JAMMU AND KASHMIR Location : Northern Most State of India Capital City : Srinagar Major Attractions : Trekking, Golf Course, Mughal Gardens, Lakes, Houseboat Stay Mostly Visited For : Shopping , Adventure, Pilgrimage and Sightseeing

Jammu and Kashmir – Paradise on Earth

Historical Synopsis Getting There

Places to Visit Monumental Heritage

People & Lifestyle Taste of Jammu and Kashmir

Oh, the beauty the majestic hills, lush green meadows, the verdant woods that veil the wild flowers, mountain with the snow peaks and most of all its lakes and rivers all these contribute to the visual delight and the mental satisfaction of the holiday makers. Every traveler to this land agrees with the Shahjahan's words that “ If there is paradise on earth; it is here, it is here and it is here!”. If you really feel to spend your holidays in mother nature's lap, this state is an ideal destination for you. Come rushing and get soaked in the splendor and charm of nature that you will find very touching.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir that lies mostly on the Great Himalayan Mountains is the northern most state of India. Famous for the two capital cities, this state has Srinagar as a summer capital and Jammu as a winter capital. The distinct landscape divides the state into three diverse geographical regions of Jammu , Kashmir Valley and Ladakh Region. Every nook and corner of the state has some thing to offer to its travelers it may be the pulsating nature, vibrant culture, exquisite arts and crafts or the adrenalin pumping adventure. It is thrilling to be in this state and cooling your heels away from the scorching sun of plains while enjoying a shikara (boat) ride in world famous Dal Lake.

Culture That Conquers

Festivals Pilgrimage

Music and Dance Arts & Culture

The culture of the Jammu and Kashmir is very unique to the rest of India and within the state it varies with the geographical regions. The Ladakh region in influenced by the Tibetan culture and Buddhism is the dominant religion in this region. Simple life style of the Ladakhi people revolve round the festivals mostly associated to Gompas. Weaving the rough woolen cloth called pattu is the main occupation of the majority of population and archery and polo are the most popular sports. Gonchas and the turquoise studded headgears is the festive dress of the common folks. Kashmir region has an identity as a city with rich arts and crafts be it the woodworks, paper mache, embroidery or shawl making there is no competitor to valley. Plan a tour to this state and shop for the best silken carpets, pashmina shawls and wood carved furniture. Jammu is identical to the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in culture and traditions. The dress for women is Kurta shalwar while the married women prefer Sari. The famous festivals of Jammu are Lori and Baisakhi. Come to this state and enjoy the cultural heritage of this state that is as diverse and its geography.

Adventure – Exploring World in Wilderness

Trekking Skiing

Golfing Rafting

Aerosports Siachen Glacier

In this princely state you have a reason to live a life of king with such enthralling adventure possibilities that you will never feel the end. The hill stations that are thronged by millions of tourists every year, trekking in the wild coniferous forests and crossing the wild rivers, hiking the mighty mountains, skiing on the golden slopes of Gulmarg Ski resort and rafting in the roaring Zanskar river. What it takes to be a part of the adventure expedition in this state, is the love for nature and passion for exploring the untrodden tracks. The state offers the worlds best adventure trial that includes the popular trek routes, aerosports at Sansar and a game of golf at the worlds highest golf course at Gulmarg, this is also the place where you can also participate in the snow sports. What ever the season may be you can come to this place and indulge in adventure that is not limited to any season or place, so come and lose your self in the wilderness of the state.

Pilgrimage – A Way to Divinity

Amarnath Yatra

Vaishno Devi Yatra

People from all the faiths visit this place as there is one or another sacred places belonging to them. The state with the diverse religions, the temples, shrines and monasteries attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The Mata Vaishno Devi and Cave Shrine of Amarnath are the most sacred pilgrimage of Hinduism, In Kashmir Valley shrines of Khankah-E-Moualla, Makhdoom Sahib and shrine of Noorud Din Noorani are hallowed muslim shrines where annual Urs is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, in the honor of these saints. There is also a shrine in valley believed to be the mausoleum of Jesus. Many tourists from all over the world visit these places to achieve the spiritual nirvana and receive the blessings of these saints and sages. The Monasteries in Ladakh are famous throughout the world and tourists including the Buddhist monks visit this place from every corner to have a look at the oldest gompas and spin the prayer wheels that is believed to bring the good luck. Come to this state to achieve the spiritual enlightenment and faith seems to thicken and reshape at these places of worship.

Alluring Attractions of State

Lakes Monasteries

Mughal Gardens Hill Stations

House Boats Shopping Delight

If this state is known as the paradise on earth it means there is much more than natural beauty, over the years the rulers of the Kashmir has played a vital role in shaping and reshaping the land of the state. The waste lands where turned to beautiful gardens and the already existed gardens where adorned with the symmetrical plantation of the chinar trees brought from the central Asia. The gardens built by the mughal rulers came to be known as Mughal gardens and are famous for there terraces, pools and the fountains that passes through the center of the garden. Adding to the charm of these gardens is the rich vistas of the Dal lake facing to its front side. The House boat and shikaras that lends the sight of royalty to picturesque to Dal attracts the tourists to explore the valleys water ways and the monuments of the Indo-Tibetan and Iranian architecture built on the banks of river Jehlum. On a tour to this state you can shop for the antique handicrafts, taste the Kashmiri cuisine wazwan and spend a night in the houseboat amidst the shimmering waters of Dal. So what are you waiting for came and enjoy the thrill.

Jammu and Kashmir – A Perfect Holiday Destination

Saffron Holiday Wildlife

Ladakh Festivals Cuisines

In the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the abundant beauty and adventure possibilities attracts many tourists every year who visit this city to spend their holidays and their tour may have a particular purpose. Many tourists visit this state the pay their tribute to the shrines of saints and temples and receive their blessing. In winters tourist came to Kashmir valley for snow trekking or participating in the Gulmarg Snow Sports. Similarly you can visit this state on a sightseeing tour or playing a game of golf at one of the worlds best golf courses in Kashmir. So choose your holidays according to your liking and enjoy the excitement and joy that is the part and parcel of Kashmir holidays.