Nature
Kashmir abounds in rich flora. The Valley which has been described as the 'Paradise' on Earth is full of many hues of wood and game. The most magnificent of the Kashmir trees is the Chinar found throughout the valley. It grows to giant size and girth. The trees presents itself in various enchanting colors through the cycle of the seasons among which its autumnal look is breath-taking. Mountain ranges in the Valley have dense deodar, pine and fir. Walnut, willow, almond and cider also add to the rich flora of Kashmir.
The dense forests of Kashmir are a delight to the sport-lovers and adventures for whom there are Ibex, Snow Leopard, Musk deer, wolf, Markhor, Red bear, Black bear and Leopard. The winged game include ducks, goose, partridge, chakor, pheasant, wagtails, herons, water pigeons, warblers, and doves.In otherwise arid desert of Ladakh some 240 species of local and migratory birds have been identified including black-necked crane. The Ladakh fauna includes yak, Himalayan Ibex, Tibetan antelope, snow leopard, wild ass, red bear and gazelle. Happy Valley, Super Switzerland of Asia, Mughal Emperor's dream garden and Emerald amongst the white pearls of the Himalaya are only a few of the many appellations given to the valley of Kashmir, over the countries. The Mughal king Jahangir, loved to such an ecstasy by the beauty of Kashmir exclaimed, "if there is a Paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here". He was doubtlessly, enthralled by the valley's lust greenery, its abundance of flowers and fruits, its shimmering springs and translucent lakes. Unlike the other Himalayan regions. Kashmir has been traveler's paradise and holiday resort for a long time, probably one the oldest on the earth. Nestling in the lap of the dazzling snow-capped Himalayas, the Kashmir valley is undoubted a jewel in India's crown. An inspiration for so much art, music and poetry, Kashmir is also a honeymooner's paradise, a nature lover's wonderland and a shopper's dream come true. Over the years, Kashmir has come to love and looks after its tourists, fulfilling their every whim, Tourists are everywhere, soaking up all that Kashmir has to offer - the walks, the pony treks, the cable car rides over Gulmarg Resort, the Shikara rides at sunset on the Dal Lake. And once you have visited Kashmir, you will agree that what began as a dream. moves on as an unforgettable experience. |