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Gulmarg
Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar
naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country.
Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given
in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight
of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a
favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different
varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain
resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course
in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier
ski resort in the winter.
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, travelers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes
and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within
touching distance.
What to do
Horse riding/Hiking
Cable car riding to Khilanmarg
Golf playing
Snow Skiing during winter months (End Dec -Middle March)
How to Reach Gulmarg
By Air: Gulmarg lies only 56kms away
from Srinagar, which is an important domestic airport in the region. Several
airlines operate direct flights to and from Srinagar and connect it to
cities like: Delhi, Mumbai and so on.
By Road: Although in the mountainous
region it is difficult to construct and maintain roads, Gulmarg has a good
road connection. Only 56kms away from Srinagar, Gulmarg is linked to it by
good metalled roads. Srinagar is connected by road to prominent cities in
northern India.
By Rail: Jammu is the closest railway
station from Gulmarg. Several trains from all parts of this country arrive
at this station.
