12 | TRAVEL HIMALAYA SPRING 2019 http://www.travelhimalayamagazine.com
K
ashmir – a jewel in the crowns
of Pakistan, India and China- is nestled in the Himalaya
mountain range. Its mere name
elicits exotic images of opulent
luxury and pristine natural beauty. Once
independent and recognized as a Princely State,
this hotly contested territory now straddles these
three countries. Pakistan controls the northwest
portion, India the central and southern portions,
and China the northeastern portion.
Generally referred to as Kashmir, the area
of Kashmir and Jammu was, from 1846 until
1947, a Princely State of the British Empire in
India, and was ruled by a Maharaja. At the time
of the partition of India, the Maharaja preferred
to remain independent and did not want to join
either India or Pakistan. He wanted Kashmir to
be recognized as an independent neutral country
like Switzerland. That didn’t last long, however.
Today, the term Kashmir denotes the
larger area straddling the three countries that
claim her. However, the most accessible to the
holidaymaker is the Indian-administered state of
Jammu and Kashmir, consisting of the Kashmir
Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh.
Perhaps the most obvious of Kashmir’s
attractions is its pristine alpine environment,
yet its unique and ancient architecture, along
with the distinct cultures of three major religions –
Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism – are also a draw.
Over the centuries, saints, seers and religious
adherents traveled to Kashmir and left the area
spiritually richer. Kashmir is dotted with both
natural and man-made pilgrimage sites of all
faiths, symbolizing the spiritual character to the
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a mystic tradition within Islam that encompasses
a diverse range of beliefs and practices dedicated
to divine love and the cultivation of the heart,
abounds in Kashmir.
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spiritual heritage, add its diverse cultures, and
throw in handmade silk carpets, hand-carved
walnut pieces, and exquisite papier-mâché,
and Kashmir makes for an irresistible tourist
attraction.
Srinagar, capital city of the Indian state of
Jammu and Kashmir, is truly one of Kashmir’s
sparkling gems. It has a long history, dating back
at least to the 3rd century B.C., and became the
capital of Kashmir around A.D. 960. Srinagar is
one of the largest cities in India not to have a Hindu
majority, with its primary religion being Islam.
Considered the summer capital of the state,
Srinagar is sometimes called the “Venice of the
East.” It is famous for its gardens, lakes and
houseboats, along with its traditional Kashmiri
handicrafts and dry fruits. At the heart of the
city is Dal Lake, with its bustling shikara water
taxis and palatial houseboats.
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Mughal gardens. The gardens are one of many
established by the Mughal emperors across the
Indian subcontinent. Srinagar and its vicinity
include several of these gardens. In the spring,
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water lilies and lotus blossoms.
Tourists in Srinagar are attracted by the
charm of staying on a houseboat, which provides
the unique experience of living on the water in
a cedar-paneled elegant bedroom, with all the
conveniences of a luxury hotel. Every standard
houseboat provides a balcony in the front, a
lounge, dining room, pantry and three or more“Venice of the East.” It is famous for its gardens, lakes
and houseboats, along with its traditional Kashmiri
handicrafts and dry fruits.
KASHMIR