About Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir which earlier was a state comprising Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh were reconstituted into the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh by the Indian Government on 31st October 2019. Jammu & Kashmir as a Union Territory now includes the southern part of the larger Kashmir region along with Jammu.
Jammu is the most populous region and is located in the southwestern part of the state. Kashmir is the most mountainous region and is located in the northeastern part of the state.
The region has a diverse landscape and is home to a variety of plants and animals. The state is also home to a number of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
The region has a rich history and is known for its many temples and shrines. It has a number of tourist attractions, including the Dal Lake, the Shankaracharya Temple, and Pahalgam Valley
The region has a rich cultural heritage and is home to a number of festivals, including the Lohri Festival, the Baisakhi Festival, and the Eid al-Fitr Festival.
The region is also known for its delicious food, including the Kashmiri Dum Aloo and the Kashmiri Pulao and also for its handicrafts, including the Kashmiri Shawl and the Kashmiri Rug.
Kashmir is located in the Himalayas between India and Pakistan. It has been ruled by various empires over the centuries, including the Mughal Empire, the British Raj, and the Dogra Dynasty.The history of Kashmir is intertwined with the history of the Indian subcontinent and the surrounding regions, including Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The region has seen the arrival and departure of a number of civilizations, through invasions and migrations: the ancient Vedic Hindus, the Aryan Kushans, the Muslim Arabs and Turks, and the Mughals. In the late eighteenth century, the Kashmir region came under the rule of the Sikh Empire, and in 1846, the British East India Company annexed the region into British India.
Located at an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), Kashmir is one of the highest inhabited places on Earth. Its capital city, Srinagar, is situated at an elevation of 1,600 meters (5,250 feet).
Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its lush green mountains, snow capped peaks, and crystal clear lakes are breathtakingly beautiful. In fact, it is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of Asia'.
Culture of Jammu & Kashmir
Kashmir is a beautiful place with a rich culture. The people are warm and welcoming and the scenery is stunning. If you're looking for a different experience, Kashmir is the place to go.
Once you're in Kashmir, you'll notice that the culture is different than what you're used to. For one, the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They're also very religious and the culture is very conservative. You'll see a lot of women wearing hijabs and men with beards. The food is also different than what you're used to. Most of the cuisine is based on rice, lamb, and vegetables. There are also a lot of different desserts that are popular in Kashmir.
How to reach Jammu & Kashmir
There are a few different ways to get to Kashmir. The most popular way is to fly into Srinagar Airport. Kashmir is a popular tourist destination, so there are many flights that go there daily. You can also take a bus from Delhi, which is about a 12-hour ride. There are also buses from other parts of India. If you're looking to drive, the journey from Delhi is about 1,700 kilometers and will take you about two days
Best Time to visit Jammu & Kashmir
Kashmir is a beautiful place that is worth visiting at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Kashmir is during the spring or autumn season when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most picturesque. During these seasons, the lush green valleys are adorned with colorful flowers, and the crisp, clean air is refreshing and invigorating. The tourist season in Kashmir runs from April to October, so it is best to plan your visit during this time. However, be aware that the tourist season is also the busiest time of year, so make sure to book your accommodation and travel arrangements well in advance.
Top places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir
1. Srinagar: The summer capital of Kashmir, Srinagar is home to some of the most beautiful lakes and gardens in the region. Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, and Shalimar Bagh are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Srinagar.
2. Sonamarg: Sonamarg is a picturesque town located at the foot of the Himalayas. It is famous for its high altitude meadows, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes.
3. Gulmarg: Gulmarg is a world-famous ski resort located in the Pir Panjal Range. The town is also home to the world's highest green golf course.
4. Pahalgam: Pahalgam is a scenic town located in the Lidder Valley. It is famous for its trout fishing and trekking trails.
5. Yousmarg: Yousmarg is a small town located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley. It is famous for its apple orchards, alpine lakes, and trekking trails.
6. Vaishno Devi Temple: Vaishno Devi is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. The temple is located in the Trikuta Hills and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Vaishno Devi.
7. Ranbireshwar Temple: The Ranbireshwar Temple is a major Hindu temple in Jammu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
8. Dogra Art Gallery: The Dogra Art Gallery is a popular art museum in Jammu. The museum showcases a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from the Dogra dynasty.
9. Peer Kho Cave: The Peer Kho Cave is a popular tourist destination in Jammu. The cave is located in the Trikuta Hills and is believed to be the birthplace of the Hindu goddess Vaishno Devi.
10. Bahu Fort: The Bahu Fort is a popular tourist destination in Jammu. The fort is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the city below.6. Raghunath Temple: The Raghunath Temple is a major Hindu temple in Jammu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
11. Mubarak Mandi Palace: The Mubarak Mandi Palace is a popular tourist destination in Jammu. The palace is a former royal palace and is now a museum that showcases a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from the Dogra dynasty.