Philanthropic Travel: Jammu and Kashmir India

Karkoram Mountains -India Pakistan border

About Jammu and Kashmir

Why visit Srinagar

* The vibrant and uniquely lively Dal Lake
* Houseboat stays
* Shikara rides on the lakes

Captured by Akbar, Kashmir was visited by the Mughal emperors as often as they could. In Srinagar they planted beautifully laid out gardens with stepped terraces and flowing water courses. At the city's edge are the idyllic Dal and Nagin Lakes. Famous not only for its beauty but also its vibrancy, Dal Lake sustains within its periphery a life that is unique anywhere in the world. So complete is the infrastructure that one can find doctors, tailors, bakers and more in the tiny wooden shops on the lake, near picturesque vegetable and lotus gardens. Reminiscent of the Mughal rule is the mosque of Hazratbal. Made of white marble with a dome and a minaret, Hazratbal is the repository of a single hair of the Prophet Mohammed, exhibited to the public on certain days of the year. Perched on the highest hill in the city is the Shankaracharya temple.

Vestiges of Kashmir's pre-Islamic past can be seen in the ruins of magnificent Hindu temples at Avantipora and Martand. A few kilometres southeast of Srinagar, the Sun temple at Martand is believed to date from the 8th century AD, while the two Avantipora temples are probably from the 9th century. The Wular Lake, also a few kilometers away from Srinagar, is the largest fresh water lake in India spreading over a 125 kilometres area. At the centre of the lake are the remains of an island created by King Zain-ul-Abidan. Beyond Wular Lake is Gandarbal, the point where the icy Sindh river leaves the mountains and enters the plains. With an abundance of scenic beauty the region also offers a local sport known as water trekking, a three to four day trip along the river to the various lakes on a Shikaras and with all camping gear.

About Gulmarg

Apart from the legendary natural beauty, Gulmarg has a host of sporting opportunities. Famous for golfing with the highest green Golf course in the world, Gulmarg along with Khilanmarg is among India's few ski resorts. Horse riding is an activity by which many sites in Gulmarg can be seen.

The first Himalayan state of India, Kashmir's summer capital is Srinagar and Jammu is the winter capital. Famous for its houseboats on the picturesque Dal Lake, Kashmir is not all about lying on board; the adventure opportunities can be segregated into trekking, mountaineering and a trans -Himalayan jeep safari.

Why visit Gulmarg

* Site for the highest green golf course in the world, during summers
* Gulmarg is a Skiing destination

The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there. Roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer's rich emerald, or autumn's golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, one can look at a spectacle of snow-covered mountains.

The Gulmarg Golf Club has been in existence for over a hundred years and there are records, dating from that time, which make a fascinating reading. The Clubhouse itself, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet with its quaintly sloping roof, has a rare old character. A Skiing destination, Gulmarg offers other winter sports and is also a base for trekking.

Learn More:
Contact us to create your private, guided Kashmir Safari.
Philanthropic Adventures: Kashmir, India
Philanthropic Adventures: Bhutan
Philanthropic Adventures: Nepal
Family Philanthropic Adventures
Raising Philanthropists
My First Philanthropic Travel Experience
Nobel Peace Prize for Micro Credit Pioneer
Why are they so Happy?