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(SHOPPING FOR THE HOME)
Fine Kashmiri Carpet: Hand-Knotted, in standard
sizes starting from 5 ft x 3 ft. Prices vary with the size
and the material used i. e. silk or wool.
Namdas: Woollen rugs, not unlike felt, are
Kashmir's only folk art. Gaily embroidered motifs make
them ideal for children's rooms or informal areas of the
house.
Upholstery: Available by tile metre, white cotton
fabric is embroidered with floral motifs in chain stitch
in single or triple colour- ways. Very useful fine
curtains, cushion covers and sofa upholstery.
Chain Stitch Rugs and Wall Hangings: The background
fabric is completely covered with bird or mural designs in
sober, pleasing colours certain to harmonize with any
colour scheme.
Copper Vessels: These include salvers, trays,
samovars and ladles. Plain or with raised designs
throughout their surface, very few shops in fine shopping
centres stock them, but in Old City, particularly around
Nowhatta, are rows of such shops, because every Kashmiri
household uses them.
Walnut Wood Furniture: Bar cabinets which fold
open, dining tables, matching chairs, coffee tables,
elegant writing desks and sideboards -with very deep
relief work or restrained motifs which highlight the
texture of fine wood itself
To give away as gifts, as souvenirs, mementoes, are:
Cushion covers, table cloths with chain stitch designs,
papier mache items such as vases, tiny pill boxes, ash
trays and oilier objects of utility; walnut wood salad
bowls and salad spoons, nut crackers.
Wicker Work: Basket, hampers and lampshades.
Articles of clothing: Woollen shawls with hook
embroidery (chain stitch) or needle work (sozni). Jamewar
shawls have fine needle work covering fine surface.
Pashmina and Shahtoosh shawls are finest ultimate luxury.
Silk saris and fabrics, tweed for men's jackets as well as
ready-made or made to order garments. Pherans of raffel
(pure wool) or tweed with touches of embroidery.
Eatables: Walnuts, almonds, honey , saffron. Also
Apples & Cherries during season.
The rules for shopping in Srinagar are the same as
elsewhere. Look around, plan and then purchase. Prices as
well as qualities differ and don't be taken in by offers
of "my uncle's shop" because you could land up paying the
"nephew's" commission too!
Golf: Kashmir offers an
outstanding opportunities for the golf players golf all
through the summer - from April to November - in
inspiring surroundings, through trees of Chinar and
pine.
In the flourishing golf courses at
Srinagar
and Gulmarg, one is able to play for longer hours than
one can in the plains because of the lower temperatures
- Srinagar's highest temperature never goes beyond 30
deg. Cent.. Srinagar has an 18 hole golf course with
common fairways, and a par of 70. The golf course at
Gulmarg is something unique, you have ever seen or
imagined before.
Kashmir boasts of acquiring one of the world's highest
green golf courses, as well as a clubhouse, a historical
building in its own right, situated at Gulmarg, also one
of the finest hill stations at J&K. Situated at an
incredibly high altitude of 3730 metres above sea level,
it is not only the highest green golf course anywhere in
the world but also one of the most beautiful with
amazing ambience. The tourism department of J&K justly
offers all required facilities for the travelers and
golf lovers. There are various facilities for both the
beginners and the experts. For the starter, there are
golf sets on hire, instructors to instruct one in the
game, and temporary memberships. Similarly, these
facilities are available for the players as well,
leaving out the serious golfers, who usually carry their
sets along.
Gulmarg
Golf Club:
This club was established in the early days of the
British rule by Sir Neville Chamberlain, K.C.B.. The
Gulmarg Golf Club has attracted many golfers for almost
a century. The Gulmarg Golf Club is surrounded by a lush
green trees, alpine flowers and crises crossed by snow
fed streams and rivulets; gently twisting slopes covered
with a natural mossy terrain, and a crispy cool
caressing weather.
This golf course was redesigned by the famous golf
architect, Peter Thompson. Today its has a 6,760 yards,
par 72, 18 hole. The layout of the course too is
strikingly different from most golf courses - hardly any
stretch is flat - the land slopes and inclines along the
complete area of the course which has a par of 72. This
highest golf course in the world, also boasts of India's
longest hole, a par five, 610 yards. Unlike most of the
other par-fives on the Gulmarg course, the eighth plays
much longer than its 610 yards because of the uphill
factor. The green course features not only the rippling
rivulets, pre-defined streams and ponds, but also herds
of sheep which rules out the need for lawn mowers and
keep the fairways in excellent condition. The most
interesting and trying hole on the
Gulmarg
course is unquestionably the 17th. Although not very
long, it calls for some precise hitting to land on the
green which is daringly placed on the edge of a cliff.
The 18th hole, a par five, is an thrilling experience.
It's downhill crosses from St. Mary's Church to the club
house, a drop of 300 feet. The Gulmarg Golf Club is
adequate enough to handle the holiday golfer and
organise for the services of caddies and coache. Golf
sets can also be hired at very affordable and reasonable
rates. Facilities at the club consists of a bar,
library, lounge, table tennis, lawn tennis and lots
more. The Gulmarg golf course is generally open between
April and November, as it is concealed by snow for the
rest of the year and its disciplined slopes are
converted into mini ski runs for beginners.
If you are planning to play golf regularly through out
the entire duration of your stay in Kashmir, a temporary
membership can be availed, which will enable you to use
the course for as long as you are here. Naturally the
membership permits you to use the clubhouse restaurant
facilities. You can hire a golf set and balls for the
day from the pro-shops at Gulmarg. If you want to brush
up your play, or simply want to learn golf as a
beginner, there are efficient trainers at both clubs.
Kashmir Golf Club:
The Kashmir Golf Club has all the excellently fitted
equipment, that make playing golf an unforgettable
experience. It is spread over 52 sprawling acres of lush
land adjoining the Maulana Azad Road, the City’s main
avenue.
The Kashmir Golf Club at Srinagar with well laid out
bunkers and hazards, interspersed between chinars & pine
is a professional 18-hole course and has been the venue
of many tournaments. The course has common fairways and
a par of 70. Srinagar offers an exclusive opportunity
for golf enthusiasts to play through the summer, from
April to November. Srinagar's pleasant climate allows
the golfer to play longer hours without getting tired.
Royal spring Golf Course:
Spread over an area of 300 acres near the famous Cheshma
Shahi, The Royal Springs Golf Course was designed and
built by the World renowned Golf course architect,
Robert Trent Jones Jr. II, who has designed about 500
golf courses all around the World.
The Golf course located here overlooks the famous and
picturesque Dal Lake, is set in a natural environment
founded against the scenic backdrop of Zabarwan hills.
The setting is a combination of aesthetic delight and
golfing pleasure and is a truly transcending experience
of the Golfer and nature lover alike. The 118 holes,
6445 mtrs. Course at a par of 72 offer a challenge to
all levels of players.
Skiing:
During the pre-independence years skiing had become very
popular and Gulmarg used to organise two main events, one
each during Christmas and Easter. Gulmarg's atmosphere can
generally be identical to the 1940's and 50's European
skiing. It has good sunshine as well as good snow, a rare
experience.
Gulmarg enjoys the position of being one of the highest
lift-served ski resorts in the world. This is due to
setting-up of a Gandola Cable Car Lift from Gulmarg to
Apharwat top. At present, only the first part of the
Gandola, from Gulmarg to Kongdori is operational, giving a
downhill ski run of about 3 kms. Besides, three ski lifts
and one chair lift also serves the resort, which are ideal
for beginners and intermediate-level skiing, respectively.
Trekking:
There are a number of trekking trails from Kishtwar to a
number Himalayan peaks that are not at a very great
altitude. In fact these treks can be completed within a
weeks time. Most of these trekking tours offer packages
that include all the trekking and camping equipment.
Interested tourists may have the pleasure of trekking
through the woods and hills. It is an experience of a
lifetime. The trekking trip to the Amarnath shrine is one
of the most popular trekking trails in Kashmir. The state
government authorities due to security reasons strictly
regulate the different stops of this yatra. Gulmarg is
also an important trekking base for those interested in
trekking up the trails in the Pir Panjal ranges. The long
trek from the Ferozepur Nala to Danwas, Tejjan to Samaidan
is one of the most enjoyable walks. The three-stage trek
from Gulmarg to Tosamaidan is an experience that tourists
cannot forget. Sonamarg is a starting point of a trekking
trail that passes through several mountain lakes, viz.
Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. These
trekking trips are extremely fascinating for more reasons
than one; the tourist gets the feel of the natural beauty
of the mountains and lakes.
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