Gulmarg: The Meadow of Flowers

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?कैसे हो?
  [Kaise ho?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाइए
  [Kripaya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूं
  [Kripaya main bhugtan karna chahoon]

• Help!मदद!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [Main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहता हूँ...
  [Main khareedna chahta hoon...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?कितने बजे हैं?
  [Kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे के बाद सवा दस
  [Das baje ke baad sava das]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छे
  [Che]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहां है?
  [...Kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (के लिए ....)
  [Ek ticket (ke liye ....)]

Gulmarg, originally known as 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, has roots that trace back to ancient times. The name 'Gaurimarg' was derived from 'Gauri', another name for the Hindu Goddess Parvati. The region was frequented by nomadic tribes and shepherds who found the lush meadows ideal for grazing their livestock.

During the medieval period, Gulmarg was discovered by Sultan Yusuf Shah Chak, who was captivated by its beauty. Under his patronage, the region's significance grew, and it became a favored retreat for the royal family. The Sultan's wife, Habba Khatoon, a famous Kashmiri poetess, often accompanied him to Gulmarg, and it's said that her verses were inspired by the scenic landscape.

The Mughal Emperor Jahangir, known for his love of nature, frequently visited Gulmarg in the early 17th century. He is reported to have said, 'If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.' The Mughals contributed to the region's development by planting gardens and enhancing its natural beauty, making it a preferred summer retreat.

In the 19th century, Gulmarg caught the attention of the British colonialists. They transformed it into a popular hill station and established it as a premier destination for summer holidays. The British introduced winter sports, particularly skiing, and built several golf courses, including the famous Gulmarg Golf Course, which is one of the highest in the world. Gulmarg's architecture also saw the addition of colonial-style bungalows and churches during this period.

After India's independence in 1947, Gulmarg continued to thrive as a tourist destination. The Indian government promoted it as a winter sports hub, leading to the establishment of the Gulmarg Winter Sports Project in the 1960s. The project included the construction of a ski lift, which attracted international tourists and athletes. Over the years, Gulmarg has hosted numerous national and international skiing competitions.

In recent decades, Gulmarg has undergone significant development to cater to the growing influx of tourists. The introduction of the Gulmarg Gondola in 1998, one of the highest cable cars in the world, has made the region more accessible and boosted its appeal as a year-round destination. Today, Gulmarg is renowned not only for its stunning landscapes and winter sports but also for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, approximately 50 kilometers away. From Srinagar, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Gulmarg, which typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Srinagar to Tangmarg and then another bus or taxi from Tangmarg to Gulmarg.

Once in Gulmarg, the most common way to get around is by walking, as many of the attractions are within close proximity. For longer distances, taxis are available and can be hired for a day or specific trips. During winter, sledges and snow scooters are popular modes of transport. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, is a must-try for reaching higher altitudes, especially for skiing and sightseeing.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Gulmarg. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit rural areas where card payment may not be possible. ATMs are available, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to more remote areas.

Gulmarg is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended. Be cautious of weather conditions, especially in winter, as heavy snowfall can lead to road closures.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Gulmarg. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, especially if you plan on skiing or participating in other adventure sports. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Layered clothing is advisable due to fluctuating temperatures. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering places of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and maintain decorum while using public transport. Don't be loud or create a disturbance. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' or a handshake. A smile and respectful nod are also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new flavors. Don't refuse food offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gulmarg like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and woolen goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss a visit to the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve for a chance to see unique flora and fauna. For a unique experience, take a pony ride through the scenic meadows of Gulmarg or try your hand at golf at one of the highest golf courses in the world.