JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Its the place where "HEAVENS MEETS THE EARTH". Its like "THE PARADISE ON EARTH". The state of Jammu and Kashmir is not merely the Vale of Kashmir. It is a very large state and only slightly smaller than the British islands. The state of Jammu and Kashmir comprises of three distinct regions and is the largest Himalayan state in India. These regions are Jammu, mainly the Hindu region lies in the foothills in the south; Srinagar and the Vale of Kashmir is mainly the Muslim region and lies in the centre; Leh and Ladakh, form the eastern highlandsacross the great Himalayan axis and comprises of mainly the Buddhists. While, Srinagar, a city of beautiful lakes, Mughal gardens and wonderful shopping opportunities is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has three distinct entities with different climate, flora, fauna and cultures. The people in these parts don't only live differently but also speak different languages, worship different gods and have different ethical and moral codes. Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Urdu and English are the main languages which are spoken by the people in Jammu and Kashmir. The best season to visit Jammu and Kashmir is between September and April.
"Cherish forever the wonderland of kashmir. Snow capped Mountains.
Sunny Gardens. Romantic Houseboats. You will never want to go
back."
TOURS TO JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir
The most common festivals which are celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir are Lohri, Baisakhi, Bahu mela, Jhiri mela, Mansar food and craft mela, Chaitre Chaudash mela, Purmandal mela and Navratri. The Hemis and Sindhu Darshan Festival are the famous festivals of Ladakh. Lohri is celebrated one day before Makar Sankranti. In Kashmir, especially in the rural areas, young boys visit elders and newly wed couples and ask for gifts and presents. Young boys move around in colorful processions and perform the Chhajja dance. The Jhiri mela is held annually in the memory of a poor farmer who according to popular belief committed suicide to protest against the unfair demands of his landlord. The Chaitre Chaudash mela is held during the months of March-April at Uttar Behni, a village located about 25 kms. from Jammu. The Purmandal mela is held at Purmandal that is located about 39 kms. from Jammu. This fair is celebrated on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. More....
Cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir
The cuisine of Kashmir is very rich. One of the famous meals of Kashmir is the Wazwan. Wazwan is a formal meal prepared in the home to mark a special occasion. The Waza is the chief cook who supervises the serving of about a dozen specially prepared dishes which are offered to the guests who are usually seated on the floor in groups of four. The meal begins with the passing around of the Tash-t-Nari for guests to wash their hands, followed by the various delicacies like Methi, Rogan Josh, Kebabs and vegetables and Gushtaba. The dessert is usually Phirni and Kahwah. Kahwah is the green tea, flavoured with saffron, cardamom and almonds. More....
Shopping in Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmir is mainly known for its distinctive and finely executed handicrafts. Carpets, papier mache objects, woolen shawls and brassware are the main famous handicraft items of Jammu and Kashmir. Some of these items were developed when Srinagar was an important spot on the ancient trans-Himalayan route. Today Kashmiri handicrafts are available all over the world. The Kashmiri shawls are known all over the world for their softness and warmth. Some of the best shawls are the pashmina (Cashmere) and Shahtush. The Shahtush shawls are the warmest, rarest and the most expensive shawls. Some other famous craft items of Kashmir are crewel work (chain stitching) on fabric, fur coats and Kashmiri silver jewellery. More....
Tourist Attractions in Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmir is one of the most visited states of India and has various facilities to offer to the visitor. Kashmir has a superb summer climate and glorious scenery, and increasing opportunities for skiing in winter. Gulmarg and Pahalgam draw large numbers of visitors and offer outdoor activities such as trout fishing and trekking. Adventure sports such as white water rafting and trekking are offered in Ladakh. In both regions, tourism is an important source of income. Most of the visitors to Ladakh are also attracted by its Buddhist and Tibetan culture.
Wildlife in Jammu and Kashmir
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has many delights to offer to the wildlife enthusiast and bird watchers. The mountains, foothills and plains houses a diverse variety of flora and fauna. Several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries have been established in Jammu and Kashmir like Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, Nandni Wildlife Sanctuary, Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary, Dachigam National Park, Overa Wildlife Sanctuary and Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve. More....
CLIMATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR
The best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir is during summers. In the Vale of Kashmir, the summers are fresh and the nights are brisk. In Srinagar, the temperatures remain as high as 37 degree Celsius in summer and – 11 degree Celsius in winter. As one reaches higher, these maximum temperatures reduces. There are great contrasts in the temperature between north and south facing slopes and even in summer many streams flow a few hours per day when the ice melts in the beds. The climates of the various regions of Jammu and Kashmir are influenced mainly by position and altitude. While, Kashmir is affected by the monsoons, Ladakh is never touched by the monsoons. Even in the Vale of Kashmir the rainfall is reduced due to the influence of the Pir Panjal
Kashmir Temples and Shrines
Jammu and Kashmir is like a heaven of god for millions of people who proceed on pilgrimage to the numerous shrines and holy sites in which the state abounds. There is hardly any town or city in Kashmir which does not have a shrine of its own. Some of the famous pilgrimage shrines in Kashmir are Hazratbal Mosque, Jama Masjid, Shankaracharya Temple, Khanqah Shah Hamadan Mosque, Makhdoom Sahib, Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara, Martand, Kheer Bhawani Temple and Amarnath Cave.
Hazratbal Mosque
Hazratbal Mosque is located in a village of the same name on the banks of the Dal lake. Its pristine white marble elegance is reflected in the waters of the lake. Hazratbal's special significance is derived from the fact that it houses a hair of the prophet Muhammad. This is displayed to the public on religious occasions, usually accompanied by fairs. Apart from these occasions, Friday prayers are offered at Hazratbal and attended by throngs of people. Hazratbal is remarkable for being the only domed mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs. The
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shrine – mosque complex is situated on the western shore of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh and commands a grand view of the lake and the mountain beyond.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in Kashmir. The Jama Masjid at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city, is the other important mosque in Srinagar in which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers. The foundation of this mosque was laid by Sikandar in 1398 AD. This mosque was originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD out of wood and bricks, and enlarged by his son, Zain-ul- Abidin. Jama Masjid is the prominent example of the Kashmiri mosque, and combination of Hindu, Islamic and Buddhist styles of architecture distinguished by its tall spires. Inside, the masjid are the frayed carpets and stone alcoves and the 40-foot high wooden columns, out of which about 300 of them support the roof. Destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt by Aurangzeb in 1674, who, when he heard that fire had gutted the mosque, first asked whether the chinars were safe. Even now, there are chinars in the courtyard. The mosque, as it now stands, was repaired during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh. In the upper hall, there are the intricately wrought Khatamband roof, the glint of chandeliers, the mirror-work on the pillars and the papier-mache on the walls. In the summer and autumn, the hall is used for weddings and dinners for about 350 people.
Shankaracharya Temple
The Shankaracharya temple is the unique landmark of Srinagar. The sacred temple of Shankaracharya occupies the top of the hill known as Takht-I-Sulaiman, about 1000 feet high in the south-east of Srinagar. The site dates back to 250 BC. The temple is built in the memory of the philosopher Shankaracharya who stayed at this place when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanatan Dharma. Before this date, the temple was known as Gopadri, as an earlier edifice on the same site was built by king Lalitaditya in the 6th century AD. Built on a high octagonal plinth and approached by a flight of steps with side walls that once bore inscriptions, the main temple consists of a circular cell and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It overlooks the Valley and can be approached by a motorable road. A modern ceiling covers the inner sanctum and an inscription in Persian traces its origin to the reign of Emperor Shah Jehan. The original ceiling was dome-shaped and the brick roof is not more than a century old.
Khanqah Shah Hamadan Mosque, Srinagar
The Khanqah Shah Hamadan Mosque is situated on the banks of the river Jhelum, between the third and fourth bridge in Srinagar. This is the first mosque ever built in Srinagar. The original one was built in 1395. Shah Hamadan's full name was Mir Sayed Ali Hamadni, the surname being derived from the city of Hamadan in Persia. Shah-i-Hamdan, who came from Persia in the 13th century, was responsible for the spread of Islam in Kashmir. Khanqah-i-Mualla, on the banks of the Jhelum, was the
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very spot where Shah-i-Hamdan used to offer prayers. This mosque is believed to have a relic of the sacred hair of the Prophet Mohammad. This mosque is made entirely of wood and named after the saint who is credited with the peaceful conversion of millions of Hindus into Islam. A mosque established by him at Shey, near Leh attracts devotees from far and wide. The Khanqah is a wooden structure whose chief aesthetic feature is its beautifully carved eaves and hanging bells. The interiors are richly carved and painted, and the antique chandeliers give it an air of opulence. The non-Muslims are not allowed into the mosque but they can only see the intricately painted papier-mâché ceiling and doors.
Makhdoom Sahib
On the southern side of the Hari Parbat hill is the historic shrine of Makhdoom Sahib, which is visited by people of all faiths.
Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara
The sixth Sikh guru travelled through Kashmir, stopping to preach occasionally. A gurudwara has been built at the exact site of each of these halts. The most important one among these is Chhatti Padshahi gurudwara, situated near the Kathi Darwaza, in Rainawari, Srinagar, which is held in great reverence by devotees of all faiths.
Martand
Martand, located atop a plateau, close to the township of Anantnag, has a temple dedicated to Surya, the "Sun God". Built by king Laitaditya Muktapida (7th to 8th century AD), it is a medieval temple with a colonnaded courtyard and the shrine in its centre. The temple complex has 84 columns and offers a commanding view of the valley of Kashmir.
Kheer Bhawani Temple
The Goddess Ragnya Devi is symbolized as a sacred spring at Tula Mula village, 27 kms from Srinagar. Within the spring is a small marble temple. The devotees of the goddess fast and gather here on the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May when, according to belief, the goddess changes the colour of the spring's waters. The temple-spring complex is affectionately known as Kheer Bhawani because of the thousands of devotees who offer milk and 'kheer' to the sacred spring, which magically turns black to warn of disaster.
Amarnath Cave
The Amarnath Cave is situated about 44.8 kms. from Pahalgam and 6 kms away from Panchtarni. It takes about five days to reach the Amarnath Cave from Pahalgam. The Amaranth cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Amarnath cave is situated on the mountains of Lidder valley amidst iced snow at a height on 13,000 feet. The thousands of Hindu pilgrims undertake the tour (yatra) to the Amarnath Cave from all parts of India in the month of Sawan (July-August) to have a glimpse of Shivlinga
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formed from iced snow. According to the legend, the Lord Shiva narrated to Parvati the secret of creation, in the caves of Amarnath. Without their knowledge, a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on their conversation and having learnt it, they were reborn over and over again and since, have made this cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims have spotted these doves here. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivlinga which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. The most auspicious occasion to visit Amarnath for a pilgrimage is on the night of the full moon in the month of Sawan. The Amarnath yatra is done only once in the month of July to August as it is totally cut off from the rest of the world during winter. The dates of the yatra varies every year due to the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sawan. More....
SPORTS IN KASHMIR
In winters, when snow carpets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes in Kashmir. In summers and spring, golfing, water-skiing, trekking, fishing and angling can be done in Kashmir.
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Golf
Kashmir offers a unique opportunity to play golf all through the summer from April to November. Srinagar and Gulmarg are the two places in Kashmir which offer green golf courses. Srinagar has an 18-hole golf course with common fairways, and a par of 70. This course is open throughout the year, unless snowbound in winter. The golf course at Gulmarg is situated at a height of 2,650 meters. It is the highest green golf course in the world. The layout of this golf course is
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strikingly different from other golf courses – the land slopes and inclines along the complete area of the course, which has a par of 72. The golf club first opened its doors in 1904.Since then it has seen over four score years of tournaments of both amateurs and professionals, of men, women and children. The golf set, balls and other golfing equipments are available on rent from the pro-shops at Gulmarg. The layout of both the golf courses, too, will delight the golfers. More...
Trekking
The trekking in Kashmir is very different from the trekking in Nepal. Before the recent disturbances, no special permission was required to visit Kashmir or Ladakh. But today, it is impossible to trek from the Vale of Kashmir, though it is still possible to get into Ladakh. While trekking, you will be moving through the countryside that is used for grazing. Some of the famous trekking points in Kashmir are Kishtawar to Kashmir, Kishtawar to Chamba, Kishtawar to Zanskar, Sindh and Lidder valleys, Lidder to Sindh valley trek via the Yemhar Pass, Sonamarg to Haramukh and Kashmir to Ladakh. Sonamarg also offers various trekking and hiking trails, which attract the adventure lovers. The adventure seekers may opt for trekking trails from Sonamarg to lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. In particular, trekking trips into the mountains should be undertaken only after consulting the Tourist Office at Srinagar or Sonamarg for safety and feasibility. The environment in Pahalgam offers various trekking opportunities. The best time to take the trekking in Pahalgam is from April to June. Trekking in the high altitude area of Himalayas is not without hazards and must be done in the company of trained guides. One of the best known trekking route is from Pahalgam to Amarnath which covers Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni. Tents and pack ponies can also be hired in Pahalgam for a trek to the 11,800 feet high Kolahoi Glacier. The trek can be done in three days. On the way to Kolahoi glacier, you can also share your camping grounds with nomadic Bakarwals. The Bakarwals are the shepherds who move into higher grounds to let their sheep, goats and buffaloes graze. The men are tall, sturdy and handsome. Their women plait their hair into hundreds of tiny braids. They move with families, children tied on the back of ponies with pots and pans. On the way to the glacier is a beautiful resting spot, known as Lidderwat. Lidderwat is a beautiful camping site set among dense forests. Although the sun shines brightly here, yet the tall encircling pines keep the shades very dark. After moving from Lidderwat, you will reach at the Kalahoi glacier. This is the great frozen river that stands motionless. And, if you drink a little bit of the melted water, you feel great relief.
Skiing
Skiing is one of the major attractions for the adventure loving tourists. Skiing is done on open slope, off trail through the pine forests. Gulmarg is the best ski resort in the Himalayas. Gulmarg is the main place for all the ski lovers, with good snow conditions from December to March. It is the only ski resort which offers a magnificent view of the Karokaram, K2, Nanga Parbat and Nunkun. Gulmarg's atmosphere can be identified with the 1940 and 1950's European skiing - the Alps of good old days. It has good sunshine and snow. Heliskiing is also possible at Gulmarg. Modern facilities such as T bars, ski lifts, chair cable cars and ropeways are also available in Gulmarg. More...
Fishing
The Sindh River that flows through the Sonamarg is bountiful with Trout and Mahseer. So here, one can enjoy the trout and mahseer fishing. In the Krishnasar Lake also you can enjoy the trout fishing.
 TRANSPORT TO J&K
By plane[edit]
By train[edit]
The last stop on the railway line north is Udhampur, where you can catch onward buses and hire SUVs/MUVs (Tata Sumo / Toyota Innova/ Mahindra Scorpio). However it is better to get down in Jammu and catch a taxi from there as these are more readily available.
The Kashmir Railway is a railway line being built in India to connect the state of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. The Project officially coded USBRL (Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Railway Link) starts from the city of Udhampur, 55 kilometres (34 mi) north of Jammu, and travels for 290 kilometres (180 mi) to the city of Baramulla on the northwestern edge of the Kashmir Valley. The route crosses major earthquake zones, and is subjected to extreme temperatures of cold and heat, as well as inhospitable terrain, making it an extremely challenging engineering project.
Get around[edit]
- Buses are operated by J&K SRTC to most points around the state. They offer package tour to Gulmarg, Shonmarg, Yusmarg, Ular lake, City tour, etc. There is Tourist information center, where one get the tickets plus info.
- 4wd jeeps are quicker, a little more expensive and reach more locations. Private hire jeeps are also available.
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Taj Mahal of India - "the epitome of love", "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. Ironically, the very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance, also leaves visitors mesmerized and perpetually enthralled. 
