FEW PERSONAL PICS OF NAINITAL..IT WAS AWESOME BEING THERE!!

LAKE BHIMTAL...

















NAINITAL MALL ROAD ALONG WITH THE NAINI LAKE..


















THE TARRACE FARMING IN NAINITAL MOUNTAINS...

















NAINI LAKE...

Nainital: The Lake City of LAKES...

Nainital derived its name from a Hindu Goddess, Naina Devi and it has a mythological significance as well. It has been believed that when Lord Shiva danced with the soulless body of Parvati, her eyes (Nain in Hindi) fell on the lake and the lake came to be known as ‘Nain-tal’ or lake of the eye. This city is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. Located at the altitude of 1,938 metres, Nainital is surrounded by three mountains, namely, Naina (2,615 m) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m) on the south. All these three mountains bound a large lake, locally termed as ‘tal’.

Nainital also has a 100 year old Raj Bhawan Golf Course for the golf lovers.
From sightseeing to boating, golfing to adventure sports, from long walks and soft treks to just unwinding or introspecting – Nainital, in the Kumaon region offers it all. This hill town is a photographer’s delight, an artist’s dream and a writer’s inspiration.

SIGHTSEEING IN NAINITAL
Snow View: The Snow view point located at height of 2270 meter on the Sher-ka-Danda hill is the most easily accessible, if not on foot then via the cable car that skims its surface and whisks you away merrily to the top. Once there you can only gaze in wonder at the glittering panorama of Himalayan snows spanning the distant horizon.
Naina Peak: Known as the China peak at 8,568 feet is the highest point in Nainital. It commands a superb view of the Himalayas and an intriguing bird’s-eye view of Nainital. One can walk or take ponies to the peak.
Naina Devi Temple: The attractive lake of Nainital is said to be the eyes of Sati, wife of Lord Shiva. Sati jumped into the sacrificial bonfire. Lord Shiva to mourn the death of his beloved wife carried the body across the country. The remains of her body fell at various places which today are sacred worship places for the Hindus.
St. John's Church: This church was built in 1847. A brass memorial is kept in memory of the persons who were buried in the infamous landslide.
Horse riding: Any visitor coming to Nainital cannot miss the joy of riding a horse on the Mall. Not only at the Mall but to reach the Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Kilburi from the Mallital area one can hire ponies and horses.
Ayarpatta Hill is a haven of trees—oak, fir, deodar, pine and rhododendron. Some of the roads are narrow and still paved with brick. On this hill stands Gurney House, home of the great Jim Corbett, the fearless famous hunter, conservationist and writer to remember. The house was named after Corbett’s father. It is now a museum of Corbett memorabilia.

OOTY...QUEEN OF HILL STATIONSS..

Ooty also known as Udhagamandalam is the "Queen of hill stations" and the capital of Nilgiris district. It is one of the most popular tourist resorts in India. Nilgiris means "Blue Mountains". It is a land of picturesque picnic spots. Used to be popular summer and weekend getaway for the Britishers during the colonial days. It is situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level. An added attraction for the tourists to Udagamandalam is the mountain train journey on a ratchet and pinion track which commences from Kallar, near Mettupalayam and wends its way through many hair-raising curves and fearful tunnels and chugs along beside deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams and tea gardens.

An important and Interesting Tourist spot of Tamilnadu. This place is also a place of visit in the summer season for its chill climate. Udagamandalam-Ooty in short is called as the “Queen of Hills”. It is located at the tri junction of Tamilnadu, kerala and Karnataka. It is at 7500 feet above the sea level and finds its location in the Nilgris.........

Nilgris is a beautiful mountain range which is a part of Western Ghats. Totally there are three places to visit namely Kothagiri, Coonoor and Ooty. Among these three Ooty is given the primal importance because of its scenic Beauty and excellent climate conditions. Nilgris is oldest than the Great Himalayas. Like Icing on a cake ooty adds Pride to this mountain Range.

Ooty Boat House Lake
Even though the name of this lake is boat House Lake, people use to call this lake as ooty lake. The British ruler called john Sullivan has constructed this beautiful lake in the years 1823-1825.

Glen Morgen
This spot is located at a distance of 17 km from ooty. An important place with thick forests. More varieties of trees are seen over here. Some important species helpful to mankind are also found here.

PATNITOP "THE HEAVEN ON EARTH"

112 km from Jammu, Patnitop boasts of being a hill resort of matchless beauty. Perched on a beautiful plateau and encased by thickly wooded forests, it offers pretty picnic spots, tranquil walks and panoramic views of the mountainous of the basin of River Chenab. Snow enwraps it in winters and there are endless opportunities for various snow games such as skiing. Natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover compliment the best-developed touring spot of Jammu region. Situated at a high altitude, there are many pleasant walks around Patnitop. It is also a starting point for many short or long treks into the nearby mountains such as the attractive one-day 11-km walk to Shiva Garh, situated at an altitude of almost 3,500 m.

The highlights of Patnitop are its three gushing, ice-cold freshwater springs in the area, which are said to have medicinal properties. Flowery meadows make Patnitop an ideal place for walks and picnics. It also has a 6-hole golf course, which is being expanded to 9-holes. Adventure lovers may trek or ride ponies along little known trails, opt for paragliding and basic skiing while others can enjoy camping and walks. Sudh Mahadev is a sacred spot situated close to Patnitop.

Amarnath Ji

145 km from Srinagar, the holy shrine of Amarnath is situated at an altitude of 4,175 m above sea level. Covered by snow from September to June, the harsh weather conditions obstruct the path of the visitors and it is only accessible during the monsoons, from July to August. According to the popular legend, Lord Shiva distributed celestial nectar among the gods and made them immortal. The word 'Amarnath', thus means, 'Lord of Immortality'. There is a mention of this ancient shrine in the first historical treatise on India, Rajtarangini by Kalhana.

One of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centers of India, the devotees believe that in every lunar month, the icy Shivalinga in the cave of Amarnath begins to take its shape on the first day of the bright half of the month. The Linga reaches its full size on the full moon day and then begins to wane and disappear on the no moon day. The Amarnath cave faces south and inside the cave, there are four to five ice formations resembling figures of various deities. According to the tradition, the largest one is accepted as Amarnath, one on its left as Ganesha and ones on the right as Parvati and Bhairava respectively.

The 145-km trek from Srinagar to Amarnath cave is full of adventures, beautiful landscapes, and pilgrimage sites. Due to the accidents that have taken place in the past, now one can travel to the place only under the vigil of Indian officials. The trek begins on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar calendar from Dashnami Akhada in Srinagar. The first important pilgrimage site of the trek is Martand, known for its ancient temple dedicated to the Sun God. There are famous shrines of Bab-zain-ud-din Wali at Aishmuqam while Pahalgam presents the confluence of the rivers Sheshnag and Liddar and a number of Muslim shrines to the visitors.

Enroute are the famous temples of Anantnag, Deviangan, Bijbehara, Akingam, Lukbhavan, and Nagdandi Ashram along with the shrine of Baba Hyder Rishi situated Anantnag. Chandanwadi, is again the confluence of the rivers Asthan Marg and Sheshnag while it is believed that at Pishu Ghati, the Gods crushed the Demons. The origin of the river of the same name, Sheshnag Lake is situated at a height of about 12,000 feet above sea level. Wavjan lies just before the steep climb to the Mahagunus Pass and is situated at an altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level. It also marks the last climb in the trek to Amarnath, after which there is a downy slope leading to Panchatarni. The Amarnath Yatra, is so planned as to reach the Amarnath cave on the full moon day.

Chari Saheb, the holy scepter, leads a procession starting form Srinagar to Amarnath during the annual festival held here during the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar. It is held to celebrate the formation of ice Shivalinga on the full moon day.

Kashmir Gardens

Impressed with abundant natural beauty, Mughals loved this place so much that they have contributed many beautiful gardens to the city of Srinagar. Well-planned and vast, these gardens are home to a variety of flora and delightful water systems. They retain something of the elaborately planned Persian gardens and are mostly terraced to suit the environs of the mountainous slopes.


Shalimar Garden Emperor Jehangir built this beautiful Garden for his beloved wife Nur Jehan. It has four terraces and stretches across 539 by 182 meters, watered by the Harwan through canal lined with beautiful fountains. The fourth terrace is the best one and was once reserved for royal ladies and innumerable varieties of flowers bloom in spring and autumn.



Nishat Garden The brother of Mughal Empress Nur Jehan, Asif Khan laid the Garden in Srinagar in 1633. Set on the banks of world famous Dal Lake, in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills, this terraced garden offers some magnificent views of the lake. The Garden has a beautiful water channel flowing right through its middle. Not a minute in the garden can be dull with its gorgeous Shikara rides up to the Nehru Park from here. The favorite picnic spot of the natives, a long walk amidst the lush greenery of this well-planned Garden refreshes oneself. There are also some shopping stalls opposite the garden.
Pari Mahal
The erstwhile royal observatory, Pari Mahal boasts of a well planned and is just a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. The place also houses a Buddhist monastery of the olden times, converted later to a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. This ancient monument retains a dream-like quality, illuminated at nights and placed on the very edge of a mountain casting its reflection in the waters of the Dal Lake with a well-laid spacious garden in front.

Pahalgam

Famous for scenic beauty, the jewel of the Liddar valley, Pahalgam is situated in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Set at 2130 m above sea level, surrounded by the great Himalayas, it is positioned on the banks of the Liddar River. The alpine weather conditions create pleasant and mild weather conditions in summers from April to June, while winters from November to February are cold and experience heavy snowfall. The rainy seasons of July and August see a huge entourage of pilgrims who come here to visit the holy cave of Amarnath, the abode of Lord Shiva, as Pahalgam is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra.

The mention of Pahalgam is found in the regions ruled by the Mughals in the medieval period. Local Hindu kings later ruled over it as a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir until this princely state annexed into India, after independence. The natural beauty of Pahalgam and the luxuriant Liddar valley attracts the tourists. There are number of picnic spots on the shores of River Liddar, flowing near Pahalgam. Pahalgam is also a part of Asia's only saffron growing area; the saffron plants are in full bloom in November. Pahalgam offers quite a few hiking and trekking trails, which one can explore riding on horseback. The snow capped peaks in the backdrop and lush green pine forests soothe the eyes of the travelers. The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling and trout fishing. Virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of wildflowers mark Pahalgam as part of the paradisiacal beauty of Kashmir.

SONAMARG 'THE MEADOW OF GOLD'

Sonamarg means a meadow of gold. A tranquil valley set amongst glaciers and placid lakes, it has flower-laden meadows, panoramic views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks and a number of trekking and hiking trails. Situated in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, it is set an altitude of 2740 m above sea level and is surrounded by the Himalayas. 80 km Srinagar, Sonamarg has alpine weather conditions with mild and pleasant summers from April to June and chilly winters from November to February accompanied by heavy snowfall. Surrounded by some of the highest mountain ranges of the world, the sparkling snowcapped mountains reflect the golden rays of the sun to give Sonamarg its name. One can see magnificent views of snow-clad ranges and attractive meadows enroute while going to Sonamarg from Srinagar. Wonders of the nature abound in Sonamarg in its quiet meadows and flower-carpeted fields.

A spur of the Thajiwas Range covered with pine, fir, and birch trees divides the Sonamarg valley and has a number of camping sites nearby. On the other side of the spur, are a number of waterfalls and the captivating Thajiwas glacier. There are trekking routes from Sonamarg to the Himalayan lakes of Vishansar at an altitude of 4080 m above sea level, Krishansar at an altitude of 3810 m above sea level and Gangabal at an altitude of 3658 m above sea level. The trek to Gadsar Lake with its abundant snow trout and the frozen Satsar Lakesurrounded by alpine flowers and trees, trekking to Baltal, which 15 km from Sonamarg is a delight. Situated at the foot of the Zojila pss, it the gateway to the land of Ladakh.

GULMARG 'THE BEST WINTER DESTINATION OF INDIA'

“Gulmarg reinforces its position as a Prime Winter Destination”

Gulmarg, the most exotic ski resort in the Himalayas, has been a favoured winter destination for many years. The first ski club of India was set up by the British here in 1927. Gulmarg’s position as a prime ski destination has been reinforced at two functions held in the national capital recently.

The Winter Games Federation of India, during its annual general meeting declared Gulmarg as the winter sports capital of India. Coming from the apex body that organises winter sports in the country, this is indeed a great honour for Gulmarg.

Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country,

Gulmarg, in Kashmir is legendary beauty.

Not only for its beauty and prime location but also as being the highest natural golf course of the world, situated at an altitude of 2890 m.

GOLF COURSE IN GULMARG........

Apharwat Lake is frozen until mid-June and even after that, one can see ice floating in the river. For the more adventurous trekkers, climbing straight up the boulder-strewn slope of the ridge and descending on the other side to the path is a thrilling exercise. For those who love horse riding, Alpather Lake makes an exciting excursion for a day, starting early morning and returning late evening.

House Boats of Kashmir

The sounds of rippling waters and the beautiful houseboats are the greatest attractions of Kashmir. Made up of cedar wood, these mesmerizing water boat residences have elegance and are complete with stately living quarters, drawing and dining rooms, carved wooden furniture, glowingly embroidered rugs and fabrics. The large windows of the houseboats provide beautiful views of the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayan Mountains and the pretty Dal Lake with beautiful lotus flowers adorning it. The breathtaking views combined with the silent and serene atmosphere and homely comforts are enough to infuse new lives and rejuvenate the visitors.
There are wide varieties of houseboats, one can choose from, according to one's needs and requirements. 'Firdaus' are known for their grandeur and has three double bedrooms with attached bathrooms, hot and cold water and a lavish living room. 'Khushal' is a little smaller with two double bedrooms along with the other desired comforts. However, the most beloved of the honeymooners are 'Nishat' and 'Khushdil' with one double bedroom, privacy and comforts along with the beautiful views of the lake. The Dal Lake or Nagin Lake of Srinagar is also famous for its 'Shikaras', the floating vegetable gardens, the visitors love to have a ride on, to all the way to the Mughals' Paradise.
Besides the homely comforts and delicacies of the houseboat and the famous Shikara ride, the other luxuries one can enjoy are sunbathing on the houseboats on the top-deck. Water - powered peddlers sell everything from saffron to papier mache deer to the houseboat door.

KASHMIR - "THE HEAVEN ON EARTH....."

Natural Beauty
Kashmir is famous for its beautiful and natural scenery and varieties of flora and fauna throughout the world. It is also widely known for its different kinds of agricultural products, fruit, vegetables, saffron, herbs, minerals, precious stones and finest kind of embroidery on clothes.

Kashmir Valley
Perfection beyond this world makes Kashmir a paradise. The land of sparkling rivers and sleepy lakes, of startling gardens and regal Chinar trees, Kashmir boasts of some of the most beautiful flowering meadows and snow-capped peaks. The abundance of natural beauty has earned the valley a nickname of the 'Switzerland of the East'. It is mesmerizing to see how this endless beauty never fails to charm the viewers with its changing scenes from dazzling white snow of Winters to blooming fragrance of Spring. The sparkling greenery of Summers are welcome too as the flaming beauty of Autumn. The art house of the Seasons, the beauty of Kashmir is complete to the giggling girls with fair Indian complexion and rosy cheeks and the exquisite handicrafts of the area.

The Glorious Name
There have been different versions of the legend behind the name of Kashmir. It is said that the great saint Kashyap Rishi went on a pilgrimage to the place. When he reached Naukabandan near Kaunsarnag, at the request of the people he killed Bahudev, the giant of Satisar and let the water of the lake flow out near Baramulla. Thus, the place came to be known as Kashyapmar or the some other historians dispute that this valley was so called only when the people of Kash caste settled here permanently.

LAKES IN KASHMIR...

The paradisiacal beauty of Kashmir valley can be mainly attributed to its outlandish natural beauty, pretty landscape and beautiful water bodies. These water bodies are of great ecological and socio-economic significance. The most famous of these are Dal Lake and Nagin Lake of Srinagar with their multi-faceted eco-system and grandeur. National and international tourists throng to the place attracted by the breathtaking beauty of the places.

Dal Lake has rightfully become an icon of the Kashmir tourism industry. A Himalayan urban lake, it has five basins and a number of channels that are well linked with each other. There are plenty of fishes in Dal Lake and fishery is the second largest industry of the region centered on the lake. The sparkling quiet waters of Dal surrounded by snow-capped mountains on its three sides, undoubtedly mark it as one of the most beautiful lakes of India. It is also the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir with numerous gardens and orchards all along its shores. Houseboats form an indelible part of the scenery of the Dal Lake that are always ready to take tourists to a romantic and peaceful ride of the lake and soothe their nerves as the houseboat floats over the slightly rippling waters. They also offer some of the most exotic views of the splendid scenery of the Dal Lake.

There are Shikaras that look like small ornate versions of the gondolas of Venice that offers ferry rides to and from the banks of the lake to the houseboats. The shores of the Lake houses the distinct Moghul monuments and the campus of the University of Kashmir while the two hillocks overlooking the lake house Shankaracharya and Hari Parbat temples. The glorious Mughal gardens on its shores contribute to the beauty of the Dal Lake. Out of about five hundred gardens laid down in 16th to 17th century, only a few still survive. There have been controversies about the origin of the Dal Lake. While some geologists believe that the origins of Dal Lake lie in the Pleistocene Oligotrophic Lake that once covered the entire valley of Kashmir, others just believe it to be a flood plain lake. The floating gardens of Dal Lake are considered a beauty in themselves. One can find a number of restaurants and hotels at the lakefront that have sprung up, encouraged by the large influx of tourists here.


Nagin Lake....
Leading from the Dal is the smaller Nagin Lake. Trees of willow and poplar whose reflection is mirrored in the lake edge the waters. One can hire Bathing Boats here, as well as on the Dal along with the exciting water-skis and motor launches. There are Shikaras to be hired for an unbelievably romantic experience. The lake lies to the east of the city at the foot of the Zabarwan Mountain. To its south is the Shankaracharya hill (or Takht-i-Sulaiman) and to the west, is Hari Parbat.

TOP 10 PARADISES OF THE WORLD......MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES!!!

No.1 - Tristan da Cunha

Officially the world’s remotest island, Tristan da Cunha rises out from the South Atlantic Ocean like a prehistoric volcano. Situated 1,242 miles from St. Helena and 1,739 miles from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, it really does cut a lonely but beautiful figure. There’s not just the main island, either; comprised of several uninhabited islands, one inaccessible island and the Nightingale Islands, this archipelago is like the lost world. In fact, you might expect a T. rex to come crashing through the trees. With windswept beaches, views of a tempestuous blue sea, magnificent basalt cliffs, a thriving economy, zero unemployment, and a nonexistent crime rate, this is the way life should be

No.2 - Cotswolds, England
the name Cotswold means either "sheep enclosure in rolling hillsides sometimes called the "Heart of England The most famous region of Chile, Chilean Patagonia offers all the dramatic landscape one would expect from the world's ultimate land's end. Here the South American continent falls away in a dazzling explosion of islands, glaciers, icebergs and mountains. It is truly one of mother nature's grand finales.