PLACES TO VISIT IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR Location : North India Tourist Attractions : Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake, Houseboats, Baghe-E-Bahu Pilgrimage Destinations : Vaishno Devi, Amarnath Cave, Ladakh Monasteries Adventure Destinations : Gulmarg, Zanaskar, Srinagar, Sansar

Wandering Through Jammu and Kashmir

The beauty of famous places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir is simply irresistible. A trip of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is filled with many attractions that are waiting to be explored. While in here get ready to explore the famous places Kashmir valley like its snow capped Himalaya mountains, famous pilgrimage destinations of Amarnath and Vashno Devi Shrine and numerous adventure destinations like Gulmarg, Auli etc. Also get to enjoy the houseboat stay on Dal Lake and shikara ride up to Maugham gardens or indulging into diverse adventure sports activities. There are also other places of attractions in J and K like famous city of Srinagar, Gulmarg, Jammu as well as Ladakh.

Historical Synopsis

People

Jammu and Kashmir is a state every one dream to visit, this state is completely different than any other countries of India no matter what you are comparing it with be it geography, climate, culture, traditions or style of living Kashmir has distinction over other states. The breeze that brings the smell of the fresh flowers bloomed in the Mughal gardens and the first ray of sun over the might Himalayas declare the day of joy and entertainment. The quite Dal lake and the roaring rivers amuse every visitor and the adventure works as a magnet that brings more and more tourists into this state. Visit the hill stations and it is to be sure that you will never wish to leave the place even for a second such is the natures endowment to this land called by Mughals as 'Paradise on Earth'.

Cities and Towns of Jammu and Kashmir - Royal Treasure

Srinagar Patnitop

Zanskar Kargil

Jammu

First of all it is to be noted that Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in India with two capital cities, Srinagar serves the summer capital while as Jammu serve as the winter capital this shifting of capital during winter started with the Maharaja's of Dogra Rule and continues till now so both the cities are quite developed and have many tourist attractions. That include Monuments, palaces, forts and gardens. Once considered as the center of Hinduism and Buddhism many Sufi saints and sages have Kashmir as their birth place. The nature has generously contributed to this state in each and every district or town that has the tourist attraction. Due to the abundance of natural beauty many places are unkempt and remain unexplored but their wilderness in itself is an attraction. Anantnag is famous for ladder river, Baramulla has Wullar lake, Jammu has perennial rivers and beautiful gardens and Leh has pengong rivers and where ever you go you will find small hills or huge mountains around. Finally don't miss to see the Nishat garden, Shalimar garden, Cheshmaishahi, and Pari Mahal collectively called Mughal gardens at Srinagar.

Incomparable Hill Attractions of Kashmir

Gulmarg Siachen Glacier

Sonamarg Ladakh

Pahalgam

It is beyond the imagination of a man to think beyond what he has never seen or experienced before. Same is the case with the Kashmir's hill stations, you cannot imagine how beautiful they look even at the very entrance that cuts through the mountains. Gulmarg 40 kilometers from the Srinagar city is the nearest one famous for its cable car and winter sports especially the ski sports. Pahalgam located 100 kilometers from the Srinagar city in the southern Kashmir's Anantnag district is also famous as a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra Cave that lies 46 kilometers from this hill resort. Finally Sonmarg is the well known resort that lies on the national highway from Srinagar to Kargil. This Hill station is reputed as the destination where you can find Glaciers even during the summers and presents the bewitching sight of snow peaked mountains on one side and lush green forests on the other. Don't be the late comer, come and enjoy your holidays with the maximum excitement at these tourist destinations.

Pilgrimage Destinations in J and K

Pilgrimage Monasteries

Amarnath Yatra

Vaishno Devi Yatra

Known as the Resh Wari meaning valley of Saints this state has many important pilgrimage destinations that include the most revered Hindu Temple of Mata Vaishnov Devi situated some 40 kilometers from the Jammu city this temple is thronged by millions of every month and the second revered temple is Amarnath Temple for which the people come from far and flung areas in the month of July and August when the Shiv Lingam naturally occurs in the Amarnath cave. This cave is located amidst the steep mountains some 46 kilometers from Pahalgam. You will also find many temples in Srinagar as well but the temple of Shankarachariya situated on the peak on Kohi Maran Hill is the most beautiful as well as powerful temple.The shrines of Sufi saints especially in the Srinagar city are countless but the most important shrines are Hazratbal where thousands of people offer the Friday prayer at a time. The Jama Masjid located in the heart of the downtown is the historic mosque that needs to be seen by one and all. The Shrines of Khankahi - Moualla at Srinagar and Noor - Uddin - Noorani are considered as the most revered and visited by every one especially at the time of Urs.

A Hub of Adventure

Adventure Aerosports

Skiing Golfing

Trekking Rafting

For all the adventure lovers Jammu and Kashmir is a place where they can explore the new avenues of game. For example Gulmarg has the worlds highest golf course and its steeps are considered as best for the ski sports. Rafting is the other sport that takes place in the white waters of Ladder at Pahalgam and other rivers in Zanaskar. The mountainous regions of Ladakh and Kashmir are the challenge for the professional trekkers. Similarly boating, canoing and other water sports events are organized annually in Dal lake and it will be really amazing to participate or at least watching it from a distance you will find the talented sports persons in a rat race to achieve the goal in minimum time. Aerosport is the best bet when you are in the state don't miss to visit Sansar and spent some time flying in open air like the birds. Gliding is the best adventure sport initiated in Kashmir that needs the applause from the tourists who participate and enjoy the sport.