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Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
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
favorite 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 colors 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
Golfing Holidays :
It is for golfing that Gulmarg has long been famous. The Gulmarg Golf
Club has be en
in existence for over a hundred years and there are records, dating
from that time, which make fascinating reading. The Clubhouse
itself, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet with its quaintly sloping roof,
has a rare old character. Temporary members are also welcome: the
payment of a daily fee entitles one to play 18 holes on course
maintained by the State Tourism Department. A limited supply of
golfing equipment is available for hire.
Horse Riding :
This is the best activity by
which all the sites of Gulmarg can be seen. Horses can be hired
directly or through the Tourist Office.
Sledging :
A flat wooden board is taken up
the hilltop and, without a navigator, allowed to slide downhill on the
snow-covered slopes. Sledges as well as sledge-pullers are always
available on hire.
Skiing & Winter Sports :
Some of the best
slopes in the country for beginners and intermediate skiers are
available at Gulmarg. Skiing equipment is available on hire from the
Ski-Shop. In winter Gulmarg's natural slopes and inclines turn into
the country’s premier skiing resort. Not all tourists who visit in
winter come for skiing - some simply are there to watch the skiing or
to enjoy a holiday in the snow. Many of these are infected with the
excitement of the skiers, and have donned their first pair of skis
within a short while of their arrival.}
A mong
the multitudes of slopes, there are a few which are serviced by ski
lifts. Most of the skiing becomes centered on these slopes, which are
specially suited to beginners and intermediate level skiers, with ski
runs ranging from 200 m to 3kms, instructors are available for both
levels.
As in the summer, when each individual sets his own pace for a
holiday, so also in winter, skiing can be as adventurous as the
holidaymaker can want. There are a number of slopes, not serviced by
ski lifts, of varying lengths and gradients.
Each of these is quieter than the immensely popular ones with ski
lifts. Advanced skiers often trek in the snow for several hours to the
very top of Apharwat peak, to make a descent lasting no more
than 30 minutes. And now, with the operation of the Gulmarg Gondola
Cable Car, it has become all the more convenient for skiing
enthusiasts, as they can gain a ski run of nearly 3 kms with the help
of this cable car which goes up to Kongdori.
There are a host of snow sports at Gulmarg at this time of the year.
Tobogganing, the most popular among them requires no
skill. No skill is required - a flat wooden board is taken up the hill
and is allowed to descend downhill. There are also snow scooters
and snow bobbing, neither requiring special skills |
