PARADISE ON EARTH – KASHMIR

Maa Vaishno Devi Darshan- Katra – Patnitop (50Kms approx 03 hours drive). After breakfast proceed for Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra by Helicopter. The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. Situated at a height of 5,300 ft., the site is located inside a cave in a hill amidst the folds of the Trikuta Bhagwati hill at a height of 5,300 ft., in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). This cave temple is at a distance of 61 kms from Jammu and the last 13 kms of the way have to be negotiated on foot by the yatris, as the devotees are called. Once at the entrance to the cave, the path turns into a narrow tunnel with a cold stream named the Charan Ganga running through it. The pilgrim has to wade through this to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi is nestled in a beautiful recess of the Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas. It is located 61 km north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In the cave there are images of three deities viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Patnitop or Patni Top, is a hilltop tourist location in Udhampur district, in Jammu and Kashmir, India, on the National Highway 1A, on the way from Udhampur to Srinagar, 112 km from Jammu. Situated on a plateau in the Shiwalik belt of the Himalayas, Patnitop sits at an altitude of 2024 metres. The River Chenab flows in close proximity to this location. . After returning from Darshan , drive to Patnitop. On arrival at Patnitop from Katra by road, Check-in at Hotel for night stay. Settle in your Hotel over a hot cup of Kahwa - a saffron enriched and almond supplemented drink to set your mood. You can enjoy the nature at Patnitop. Night stay at Hotel.

The hill resort of Patnitop is most suitable for the long walks in the lush green forest tracks where the chirping of birds, cool mountain breeze, panoramic beauty of the Chenab basin and never hot weather reinvigorates the souls of the people from plains and relieves the urbanites from the maddening crowd and hullabaloo of their cities. This charming plateau is situated 110 kilometers from Jammu along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, at an altitude of 6,640 feet. It is also the highest point on the highway. Patnitop was only discovered in the 20th century, as compared to other hill stations of the state that had been discovered centuries ago. The unspoiled beauty of this resort, well guarded by the Patnitop Development Authority, invites the world wide travelers to have a fun filled holiday on this hill station and explore the adventure, cultural, religious and recreational tourism options that are very unique to this place. Patnitop is a place that can be visited all round the year. Cool and bracing in the heights of summer, it is hot destination during winters as well, when it is covered by the snow blanket. Whatever the season may be, there is no competitor to its serenity. The bewitching sight of cedar woods and lush green mountains in summer is replaced by the beauty of snow covered mountains. It will be a breath taking experience to have a sight of the snow mountains turning golden in color at the time of sun set. Similarly you will be stunned by the vistas of the Chenab Gorge, that Patnitop offers from its excellent vantage points. Being only five kilometers in area, it is always easy to walk and explore the untrodden ways, if you wish there are ponies on hire and you can enjoy a horse ride while visiting the nearby spots, most of the place can be approached by car. For the travelers the must visit spots are Chinar Garden, Picnic Spot and Skating Park. The three gushing ice cold water springs with the medicinal properties located in the area is the ideal place to have a bath that is really very beneficial for your skin. You can enjoy the nature at Patnitop. Night stay at Hotel.

After breakfast Check-out from Hotel and then drive to Pahalgam (210 kms/4-5 hrs) Valley of Shepherds. Enroute you will have a rare opportunity to visit the Saffron fields. Also visit Avantipura Ruins & Anantnag Sulpher Springs. On arrival at Pahalgam Check-in at Hotel. Day at Leisure at Pahalgam. Night stat at Hotel. Pahalgam is not a mere hill-station. It’s a recreation resort. It’s like going into the lap of nature to do many Things - one of the best - that "do-nothing". You want to have a romantic trip with your beloved, want to get together with you family, and have what they call a 'quality' family time, you want to do those little interesting things with the family and kids, like take a pony ride, just picnic next to a beautiful river, just lie down under the sun next to your 'hut' with fresh breeze blowing, and read a book, or have a game of cards.

You can enjoy leisurely walks through the pine forest along the river Lidder River. You can also visit Chandan Wari, Aru Vally, Baisaran Vally and Chandan Wari. Night stay at Hotel.

After breakfast Check-out from Hotel then proceed to Gulmarg. On arrival at Gulamarg Check-in at Hotel. In Gulmarg you can enjoy Gondola ride to the high slopes (At Your own cost). You can also enjoy the snow caped field view. Night stay at the Hotel. Gulmarg is at an altitude of 8,500 ft and 51km west of Srinagar. It rests in a small valley with a backdrop of the

lofty Pir Panjal range of the Himalaya Mountains. As the area is under snow for 6 months of the year it is popular as a skiing area. It also has one of the best natural golf courses in the world. Pony trekking is available, as are plenty of walks for bird watchers in the meadows of alpine flowers. The Highland Park Hotel is on the western side. There are magnificent views of Nanga Parbat, ranked 9th highest mountain in the world.

After breakfast Check-out from Hotel and drive to Srinagar, on arrival at Srinagar from Gulmarg by road, meeting and assistance by representative at Houseboat. Check-in at Houseboat for nights stay. Settle in your Houseboat over a hot cup of Kahwa - a saffron enriched and almond supplemented drink to set your mood. Night stay at Houseboat. Houseboat - In the 20th century, Srinagar was rediscovered by the British Raj as a place to go to avoid the summer heat on plains. Because they were not permitted to build on the local land, houseboats were introduced. Many of These were furnished in the style of the 1930s and now have modern facilities. They are moored in idyllic settings on the calm and peaceful Dal Lake. Houseboats are far remote from the conventional hotel; it’s more like staying in a Floating holiday cottage. Most houseboats have between 2 and 4 bedrooms, there are no room keys. They are fashioned out of carved wood and the traditional furnishings give a wonderful cosiness. Each boat has its own houseboy to attend to your every need. Meals are taken on board in the dining room. The Shikaras are about 15 ft long with a canopy for shade. The seats and backrest are heavily cushioned; you can relax and stretch out in “Moghul style” for your boat journeys. There are 2 boatmen to paddle in traditional style through the backwaters. They wear traditional dress, a “Phiron” or loose cap and always take their hubble-bubble pipe along and keep a constant supply of embers in their Kangris or portable heater. Shikaras are the most charming

After breakfast proceed Srinagar sightseeing of Mughal gardens, Shalimar and Nishat Bagh, evening return back to Houseboat. Dinner at Houseboat. Night stay at Houseboat. Mughal gardens are a group of gardens built by the Mughal in the Islamic style of architecture. This style was heavily influenced by the Persian gardens particularly the Charbagh structure. Significant use of rectilinear layouts is made within the walled enclosures. Some of the typical features include pools, fountains and canals inside the gardens.

After breakfast leave for full day excursion tour of Sonamarg (9000 fts a.s.l) the "The Golden Meadow". Sonamarg is the beginning of the enchanted journey into a natural wonderland. Surrounded by mountains upto 5300 meters high the valley is divided by a spur of the "Thajwas Range". Baltal (The Base Camp for Amarnath Pilgrimage) 15 Kms. North of Sonamarg. This little valley lies at the foot hill of Zojila. Return back to Srinagar for Dinner and overnight in hotel / houseboat.

After breakfast at the Hotel, check-out from Hotel and drive to Jammu Railway Station or Airport for return journey.