TECHNOLOGY INSPIRATION
Technology-People-Innovation

2017
Twitter Facebook

August 25, 2017 , ,



The journey to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is an enchanting journey of the places where Mata Vaishnavi had spent some time while observing various spiritual disciplines and penances. The culmination of this journey is at the Holy Cave where She merged Her Human form with the astral form of Her creators, the three Supreme Energies. 

Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts millions of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds one crore. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.

The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave. 

Darshans are open round the clock throughout the year.

History of the Holy Shrine

Like with most old Shrines, it is not possible to ascertain when exactly the pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine started. A geological study of the Holy Cave has indicated its age to be nearly a million years. Vedic literature gives no reference to the worship of any female deity, although the mountain Trikuta does find its mention in Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas The practice of worshipping Shakti, largely started in the Puranic period.

The first mention of the Mother Goddess is in the epic Mahabharat. When the armies of Pandavs and Kaurvas were arrayed in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjun, the chief warrior of Pandavs upon advice of Sri Krishna; meditated upon the Mother Goddess and sought Her blessings for victory. This is when Arjun addresses the Mother Goddess as ‘Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihitalaye’, which means ‘you who always dwell in the temple on the slope of the mountain in Jamboo’ (probably referring to the present day Jammu).

It is also generally believed that the Pandavs were the first to build the temples at Kol Kandoli and Bhawan in reverence and gratitude for the Mother Goddess. On a mountain, just adjacent to the Trikuta Mountain and overlooking the Holy Cave are five stone structures, which are believed to be the rock symbols of the five Pandavs.

Perhaps the oldest reference of the visit of a historical figure to the Holy Cave is that of Guru Gobind Singh who is said to have gone there via Purmandal. The old foot track to the Holy Cave passed through this well-known pilgrimage centre.

Some traditions believe this Shrine to be the holiest of all Shaktipeeths (a place where the Mother Goddess, the Eternal Energy has Her abode) since the skull of Mata Sati fell here. Others believe that her right arm had fallen here. But some scriptures do not agree with it. They do agree that at a place called Gandarbal in Kashmir, the right arm of Sati had fallen. Nevertheless, in the Holy Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji, one does find stone remains of a human hand, popularly known as Varad Hast (the hand that grants boons and blessings).

Discovery of The Shrine

Whilevarious versions of the origin and legend of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji are prevalent, there seems to be unanimity on the discovery of Shrine around 700 years back by the same Pandit Shridhar, at whose place Mata had helped organize a Bhandaara. When she left amidst the Bhandaara to escape Bhairon Nath, Pandit Shridhar is said to have felt as if he had lost everything in his life. He felt immense grief and gave up the intake of food or even water and closed himself in a room of his house, fervently praying for Vaishnavi to reappear.

It is then that Mata Vaishnavi appeared in his vision (dream) and told him to search for her at the Holy Cave situated amidst the folds of the Trikuta Mountain. She showed him the way to the Holy Cave and insisted him to break his fast. Pandit Shridhar then went on to discover the Holy Cave in the mountains. Every time he seemed to lose the way, the vision of his dreams reappeared before his eyes and finally he reached his destination. Upon entering the Cave he found a rock form with three heads atop it. At that moment Mata Vaishno Devi appeared before him in all her glory (another version says that the Supreme Energies of Mata Maha Saraswati, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Kali appeared in the Holy Cave) and introduced him to the three heads (now known as the Holy Pindies) of the rock form along with various other identification marks in the Holy Cave. She blessed him with a boon of four sons and a right to worship her manifestation and asked him to spread the glory of the Holy Shrine all over. Pandit Shridhar then spent his remaining life in the service of Mata at the Holy Cave.

Darshan

The Trikuta Mountain where the Shrine is located and the Holy Cave are the gateway to the dimension of Super Consciousness. And just like the Trikuta Mountain, which is one at the base but has three peaks (hence the name Trikoot), the revelation of the Mother Goddess in the Holy Cave is in a natural rock form which is one at the base but has three heads at the top. These three heads in a natural rock form are known as the Holy Pindies and are worshipped as the revelation of the Mother Goddess. The entire rock body is immersed in water, and a marble platform has now been constructed all around. The main Darshans remain to be of the three heads called the Holy Pindies. The uniqueness of the Holy Pindies is that although they emanate from one single rock form, each one is distinctly different from the other two in colour and texture.

MAHA KALI

Towards the right of the devotee is the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Kali (the Supreme Energy of Dissolution) in the colour associated with Her i.e. black. The Supreme Energy of dissolution is Mata Maha Kali. She represents the Tam Guna-the quality associated with the darker and unknown realms of life. Tam stands for darkness. Psychology and science state that only a very small per cent of the Universe is conscious. The remaining is still subconscious or unconscious. These unknown realms contain all the mysteries of life. Creation is a phenomenon, which exists within a specific time. However the Energy that transcends the barriers of time is the Eternal Time or Maha Kali. Since man’s knowledge about life is very limited and he remains in the dark about most of it, it is represented by the colour black which is associated with Mata Maha Kali. She is the basic source of all that is mystical and unknown to man. In her attribute of Maha Kali, the Mother Goddess constantly guides her devotees to conquer the forces of darkness.

MAHA LAKSHMI

In the centre is the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Lakshmi (the Supreme Energy of Maintenance) with a yellowish-red tinge,  he colour associated with Mata Maha Lakshmi. Mata Maha Lakshmi is the Supreme Energy of Maintenance. She represents Rajas Guna- the quality of inspiration and effort, and is considered to be the basic source of wealth, prosperity, material gains, quality of life etc. Wealth and prosperity are better represented by the colour of gold, which is yellow, and hence associated with Mata Maha Lakshmi.

MAHA SARASWATI

The Pindi to the extreme left of the viewer is worshipped as the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Saraswati (the Supreme Energy of Creation). It has a whitish tinge when looked at attentively. White has also been considered the colour associated with Mata Maha Saraswati. Being the Supreme force of Creation, Mata Maha Saraswati is considered to be the basic source of all Creation, Knowledge, Wisdom, Righteousness, Art, Spiritualism, Piousness etc. Since white is a colour that denotes piousness and purity, hence it is associated with Mata Maha Saraswati. She represents the Satva Guna- the quality of purity. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be an incarnation of the three Supreme Energies. All Human beings contain attributes of the three above mentioned Guns (qualities) and their behavior is determined by the Guna which is predominant in their nature.
But, in order to lead a meaningful life, a proper balance among these three is necessary. The Holy Cave is charged with such energy that it helps in creating this vital but rare balance in a person. This is what makes the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji unique in the entire world.

It is reiterated that Darshans inside the Holy Cave are in the form of natural rock formations called Pindies. There are no statues, pictures or idols inside. All along the track and at the Bhawan, there are many photographs explaining the nature of Darshans inside the Holy Cave. Yatries should observe these carefully since these are meant to guide them towards the final Darshans in the Holy Cave. 

The Holy Cave is around 98 feet long. Besides the main Darshans of the Pindies inside the Cave, there are various other Darshans, outside and inside the Holy Cave and around the Holy Pindies. It is believed that the Darshans of 33 crore (330 million) Gods and Goddesses are present in the Holy Cave. It is believed that at some given point of time, each of the 330 million gods and goddesses have worshipped the Mother Goddess in the Holy Cave and have left their symbolical marks inside. It is also believed that during Poojan and Aarti in the morning and evening, all these Gods and Goddesses arrive at the Holy Cave to pay their obeisance to the Mother.

At the entry of the Holy Cave, towards the left hand side, is the symbol of Vakra Tund Ganesh. Adjacent to the symbol of Lord Ganesh are the symbols of Surya and Chandra Dev. Once inside the Holy Cave, one crosses over the Dadh (torso) of Bhairon Nath, which is around 14 feet long. Due to the impact of the mighty blow of the Divine Mother, while the head of Bhairon Nath fell atop an adjacent mountain a couple of kilometers away from the Holy Cave, his body lay lifeless at the entrance of the Holy Cave.

After the Dadh (torso) of Bhairon is the symbol of Lord Hanuman known as Launkra Beer. Thereafter one comes across Charan Ganga, the legendary river flowing from the feet of Mata. Those having Darhans through the old Cave have to wade through water beyond this point. Around 23 feet beyond Launkra Beer, on the left upper hand side, the roof of the cave flares out and the entire weight of this cave appears to rest on the innumerable heads of Shesh Nag. Immediately below Shesh Nag is the Havan Kund of Mata and adjacent to it are the symbols of Shankh, Chakra, Gada and Padam.

Above, almost touching the ceiling of the cave are the symbols of five Pandavs, Sapt rishis, Than (udders or breast) of the divine cow Kamdhenu, symbols of Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh and Shiv-Parvati. 3 feet further ahead, on an elevation can be seen the Khamba that was gripped by the legendary worshipper Prahlad. 

Diagonally below this, at the water level is the Yantra with innumerable mystical signs and symbols inscribed on it. 22 feet beyond this point is located the Sher Ka Panja, symbolizing the lion which is the mount of the Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. The distance from the entry point to the Sher Ka Panja is 59 feet. 13 feet beyond this, immediately above the head of the worshipper, is located the symbol of the Primary Hood of Shesh Nag which appears to be bearing the weight of the roof of the Cave at this point. 6 feet further ahead, on the left hand side, are the symbols of Shankar and Gauri.

13 feet beyond this are the Holy Pindies of Mata Maha Kali, Mata Maha Lakshmi Vaishno Devi and Mata Maha Saraswati. To the right of the Holy Pindies on the upper side can be seen the symbols of Lord Ganesh, Surya Dev, Chandra Dev and Goddess Annapurna. Slightly behind the Holy Pindies, on the right hand side can be seen the symbol of the seated Sinh Raj (Lion). A little ahead of it is the full hand of the Mother Goddess, raised in the Varad Hast mode, granting boons to the world. An interesting corollary to the Varad Hast of Mata lies in the story of the sacrifice of Sati. The Scriptures say that the hand of Mother Sati fell in the region of Kashmir creating a Shaktipeeth. There are a few sources, however, which believe that it was at this place i.e. the Holy Cave at Trikuta Mountain that the hand of Sati fell and the Varad Hast in the Holy Cave provides some link to the tale of Sati. Immediately opposite the Holy Pindies is the natural symbol of Lord Pashupati Nath.

Yatris may however note that most of these Darshans are possible only if the original cave is used. However, owing to the heavy rush, usually the new tunnels are used and the original cave is opened only during the lean seasons. Yatries desirous of having all the Darshans are advised to formulate their programme to correspond with the lean seasons.

After this can be seen the symbol of Lord Hanuman called Launkra. Water gushes out of the base of the holy Pindies and flows out of the holy Cave. This gush of Holy water is known as Charan Ganga and the water of this stream is collected in small containers by the devotees and taken home. The same water is also channelised to the bathing ghat and the devotees take a bath in this water before they join the queue for Darshan of the holy Pindies.

Other Darshans at Bhawan

There are other Darshans in the Bhawan area as well. These include Darshans of Lord Shiva’s Shivling in a cave, Mata Durga, Lord Shiv, Shri Ram with Sita and Lakshman, Lord Hanuman etc. These Darshans are in temples situated at different point of the Bhawan complex. Signboards have been put up at Bhawan to guide the yatries as to the location of these temples. In addition, there are Yagyashalas in the Bhawan complex where Yagyas and Havans are preformed round the year and especially during the Navratras. The main Yagyashala is situated at Saraswati
Bhawan.
Twitter Facebook

August 25, 2017 , ,



Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is one of the recent additions to the multitude of tourist attractions in Srinagar. It was established in 2006-07, by covering a sprawling area of 29.6 acres that made it the largest tulip garden across the continent of Asia. This seemingly endless green patch of land is dotted with about 20 lakh flowers, which include several varieties of tulips. The eye-soothing verdure and blossoming tulips lend immense scenic beauty to this garden. What adds to the charm of this garden is its picturesque backdrop that includes the majestic Zabarwan and the beautiful Dal Lake.


Tulip Festival is organised at this site in March, April every year, when tulip flowers are in their full bloom. This popular event is hosted by the floriculture department of the state government. During this flower festival, several cultural programmes as well as exhibitions of local handicraft and cuisine are organised.
Twitter Facebook

August 25, 2017




Doodhpathri or “Valley of Milk”, situated 40 kms from Srinagar is definitely an unexplored place in Kashmir. If you plan to visit Kashmir sometimes, you should take a little time off to visit this beautiful and enchanting place. You will certainly love the green meadows, pristine environment and serenity.

It took us about an hour from Srinagar by cab. A river cascading down the pebbles is a walk of 5 minutes from the parking. You will definitely meet sphered who will be keeping a watchful eye on his flock grazing on the verdant meadows and some cattle and horses. On reaching river, you can soak your feet on the clear and icy water. God, it felt like my feet was frozen and numb for a second.

As, the place is quite secluded, you can rent a tent and set up a camping station. There are a few shops which serve hot and mouth watery omelettes, Maggie, Kashmiri tea and coffee. The best thing to enjoy here is the ride on horses to the bottom of snow covered mountains and trekking.

The best time to travel Doodhpathri is between May- July as the weather is pleasant and preachy. The temperature varies between 10-15 degrees during this time.
Twitter Facebook

May 26, 2017 , ,
Gulmarg is a city in Kashmir and is noted for having one of the worlds highest Gondola (cable car).
Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination and a notified area committee in the Baramula district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town is situated in the Pirpanjal range in the western Himalayas.
“ Exotic flowers, timeless snow covered slopes and the mighty Himalayan range in the backdrop...Discover the charm of elegant Gulmarg.  ”

Getting here
International Travellers need to book flight to New Delhi first from New Delhi they can either Fly to Srinagar or take a Land Route.
By AIR / SRINAGAR       
from New Delhi, there are about 14 daily flights to Srinagar, with on flight time of 90 minutes.
By LAND / SRINAGAR
You can take a Train till Jammu and then on you have to take a Jeap or Bus till Srinagar.
Journey from Delhi to Srinagar takes 24 Hrs

Taxi from the Airport to Gulmarg (or) Srinagar to Gulmarg should be 2000 - 2400 Rs (May 2017), but if the roads are icy (Jan – Apr ), you will probably only be able to catch the taxi to Tangmarg, at which point you will need to hire a four wheel drive with chains for around 700 - 1400 Rs. This can end up costing more than it should. The journey takes around 2-2.5 hours or longer depending on the traffic due to icy weather conditions. For those travelling from Srinagar, shared taxis (Sumos) are available from Buttmal to Tangmarg for Rs. 200 per person. From there, you can catch onward shared sumo to Gulmarg for Rs. 100 - 150 (Feb 2017). The whole journey takes 2 to 3 hrs.


Be Aware:
Any cars having direct access upto Gulmarg from Srinagar; but not at the door step of the Gondola booking office. From Gulmarg taxi dropping point to Gondola booking office & Gondola starting point is just 500-700 meter away (20 minute by walk) but local pony operator will misguide you by directing it as a 3-4 km. away towards different direction. So, to reach there, they will insist you to hire a pony at J&K government's fixed rates of Rs. 1000/- (To & Fro) (Actually these rate are also much over-priced or may be unauthentic).


It is strongly advisable, to head straight to reach to Gondola office without indulge into negotiation with these pony hawkers. There are many incidents of intense quarrel/fight with tourist once you deny to obey after negotiation.

If you are accompanying aged person & really need to have pony, you can hire them for max. Rs.300/- (Total for To & Fro).
Site Seeing:
Gulmarg has some of most amazing treks in world (accessible in the summer). Skiing season starts from December till Early April. Snow Conditions are fantastic and you can get deep powder in Gulmarg ski resort every winter. The main attraction in Gulmarg is the Gondola. Finished in 2004, it runs up to 3995 meters, and is the highest "ski lift" in the world.

A sight seeing trip is mainly get access through Gondola (Rope-way) ride in two phases. Phase-I Gulmarg to Kungdoor (near Khilanmarg) & Phase-II Kungdoor to Aparwath. As of May 2015, Gondola ticket cost are Rs. 700 & 700 respectively for above 3 year kids to adults including return trip. They are very long queue at Gondola offline ticket counter at Gulmarg. Moreover they are many, touts who can get out of the queue tickets through unofficial way and cost so it is always recommended to book in advance from online here.
PHASE – I
Ticket
Adult
Child (3 to 10 Years)
Child Below ( 3 Years)
Gulmarg to Kungdoor
700
700
Free
PHASE – II
Ticket
Adult
Child (3 to 10 Years)
Child Below ( 3 Years)
Kungdoor to Aparwath
900
900
Free
Chair Lift
Ticket
Adult
Child (3 to 10 Years)
Child Below ( 3 Years)
Kungdori to Marry Shoulder
250
Not Allowed
Not Allowed

If you are travelling during May-Oct, there will not find snow at Phase-I so, It is recommended to book gondola for Phase-II only.

SKI PASSES
Domestic (Indian)
Phase I
Phase II
Chair Lift
Phase I + II
All three Lifts
One Time
350
450
250


One Day
700
1150
Enquire


Weekly
3000
6800
Enquire


Season




35000
Season VIP




Enquire
FOREIGN NATIONALS
Phase I
Phase II
Chair Lift
Phase I + II
All three Lifts
One Time
350
450
250


One Day
1150
1800
Enquire


Weekly
Enquire
9050
Enquire


Season




35000
Season VIP




Enquire
Guide Passes






Phase - I
15 Days Guide Pass
Monthly Guide Pass

1
1350
Enquire

Phase – 2
15 Days Guide Pass
Monthly Guide Pass

1
2850
Enquire

A "skiing/snowboarding" trip costs 350Rs for a single ride on Phase I or 700Rs for a Phase I day pass, 450Rs for a single ride on Phase II (when its open) and 250Rs for single ride on the Chair lift from midstation to Marry's Shoulder . You pay for Phase I at the bottom of the Gondola and Phase II at the Kangdoori midstation when you have reached the top of Phase I, and you pay for the Chairlift at the booth at the bottom of the chair lift (walk out of the opposite side of the gondola midstation to get to the chairlift). Stage two is at a much higher elevation, right on the mountain top and is clearly visible from the Gulmarg taxi stand. The views are breathtaking, which isn't surprising given how little oxygen is at 4000m! The mountains visible from the top are said to be LOC and Pakistan administered Kashmir (specifically Nanga Parbat and (supposedly) the very tip of K2). You can do Mountain Biking from June till September and enjoy some of the best downhill Mountain biking in world.


Do:
The main activity for a tourist in Gulmarg is skiing and snowboarding. The skiing season starts on the 25th of December and runs through to March. The snow is generally deep and powdery! Theres a huge number of opportunities for skiing from each of the gondola stations and the chairlift on predominantly ungroomed powder runs. Gulmarg is comparable to the higher areas of Whistler/Blackcomb.

There are two areas for skiing: the high mountain/off piste areas served by the gondola; and a beginner's area near the hotels sited on the hills of the Gulmarg golf course.
The beginners area is open from 10-1, then closes for lunch until 2:30. Lifts reopen 2:30-4.
High mountain area: With its gondola accessible ski area on Mt. Apharwat, 4'124m it offers many possibilities for descents of up to 1'800 vertical meters. The Phase I Gondola is open from approximately 8:30 to 3:30 daily. The Chairlift is open from around 9.30am to 3pm depending on avalanche risk. The Phase II Gondola opens later in the day after the main bowl has been made avalanche safe by blasting. However, Phase II is highly dependent on snow conditions and is often closed for the whole day. Avalanche risk and gondola opening is posted on Facebook here
Sound skiing skills and good health are prerequisites to enjoy ski vacations in Gulmarg. Note that only the main bowl to the skier's left of the gondola is avalanche-blasted and patrolled - all other areas are considered out-of-bounds.It is very easy to exit the ski area boundary into the wild terrain where no avalanche control has been done by the ski patrol. A non-profit avalanche center puts out a daily bulletin and teaches avalanche courses. Some are free, like the avalanche awareness talk which is really helpful.

Heli-skiing is available, which opens up far more off-piste opportunities than the one-lift resort that Gulmarg otherwise offers . But its very expensive and weather dependent (around 800USD for half day and 1300 dollars for a full day per person, Feb 2017). The heliski operators are Australian and qualified. They also offer equipment rental including skis, boards, boots and avalanche survival kits (beacon, shovel, probe).
The weather can be cold and it is necessary for tourists to wear warm clothes. Golfing, Sledging, and horse riding are other activities (best enjoyed in the summer). Major Tourist Attractions of Gulmarg are Alpather Lake, Baba Reshi Shrine , Gondola, Cable Car to Kongdor, Gulmarg Gold Golf Course, Khilanmarg, Maharani Temple, Skiing ,St Marys church,
A number of informal checkpoints exist along the road to Gulmarg, which appear to be staffed by armed volunteers. Tipping may be necessary to pass any given checkpoint.
Eat:
All hotels can arrange food, even if their kitchens are closed.
Meals in the small local Dhabas around Gulmarg are around 200-250Rs per person depending on appetite. Dishes are very tasty!
'There', a new pop-up bar situated in the basement of Alpine Ridge hotel. Serves delicious western-style comfort food in a cool, après-ski atmosphere with good indie music and great Australian hosts.
The Dhaba around the main market in the village are all similar and cheap. Mamas Dhaba is a good choice if you can't make up your mind, but be careful that they don't give you dishes you didn't order, they will make you pay for them.
Bakshi's Green Punjabi Dhaba (Vegetarian). Best food and friendliest folks in Gulmarg.
Big Bite at Hotel Hilltop is a good choice for reliable western style fast food. Service is quick and generally food is decent. Pizzas are a good bet.
Global Hotel/Restaurant, excellent eating if you're after some western food, 200mtrs in the direction of the Gondola from the Bus Station.
Theres a group of Dhabas near the Gondola Midstation and Kangdoori. Sofi Sunshine is a good choice. They even have beer.
Drink:
There is no real Apres Ski scene in Gulmarg. But one of the charms of the place is its contrast to the flashy d-bag filled resorts of the west. It’s peaceful and tranquil at night and you'll get a good night’s sleep and be up at dawn ready for more powder!
If you want to find a nice place to hang out and meet the locals, any of the Dhabas in town are good choices. There you'll find locals sitting around the Bukhari drinking tea and eager to talk to somebody new. No trip to Kashmir is complete without sampling the two kinds of Kashmiri tea. One has bicarbonate of soda and salt and is said to aid digestion. The other is green tea infused with cardamoms, saffron and cinnamon, with not a small helping of sugar!
If you want to find a place to hang out with ski bums from around the world, then Hotel New Mount View always has a range of characters in it.
You are highly recommended to bring alcohol with you (buy in Srinagar or duty free) if you want to drink as even if you can find alcohol in Gulmarg it’s going to be expensive!
That being said, alcohol is available legally from the 'Highland Park Hotel' (carry on down the road past the gondola and you will eventually reach it on your right) and not-so-legally from 'other vendors' (ask the locals for hints!)
Kingfisher beer is also available on the mountain from the Dhabas near midstation (Kangdoor) when you want to congratulate yourself after shredding Phase II. Sofi sunshine is a good choice. Around 300Rs per can .
Although drink is not available in Gulmarg, hashish is everywhere and seems tolerated. Locals and ski bums alike smoke openly in Gulmarg and on the mountain. Wonder around the market or bus stand and you'll be approached...

Stay Safe:
Temperatures in Gulmarg remain well below zero for major part of the year. Keep your body well covered with gloves, boots, overcoats to keep warm. On the way to Gulmarg, there are small shops where you can rent heavy woolens and boots. Be careful as the guys renting them are very annoying. Snow Boots are not really required unless you are walking on the mountain instead of skiing. A stong pair of hiking boots will suffice for the rest of the town.
If you want to ski or ride the backcountry then a knowledgable guide with proper avalanche training is essential. Contact the part western owned Di5 adventures  for more information or enquire at Mount View Hostel [8]. Despite the thousand annoying guys trying to sell their services as guides, in the main bowl of the mountain, guides are not necessary as long as you are a competent skiier/snowboarder and are skiing in a group. Have fun exploring the many possible runs you can find, they will all pop out near the gondola station anyway.
Skiers and snowboarders who plan to ride Phase II or in the backcountry should expect significant avalanche danger and plan accordingly. It is advisable to carry an avalanche beacon and be aware of the dangers. A non-profit avalanche information center provides daily advisories from avalanche experts. The advisory is posted at the common access points of the gondola here.
Crime (apart from some light scamming and overcharging) is very low in Gulmarg and the locals are generally respectful and friendly even to lone foreign female travellers. But it can get very dark at night even along the main road in the village, so be sensible.
Getting Back:
There is generally no need to leave Gulmarg in the night before for flights the next day. The road to Tangmarg is plowed but if there is a big storm, then it may take several hours to clear the snow so check the weather carefully.

Prices are similar to getting in to Gulmarg and transfers can be arranged by hotels.
Even if the weather is good, plan DOUBLE the time to get back to the airport as it took to get to Gulmarg (5+ hours). This is because firstly, various things can go wrong on the way back to Srinagar - the small road to Tangmarg can have an accident on it or the main road to Srinagar may have traffic jams, especially if there is fog. Secondly, there is a frankly ridiculous amount of security at Srinagar airport with multiple checkpoints, even on the road before you get to the airport and then when getting into the airport, and then security check after security check in the airport itself. It takes forever! Also, flights have been known to leave early....

Gulmarg Golf Course Overview
Gulmarg Golf Course with asymmetrical contours is counted amongst the largest 18-hole golf courses in the country. Situated on the lower ranges of Gulmarg, it has emerged as one of the most popular golfing destinations in India. A number of tourists flock this region to enjoy a game of golf and escape the summer heat. Golfing in the region began in the early 1920s, when British came here to spend their summers. Over the years, this golf course has witnessed a lot of changes, and the present structure has been designed by Ranjit Nanda, a well-known golf course designer. The golf course, measuring 7505 yards (par of 72), was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah in the year 2011.

Alpather Lake Overview
A picturesque water body at the foot of the twin Apharwat Peaks, Alpather Lake is a stunning natural attraction. Embraced by rocky mountains and endless meadows that are covered with wildflowers, this lake is doubtlessly, every nature photographer's delight. Owing to the breathtaking topography, the lakeside has become a favourite picnic spot for the locals as well as tourists. During winters, the lake remains frozen, and the surrounding fields get laden with snow. Approximately 13 km from Gulmarg, this enchanting location is truly a wonderful place to get lost in.

From Gulmarg, you can reach the lake on a horseback through a well-graded track. The horse ride through snowy trails is in itself alluring enough to make you come again and re-visit.
Photo Opp
When the destination is a frozen lake flanked by towering snow-covered mountains, can you stop yourself from clicking photographs? The shimmering waters of the lake with meadows and mountains on the backdrop are no doubt, flawless natural settings that is hard to find elsewhere. So, make sure you don't forget to carry your camera!

Apharwat Peak Overview
Apharwat Peak is one of the beautiful summits, situated at a height of nearly 4200 m above the sea level. It receives heavy snowfall and remains covered with snow for most parts of the year. The snow-covered slopes are ideal for indulging in skiing. The Line of Control (LOC) is barely a few kilometres away from here. Lying in the second phase of the cable car ride from Gulmarg, reaching this spot is highly dependent on the weather condition.
The Maharani Temple Overview
The royal temple of the erstwhile Dogra kings of Jammu & Kashmir, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A unique feature of this historic temple is that it can be seen from any part of Gulmarg.

Shrine of Baba Reshi Overview
Built in the 13th century, people from all walks of life visit the shrine to seek blessings. It is accessible by a motorable road from Gulmarg. Built in 1480, the shrine is dedicated to the Muslim scholar and saint, Baba Reshi who spent his days in meditation and prayer here. It’s also an architectural beauty. What makes an immediate impression is the old Kashmiri architecture of the shrine – lattice work windows, intricately carved deodar pillars and exquisite craftsmanship.

Strawberry Valley Overview
During summers, taste the freshest strawberry Gulmarg has to offer at Strawberry Valley. A walk to this unexplored part of Gulmarg is a delight in itself as you sample fresh strawberries. Don’t forget to pack some for later.
Movie Connect
A favourite destination of yesteryear Bollywood movies, many important scenes of the Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan starrer Namak Halal were shot around this idyllic hill station.

St. Mary’s Church Overview
Boasting of fine Victorian style of architecture, St. Mary's Church is one of the star attractions of Gulmarg. The verdant meadows, lofty alpine trees and towering mountains that are covered with thick snow during winters in the surroundings greatly enhance the beauty of this church. Some old hotels and huts can be seen in the vicinity.

Visiting this church, which was built more than 100 years ago, in the beginning of the 20th century, is like stepping back in time. More like a tiny countryside chapel in appearance, this church features grey stone walls and a steep green roof having wooden trimmings. The church has been renovated in 2003 and in the same year, after a period of 14 years, a Christmas mass was held.
Opening Closing Time
10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Photo Opp
To click pictures, what can be a better setting than a wild landscape with nothing but undulating stretches of forests, an ancient church and few old hotels and huts? The rustic scenery and the church form awesome backdrops for amazing photographs.
Entrance Fee
Free Entry



Contact Form

Name

Email *

Message *

Powered by Blogger.
Javascript DisablePlease Enable Javascript To See All Widget