Gulmarg

Gulmarg, in the Pir Panjal range of Kashmir, has a history that blends royal leisure, pastoral life and modern adventure tourism. Long before it became a hill station, the high meadow was used by Gujjar and Bakarwal shepherds as rich summer pasture. Its name, “Gulmarg” – “meadow of flowers” – is often credited to the Mughal emperor Jahangir, who was so taken by its wild blossoms that he renamed the area and reportedly listed dozens of flower species here.

During the Mughal period, Gulmarg served as a cool summer retreat for emperors and nobles heading into the mountains. Later, under Dogra rule and especially in the British era, it evolved into a formal hill resort: a golf course, churches, clubs and holiday cottages were laid out, making it a favourite escape for colonial officers posted in the plains.

After Independence, Gulmarg gradually transformed into one of India’s leading ski and snow destinations. The installation of the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest cable cars, in the late 20th–early 21st century, turned its upper slopes into an international-level skiing and snowboarding area. Today, Gulmarg’s identity is built on this long journey—from shepherds’ meadow and Mughal garden of wildflowers to British hill station and global winter-sports hub.