Amarnath – A Spiritual Experience for Your Soul
A trip to the Amarnath temple nestled in a cave on the snowy slopes of the Himalayas is a journey made by thousands of devout Hindus every year. The annual Amarnath yatra is held in the months of July to August. Devotees throng the cave to see the ice stalagmite which represents the Shiva Linga.
Making the Journey to Amarnath
Most people who visit the temple stay at either Srinagar or Jammu. Srinagar is normally preferred as it is closer to the shrine. However, since the security situation can be unpredictable, pilgrims often make Jammu their base. Both the cities have airports and Jammu can also be reached by train. Once you reach Jammu or Srinagar, you need to take a taxi or bus to Baltal or Pahalgam. Rest of the trip to the shrine is normally completed on foot, though some pilgrims do make the journey on ponies. You can also complete the trip to Amarnath by helicopter from Srinagar or Baltal though this can prove to be expensive.
Staying at Jammu or Srinagar
You would definitely require at least an overnight stay at Jammu or Srinagar. There are plenty of hotels available in both cities. Here are a few options:
Ashoka New Diamond (Jammu): The airport is five kilometers away from the airport and two kilometers away from Jammu Tawi railway station. It is centrally located at Vinayak Bazaar and caters to both holiday as well as business travelers. There are 33 rooms in the hotel, each with a balcony, cable television, tea and coffee maker and internet access. The hotel also has a multi-cuisine restaurant and a coffee shop. The hotel also has a car rental facility.
Fortune Inn Riviera (Jammu): The centrally air-conditioned hotel is located on the banks of the river Tawi and has 29 rooms. Each of the rooms has internet access, LCD TV, digital electronic safe and mini-bar. The hotel has two restaurants, a bar as well as a night club. The hotel also offers conferencing facilities.
Comrade Inn (Srinagar): Comrade Inn is right next to the police station at Raj Bagh, Srinagar. All the 40 air-conditioned rooms have LCD TVs, Wi-fi connectivity and attached baths with designer fittings. There is also a restaurant and coffee shop. Other facilities include ample car parking, doctor on call and room service.
Heevan Resort (Srinagar): One of the advantages of staying at the Heevan Resort is that you can take in some magnificent views. The hotel is located on the foot of the Zabarvan Mountain and is five minutes away from Dal Lake.
The 35 rooms have all modern amenities. The highlight of the hotel is its fine dining restaurant. A swimming pool and gymnasium is also available for guests.
Making the Journey to Amarnath
Most people who visit the temple stay at either Srinagar or Jammu. Srinagar is normally preferred as it is closer to the shrine. However, since the security situation can be unpredictable, pilgrims often make Jammu their base. Both the cities have airports and Jammu can also be reached by train. Once you reach Jammu or Srinagar, you need to take a taxi or bus to Baltal or Pahalgam. Rest of the trip to the shrine is normally completed on foot, though some pilgrims do make the journey on ponies. You can also complete the trip to Amarnath by helicopter from Srinagar or Baltal though this can prove to be expensive.
Staying at Jammu or Srinagar
You would definitely require at least an overnight stay at Jammu or Srinagar. There are plenty of hotels available in both cities. Here are a few options:
Ashoka New Diamond (Jammu): The airport is five kilometers away from the airport and two kilometers away from Jammu Tawi railway station. It is centrally located at Vinayak Bazaar and caters to both holiday as well as business travelers. There are 33 rooms in the hotel, each with a balcony, cable television, tea and coffee maker and internet access. The hotel also has a multi-cuisine restaurant and a coffee shop. The hotel also has a car rental facility.
Fortune Inn Riviera (Jammu): The centrally air-conditioned hotel is located on the banks of the river Tawi and has 29 rooms. Each of the rooms has internet access, LCD TV, digital electronic safe and mini-bar. The hotel has two restaurants, a bar as well as a night club. The hotel also offers conferencing facilities.
Comrade Inn (Srinagar): Comrade Inn is right next to the police station at Raj Bagh, Srinagar. All the 40 air-conditioned rooms have LCD TVs, Wi-fi connectivity and attached baths with designer fittings. There is also a restaurant and coffee shop. Other facilities include ample car parking, doctor on call and room service.
Heevan Resort (Srinagar): One of the advantages of staying at the Heevan Resort is that you can take in some magnificent views. The hotel is located on the foot of the Zabarvan Mountain and is five minutes away from Dal Lake.
The 35 rooms have all modern amenities. The highlight of the hotel is its fine dining restaurant. A swimming pool and gymnasium is also available for guests.
