The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Amid the tourism boom, the J&K administration has constituted district-level committees to be headed by the concerned deputy commissioners for the identification of land to establish 5-star hotels in the Union Territory.

The move comes at a time when J&K is witnessing a huge tourism influx. Earlier, the local news agency KNO reported that over a million tourists including a record number of foreign guests have visited Kashmir till mid-May.

As per the order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), number—1116-J&KGAD, dated May 30, 2024, sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of district level committee (s) for identification of land for establishment of 5-star hotels in the Union Territory.

The panel(s), as per the order, will have concerned deputy commissioners as its chairman with the concerned Director Tourism, DFO, Chief Town Planner, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of District Industries Centre as its members.

“The terms of reference of the committee(s) will be to identify suitable land for the establishment of 5-star hotels. This may include state land, forest land, private land etc having the potential and feasibility considering factors such as accessibility and other basic infrastructure required for the project,” the order reads.

The panel(s), as per the order, will submit the proposal through Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Jammu to the Tourism Department. The panel(s) will have to identify the site and suggest the distance from the tourist destination and road connectivity as well.

Officials in the Tourism Department said that there is a dire need to set up the 5-star hotels in J&K given the huge tourist influx. “When we intend to host over two crore tourists, there is a need to have quality infrastructure as well. This time, we are witnessing good arrivals of foreign guests from South East Asian countries and to give them better experience beyond the natural beauty of the Valley, we should have 5-star hotels across the UT,” he said and welcomed the J&K administration’s move of setting up panel(s) for identification of land for 5-star hotels.

A tourism official said that there are very few 5-star hotels in J&K and to host foreign guests, business class and quality tourists from the country, having 5-star accommodations will help push the sector further up,” he said.

The official said last year’s successful and peaceful G-20 summit has helped lure a large number of foreign tourists to J&K. “This year, we intend to host over 2.5 crore tourists, which will be a record,” he said.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — A massive fire broke out in a hotel in the southern Kashmir's Anantnag district on Wednesday morning.

Reports from a local news agency said that a fire broke out in Shishang Hotel in the world-famous health resort of Pahalgam this morning.

It added that a team of fire tenders, police, and locals are on the job to douse the flames and bring the fire under control.

A police officer also confirmed the fire incident and said that a team is working to put the fire under control, but the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse

BARAMULLA — A devastating fire erupted at a hotel in the renowned tourist destination of Gulmarg, located in northern Kashmir's Baramulla district, on Wednesday morning, prompting swift emergency response efforts.

According to reports received here, the fire engulfed the Pine Palace Platinum hotel in Gulmarg, casting a pall over the popular tourist spot.

Emergency services, including fire tenders, rushed to the scene to contain the blaze, which posed a significant threat to the hotel and surrounding structures.

A police officer quoted by a local news agency stated that efforts to extinguish the fire are underway. The cause of the fire remains unknown at present, with authorities actively investigating the incident.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse

Since time immemorial, Jammu and Kashmir has been a much sought-after tourist destination. From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the sun-drenched plains of Jammu in the south, this region has something to offer to everyone.

Given the fact that gambling activities are not permitted in J&K, there are lots of activities to pass the time and places to visit. The gambling laws are governed by Public Gambling Act 1977 which prohibits all forms of gambling, including casino games. Anyone caught gambling at a casino will be punished according to the law.

Online casinos are not explicitly banned by the gambling laws of Kashmir. However, it is important to find a trusted and secure online casino site if you wish to play casino games in the region. You can learn about gambling deposits in rupees for quick deposit and withdrawal. Many new offshore casinos accept payment in rupees for easy gaming.

Outside casino activities, there’s still much fun to explore from biking to mountain trips, lakes and stunning views. Here are some of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. You're in for an amazing experience!

Top hotels to visit in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is a destination for luxury hotels and relaxation places. Below are a few of them in no particular order.

Four Points by Sheraton (Srinagar)

Nestled in the heart of the city, this hotel is the perfect base to explore all that Srinagar has to offer. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the staff is warm and helpful. There's also a lovely garden on the premises where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Regenta Central Point (Srinagar)

With a convenient location near Dal Lake, this hotel is ideal for those who want to experience all that Srinagar has to offer. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the staff is friendly and efficient.

The Lalit Grand Palace (Srinagar)

This is one of the most luxurious hotels in the region and is perfect for those who want to experience true Kashmiri hospitality. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the staff is attentive and helpful.

Lemon Tree Hotel (Katra)

Located in the holy town of Katra, this hotel is the perfect base to explore the Vaishno Devi Temple. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the staff is friendly and efficient.

Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa (Gulmarg)

This is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Set amidst beautiful gardens, the resort offers a variety of treatments and therapies.

Top places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir

A trip to Jammu and Kashmir without visiting any of the iconic temples, lakes and natural stunning landscapes in the region seems an incomplete trip. Here are the top destinations to check out.

Houseboats in Srinagar

A stay on one of these traditional houseboats is a must-do while in Srinagar. They are anchored in the tranquil waters of the Dal Lake and offer stunning views of the mountains and valley. The houseboats are well-equipped with all the modern amenities, and the staff is attentive and helpful.

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

It is one of the most popular tourist interests in the state, and for good reason – the scenery is simply breathtaking. There are also a number of lovely hotels situated on its banks, including the newly refurbished Lalit Grand Palace Hotel.

A ride on a traditional Shikara boat is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Dal Lake. The boatmen are skilled in navigating the narrow channels and will give you a fascinating commentary on the sights and sounds of the Lake.

Grand Mumtaz Resorts (Gulmarg)

Located in the picturesque town of Gulmarg, this resort is the perfect base to explore the valley. The rooms are luxurious and well-appointed, and the staff is warm and helpful.

Gulmarg Gondola

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the most popular attractions in the region. It takes you on a breathtaking ride from Gulmarg to Khillanmarg, offering stunning views of the valley.

Alpather Lake

Located at an altitude of 3,700 m, this is one of the highest lakes in the world. It is a popular spot for picnics and trekking and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Nubra Valley

This is a must-visit for all nature lovers. Located in the north of Ladakh, the valley is home to stunning landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife.

Pangong Tso Lake

A visit to Leh would not be complete without a drive to this beautiful lake. Located at an altitude of 4,267 m, it is the highest lake in the world. The drive to the lake is an adventure in itself, and the views from the lakeshore are simply breathtaking.

Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

This museum is dedicated to the life and times of the great Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It houses a collection of artefacts, paintings, and sculptures that provide a fascinating glimpse into his life.

Amar Mahal Palace

This museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century palace and is dedicated to the history and culture of Jammu and Kashmir. The collections on display include a wide range of artefacts, paintings, and textiles.

Mubarak Mandi Palace

This palace is a must-visit for all history buffs. Located in the old city of Jammu, it was once the seat of the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir. The palace complex houses a number of museums, which are worth exploring.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Located at an altitude of 5,200 m, this is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi and is a must-visit for all devotees.

Kapal Mochan

Located in the beautiful town of Dharamsala, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The place is known for its scenic beauty and offers a number of adventure activities.

Shankaracharya Temple

Located on a hilltop in the city of Srinagar, the views from the temple are simply stunning, and it's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are also a number of other temples and shrines worth visiting in Srinagar, such as the Hazratbal Mosque and the Jamia Masjid.

If you're looking for some adventure, then head to Gulmarg – it's one of the most popular ski resorts in India and offers some incredible views of the Himalayas. There are also plenty of other activities on offer, such as hiking, horse riding and golf.

Finally, no trip to Jammu and Kashmir would be complete without a visit to the famed Pahalgam valley. This beautiful valley is home to a number of glaciers, rivers and lakes, and is a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers alike. There are also a number of quaint villages located in the valley, which are well worth exploring.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse