Places Visit In Srinagar

Dal Lake

Dal is a lake in Srinagar (Dal Lake is a misnomer as Dal in Kashmiri means lake), the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel.

The shore line of the lake, is about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir[6] and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras.During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.

The lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres (6.9 sq mi) and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi), including its floating gardens. The floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as an independent lake). Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively.

At present, the Dal and its Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh on its periphery are undergoing intensive restoration measures to fully address the serious eutrophication problems experienced by the lake. Massive investments of approximately US$275 million (₹ 11 billion) are being made by the Government of India to restore the lake to its original splendour.

History

Dal is mentioned as Mahasarit (Sanskrti-महासरित्) in ancient Sanskrit texts. Ancient history records mention that a village named Isabar to the east of Dal was the residence of goddess Durga.[citation needed] This place was known as Sureshwari on the bank of the lake, which was sourced by a spring called the Satadhara.[citation needed]During the Mughal period, the Mughal rulers of India designated Kashmir, Srinagar in particular, as their summer resort. They developed the precincts of the Dal in Srinagar with sprawling Mughal-type gardens and pavilions as pleasure resorts to enjoy the salubrious cool climate. After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, which led to the disintegration of the Mughal Empire, Pashtun tribes in the area around the lake and city increased, and the Afghan Durrani Empire ruled the city for several decades. In 1814 a significant part of the Kashmir valley, including Srinagar, was annexed from the Afghans by Raja Ranjit Singh to his kingdom, and the Sikhs grew in influence in the region for 27 years. Nishat Bagh Mughal Gardens During the Dogra Raj, Srinagar became the capital of Dogra dynasty, attracted by the cool climate of the Kashmir valley, amidst the back drop of the majestic snow covered Himalayan ranges. The lake precincts experience temperatures in the range of 1–11 °C (34–52 °F) during winter and 12–30 °C (54–86 °F) during the summer season. The lake freezes when temperatures drop to about −11 °C (12 °F) during severe winter. Although the Dogra Maharaja of Kashmir restricted the building of houses in the valley, the British circumvented this rule by commissioning lavish houseboats to be built on the Dal. The houseboats have been referred to as, "each one a little piece of England afloat on Dal." After the independence of India, the Kashmiri Hanji people have built, owned and maintained these houseboats, cultivating floating gardens and producing commodities for the market, making them the centre of their livelihoods. The houseboats, closely associated with Dal also provide accommodation in Srinagar. Following the Mughal, Afghan, Sikh and Dogra rule, the place has earned the epithet, "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir

Mughal Gardens

Mughal gardens are a group of gardens built by the Mughals in the Persian style of architecture. This style was heavily influenced by the Persian gardens particularly the Charbagh structure. Significant use of rectilinear layouts are made within the walled enclosures. Some of the typical features include pools, fountains and canals inside the gardens.

History

The founder of the Mughal empire, Babur, described his favourite type of garden as a charbagh. They use the term bāgh, baug, bageecha or bagicha for garden. This word developed a new meaning in India, as Babur explains; India lacked the fast-flowing streams required for the Central Asian charbagh. The Agra garden, which was renamed after Partition of India as the Ram Bagh, since it lied in Hindu majority portion is thought to have been the first charbagh. India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have a number of Mughal gardens which differ from their Central Asian predecessors with respect to "the highly disciplined geometry". An early textual references about Mughal gardens are found in the memoirs and biographies of the Mughal emperors, including those of Babur, Humayun and Akbar. Later references are found from "the accounts of India" written by various European travellers (Bernier for example). The first serious historical study of Mughal gardens was written by Constance Villiers-Stuart, with the title Gardens of the Great Mughals (1913). Her husband was a Colonel in Britain's Indian army. This gave her a good network of contacts and an opportunity to travel. During their residence at Pinjore Gardens, Mrs. Villiers-Stuart also had an opportunity to direct the maintenance of an important Mughal garden. Her book makes reference to the forthcoming design of a garden in the Government House at New Delhi (now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan). She was consulted by Edwin Lutyens, and this may have influenced his choice of Mughal style for this project. Recent scholarly work on the history of Mughal gardens has been carried out under the auspicious guidance of Dumbarton Oaks (including Mughal Gardens: Sources, Places, Representations, and Prospects edited by James L. Wescoat, Jr. and Joachim Wolschke-Bulmahn) and the Smithsonian Institution. Some examples of Mughal gardens are Shalimar Gardens (Lahore), Lalbagh Fort at Dhaka, and Shalimar Bagh (Srinagar).

From the beginnings of the Mughal Empire, the construction of gardens was a beloved imperial pastime. Babur, the first Mughal conqueror-king, had gardens built in Lahore and Dholpur. Humayun, his son, does not seem to have had much time for building—he was busy reclaiming and increasing the realm—but he is known to have spent a great deal of time at his father’s gardens. Akbar built several gardens first in Delhi, then in Agra, Akbar’s new capital. These tended to be riverfront gardens rather than the fortress gardens that his predecessors built. Building riverfront rather than fortress gardens influenced later Mughal garden architecture considerably.
Akbar’s region, Jahangir, did not build as much, but he helped to lay out the famous Shalimar garden and was known for his great love for flowers. Indeed, his trips to Kashmir are believed to have begun a fashion for naturalistic and abundant floral design.
Jahangir's son, Shah Jahan, marks the apex of Mughal garden architecture and floral design. He is famous for the construction of the Taj Mahal, a sprawling funereal paradise in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. He is also responsible for the Red Fort at Delhi which contains the Mahtab Bagh, a night garden that was filled with night-blooming jasmine and other pale flowers.The pavilions within are faced with white marble to glow in the moonlight. This and the marble of the Taj Mahal are inlaid with semiprecious stone depicting scrolling naturalistic floral motifs, the most important being the tulip, which Shah Jahan adopted as a personal symbol.

Design and symbolism

Mughal gardens design derives primarily from the medieval Islamic garden, although there are nomadic influences that come from the Mughals’ Turkish-Mongolian ancestry. Julie Scott Meisami describes the medieval Islamic garden as “a hortus conclusus, walled off and protected from the outside world; within, its design was rigidly formal, and its inner space was filled with those elements that man finds most pleasing in nature. Its essential features included running water (perhaps the most important element) and a pool to reflect the beauties of sky and garden; trees of various sorts, some to provide shade merely, and others to produce fruits; flowers, colorful and sweet-smelling; grass, usually growing wild under the trees; birds to fill the garden with song; the whole is cooled by a pleasant breeze. The garden might include a raised hillock at the center, reminiscent of the mountain at the center of the universe in cosmological descriptions, and often surmounted by a pavilion or palace.” The Turkish-Mongolian elements of the Mughal garden are primarily related to the inclusion of tents, carpets and canopies reflecting nomadic roots. Tents indicated status in these societies, so wealth and power were displayed through the richness of the fabrics as well as by size and number.
The Mughals were obsessed with symbol and incorporated it into their gardens in many ways. The standard Quranic references to paradise were in the architecture, layout, and in the choice of plant life; but more secular references, including numerological and zodiacal significances connected to family history or other cultural significance, were often juxtaposed. The numbers eight and nine were considered auspicious by the Mughals and can be found in the number of terraces or in garden architecture such as octagonal pools.

Shalimar Bagh

Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden in Srinagar, linked through a channel to the northeast of Dal Lake, on its right bank located on the outskirts of Srinagar city in Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir. Its other names are Shalimar Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Farah Baksh and Faiz Baksh, and the other famous shore line garden in the vicinity is Nishat Bagh.

The Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor Jahan, in 1619. The Bagh is considered the high point of Mughal horticulture. It is now a public park. This time it's also called as crown of Srinagar

History

While the recent history and development of the Mughal types of gardens is credited to Emperor Jahangir, the ancient history of the garden can be traced to the 2nd century when it was built during the reign of Pravarsena II. Praversena II founded the city of Srinagar and ruled in Kashmir from 79 AD to 139 AD. He had built a cottage for his stay at the northeastern corner of the Dal Lake and had named it Shalimar . The word "Shalimar " in Sanskrit means abode of love. The king, on his visits to a local saint by the name Sukarma Swami at Harwan, used to stop at this cottage. Over the years, the cottage fell into ruins and later could not be located. However, the name of the place remained as Shalimar.

It is here that Emperor Jahangir built his celebrated Shalimar Bagh, his dream project to please his queen.He enlarged the ancient garden in 1619 into a royal garden and called it 'Farah Baksh' ('the delightful'). He built it for his wife Nur Jahan ('light of the world'). In 1630, under Emperor Shah Jahan’s orders, Zafar Khan the governor of Kashmir extended it. He named it ‘Faiz Baksh’ ('the bountiful'). It then became a pleasure place for the Pathan and Sikh governors who followed Zafar Khan.

During the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh the marble pavilion was the guest house for European visitors. Electrification of the premises was done during Maharaja Hari Singh’s rule. Thus, over the years, the garden was extended and improved by many rulers and called by different names, but the most popular name ‘Shalimar Bagh’ continues to this day.During the Mughal period in particular, Emperor Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan were so enamoured of Kashmir that during summer they moved to Srinagar with their full court entourage from Delhi at least 13 times. Shalimar Bagh was their imperial summer residence and the Royal Court. They crossed the arduous snowy passes of the Pir Panjal mountain range on elephants to reach Srinagar.

The layout of the garden is an adaptation of another Islamic garden layout known as the Persian gardens. This garden built on a flat land on a square plan with four radiating arms from a central location as the water source. It needed to be modified to suit the hilly terrain and availability of a well, which could be diverted from a higher elevation to the planned gardens. Modifications involved the main channel running through the garden axially from top to the lowest point. This central channel, known as the Shah Nahar, is the main axis of the garden. It runs through three terraces. This layout left out the radial arms and the shape became rectangular, instead of a square plan of the Chahar Bagh.The garden, as finally laid out, covers an area of 12.4 hectares (31 acres) built with a size of 587 metres (1,926 ft) length on the main axis channel and with a total width of 251 metres (823 ft). The garden has three terraces fitted with fountains and with chinar (sycamore) tree-lined vistas. The Shahnahar is the main feeder channel to all the terraces. Each one of the three terraces has a specific role.

The garden was linked to the open Dal Lake water through a canal of about 1 mile (1.6 km) length and 12 yards (11 m) in width that ran through swampy quagmire. Willow groves and rice terraces fringed the lake edge. Broad green paths bordered the lake with rows of chinar trees. The garden was laid in trellised walkways lined by avenues of aspen trees planted at 2 feet (0.61 m) interval.

Wular Lake

Wular Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. It is sited in Bandipora district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity and is fed by the Jhelum River.The lake's size varies seasonally from 12 to 100 square miles (30 to 260 square kilometers). In addition, much of the lake has been drained as a result of willow plantations being built on the shore in the 1950s.

History

The lake is one of the 26 Indian wetlands designated as a Ramsar site. However it faces environmental threats including the conversion of large parts of the lake's catchment areas into agriculture land, pollution from fertilizers and animal wastes, hunting of waterfowl and migratory birds, and weed infestation in the lake itself.The Kashmiri sultan Zain-ul-Abidin is reputed to have ordered the construction of the artificial island of Zaina Lank in the middle of the lake in 1444.

The lake sustains a rich population of birds. Terrestrial birds observed around the lake include the black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrowhawk, short-toed eagle, Himalayan golden eagle, Himalayan monal, chukar partridge, koklass pheasant, rock dove, common cuckoo, alpine swift, Indian roller, Himalayan woodpecker, hoopoe, barn swallow, golden oriole and others.The Tulbul Project is a "navigation lock-cum-control structure" at the mouth of Wular Lake. According to the original Indian plan, the barrage was expected to be of 439 feet (134 m) long and 40 feet (12 m) wide, and would have a maximum storage capacity of 300,000 acre feet (370,000,000 m3) of water. One aim was to regulate the release of water from the natural storage in the lake to maintain a minimum draught of 4.5 feet (1.4 m) in the river up to Baramulla during the lean winter months. The project was conceived in the early 1980s and work began in 1984.
There has been an ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan over the Tulbul Project since 1987, when Pakistan objected that it violated the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. India stopped work on the project that year, but has since pressed to restart construction. The Jhelum River through the Kashmir valley below Wular Lake provides an important means of transport for goods and people. To sustain navigation throughout the year a minimum depth of water is needed. India contends that this makes development of the Tulbul Project permissible under the treaty, while Pakistan maintains that the project is a violation of the treaty. India says suspension of work is harming the interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir and also depriving the people of Pakistan of irrigation and power benefits that may accrue from regulated water releases.
In recognition of its biological, hydrological and socio-economic values, the lake was included in 1986 as a Wetland of National Importance under the Wetlands Programme of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India for intensive conservation and management purposes. Subsequently in 1990, it was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.Amongst other developments, two million trees will be cut to restore Wular Lake under the National Lake Conservation Programme.The Environment Ministry of India approved Rs 4 billion for the restoration project for the lake that will take 5 to 10 years and was after long delays scheduled to start in December 2011.[8] The partner organisation South Asian Voluntary Association of Environmentalists (SAVE) is a joint initiative of individuals with the aim to protect the ecology and to conserve the nature at Wular Lake.

Chatpal

Chatpal is one of the unexplored paradise Kashmir is blessed with. Located in South Kashmir, in the Shangus district, this is a perfect dream location.

Endowed with lush green forests, lofty mountains, melodious springs bustling with milky white water gushing down the mountainous terrain and serene ambiance a blissful change from chaos of cities. The skies are shaded in clear blues which in evenings are washed by fiery red of the sun. The beautiful environs can only be justified by saying it’s a fairytale vacation in the lap of Himalayas.

Tourist Attractions in Chatpal

The true definition of ‘untouched natural beauty’ remains unclear until you step in the land of Chatpal. There are no prominent tourist attractions but it provides peace, serenity and untouched natural and God gifted beauty. The breathtaking locale is a perfect getaway to spend some memorable time in the lap of Himalayan. Simply breathe the pure mountain air and forget all worries of your city life.
One can go trekking around the woods of Chatpal or simply spend the evening with the friendly local people. The apple and walnut trees are a pleasant sight. Devoid of electricity, here one can savor the silence of having a candle light dinner and snuggling up in cozy blankets.

Srinagar Airport is the international and domestic air connection near Chatpal. 90 km away, the airport offers flight connections from all over India. The village is only accessible by road. To reach the offbeat location, tourists should take the Anantnag-Chitergul road, then a local jeep to Achabal and then a private jeep can be hired for further travelling to Chatpal. From the airport it is a 3 hour travel.
Jammu Tawi Railway station is the train connection near Chatpal. The distance is around 330 km. to reach Chatpal, travel via the Anantnag-Chitergul road. Further a local jeep takes you to Achabal. A private jeep can be hired for further travelling in the serene village.
Chatpal is easily accessible by road. Tourists should take the Anantnag-Chitergul road; further a local jeep takes you to Achabal. A private jeep can be hired for further travelling. The duration of the journey is one hour approximately.

Looking for an escape from the hum-drum of city or work life and you desire to rest your mind at a non-tourist infested place then, take a break and plan a trip Chatpal in South Kashmir. Trust us, it would be perfect dream location with lush green forests, lofty mountains wearing the rings of cloud which in evenings are washed by crimson red sun, limpid springs with milky white water gushing down the mountainous terrain. It is located in the Shangus district. If you rent a car form Srinagar it takes you 3 hours to reach here. Tourists take the Anantnag-Chitergul road to reach the destination. Also people share jeep from Achabal that drops travellers to Chitergul. From Chitergul, tourists can hire a special jeep in order to reach Chatpal which takes 1 hour. The more jaunty and adventurous kind can go for a trek also. There are private tour planners that can help you in planning the trip. Although there are no hotel or guest houses but there is government accommodation bungalow. Few tourist stay in Achabal or Kokernag where there are more options for accommodation. Trip to this place will surely rekindle your spirits.
Nearby places to visit from Chatpal are Aharbal waterfall, Sonmarg, Lolab valley, Gulmarg , Martand temple and Kishtawar National Park.

Chatpal was an unknown name on the itinerary, none of us knew nothing about this place except that it was situated 3 hours away from Srinagar, and no one goes there.
We alighted at Jammu railway station at 3:30 AM, making our ways through the sleeping passengers on the platform, towards the waiting room. However, a peak into the waiting room made us settle for the benches outside. Sleep was miles away from our eyes, midst the excitement about the journey to start. We were about to be on the road for the next one month, and the cameras had already started emerging from the bag, to capture the moments as they happened.
Half an hour later, as we were busy observing the dull proceedings at the railway station, with our eyes following a solitary shunting locomotive, Altamash bhai waved at us to start moving towards the exit. Altamash had joined us as the financial manager for the trip.
It was still dark outside where our taxies, three of them, waited for us to dump our luggage and ourselves into them and make a move towards our first destination for the trip, Chatpal.
Half an hour later while our taxi moved through the winding roads, as we left Jammu, cutting through darkness and overtaking trucks, I asked our driver if he had ever been to Chatpal, he smiled and replied in negative. So it was confirmed, none of us had ever seen Chatpal, and somewhere this fueled the excitement to be at this place.

Nigeen Lake

Nigeen Lake is a mildly eutrophic lake located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is sometimes considered a part of the Dal lake and is connected to it via a narrow strait.

It is also connected to the Khushal Sar and Gil Sar lakes via a channel known as Nallah Amir Khan.The land at the Famous Nigeen lake belonged to Hakim Family of Hakim Mohallah Baghwanpora. Out of which the major portion belonged to the great social worker and well-known personality of Baghwanpora Haji Hakim Ghulam Mohammad,his wife and his elder brother Hakim ali.The Nigeen lake is surrounded by a large number of willow and poplar trees. Hence, it has come to be referred as a "nageena", which means "the jewel in the ring". The word "nigeen" is a local variant of the same word.The lake is located adjacent to the Hari Parbat hillock, to the west of the Dal lake. To its north and west, lie the localities of Baghwanpora and Lal Bazar while to its north east lies the locality of Hazratbal, which is known for the famous shrine.
Nagin Lake in Srinagar is a deep blue water offshoot lake of Dal Lake that is interconnected by a thin causeway. The lake is located to the east of the city of Srinagar, at the foothill of the Zabarwan Mountain.

The lake is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar, known for its relatively pristine waters as compared to the Dal lake. Houseboats and shikaras are a usual sight. Its also ideal for swimming, being deeper and less crowded than the Dal lake.
However, as is the problem with other water bodies in the Kashmir Valley, the lake also suffers from encroachments which are deteriorating its water quality and also increasing the risk of floods. As such, the government of Jammu and Kashmir is engaged in taking steps to help improve the condition of the lake and restore it to its original glory.

Nagin Lake, though sometimes referred to as a separate lake, is actually part of Dal Lake, being linked through a causeway which permits only bikers and walkers to enter the lake precincts. The caseway carries the water supply pipeline to the Srinagar city in the east. The lake is bounded by the Shankaracharya hill (Takht-e-Suleiman) on the south and Hari Parbat on the west and is located at the foot of the Zabarwan hills. Willow and poplar trees flank the edges of the lake.
Nagin Lake got its name from the trees surrounding the lake. Popularly known as the 'Jewel in the Ring’, it is one of the impressive lakes in east Srinagar. The lake with its deep blue waters is separated from the Dal Lake by a thin causeway and is an exciting tourist spot with number of houseboats dwindling in the calm waters.
Nagin Lake is a perfect place to go for swimming as it is less crowded and deeper. Water Skiing & sailing on fiberglass boats can also be enjoyed here. May to September is considered to be the best time to visit here. Hazratbal Mosque is a close by attraction to visit. Road Distance or driving distance from Dal Lake to Nagin Lake is 8 kms (5.00 miles). Your total travel time is approximately 0 hour(s) 14 min(s); which may vary depending upon the road and traffic conditions.

Wular Lake

Wular Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. It is sited in Bandipora district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity and is fed by the Jhelum River.The lake's size varies seasonally from 12 to 100 square miles (30 to 260 square kilometers). In addition, much of the lake has been drained as a result of willow plantations being built on the shore in the 1950s.

History

The lake is one of the 26 Indian wetlands designated as a Ramsar site. However it faces environmental threats including the conversion of large parts of the lake's catchment areas into agriculture land, pollution from fertilizers and animal wastes, hunting of waterfowl and migratory birds, and weed infestation in the lake itself.The Kashmiri sultan Zain-ul-Abidin is reputed to have ordered the construction of the artificial island of Zaina Lank in the middle of the lake in 1444.

The lake sustains a rich population of birds. Terrestrial birds observed around the lake include the black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrowhawk, short-toed eagle, Himalayan golden eagle, Himalayan monal, chukar partridge, koklass pheasant, rock dove, common cuckoo, alpine swift, Indian roller, Himalayan woodpecker, hoopoe, barn swallow, golden oriole and others.The Tulbul Project is a "navigation lock-cum-control structure" at the mouth of Wular Lake. According to the original Indian plan, the barrage was expected to be of 439 feet (134 m) long and 40 feet (12 m) wide, and would have a maximum storage capacity of 300,000 acre feet (370,000,000 m3) of water. One aim was to regulate the release of water from the natural storage in the lake to maintain a minimum draught of 4.5 feet (1.4 m) in the river up to Baramulla during the lean winter months. The project was conceived in the early 1980s and work began in 1984.
There has been an ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan over the Tulbul Project since 1987, when Pakistan objected that it violated the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. India stopped work on the project that year, but has since pressed to restart construction. The Jhelum River through the Kashmir valley below Wular Lake provides an important means of transport for goods and people. To sustain navigation throughout the year a minimum depth of water is needed. India contends that this makes development of the Tulbul Project permissible under the treaty, while Pakistan maintains that the project is a violation of the treaty. India says suspension of work is harming the interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir and also depriving the people of Pakistan of irrigation and power benefits that may accrue from regulated water releases.
In recognition of its biological, hydrological and socio-economic values, the lake was included in 1986 as a Wetland of National Importance under the Wetlands Programme of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India for intensive conservation and management purposes. Subsequently in 1990, it was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.Amongst other developments, two million trees will be cut to restore Wular Lake under the National Lake Conservation Programme.The Environment Ministry of India approved Rs 4 billion for the restoration project for the lake that will take 5 to 10 years and was after long delays scheduled to start in December 2011.[8] The partner organisation South Asian Voluntary Association of Environmentalists (SAVE) is a joint initiative of individuals with the aim to protect the ecology and to conserve the nature at Wular Lake.

Chatpal

Chatpal is one of the unexplored paradise Kashmir is blessed with. Located in South Kashmir, in the Shangus district, this is a perfect dream location.

Endowed with lush green forests, lofty mountains, melodious springs bustling with milky white water gushing down the mountainous terrain and serene ambiance a blissful change from chaos of cities. The skies are shaded in clear blues which in evenings are washed by fiery red of the sun. The beautiful environs can only be justified by saying it’s a fairytale vacation in the lap of Himalayas.

Tourist Attractions in Chatpal

The true definition of ‘untouched natural beauty’ remains unclear until you step in the land of Chatpal. There are no prominent tourist attractions but it provides peace, serenity and untouched natural and God gifted beauty. The breathtaking locale is a perfect getaway to spend some memorable time in the lap of Himalayan. Simply breathe the pure mountain air and forget all worries of your city life.
One can go trekking around the woods of Chatpal or simply spend the evening with the friendly local people. The apple and walnut trees are a pleasant sight. Devoid of electricity, here one can savor the silence of having a candle light dinner and snuggling up in cozy blankets.

Srinagar Airport is the international and domestic air connection near Chatpal. 90 km away, the airport offers flight connections from all over India. The village is only accessible by road. To reach the offbeat location, tourists should take the Anantnag-Chitergul road, then a local jeep to Achabal and then a private jeep can be hired for further travelling to Chatpal. From the airport it is a 3 hour travel.
Jammu Tawi Railway station is the train connection near Chatpal. The distance is around 330 km. to reach Chatpal, travel via the Anantnag-Chitergul road. Further a local jeep takes you to Achabal. A private jeep can be hired for further travelling in the serene village.
Chatpal is easily accessible by road. Tourists should take the Anantnag-Chitergul road; further a local jeep takes you to Achabal. A private jeep can be hired for further travelling. The duration of the journey is one hour approximately.

Looking for an escape from the hum-drum of city or work life and you desire to rest your mind at a non-tourist infested place then, take a break and plan a trip Chatpal in South Kashmir. Trust us, it would be perfect dream location with lush green forests, lofty mountains wearing the rings of cloud which in evenings are washed by crimson red sun, limpid springs with milky white water gushing down the mountainous terrain. It is located in the Shangus district. If you rent a car form Srinagar it takes you 3 hours to reach here. Tourists take the Anantnag-Chitergul road to reach the destination. Also people share jeep from Achabal that drops travellers to Chitergul. From Chitergul, tourists can hire a special jeep in order to reach Chatpal which takes 1 hour. The more jaunty and adventurous kind can go for a trek also. There are private tour planners that can help you in planning the trip. Although there are no hotel or guest houses but there is government accommodation bungalow. Few tourist stay in Achabal or Kokernag where there are more options for accommodation. Trip to this place will surely rekindle your spirits.
Nearby places to visit from Chatpal are Aharbal waterfall, Sonmarg, Lolab valley, Gulmarg , Martand temple and Kishtawar National Park.

Chatpal was an unknown name on the itinerary, none of us knew nothing about this place except that it was situated 3 hours away from Srinagar, and no one goes there.
We alighted at Jammu railway station at 3:30 AM, making our ways through the sleeping passengers on the platform, towards the waiting room. However, a peak into the waiting room made us settle for the benches outside. Sleep was miles away from our eyes, midst the excitement about the journey to start. We were about to be on the road for the next one month, and the cameras had already started emerging from the bag, to capture the moments as they happened.
Half an hour later, as we were busy observing the dull proceedings at the railway station, with our eyes following a solitary shunting locomotive, Altamash bhai waved at us to start moving towards the exit. Altamash had joined us as the financial manager for the trip.
It was still dark outside where our taxies, three of them, waited for us to dump our luggage and ourselves into them and make a move towards our first destination for the trip, Chatpal.
Half an hour later while our taxi moved through the winding roads, as we left Jammu, cutting through darkness and overtaking trucks, I asked our driver if he had ever been to Chatpal, he smiled and replied in negative. So it was confirmed, none of us had ever seen Chatpal, and somewhere this fueled the excitement to be at this place.

Betaab Valley

Betaab valley is situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Pahalgam in Anantnag district in India's northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir. The valley got its name from the Sunny Deol-Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab.The Valley is towards northeast of Pahalgam and falls between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi and is en route Amarnath Temple Yatra. The valley surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation.

The perfect blend of spices with hand picked biryani rice add rich flavour and taste.

History

Betaab Valley, which is a part of Pahalgam area – one of the several Sub-valleys of Kashmir Valley came into existence during the post geosynclinal stage of the development of the Himalayas. Betaab Valley lies between the two Himalayan Ranges – Pir Panjal and Zanskar. Archaeological evidence proves the human existence in this region from the Neolithic Age, especially at Burzahom, Bomai and Pahalgam. Betaab Valley – a part of the Kashmir region, was ruled by the Mughals since the 15th Century. In latter part of the 15th century the Turko-Mughal Military General Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat ruled over Kashmir first on behalf of Sultan Said Khan of Kashgar and then on behalf of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. A polyglot and a historical writer, General Haider wrote the ‘Tarik-i-Rashidi’ – a personal memoir of the Central Asian History.
Sultan Ghiyas-ud-Din Zain-ul-Abidin known by all his courtiers and Nobles as the greatest local King ruled the entire Kashmir region for about 40 years during which he was famous for promoting peace and harmony in Kashmir’s pluralistic society. He even gave a directive to restore and restructure Kashmir during his reign – quite contrary to conventional foreign invading rulers. It was under him that ‘Kashmiriyat’ – a ‘social and cultural consciousness’ of Kashmiri people was developed.

Betab Valley is a very popular touristic destination. Betaab Valley is also a favorite campsite of travelers as it also serves as a base camp for trekking and further exploration of the mountains.The valley is a walk-able distance from Pahalgam. The crystal clear & chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the snowy hills is a delight; locals here drink this water too. Baisaran and Tulian Lake are few nearby attractions that can be visited.

Kashmir was home to the Indian film industry from the sixties to the eighties. Scores of films were shot in the Valley like Aarzoo, Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Kabhie Kabhie, Silsila, Satte Pe Satta and Roti (1974 film), the list is endless. Film shooting almost came to a halt after militancy erupted in the Valley but with things improving now, one can hope that Bollywood would soon return to what many believe is its original home. The threat of militancy was a deterrent for over 30 years but with director Imtiaz Ali shooting for his film Rockstar (2011 film) in the beautiful valley with actors Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri, the violence seems to be a thing of the past. The hut where Bobby was shot continues to be famous as the 'Bobby Hut'.Many films like Jab Tak Hai Jaan,Yeh Jawani Hai deewani, Haider have been shot in the Jammu and Kashmir state.

Earlier known as Hagan Valley or Hagoon, Betaab Valley got its present name after the blockbuster Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ was shot there in 1983. A combination of picturesque surroundings, the valley falls on the way to Amarnath Temple Yatra and is one of the three angelic valleys of Pahalgam; the other two being Aru and Chandanwadi.
Encircled by mountains featuring deodar and pine forests, Betaab Valley is a perfect gateway to enjoy the heavenly pleasure of Mother Nature. The sights of colouring beds of flowers amid the lush walnut and willow vistas make the entire panorama quite stunning casting a spell of magic on this land of eternal beauty. The experience is even more heightened by the musical whispers of several birds. Being a precious jewel of Jammu and Kashmir tourism, Betaab Valley is among a handful of Pahalgam tourist places to visit that should not be missed. Situated at a walking distance from the main center of Pahalgam, the valley is also an excellent camping site for trekkers and explorers.

Aru Valley

Aru is a tourist spot in the Anantnag District of Jammu & Kashmir, India. It is located around 12 km from Pahalgam, 11 km upstream from the Lidder River.Noted for its scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. The village lies of the left bank of the Aru river, which is a tributary of the Lidder river.

The Aru valley is noted for its scenic meadows.It is popular among the tourists for its peaceful environment and scenic beauty.The village is a base camp for trekkers to the Kolahoi Glacier, the Tarsar-Marsar lakes and the Katrinag valley. It is also a base for the treks to Lidderwat, the Vishansar-Kishansar lakes and Kangan. The Kolahoi is the largest glacier in the Kashmir Valley, and is located near Mt. Kolahoi (5425m), the highest peak in the Valley. A number of hotels, restaurants and huts are available for boarding and lodging.
There are about 20 alpine lakes, peaks and meadows around the Aru Valley. In the winters, when Aru receives heavy snowfall, skiing and heliskiing are practiced. Other popular tourist activities include fishing of trout in the Lidder river, trekking, hiking, horse riding, sightseeing and photography.

The Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve is located 76 km from the state capital Srinagar. It has the status of a Wildlife sanctuary, and is spread over an area of 511 km2.The altitude ranges from 3000–5425 m above the sea level. It is famous for several rare and endangered species

Overlooking the majestic snow-capped peaks of Himalayan Range, Aru Valley is a pristine scenic village situated in the region of Trans-Himalaya. Clear blue canopy over the head, misty surroundings, whispers of the native pines and conifer forests and beautiful meadows create a captivating diorama for travelers thronging the place. Though the village is the smallest hill station in the state, but still its breathtaking beauty and interesting activities like trekking, hiking and horse riding make it one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Pahalgam.
An excellent choice for both leisure seekers and adventure lovers, Aru Valley enriches the glory of Jammu and Kashmir tourism by being the starting point of trekking expeditions to Kolahoi Glacier and Sonmarg. Apart from the trekkers, the village also caters to the skiing desires of tourists who love to visit the place during winters. Aru Valley is located at a distance of about 12 km from Pahalgam.

Aru Valley is a small yet self-sufficient scenic village located 12 km from Pahalgam. The drive up to the village is alluring too. The location of the village among the grasslands, make this place a tourist delight. It is reachable by walking along a mountain path. The village also serves as the start point for trekking to Kolahoi glacier. Another long trek for the serious trekker is to Sonmarg, which can be covered in 3 days! Besides, the valley is also known to be a good site for camping. Here, you can have a glimpse of Kolohoi Peak, 5370 mtrs. Another trek from Lidderwat leads to the most desired twin Lakes, Tarsar 3794mtrs & Marsar 3788 mtrs (2-3 days trek).

One of the most popular valleys in Kashmir, the Aru Valley is the base camp for visits to the huge number of lakes, meadows and peaks around it like the Kolhoi glacier and the Tarsar lake. The village of Aru lies beside the Aru river, a tributary of the Lidder river. The Aru valley is noted for its scenic meadows. Most tourists come here for areas of peace and quiet in the lap of nature. Aru is a great place for family outings because it has beautiful resorts and activities for all kinds of people. The locals truly make you feel at home with innumerable cups of Kaah'wa and by taking you sight seeing.

Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park is located 22 kilometers from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of 141 km².

The name of the park literally stands for "ten villages" which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated for its formation.The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir and later under the observation of the concerned government authorities. It was initially created to ensure clean drinking water supply for the city of Srinagar. It was upgraded and declared a National Park in the year 1981. (Masroor)

Dachigam National park is located in the Zabarwan Range of the western Himalayas. The variation in altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this vast variation, the park is demarcated into an uneven region. The terrain ranges from gently sloping grasslands to sharp rocky outcrops and cliffs.

he mountain sides below the tree line are wooded. Most of this coniferous forest consists of broad leaf species. Interspersed between these are alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls and scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally known as Nars, running down the mountain face. Most of the grasslands and meadows, except in the harsh winters, are covered with coloured flowers. Located high among its interiors is the Marsar lake from which flows the Dagwan river. This river flows all the way down to, and past, the lower region where it runs along the only proper road in the park and is also known for its fish population, the trout

Pykara is the name of a village and river located 19 km from Ooty in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu. A boat house on the Pykara reservoir is an added attraction for tourists. Pykara boats of well protected fenced shoals. Pykara waterfalls flows through Murkurti, Pykara and Glen Morgan dams.

History

Dachigam National Park, sprawling over an area of around 141 sq. km, is located at a distance of 22 km from Srinagar. This park is famous for the endangered Hangul, which is the only species of red deer to be found in the country. The park is nestled in the deep valleys, steep wooded slopes, rolling alpine pastures and rocky outcrops. This national park has a variation in altitude that ranges between 1,600 m and 4,200 m, owing to its location in the mountainous area. This variation in altitude divides the entire park in to two regions, the upper region and the lower region. Initially, the park was constructed so as to supply clean drinking water to Srinagar. However, later in 1910, the park was converted to a protected area. As the name suggests, Dachigam literally means Ten Villages. Declared as a National Park in 1981, the park since then is abode to several rare species of animals. Hangul can be spotted in winters, when they roam around in the lower valley of this park. Some other inhabitants of this park include musk deer, jungle cats, brown bear and many more. Tourists visiting the park can also spot several rare birds like black bulbuls, cinnamon sparrows, Himalayan monals and Kashmir flycatcher. In addition, bird lovers can also see colourful pheasants including the koklass pheasant, crimson tragopan and others. . Besides, golden eagle and bearded vulture or lammergeier can also be spotted flying higher in the sky. The flora that tourists can find in this national park includes wild cherry, pear, plum and many others. Other trees that can be seen lined in this park are oak, willow, poplar among many others. The best time to visit the upper region of this national park extends from the month of May to August. Lower Dachigam can be visited during the months of September to December.

Shankaracharya Temple

The Shankaracharya Temple is also known as the Jyesteshwara temple or Pas-Pahar by Buddhists. Shankracharya Temple was renamed as Takht-e-Suleiman. It is on top of the Shankaracharya Hill on the Zabarwan Mountain in Srinagar, Kashmir.It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is at a height of 1,000 feet (300 m) above the plain and overlooks the city of Srinagar.

History

The temple dates to 200 BC, although the present structure probably dates to the 9th century AD. It was visited by Adi Shankara and has ever since been associated with him; this is how the temple got the name Shankaracharya. It is also regarded as sacred by Buddhists. The Shiv ling was placed inside during the Sikh period in the 19th century. It became an active Hindu temple when regular services were conducted. Some historians report that the temple was actually a Buddhist temple during the Buddhist era which was then changed into Hindu site of worship by Adi Shankaracharya. Persians and Jews call it Bagh-i-sulaiman or the Garden of King Solomon.

Persian inscriptions are also found inside the temple.
According to Pandit Anand Koul (1924) the temple was originally built by the Hindu king "Sandiman" who, according to Koul, reigned in Kashmir from 2629 to 2564 BC. It was repaired by King Gopaditya (426–365 BC) and by King Lalitaditya (. Sikandar, the iconoclast did not, for some reason, destroy it. Zain-ul-Abidin repaired its roof which had tumbled down by earthquake. Sheikh Ghulam Mohi-ud-din, a Sikh Governor (1841–46), also repaired its dome. It was repaired by King Gopaditya (426–365 BC) and by King Lalitaditya.

The earliest historical reference to the hill comes from Kalhana. He called the mountain Gopadri. Kalhana says that King Gopaditya granted the land at the foot of the hill to the Brahmins that had come from the “Araya versh.” The land grant was called “GOPA AGRAHARAS”. This area is now called Gupkar. Kalhana mentions another village in the vicinity of the hill. King Gopaditya housed some of the Brahmins who had eaten garlic to a village next door. Kalhana names this village as Bhuksiravatika (Buch’vore today). Kalhana also mentions that King Gopaditya built the temple on the top of the hill as a shrine to Jyesthesvara (Shiva Jyestharuda) around 371 BC.Abul Fazal mentions that King Gopaditya built the temple. Although many experts believe that the current temple was probably built later, most of them agree that the base of the structure does seem to be very old. It is said that Lalitaditya Muktapida (724-726 AD) of Karakote dynasty did repairs to the temple. According to Srivara Budsah, Zain-ul-Abideen (1420-1470 AD) did major repairs to the temple. He put the Kalash (spire) and the roof of the structure which had fallen due to an earthquake. The third time the temple was repaired was by the Muslim Governor, Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din (1842 to 1845) during the Sikh rule of Kashmir.

The name of the hill was changed from Gopadri to Takhate-Suleiman during the period of Sultans. There is no historical evidence that King Solomon visited this valley.
The name Takhate-Suleiman, however, seems to have persisted during the Mughal, Afghan, Sikh and Dogra periods. Any publication during these periods all refer to the hill by that name. The name Shankaracharaya for the temple first appears when Governor Sheikh Mohi-ud-Din made the repairs in the mid-19th century. It had apparently not been used as a temple for centuries. At that time it was consecrated as a Shankaracharaya temple and a Shiv Lingam was placed inside. It is only during the Sikh period that people started to have prayer services at the temple and the Shravan Poornima started being celebrated there.
The Dogra King Gulab Singh (1846-1857 AD) constructed the steps to the hill from Durga Naag temple side. The Maharaja of Mysore came to Kashmir in 1925 and he made the electrical installations at the temple. In 1961 Shankaracharaya of Dwarkapeetham put the statue of Adi Shankaracharaya in the temple. In 1974 the Government of J&K constructed the road that goes to the TV antenna near the top of the hill

Hazratbal Mosque

The Hazratbal Shrine, is a Muslim shrine in Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. It contains a relic, the Moi-e-Muqqadas, believed by many Muslims of Kashmir to be a hair of Muhammad.The Hazratbal Shrine, is a Muslim shrine in Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. It contains a relic, the Moi-e-Muqqadas, believed by many Muslims of Kashmir to be a hair of Muhammad.

The shrine is situated on the left bank of the Dal Lake, Srinagar and is considered to be Kashmir's holiest Muslim shrine.

History

IAccording to legend, the relic was first brought to India by Syed Abdullah, a purported descendant of Muhammad who left Medina and settled in Bijapur, near Hyderabad in 1635.
When Syed Abdullah died, his son, Syed Hamid, inherited the relic. Following the Mughal conquest of the region, Syed Hamid was stripped of his family estates. Finding himself unable to care for the relic, he sold it to a wealthy Kashmiri businessman, Khwaja Nur-ud-Din Eshai.
However, when the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb came to know of what had transpired, he had the relic seized and sent to the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer, and had Khwaja Nur-ud-Din Eshai imprisoned in Delhi for possessing the relic. Later, realizing his mistake, Aurangzeb decided to restore the relic to Khwaja Nur-ud-Din Eshai and allowed him to take it to Kashmir.
However, by that point, Khwaja Nur-ud-Din Eshai had already died in imprisonment. In the year 1700, the relic finally reached Kashmir, along with the body of Khwaja Nur-ud-Din Eshai. There, Inayat Begum, daughter of Khwaja Nur-ud-Din Eshai, became a custodian of the relic and established the shrine. Since then her male descendats have been caretakers of the relic.
The history of the shrine goes back to the early seventeenth century when the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan's Subedar, Sadiq Khan, laid out a garden here & constructed a palatial building, Ishrat Mahal or Pleasure House in 1623. However, the Emperor, during his visit in 1634, ordered the building to be converted into a prayer House with some additions & alterations. During the time of Aurangzeb, when Moi-e-Muqqadus (The Holy Relic) arrived in Kashmir in 1699, it was first kept in the shrine of Naqashbad Sahib in the heart of the city. Since the place was found to be insufficient in view of the unprecedented rush of people who thronged the place to have a glimpse of the Moi-e-Muqqades, it was decided to shift the it to Hazratbal, then known as Sadiqabad. The construction of the present marble structure was started by the Muslim Auqaf Trust headed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1968 and completed in 1979. The "Moi-e-Muqqadas" (Holy Relic of Prophet Mohammad S.A.W) is displayed on Various occasions related with the life of Prophet & his four holy companions.
The history of the shrine goes back to the early seventeenth century when the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan's Subedar, Sadiq Khan, laid out a garden here & constructed a palatial building, Ishrat Mahal or Pleasure House in 1623. However, the Emperor, during his visit in 1634, ordered the building to be converted into a prayer House with some additions & alterations. During the time of Aurangzeb, when Moi-e-Muqqadus (The Holy Relic) arrived in Kashmir in 1699, it was first kept in the shrine of Naqashbad Sahib in the heart of the city. Since the place was found to be insufficient in view of the unprecedented rush of people who thronged the place to have a glimpse of the Moi-e-Muqqades, it was decided to shift the it to Hazratbal, then known as Sadiqabad.

The silvery white Hazratbal Mosque is revered for housing a relic, the Prophet’s hair. Situated near the Dal Lake, the only domed mosque in Srinagar is a place of serenity, a must visit. Women are allowed only till the first part of the mosque. The Hazratbal Mosque lends a historic and divine appeal to Srinagar. As you walk down the corridors of this famous religious sanctum, you marvel at the intricate Persian and Iranian architectural influence

The single hair of the Prophet Mohammed that is preserved in Hazratbal makes this shrine the most visited place in Srinagar. The dome and a minaret mark the splendid Mughal architecture of the shrine. Hazratbal Shrine is the most important Srinagar tourist place to visit as it is flocked by many devotees, irrespective of religion. The sacred hair of the Prophet is displayed occasionally and such occasions are attended by many devotees and tourists. The mosque is set amidst carpets of green meadow, which adds to its beauty. A vital part of the Jammu & Kashmir tourism, Hazratbal shrine must be visited on any tour to Kashmir Valley.

Awantipora

Awantipora or Awantipur is a town and a notified area committee in Pulwama district of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated between Anantnag and Srinagar on NH 44.Awantipora was named after Avanti Varman and had a number of ancient Hindu temples built by the king including the Avantiswami Temple.

Awantipora was named after Avanti Varman and had a number of ancient Hindu temples built by the king including the Avantiswami Temple. The ruins of temples constructed by Lalitaditya are also found in Awantipora. The temple sites are protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Ancient temples

Awantipora has a number of ancient Hindu temples built by King Awanti Varman (AD 855- 883) when he chose the site as his capital.
Avantishwar temple located at Jawbrari in the centre of a courtyard surrounded by a colonnaded peristyle is dedicated to Siva on the banks of the River Jhelum (Vitasta). Less than a kilometre away is Avantiswamin temple dedicated to Vishnu. The Vaikunta Vishnu illustrated as frontispiece is said to be found in this temple. The two temples are quite similar structurally. The walls of the entrance are ornamented with sculptured reliefs both internally and externally.
The ruins of temples constructed by Lalitaditya, the Brahmin emperor of Kashmir, are also located in Awantipora.
The temples are located at WikiMiniAtlas 33°55′24″N 75°00′46″E and 33°55′41″N 75°00′16″E. They are protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

As of 2001 India census,Awantipora had a population of 6,250. Males constitute 59% of the population and females 41%. Awantipora has an average literacy rate of 48%, lower than the national average of 59.5%; with 78% of the males and 22% of females literate. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

history

Walter R. Lawrance called it as “Arian Order” because of its noble fluted pillars, its vast colonnades, its lofty pediments and its elegant trifoiled arches, is fully entitled to be classified as a distinct style. The very name ‘Kashmir’ reminds of the mystic “Kashyapa”- the Rishi (Saga) who was instrumental in giving dignity, honour, prestige and a permanent abode to the race who came to inhabit the valley. According to Nilamatapura- oldest of the legends of Kashmir Valley, holds the view that Kashmir desires its name from a legend: Kashyapa, the grandson of Brahma, who was on a pilgrimage, heard that the demon Jalodbhava who lived in the huge water body, used to cause havoc to the inhabitants. To protect the inhabitants from distress and annihilate the demon, Kashyapa broke the mountain on the northern side and the water gushed out through the breach and the demon was captured and killed. Since then, according to K.S. Saxena, it was k/a Kashar, koshar and subsequently Kashmir. Kashmir came to be k/a “Reshi Bumi” or “the land of the sages’ or in Kashmiri as “Pir veer”. Hecateus and Herodotus called it as “Kaspapyros” and at the same time Herodotus call it as the “City of Gandherians” and he further says Kaspapyros was the name of the city and Kashmira stood for the kingdom. Huien Tsang calls it as “Kupin” or “Kipin” (New City).
The valley of Kashmir has long been a paradise, not only of the verdant beauty of nature but also of the development of some of the finest and gentlest thoughts of mankind. Kashmir has been ruled by great and energetic rulers from the times immemorial. After the fall of the Karkota dynasty, Avantivarman (855-833), son of the Sukhavarman and grandson of Utpala, was the founder of the Utpla dynasty and built the town Awantipura. The Utpla dynasty ruled Kashmir up to the end of the 10th century A.D.
The town of Awantipura-which was called by Henry Forester, who visited Awantipura in May 1783 as “bhyteepour”- is situated at a distance of 29 Kms south east of Srinagar. Located at the foot of one of the spurs of mountain Bastarwan or Wasturwan, it overlooks the Jhelum river flowing by the side of Jammu-Srinagar highway. The site still remains the ancient name, Avantipura. The narrations of Kalhana-whose earlier name was Kalyan Pandit Misri and whose “Rajatarangini” (River of Kings) is the only work in Ancient Indian Literature which may be regarded as a historical text in a true sense of word, shows that the town was established by the King after his own name.