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itineraries

CELEBRATING DURGA PUJA IN KASHMIR

Kashmir, a name when softly mumbled gives an essence of the beauty that it holds. Kashmir- the epitome of beauty, whispers the tale of its snow-laden mountains, flowery meadows, and silent springs and speaks the secrets of pine forests that fill the air with their scent, rivers teeming with plump fish and lakes, with delightful floating gardens.


Come celebrate Durga Pooja in Kashmir in October 2024

the itinerary

Durga Purja is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in the beautiful region of Kashmir. It is a vibrant and joyous occasion that signifies the victory of good over evil and is dedicated to the goddess Durga.

The celebration of Durga Purja in Kashmir involves elaborate rituals and ceremonies. A temporary shrine, known as the pandal, is constructed in various locations across the region. The pandal is decorated with colorful lights, flowers, and intricate artwork portraying the goddess Durga and her divine companions.

One of the highlights of this festival is the performance of cultural dances and music. Traditional folk dances such as Rouf and Bhand Pathar are performed by skilled artists, captivating the spectators with their grace and skill. The rhythmic beats of the drums and the melodious tunes of the traditional instruments create a festive atmosphere that engulfs the entire region.

Meals B: Breakfast & D: Dinner

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Day 01 - Arrival Srinagar

On arrival at Srinagar airport, our office representative will meet and greet you outside the airport terminal building, and transfer you to your hotel. Check in at Hotel

(Srinagar is called the city of lakes and the Venice of the East, fascinating tourists from centuries with its beautiful picturesque Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and the majesty of Mughal architecture. Spread on both sides of the river Jhelum the city is famous for its natural beauty, gardens, waterfronts and houseboats. The very absence of order in the location of the houses and their tumbled down appearance add a peculiar charm to the scenery. It has its own quaint lifestyle, telling a panoramic fairy-tale tour through the snow-capped mountains and Chinar trees, while enjoying the adventurous pleasures of hiking, mountain biking, and rafting. The city is also famous for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits).

Evening, enjoy a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: D

Day 02 - To Pahalgam (90kms/ about two and hours journey)

After breakfast, drive to Devibal Temple (Durga Temple) in Anantnag to offer your Durga Pooja and then leave for Pahalgam- The Valley of Shepherds.

Devibal temple is situated in Mohalla Khaki Sahib and is just adjacent to the mosque of Hazrat Sheikh Baba Dawood Khaki. It is dedicated to the holy spring of Khir Bhawani which issues here and is now enshrined in a small stone-built one storey temple. It attracts a good number of devotees and is considered a holy place by the entire Kashmiri Pandit community. It attracts a large congregation every day and is said to have the same importance as that of Khir Bawani temple in Tulamula of Srinagar district. According to a local legend it is believed that once the famous saint of the town Reshi Molu, held in great esteem by Muslims and Hindus of the valley alike, had prayed for the holy “Darshan” of Goddess Durga and requested her to show her presence in the town. She is believed to have acceded to his request and later appeared in his dream in which she is said to have communicated to him that She is already present in the from of small spring. According to another belief it is believed that Wazir Panu had a dream in which Goddess Durga told him that She was living underneath the spring. He located the spring and asked one of the priests namely Balkak to look after it. Maharaja Pratap Singh while on his way to Jammu or Back to Srinagar would stop here and pray in the name of the Goddess and offer lot of milk in the spring. He also donated some cultivable lands in the name of the shrine. The water that issues from the spring is reported to be changing colours.

Just after about an 8 kilometers drive you will reach another important place of religious importance called Mattan. The spring at Mattan temple is believed to be sacred which gushes out from the fissure of a limestone rock.

On your journey to Pahalgam you will visit

Day 03 - To Srinagar (90kms/ 2-3 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Srinagar and enjoy a sight-seeing tour of the Mughal Gardens in the afternoon.

Chashma Shahi- 'The Royal spring'- The garden presents the Mughal architecture and artistically build gardens has Iranian influence in its art and architecture and the design is based on the Persian gardens. It is built around a fresh water spring, which flows through its centre in terraces. The water of spring is believed to have some medicinal properties.

Nishat Bagh- "The Garden of pleasure"- It is second largest Mughal Garden on the eastern side of Dal Lake, representing the zodiac signs and offer splendid views of the Dal Lake and rectangular layout in Persian style garden architecture from East to West direction housing a few Mughal buildings.

Shalimar Bagh- "Abode of Love"- It is the largest Mughal Garden in Srinagar with full of immense beauty with wonderful vistas and shallow terraces. The Persian lilacs are still huge tourist draw in summers, a preceded by flowering of the cherry trees. The stepping stones across the stream are a delight to use.

Pari Mahal-"The Angle's Abode"- It is a seven terraced garden located on the hills of Zabarwan Mountains. Its entire structure pays homage to the art during the time of Shah Jahan's reign, with signature elements of Islamic architecture — its exquisite arches and terraced gardens set it apart from other Kashmiri monuments. It is a five-minute drive from the famous Chashma Shahi Gardens.

Stay overnight in a Houseboat. Meals: B & D

Day 04 - Day trip to Sonamarg (82 Kms/ about 2-3 Hours journey)

After breakfast, drive to Mata Kheer Bhavani (Durga Temple) Temple in Tulmulla Ganderbal and after prayers leave for Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold).

(Sonamarg is one of the most beautiful places in the entire country and represents a spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, one can see beautiful snowy mountains as its backdrop. The Sindh River that meanders through the splendid valley is a sight to behold. Sonamarg is a striking silvery scene set against emerald meadows and blue sky, and is an all-time favourite place among the community of mountain photographers.)

Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Stay in Hotel. Meals: B & D.

Day 05 - Departure

In the morning after breakfast, visit the famous Shankaracharya temple and offer your prayers.

(The Shankaracharya hill and the temple is a hallmark of the city of Srinagar. It is a very historic hill. It is 5kms away from Srinagar and at the height of 1100m above sea level. The peak of the hill always makes a picturesque and a magnificent view of the vast Dal Lake, houseboats and surrounding areas from one side and the snow-clad mountains, habitation of the South Kashmir and dense forests from the other sides.)

And drive to Srinagar International Airport to connect your flight back home with unforgettable memories. Meals: B.

HOTELS ENVISAGED

DESTINATION PROPOSED ACCOMMODATION ROOM CATEGORY MEALS NO. OF NIGHTS
Srinagar Backyard Resort/Houseboat Lala Rukh Deluxe Breakfast & Dinner 03
Pahalgam Highland Resort/ Pahalgam Retreat Deluxe Breakfast & Dinner 01
Total 04 Nights

 

THE COST:

Please advise us your date of travel, number of people travelling, children, if any, with their age, and room requirements, and we will advise you the cost of the holiday.

If you prefer to stay in hotels of your choice, please advise us, we will check availability and send you the cost accordingly.

 

THE COST FROM

COST PER PERSON SHARING DOUBLE ROOM ACCOMMODATION TOTAL COST
Costing Based On 02 Paying Pax Rs. 19,885 Per Person
Costing Based On 04 Paying Pax Rs. 14,778 Per Person
Costing Based On 06 Paying Pax Rs. 13,105 Per Person
Costing Based On 08 Paying Pax Rs. 12,265 Per Person

Tour Cost Includes:

  • Accommodation as per the itinerary in the specified Room Category on double sharing (Check-in is 1400 Hrs. and checkout 12 noon. Early check-in and late checkout are subject to availability).
  • Evening Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
  • Entrance fees to all monuments and places of interest mentioned in the itinerary
  • All arrival departure transfers, long drives and sightseeing by a chauffeur driven private car and additional activities as per program.
  • Mineral water and good day Biscuits, Mentos, Chips, Chocolate candies, dry and wet Tissues, 02 Water bottles each day per person.
  • All applicable taxes.

Cost Does not Include:

  • Airfare.
  • Any meals are other than those specified in the itinerary.
  • Cable Car (Gondola) ride tickets
  • Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, gratuities, meals not specified, table drinks, any expenses incurred beyond our control such as bad weather, landslides, road closure, non-operational gondola, flight cancellation, etc.
  • Camera/video fees at monuments and other places of interest.
  • Travel Insurance: It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health, and the destination you are visiting.
  • Tips and gratuities.

How to Book:

We are committed to creating the perfect holiday itinerary for you. If you wish to make any change to this itinerary or you wish to include any particular place of your interest, please write to us. If you wish to book, please contact us and we will send you a booking form and booking terms and conditions.

kashmirladakh@indusdiscoveries.com