Gulmarg, Kashmir,

Walking towards the snowcapped mountains of Gulmarg (12 November, 2004)

Gulmarg in Kashmir is one of India's premier hill resorts. Gulmarg was originally called "Gaurimarg" by the 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. The name Gulmarg means "meadow of flowers". Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here.

Today Gulmarg holds the distinction of having the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2650 m. Gulmarg is also India's premier ski resort in the winter.

We're ... being taken for a ride! (12 November, 2014)

The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment itself. The road is usually pencil-straight, and bordered on both sides by poplars. On either sides are flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers can stop their vehicles to enjoy the view of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.

Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla District of Kashmir, and 51km from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. At an altitude of 2730 meters, it is surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers.

The journey to Gulmarg through Srinagar. (12 November, 2014)

Gulmarg is reknowned for its unparalled beauty and is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world. On a clear day, one can see fields of rice, clusters of walnut, pear and mulberry; meadows, ridges and forests that lead to the snow slopes of Khilanmarg; and even the majestic Nanga Parbat peak over a 100 km away.

Gulmarg is equally popular in winter, when it is coated with a blanket of thick, soft snow, turning its gentle slopes into some of the finest ski slopes. The resort in Gulmarg has one T-Bar Lift, three modern ski lifts and a chair lift. The beginner's slope has a gentle gradient, making learning to ski much easier. A cable car is available to take tourists up to Kongdori.

Gulmarg's international lush green golf course is the highest in the world. Equipment is available on hire for the visitor allured by the golf greens here. Gulmarg was once an important trekking base and the Gulmarg-Khilanmarg-Apharwat-Alpather is still a great trek.