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| State offers vast experience for tourists, backbone of Indian tourism: Azad | | 5th national Winter Games at Gulmarg | | Early Times Reporter
Gulmarg | Feb 18
Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said Kashmir has been the pioneer and backbone of Indian tourism because it offers more than just scenic beauty. He said more than forty kinds of handicrafts are being made even today.
Inaugurating the 5th National Winter Games at the beautiful and snow clad tourist resort of Gulmarg today, the Chief Minister said tourists who come to Jammu and Kashmir want to take back a Kashmiri carpet, a world famous shawl, a beautiful wood or paper machie product. He said our famous chefs called waazaas can make 40 to 50 different types of meat dishes. Tourists, he added, are also fascinated by the experience of living in houseboat and sailing on shikara boats.
Extending a warm welcome to the participants, sports lovers and tourists, the Chief Minister said Kashmiris are known for the warmth of their hospitality, love, affection and care for guests. "We welcome tourists from every part of the country and abroad". He said it is a matter of great satisfaction that Gulmarg has always remained peaceful even during the turmoil of which the state is emerging out now. He said Gulmarg had a reason to be peaceful for it is the valley of flowers and flower is a symbol of peace and love.
Mr. Azad said it was the poet-king of Kashmir Yousuf Shah Chak who would come here with the legendary poetess Habba Khatoon and it is he who in 1581 first called this place Gulmarg meaning a meadow of flowers. He said not far from where the games were inaugurated flows a stream where famous Mughal Emperor Jehangir and his wife Noor Jehan would pitch their tents and camp for a while. Jehangir during his single visit was able to collect about 21 different kinds of flowers. Mr. Azad invited the tourists to visit this place in spring and summer to have a real view of the meadow of flowers which is also an attraction for the golfers as it is one of the highest, famous and oldest golf courses in the world.
The Chief Minister said Gulmarg is a unique resort not only because of its location and surroundings but also because it is only one hour drive from the international airport of Srinagar. He said no other Ski resort of this grandeur can boost to be so close to an international airport and also be so easily accessible. Had it been a higher altitude, it would not have been so easily accessible. And had it been at any lower altitude, there would not have been so much snow, he added. Pony rides and rides on famous Gandola cable car add to the pleasure of the tourists.
Azad said Jammu and Kashmir offers a variety of experiences for the tourists and no other part of the world can offer so much. He said the state is fortunate enough to have enchanting natural beauty as also a rich cultural and religious heritage which makes it a crown of India. He requested the participants and tourists to act as ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir and share their experiences with people across the country and abroad and tell them how peaceful, beautiful and hospitable the state is. He said this would encourage others to visit the state and go back with pleasant memories.
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