The
Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg a prime location in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is about 52 Kms.
from
Srinagar,
the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. At an altitude of 2,653 m., Gulmarg is exquisitely
situated in a pine surrounded basin of the Pir Panjal range. Gulmarg or the
`Meadow of Flowers' is a lovely blooming sight where an opulence of flora displays
various colours with the changing seasons.
Gulmarg's astounding beauty, prime location and closeness to Srinagar
naturally make it one of the prime hill stations in the country. Originally
called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the
16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was impressed by the sight of its
green slopes embellished with wild flowers. Today, Gulmarg is not only a
mountain resort of exemplary beauty - it also has the highest green golf
course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's major
ski resort in the winter.
Arriving at Gulmarg
By Flight : The airport at Srinagar at 57 km is nearest to
Gulmarg. The airport caters to the air transport to the hill resort. Regular
flights connect Srinagar with the other major cities in India.
The Trackways : The railway station in Jammu is the
nearest to Gulmarg that caters to the rail transport to the hill resort.
The Major Fascinations at Gulmarg
Golf Club : Gulmarg boasts of a magnificent grassy golf
course that is the world's highest too. One can even hire the golf sets from
Gulmarg too. The Golf Club offers short-term memberships to the players.
Trekking
: Gulmarg is an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal
Range. Nanga Parbat can be viewed to the north from several view points,
including Khilanmarg, west and over 1,500 feet up the woody hillside from
Gulmarg.
Skiing : Gulmarg is amongst the best skiing resorts in
India. Gulmarg is also a good skiing sight for learners. Ski enthusiasts can
easily get all required gear and equipments as well as professional ski
instructors in Gulmarg, to try out a hand on skiing. The longest ski run in
Gulmarg is provide by the Gondola Cable Car Lift, where skiers can swoosh
down the slopes from the height of 2, 213m.
Excursions from Gulmarg
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves : This is located at a distance
of 48-km from Srinagar, to the southwest of Gulmarg. It is famous for
storing several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a
brilliant and varied fauna.
Alpather Lake : This lake is frozen until mid-June and
even later in the year one can see rocks of ice floating in its cold waters.
