Sun Temple
Sun Temple belongs to the era of Pandavas. This sun temple
was founded by King Lalitaditya Muktapida (699-739 AD). However,
some legends disclose that the foundation stone of this temple
was laid in 370-500 AD by King Ranaditya Muktapida. Standing on
the top of a plateau, this temple provides a bird’s eye view of
the striking village of Mattan.
Baisaran
Baisaran is situated about 5 km away from Pahalgam, it is a lush
meadow which is covered with dense vegetation. The meadow is
dotted with densely wooded forests of pine, and provides a view
of the striking snow-clad mountains that enclose it from all
sides. Resembling European resorts, this huge and undulating
meadow serves as a good campsite.
Mamaleshwar Temple
Mamaleshwar Temple is one of the most ancient temples in
Pahalgam, its history dates back to the 12th century. This
temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and was built by King Jayasimha
on the right bank of River Lidder,. The temple covers a base and
a Shiva Lingam, with a pure water spring covered by a basin.
Tarsar Lake
Tarsar Lake is located at an altitude of 3,962 m. Travellers
willing to visit the lake can travel via Lidderwat, and cross a
bridge that is hanging at a height of 243 m above ground level.
A place called Sikiwas, which houses beautiful camping sites
with flower meadows is about 24 km away from Tarsar Lake.
Aru Valley
Aru Valley is a small yet self-sufficient scenic village which
is located about 15 km from Pahalgam. The location of the
village among the grasslands, make this place a tourist delight.
It is reachable by walking along a mountain path. The drive up
to the village is interesting too. The village also serves as
the start point for trekking to Kolahoi glacier.
Mattan
Mattan is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre in the state of
Jammu & Kashmir. It lies on the Pahalgam road. It is one of
those religious places in India where the pundits and priests
used to assemble for worshiping the Sun god. This centre
attracts hordes of devotees from all across the country. The
temple is well-known for its beautiful Shiva Lingam, which is
preserved within a beautiful brick structure enclosed by crystal
clear water on all sides. Presently, the temple complex is one
of the much-guarded areas of Jammu & Kashmir and is thus
controlled by paramilitary forces. A special permission is
required to enter this temple.
Chandanwari
Chandanwari is located at a distance of 16 km from Pahalgam, it
lies at an altitude of 2,923 m. Famous for its snow bridge, this
location serves as the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra
which takes place every year, from July to August.
Amarnath
Amarnath is one of the most popular sacred places in India. It
is situated at an altitude of about 4,175 m in the Himalayas.
Chandanwari which is about 15 km from Pahalgam is the starting
point for Amarnath Yatra. From Chandanwari, pilgrims need to
continue their Yatra on foot or pony, which will take at least 2
days to reach the cave and back, with an overnight stay in
either Panchtarni or Sheshnag. This pilgrimage centre is popular
for the holy cave of Amaranth, which is believed to be the home
of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi and Lord Ganesha. As per the
legend, Lord Shiva narrated stories behind the construction of
this cave and explained various secrets of his life to Goddess
Parvathi. This ancient cave is about 5,000 years old. It has ice
formations which denotes Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvathi along
with a Shiva Linga.
Lidderwat
Lidderwat is a beautiful camping site amidst dense forests which
is located at an altitude of 3,408 m. This village is starting
point of the trek to the Sindh Valley.
Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake is at an elevation of 3,658 m above ground level.
This greenish blue lake is covered with ice until June, after
which it is used as an en route destination in Amarnath Yatra.
Betaab valley
Betaab valley was named Betaab after the Bollywood movie by the
same name! Earlier known as Hajan Valley, after the release of
the movie, it was renamed as major part of the movie was shot
here. Set in the middle of picture perfect surroundings complete
with snowcapped mountains, colorful willow trees, & gurgling
streams, the warm sun, all these makes it a perfect place for
artist’s canvas! The crystal clear & chilly water of the stream
sparkling down from the snowy hills is a delight; locals here
drink this water too.
Panchtarni
Panchtarni is named so, as it is situated at the convergence of
five streams. Panchtarni is the last stoppage of the Amarnath
Yatra as a narrow spiralling about 6 km path leading to the
Amarnath Cave. The site is most famous for camping. |