Jammu
& Kashmir the northernmost state of India, situated mostly in the
Himalayan ranges. Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir,
while Jammu is the winter capital. The state has three division namely
Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Kashmir is famous all over the world
for its charming natural beauty. The mountainous land of the state is broken
by stretches of valleys, rivers, glaciers, plateaus and several mountain
lakes. The hill stations of Jammu & Kashmir offer leisurely or
adventurous holiday amidst breathtaking scenery. The state has a very rich
history and a distinct culture, the people of different religions like
Hindus, Muslims and Buddhist faiths live in perfect harmony. Besides the
state have some of the most sacred Temples, Mosques, Monasteries, and Caves.
A visit to this 'Paradise on earth,' surely lingers for a long time in the
memory of the tourists.
Major Attractions
» Dal Lake - The sweet water lake located in
Srinagar, is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Jammu &
Kashmir. The 6.4 Km long and 4 Km wide lake houses many world famous
Shikaras and Houseboats, which have attractive names. The lake has two
enchanting islands - Sona Lank (Gold island) and Rupa Lank (Silver island),
which are popular picnic spots. The lake offers the adventurous activities
like Shikara rides, Kayaking, Canoeing and Angling etc. The visitors can
stay and experience the Kashmiri hospitality in the houseboats.
Shalimar
Bagh - The garden is most beautiful of all the Mughal gardens in
Srinagar. It was by Mughal Emperor Jehangir for his wife Noor Jehan in 1616.
The garden has four massive terraces and it gets water from Harwan Lake. The
top most of the four terraces called as the 'Abode of Love' was used by the
emperor and the ladies of his court. The garden is lined with about 150
fountains, which look beautiful with electric lights.
Numerous varieties of flowers blooms in the garden in the spring and autumn
seasons.
» Nishat Bagh - The garden is 11 Kms from the
district headquarters of Srinagar. Built in 1633, Nishat Bagh is one of the
largest Mughal gardens. Situated on the bans of Dal lake it offers the
splendour view of the lake.
» Harwan Lake - The clean and pure water lake,
situated amidst the mountains, reflects the high peaks of Mahadev in its
water. Harwan lake is source of water for nearby huge garden. The vast green
carpeted green lawns of the garden is very famous for picnics and
excursions.
»
Pahalgam
- Pahalagam is located in Anantnag district, at a distance of around 96
Kms from Srinagar. The popular hill station is situated at a height of 7,200
ft above sea level. Pahalgam attracts large number of tourists throughout
the year, as it is one of the finest health resort of India. The hill resort
has a golf course at a height of 2,400 metre above sea level. Pahalgam is
base for the pilgrims of Amarnath.
»
Gulmarg
- Gulmarg is situated in Baramulla districts, 56 Kms southwest of
Srinagar. Surrounded by lush forests of tall conifers, Gulmarg is famous for
its unmatched beauty. The hill station located an altitude of 2730 metres,
is dotted with beautiful bluebells, daisies, forget-me-nots and buttercups.
Gulmarg is popular for its Golf course, and it is premier resort for winter
sports in the country.
» Hazratbal Mosque - The only domed mosque in
Srinagar is situated in Hazratbal village, on the banks of the Dal.
Hazratbal mosque houses a hair of the prophet Mohammad, which is displayed
to the public on religious occasions. The mosque located opposite to Nishat
Bagh offers the splendour view of the lake and the nearby mountains.
»
Amarnath
- One of the major dhams of Hindus, Amarnath is 145 Kms east of
Srinagar.
There is a popular ice Shiva-linga at Amarnath which changes its size with
in different seasons. The size of the linga also changes as the moon waxes
and wanes. The cave temple of Amarnath is the venue of Amarnath festival,
which held every year on the full moon day of Sravana (July-August), when
the linga attains its maximum height.
» Kargil - The town located 204 Kms west of Srinagar
and 234 Kms east of Leh is the second largest urban centre of Ladakh.
Located in the centre of the Himalayan mountains the town offer enough
adventure activities. Kargil is the base for visitors to the beautiful
Zanksar valley.
»
Leh
- Leh is situated in the amazing land of Ladakh, surrounded by the
world's highest mountain ranges the Himalaya and the Karamoram. Ladakh is
situated at altitudes ranging from 2,750 metre at Kargil to 7,672 metre at
Saser Kangri in Karakoram. Leh is famous for its nine-storeyed palace built
by Sengge Namgyal, the 17 th century ruler of Ladakh. The historical
monument mostly in ruins offers the spectacular view of the Leh town.
» Kashmir Valley - The Kashmir valley is famous all
over the world for its beautiful valleys. The popular valleys of Kashmir are
Lidder valley, Sindh valley, Lolab valley and Wangat Valley.
Reaching
» Air - The Jammu airport is the major airport,
situated at a distance of 8 Kms from the city centre. The airlines operates
flights for Kashmir Valley, Ladakh and the Jammu region from Delhi and
Amritsar.
» Rail - Jammu Tawi railway station is the main
railway station. The trains connect Jammu with most of the major cities and
towns of the country.
» Road - National Highway 1-A connects Jammu with
Punjab and also to the rest of the state. The state transport corporation
buses and private buses run to most of the big towns and cities in north
India.
