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facilities,
ponies for short rides, skiing equipment for the winter
and white water rafting in the Lidder. At Kolahoi
Glacier close by, it is possible to have a sledge ride
on the ice. The surrounding pine forests are home to the
Himalayan brown bear.
Pahalgam
serves as base camp for the famous pilgrimage to
Amarnath Cave.
Sonamarg
(80 km)
This 'Golden Meadow' at a height of 2,740 metres is a
tranquil mountain retreat wooded with sycamore, silver
birch, fir and pine trees. 20 kms east lies the Zoji-La
Pass at 3,540 metres, leading to the moonscape-like
deserts of Ladakh. The Nichnai Pass offers a stunning
view encompassing the lakes of Kishensar, Vishensar and
Gangabal. Angling and skiing are popular pastimes here
as is trekking to Pahalgam or the Thajiwas Glacier.
Wullar
Lake (60 km)
The largest fresh-water lake in India, spread out over
125 km, it is fed by the Jhelum River. This large water
body, constantly turbulent and shimmering with the force
of the winds, attracts several migratory and indigenous
bird species.
Khir
Bhawani Temple
This shrine dedicated to the goddess Ragnya Devi was
built in 1912 by Maharaja Pratap Singh and later
renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh. The deity is placed
within a spring amidst chinar trees.
Awantipura
(29 kms)
This city, now in ruins, was built in the 9th century by
King Avantivarman, and includes a temple complex
dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva.
Amarnath
Cave (141 km)
One of the most popular and sacred pilgrimage sites,
this cave, at a height of 3,888 metres, with a unique
naturally formed ice lingam (Lord Shiva's phallic
symbol) draws thousands of devotees on a demanding
annual trek on a route that normally takes five days to
and fro. |
