Jammu and Kashmir
Discover the ultimate paradise on earth as you explore the fascinating zone of
India - Jammu and Kashmir. Situated on the Northern part of Indian subcontinent,
Jammu and Kashmir is one landscape that beautifies the Indian map with its
elegant beauty. The snow clad mountains, glittering peaks, and variety of
flowers welcomes you into the perfumed air. With cities like Srinagar, Zanskar,
Kargil, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir forms an incredible destination to be
explored. Travel to Jammu and Kashmir, a state encompassing the incredible
beauty.
Jammu and Kashmir is the northern most state of India, nestled in the Himalayas.
It is blessed with magnificent beauty. Being here in the land, one thinks the
famous lines of Persian poet Firdaus to be justifiably right; “Agar Firdaus bar
me Zaminast Haminasto haminnasto haminasto." (If there is heaven anywhere on
earth, it is here, it is here, it is here). The state of Jammu and Kashmir
includes the regions of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh.
Kashmir is one of
India's most beautiful and touristically popular regions and has been since the
time of the great Moghul emperors. It's probably most famous for the houseboats
on picturesque Dal Lake you've not really been to Kashmir until you've not
really been to Kashmir until you've stayed on one - but there's a lot more to
the Kashmir Valley than just lazing on board.
Getting There :
- By Air: Indian Airlines connect Jammu with Delhi, Leh and Shrinagar.
- By Rail: Jammu Tawi, the railway station to reach Jammu, is connected by rail to Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Madras and other main cities in India.
- By Road: Jammu, on N.H.no 1A, is connected by good all-weather roads to all parts of India.
Fast Facts :
- Area: 20.36sq. kms
- Altitude: 305 metres
- Population: 2,23,361 ( 1981 census)
- Languages: Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi , Urdu and English
- Best season: September to April
- Major Cities: Zanskar , Gulmarg , Kargil, Pahalgam , Sonamarg , Patnitop ,Leh-Ladakh , Srinagar
Tourist Attractions :
Srinagar :
(The capital of Kashmir) Visit Hari Parbat Fort,
Jama Masjid, Walk in the old bazaar and over one of the seven old Bridges on
river Jhelum, view from outside the shrine in honour of Shah Hamdan.
Gulmarg :
Gulmarg is
surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers ,Gulmarg is known for unparalled
beauty nad is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world.It is
famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course. It is
premier resort for winter sports in the country.The meadow of Flowers is a world
famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg
is 2730 meters.
Raghunath Temple-is dedicated to
Lord Rama. The inner walls of the temple are covered with gold sheet on three
sides. The galleries are covered with lakhs of 'Saligrams'. The surrounding
temples are dedicated to other gods and goddesses from the epic, Ramayana. The
temple is located in the heart of Jammu. Construction of the temple was started
in 1835 by Maharaja Gulab Singh and completed by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh
in 1860.
Patnitop :
Patnitop is
enveloped by thickly wooded forests,Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots,
peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountainscape of the Chenab basin.
In winter, the resort is generally covered with athick mantle of snow thus
providing opportunities for various snow games includingskiing. It is the best
developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm,
climate, pine forests and lush green cover.
Pahalgam :
Pahalgam
has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies
and skiing equipment is readily available. Kolahoi is a popular destinantion via
Aru a charming meadow. Pahalgam is base camp for the pilgrims of
Amarnath.
Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96 Kms from
Srinagar. The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with
major cities of India.The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National
Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. The road to Pahalgam takes
from Khannabal or alternatively from Bijbehara villages from this National
Highway. Every sort of transportto suit every budget from Buses to Taxisply on
this Highway.
Ladakh :
Ladakh, known
for centuries as the 'land of passes' (La-pass; Dakh-land), is a mysterious land
shrouded in myth and legend -- a land where history and mythology merge. It was
described by Fa-hian, who travelled across it's inhospitable terrain in 399
A.D., as "the land where snow never melts and only corn ripens". Leh is the
capital city of Ladakh.
Dal Lake - is at the east of Srinagar city. Much
of it is a maze of intricate waterways. Dal Lake comprises of a series of lakes,
including Nagin Lake, 8 km from the city center. Most of the modern houseboats
are anchored here. The famous Mughal gardens are located on the far east side of
Dal Lake.
