Are they actually coming?

Taliban In Kashmir

This January when I was in Kashmir there was an impending sense of doom in the air. Post 2010 one hadn't seen this kind of graffiti on the walls. Recently, there was a video that was released by the Wali Ur Rehman claiming that he will send Taliban fighters to Kashmir. It seems like a certain section of the Kashmiri society is ready to welcome them.

Taliban In Kashmir

Places to Stay

Must visit these properties while traveling to Kashmir. The tariffs are steep as they are the most luxurious properties in the Valley. If not for a night stay at least visit for a meal and then explore.
                                                      
1) Vivanta by Taj- Dal View, Srinagar. For the best view of the city stay at the Taj.

2) The Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar. A beautiful property and very good service.

3) Hotel Broadway, Srinagar- Nice property with the best hang out joints- coffee shop and bar.
                                                       

Khyber Gulmarg

3) The Khyber Mountain Resort, Gulmarg. Simply outstanding location and decor.

4) Highland Park, Gulmarg. Hosted many celebrities, this is a famous heritage property.

5) The Nedous, Gulmarg- A 125 yr old property, famous for heritage as well as it's New Year's party.

6) The Pahalgam Hotel, Pahalgam- Founded in 1931, the most popular Hotel in the land of shepherds.

Srinagar

                                                                    

Picturesque Srinagar, set in the heart of Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 meters above the sea level is the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir state. This charming city of lakes and gardens also known as The Venice of the East, sprawls elegantly on both sides of river Jhelum, which is crossed by seven bridges. The idyllic Dal and Nagin Lakes, linked by a network of backwaters further enhances the beauty of Srinagar.

According to Kalahana, the author of ‘Rajatarangini’, the city was originally named as Srinagar and founded by emperor Ashoka (3^rd century B.C.).The present town was established by Prabarasens II and finds mention in the travelogues of Hiuen Tsang, the famous Chinese Traveler who in 631 A.D visited Srinagar. Lalitaditya Mukhtapida was the most illustrious ruler of the Hindu period which ended in 1339.
Persian influence over the city’s art and culture was introduced by the Afghan Badshsh, Zain-ul-abidin (1420-70). But, most of the city’s formal beauty and fine mosques are a result of the patronage provided by the Mughal rulers.
Srinagar was the summer resort of the Mughals, who built gorgeous gardens with fountains,waterways, pavilions and terraces placed between groves of Chinar and Willow.

For more information on Srinagar check out the post - 21 things to do in Srinagar.

Tulip Garden

1. The Tulip Garden or Siraj Bagh in Kashmir, is a romanticist’s delight. The tulips have been imported     from Netherlands and there are almost 50 varieties, in different hues and shades that are found in this garden which stands on the banks of the Dal Lake. The tulips bloom during spring, which is one of the best times to visit the valley.

The Vale of Kashmir-A concise introduction.

Perched at an average height of 1500 meters above sea level, the Vale of Kashmir, which is the northernmost side of India is separated from the plains by the Pirpanjal Ranges. On this side of the Banihal tunnel, there are towering mountains, lush green meadows and mystical blue-green lakes.

Legend goes that the vale of Kashmir was once a large lake. Rishi Kashyap drained off the water of the lake and the beautiful land of Kashmir emerged. The recorded history of the valley dates back the 3rd century B.C when the emperor Ashoka ruled. He is said to have introduced Buddhism to Kashmir, which was further supported by emperor Kanishka. The Valley of Kashmir was occupied by Huns and then came the rule of Vikramaditiya. A number of local rulers reigns later, the rule of Lalitaditya (697-738 A.D.) began. He was one of the most famous Hindu rulers of Kashmir who is also known to have constructed many beautiful buildings.

Islam was introduced to Kashmir in 13^th – 14^th century by Zain-ul-Abedin (1420-70), who was considered the most prominent Muslim ruler. In 1158, Akbar conquered Kashmir and under the Mughals Kashmir flourished. In 1752, Kashmir passed into the hands of Afghans, who were succeeded by the Sikhs. It then passed into the hands of the British and then finally it went to the Dogra rulers after a treaty was signed.

The Vale Of Kashmir