserts of Ladakh. The Nichnai Pass offers a stunning view encompassing the lakes of Kishensar, Vishensar and Gangabal. Angling and skiing are popular pastimes here as is trekking to Pahalgam or the Thajiwas Glacier.
Wullar Lake (60 km)
The largest fresh-water lake in India, spread out over 125 km, it is fed by the Jhelum River. This large water body, constantly turbulent and shimmering with the force of the winds, attracts several migratory and indigenous bird species.
Khir Bhawani Temple
This shrine dedicated to the goddess Ragnya Devi was built in 1912 by Maharaja Pratap Singh and later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh. The deity is placed within a spring amidst chinar trees.
Awantipura (29 kms)
This city, now in ruins, was built in the 9th century by King Avantivarman, and includes a temple complex dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.
Amarnath Cave (141 km)
One of the most popular and sacred pilgrimage sites, this cave, at a height of 3,888 metres, with a unique naturally formed ice lingam (Lord Shiva's phallic symbol) draws thousands of devotees on a demanding annual trek on a route that normally takes five days to and fro.