Gulmarg is also known as "The Meadow of Flowers" and in spring is just like that. With pretty views and green undulating country, Gulmarg is often called Switzerland of India.During winters it is famous for Skking and often National level skiing competition takes place here. Gulmarg has the fine 18 hole Green Golf course and is highest in the world (2680 meters) and is one of the India's prime winter ski resorts. The Cable car "Gondola" has 60 cable cons that ferry the tourists right upto the height of 3090 meters from 2690 meters at the base (Gulmarg). A circular road, 11 Km in length, runs right round the Gulmarg through pleasant pine forests with excellent views over the Kashmir Valley. Nanga Parbat is visible to the north and Haramukh and Sunset Peak to the south-east.The meadow of flowers "Gulmarg" is in the shape of a bowl, it is 3.5 Km in length and 1 Km wide. It comprises grassy slopes, with a small scattering of houses. The bowl is encircled by firclad hills, and in the distance are snow covered peaks.
Attractions:
Gondola Ride: Among the most breathtaking attractions is the Cable Car ride. Located about 1 km from the main bus stand, the Jammu & Kashmir State Cable Car Corporations operates the cable car ride. The Gondola lift ride is separated into two segments- from Gulmarg to Kongdoor to Apherwat. The lift passes over the beautiful pine woods, preliminary from a height of 2690 m and increases up to 3090 m. The magnificent view of the lush green hills and picturesque surroundings offers a wonderful experience for the tourist. The ride passes Khilanmarg - a field with striking colorful flowers.
Alpather Lake: Located at a distance of 13 km from Gulmarg, lies a serene and dazzling Alpather Lake. The lake is triangular shaped and perfectly placed in the surroundings of picturesque snow capped hills. The gardens besides the lake add beauty to its backdrop. The lake remains frozen till June and in summer floating ice pieces can be seen in streams of crystal clear water. The place is also a good spot for trekking lovers.
Maharani Temple: Built in 1915, the temple is well known as Mohineshwar Shivalalaya and preserves the deity of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple was constructed by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the consort of the King Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple serves as a Royal temple of Dogra Kings in the state and is located on a small hill in the centre of the Gulmarg reachable by trekking. The temple grounds offer visitors a place to rest and meditate.
Baba Reshi Shrine: Built in 1480, the Shrine or Ziarat is a sacred mosque located in the Gulmarg valley is dedicated to the Muslim scholar and saint Baba Reshi. The shrine is measured as a holy shrine. Baba Reshi was an important noble during the era of King Zain-ul-Abidin. The shrine was constructed with Mughals and Persian styles of architecture and is situated in enormous green lawns. It is an extremely valued religious shrine that attracts thousands of devotees each year.
