Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a town and a notified area committee in Baramula district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg`s legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. It is one of the ultimate adventure zones of the Kashmir valley.

The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there-- roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with quaint villages. Depending on the season, nature`s colours could be translucent green of spring, summer`s rich emerald, or autumn`s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for few minutes to look out to a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.

Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country`s premier ski resort in the winter.

Origin of the Name of Gulmarg Originally called `Gaurimarg` by 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. Gulmarg means "Meadows of Flowers".

History of Gulmarg British discovered the hill resort of Gulmarg in 1927 during their colonial rule in India. Gulmarg is a hill station in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town had witnessed militancy in the 1990s, but after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in 2003, the town is now peaceful.

Geography of Gulmarg It is a large meadow located at 34.05° N 74.38° E. It is about 3-sq-kms in area and has has an average elevation of 2690 metres (8825 feet). It lies 56-km south west of Srinagar.

Climate of Gulmarg The climatic conditions are pleasant throughout the year. In summers one has to wear light woolen clothing but in summers heavy woolen clothing is required. The best season to visit the city is April-June.

Economy of Gulmarg Economy of the state is generally poor. The main source of earning is tourism. There is a need to explore the opportunities in Gulmarg in such a way that it can provide employment not only for the skiers but also for the entire State. The economy otherwise was very poor, now due to tourism and selling of natural gifts like saffron, apples walnuts, and many more, an attempt has been made to move a step forward.