- Home
- Discover India
- North India
- Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is situated in the northern most part of the India. It is situated mostly in the Himalayan mountains. Jammu and Kashmir shares a border with the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south and internationally with the People's Republic of China to the north and east and the Pakistani administered territories of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to the west and northwest respectively. Formerly a part of the erstwhile princely state of Kashmir and Jammu, this territory is disputed among China, India and Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir is referred to in Pakistan as Indian-occupied Kashmir.
Kashmir provides a series of a little inferior rigorous adventure sports, such as Water Skiing, on Srinagar's Dal and Nagin Lakes, a popular in the valley. Water trekking is considered to enjoyment anyone wanting to explore the valley in a boat. A Gondala, commonly known as Shikara, takes tourists along a five-day way along rivers and lakes located within the valley. In Kashmir trout fishing is additional water sport and fishing period in the summer. Ladakh provides very large chances for undertaking adventure process amidst landscapes of breathtaking, coarsed beauty. The main famous and best usual among these are trekking , mountaineering and river-rafting.
The beautiful valley of Kashmir boasts of a many attractive gardens to the city of Srinagar. The gardens in Kashmir count in a group the best picnic mark for the tourists. If you really go to Kashmir, make definite to include at least one Kashmir garden in your route of a journey. Rivers, snowcapped mountains, serene rivers, sprawling valleys, beautiful plateaus and various other places make Jammu and Kashmir an marvelous lovely and attractive, as a result many tourists come here to enjoy the beauty of the nature. Formally laid out lawns, vibrant flower beds, earthward fountains, surrounded by the vista of Dal lake in front of them, the gardens in Kashmir are charming and delectable.
Gulmarg Hill Station is in Baramula District a main location in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is about 56 Kms from Srinagar District. At an height of 2,653 m., Gulmarg is excellent situated in a pine surrounded basin of the Pir Panjal range. Gulmarg or the Meadow of Flowers is a beautiful glowing sight where an opulence of flora displays different colours with the changing seasons. Attraction places in Gulmarg Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Ningli Nallah, Ferozpore Nallah and Shrine Of Baba Reshi / Ziarat Of Baba Reshi. Srinagar, the climactic boast of hill stations, is the famous capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. Srinagar is known as the city of lakes, which has fascinated tourist's from centuries, with its attractive colorful Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes that are enclosed by houseboats and Shikaras and the grandeur of Mughal architectural. The Dal and Nagin lakes improve its colorful setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the healthful climate assures that the city is equally beautiful to visitors around the year.Flight Store are a leading pilot shop specialising in pilot supplies, equipment and gear including pilot GPS units.
Kashmir provides a series of a little inferior rigorous adventure sports, such as Water Skiing, on Srinagar's Dal and Nagin Lakes, a popular in the valley. Water trekking is considered to enjoyment anyone wanting to explore the valley in a boat. A Gondala, commonly known as Shikara, takes tourists along a five-day way along rivers and lakes located within the valley. In Kashmir trout fishing is additional water sport and fishing period in the summer. Ladakh provides very large chances for undertaking adventure process amidst landscapes of breathtaking, coarsed beauty. The main famous and best usual among these are trekking , mountaineering and river-rafting.
The beautiful valley of Kashmir boasts of a many attractive gardens to the city of Srinagar. The gardens in Kashmir count in a group the best picnic mark for the tourists. If you really go to Kashmir, make definite to include at least one Kashmir garden in your route of a journey. Rivers, snowcapped mountains, serene rivers, sprawling valleys, beautiful plateaus and various other places make Jammu and Kashmir an marvelous lovely and attractive, as a result many tourists come here to enjoy the beauty of the nature. Formally laid out lawns, vibrant flower beds, earthward fountains, surrounded by the vista of Dal lake in front of them, the gardens in Kashmir are charming and delectable.
Gulmarg Hill Station is in Baramula District a main location in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is about 56 Kms from Srinagar District. At an height of 2,653 m., Gulmarg is excellent situated in a pine surrounded basin of the Pir Panjal range. Gulmarg or the Meadow of Flowers is a beautiful glowing sight where an opulence of flora displays different colours with the changing seasons. Attraction places in Gulmarg Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Ningli Nallah, Ferozpore Nallah and Shrine Of Baba Reshi / Ziarat Of Baba Reshi. Srinagar, the climactic boast of hill stations, is the famous capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. Srinagar is known as the city of lakes, which has fascinated tourist's from centuries, with its attractive colorful Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes that are enclosed by houseboats and Shikaras and the grandeur of Mughal architectural. The Dal and Nagin lakes improve its colorful setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the healthful climate assures that the city is equally beautiful to visitors around the year.Flight Store are a leading pilot shop specialising in pilot supplies, equipment and gear including pilot GPS units.
| Capital | : | Jammu (winter), Srinagar (summer) |
| Location | : | Northernmost state of India |
| District Area | : | 2,22,236 Sq. Kms. |
| Altitude | : | 5,753 metres above sea level |
| Largest City | : | Srinagar |
| Literacy | : | 54.46% |
| Sex Ratio | : | 923 females : 1000 males |
| Best time to visit | : | Kashmir - April to October Jammu - October to March Ladakh - May to October |
| Temperature | : | Summer: 39.9°C Max. - 23.4°C Min. Winter: 20.2°C Max. - 4.5°C Min. |
| Climate | : | Hot in summer and cold in winters |
| Rainfall | : | 1,011 mm |
| Clothing | : | Summer: Cotton Winters: Heavy Woolens |
| Local Languages | : | Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, Pahari, Ladakhi |
Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The inner walls of the temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. The galleries are covered with lakhs of 'Saligrams'. The surrounding temples are dedicated to other gods and goddesses from the epic, Ramayana. The temple is located in the heart of Jammu. Construction of the temple was started in 1835 by Maharaja Gulab Singh and completed by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860.
Bahu Fort
The original fort was built by Raja Bahulochan but was modified and improved by Dogra rulers. This fort, perhaps the oldest edifice in Jammu, is located 5 km from the city. The fort is built on rocks facing the Tawi river. A temple dedicated to Goddess Kali is also inside the fort. Exquisitely laid-out gardens surround the fort on all sides.
Peer Baba
This is the famous dargah of the Muslim saint, Peer Budhan Ali Shah. On Thursdays apart from Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs also come in large numbers to pay respect at the shrine.
Mubarak Mandi Palace
The architecture of this palace has a unique blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and even Gothic styles. The palace complex dates back to 1824 AD. The Sheesh Mahal segment in the palace is most famous. The pink hall has now been converted into the Dogra Art Museum. This museum is a treasure house of miniature paintings from various hill schools.
Katra
Katra acts as a base camp for pilgrims and tourists going to the Vaishnodevi shrine. Katra is 50 kms from Jammu. It can be approached by a road that passes through a stretch of beautiful valley.
Patnitop
This beautiful place is 112 kms from Jammu. It is located on the Jammu-Srinagar highway and is thus easily accessible. Patnitop was in fact a picnic spot for residents of Jammu. Later on it was taken up by JKTDC and developed as a tourist destination. Patnitop is usually covered with snow during winter and provides a good opportunity for winter sports.
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is at the east of Srinagar city. Much of it is a maze of intricate waterways. Dal Lake comprises of a series of lakes, including Nagin Lake, 8 km from the city center. Most of the modern houseboats are anchored here. The famous Mughal gardens are located on the far east side of Dal lake.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is about 95 km east of Srinagar. At a junction of the East and West Lidder rivers, it is a popular trekking base. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims approach the Amarnath cave from this area.
Hemis Gompa
Hemis Gompa situated 45 km south of Leh is the most accessible and hence most visited gaompas of Leh. It has an excellent library, well preserved frescoes showing some Kashmiri influence and good Buddha statues.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa built in 1430, contains a fine three-storey-high Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. From here, the views of Leh are superb. A steep lane from here leads to the Leh Palace.
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa looks impressive, especially at night when it is well lit-up. With financial assistance from the Japanese government, it was built by a Japanese and opened by the Dalai Lama in 1985. From the top, there are great views. The stupa is located at the end of the road which goes through Changspa, about 3 km from fort Road.
Raghunath Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The inner walls of the temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. The galleries are covered with lakhs of 'Saligrams'. The surrounding temples are dedicated to other gods and goddesses from the epic, Ramayana. The temple is located in the heart of Jammu. Construction of the temple was started in 1835 by Maharaja Gulab Singh and completed by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860.
Bahu Fort
The original fort was built by Raja Bahulochan but was modified and improved by Dogra rulers. This fort, perhaps the oldest edifice in Jammu, is located 5 km from the city. The fort is built on rocks facing the Tawi river. A temple dedicated to Goddess Kali is also inside the fort. Exquisitely laid-out gardens surround the fort on all sides.
Peer Baba
This is the famous dargah of the Muslim saint, Peer Budhan Ali Shah. On Thursdays apart from Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs also come in large numbers to pay respect at the shrine.
Mubarak Mandi Palace
The architecture of this palace has a unique blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and even Gothic styles. The palace complex dates back to 1824 AD. The Sheesh Mahal segment in the palace is most famous. The pink hall has now been converted into the Dogra Art Museum. This museum is a treasure house of miniature paintings from various hill schools.
Katra
Katra acts as a base camp for pilgrims and tourists going to the Vaishnodevi shrine. Katra is 50 kms from Jammu. It can be approached by a road that passes through a stretch of beautiful valley.
Patnitop
This beautiful place is 112 kms from Jammu. It is located on the Jammu-Srinagar highway and is thus easily accessible. Patnitop was in fact a picnic spot for residents of Jammu. Later on it was taken up by JKTDC and developed as a tourist destination. Patnitop is usually covered with snow during winter and provides a good opportunity for winter sports.
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is at the east of Srinagar city. Much of it is a maze of intricate waterways. Dal Lake comprises of a series of lakes, including Nagin Lake, 8 km from the city center. Most of the modern houseboats are anchored here. The famous Mughal gardens are located on the far east side of Dal lake.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is about 95 km east of Srinagar. At a junction of the East and West Lidder rivers, it is a popular trekking base. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims approach the Amarnath cave from this area.
Hemis Gompa
Hemis Gompa situated 45 km south of Leh is the most accessible and hence most visited gaompas of Leh. It has an excellent library, well preserved frescoes showing some Kashmiri influence and good Buddha statues.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa built in 1430, contains a fine three-storey-high Buddha and ancient manuscripts and frescoes. From here, the views of Leh are superb. A steep lane from here leads to the Leh Palace.
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa looks impressive, especially at night when it is well lit-up. With financial assistance from the Japanese government, it was built by a Japanese and opened by the Dalai Lama in 1985. From the top, there are great views. The stupa is located at the end of the road which goes through Changspa, about 3 km from fort Road.
Festivals in Jammu Province
Lohri
The Lohri festival, marking the culmination of the cold season, is celebrated with zest every where. Children go from door to door to collect subscriptions for the community bonfires. When the fires are lit at night, the young and old gather round the flaming fires throwing parched grain, coins and other offerings into these with gusto. Gay dancing at the venues goes on for hours.
Holi
On the occasion of the Holi festival, Muslims and Sikhs join Hindus in spraying friends with pails of coloured water. This spring festival, replete with revelry, last three days in the cities and villages.
Navaratri
During Navratri, Jammu is crowded with pilgrims on the way to or returning from the shrine. The city wears a festive look, with pilgrims carrying staves and wearing mauli (yellow and red thread) garlands and amulets.
Baisakhi
Melas are held in the city and principal towns on Baisakhi or New year day. Bhangra and other dances rendered by troupes are enjoyed by the people.
Ramnavami
This festival is celebrated by the people of Jammu. Processions are taken out - the centre of attention being tableaux, presenting scenes from the Epic, Ramayana.
Shivratri
It is a three-day festival in Jammu and is celebrated with éclat at Purmandal, Billavar and Jhandi. The shrine of Shiv Khori is visited by pilgrims on this occasion.
Gurpurabs
The Gurpurabs, especially Guru Ravi Das's birthday is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jammu city. Public meetings follow Kirtans and Bhajans.
Tihar
It is an interesting festival observed in Bhadarwah and Kishtwar in the months of Chaitra (March-April). Springs and baulis receive a spring-cleaning and this is followed on the next day by worship of nagas (serpents), to whom rice and floral offerings are made.
Festivals in Kashmir Province
Navaratra
The New Year day falls on first Navaratra - the first day of the new moon in the month of Chaitra. In every Hindu home, it begins with an invocation to Lakshmi, the goddess of bounty. In every family, a young lady lays a large plate with paddy, sugar, curds, fruits, walnut, coins, a mirror, ink-holder and the New year scroll. Early in the morning she shows the plate to every inmate and thus seeks the blessings of the goddess for moral and material development of members of the family.
Navroz
The Navroz festival of the Shia Muslims comes a week after the New year day. They celebrate this nine-day festival with good eating and activities showing a spirit of gay abandon, in contrast to recitation of religious dirges that characterise most of their festivals.
Durga Ashtami
During the month of April they celebrate Durga Ashtami, followed by Ramnavami. It is the birthday of Lord Rama. For the Kashmiri pandits the day is also connected with goddess Durga, and they celebrate it with a feast of rice and meat viands, after the prayers.
Vikrami Samvat
In the middle of April or on the Baisakhi day, starts the New year of the Vikrami Samvat. The day presents a grand spectacle of colour and gaiety on the Dal lake and in the gardens that flank it.
Urs or Ziarats
The Urs (or Ziarats) is a typical Kashmiri festival. It is held annually at the shrines of Muslim saints on their death anniversaries. There is a saying "It snows when the Urs of Meesha Sahib is held, it is windy when the Urs of Batamol Sahib takes place, it rains on the occasion of the Urs of Bahauddin". These Urs are popular despite the rigours of weather. This is celebrated in different parts of Srinagar, not only by Muslims but Hindus and Sikhs as well. An interesting feature of the Urs celebrations at Batamaloo (the locality in Srinagar named after the saint Batamol Sahib) and in Anantag (Rishi Mol's anniversary) is that both Muslims and Hindus abstain from taking meat during the course of the festival.
Shab-i Mairaj /Shab-i-Barat
Muslim festivals which are celebrated nationally, include Shab-i Mairaj which is followed by Shab-i-Barat. The dates of these festivals change in accordance with the appearance of the moon and shift by 10 days each year. During the night of Shab-i-Barat, the Muslims keep vigil. Legend goes that on this night the Holy prophet visits each house and relieves the pains of suffering humanity.
Ramzan
Another Muslim festival of this area is Ramzan. During the month of Ramzan, Muslims abstain from eating or drinking during the day.
Jeth Ashtami / Har Ashtami
Jeth Ashtami is succeeded by Har Ashtami in a month. These two days are the birthday and the incarnation day, respectively, of the Rajnya goddess. Hindus fast on these days and go on a pilgrimage to Kheer Bhawani, a well known spring-girt temple at Tulmula dedicated to the Goddess Rajnya Devi. After a bath in the cool stream nearby, incense and candles are burnt at the altar of the goddess.
Lohri
The Lohri festival, marking the culmination of the cold season, is celebrated with zest every where. Children go from door to door to collect subscriptions for the community bonfires. When the fires are lit at night, the young and old gather round the flaming fires throwing parched grain, coins and other offerings into these with gusto. Gay dancing at the venues goes on for hours.
Holi
On the occasion of the Holi festival, Muslims and Sikhs join Hindus in spraying friends with pails of coloured water. This spring festival, replete with revelry, last three days in the cities and villages.
Navaratri
During Navratri, Jammu is crowded with pilgrims on the way to or returning from the shrine. The city wears a festive look, with pilgrims carrying staves and wearing mauli (yellow and red thread) garlands and amulets.
Baisakhi
Melas are held in the city and principal towns on Baisakhi or New year day. Bhangra and other dances rendered by troupes are enjoyed by the people.
Ramnavami
This festival is celebrated by the people of Jammu. Processions are taken out - the centre of attention being tableaux, presenting scenes from the Epic, Ramayana.
Shivratri
It is a three-day festival in Jammu and is celebrated with éclat at Purmandal, Billavar and Jhandi. The shrine of Shiv Khori is visited by pilgrims on this occasion.
Gurpurabs
The Gurpurabs, especially Guru Ravi Das's birthday is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jammu city. Public meetings follow Kirtans and Bhajans.
Tihar
It is an interesting festival observed in Bhadarwah and Kishtwar in the months of Chaitra (March-April). Springs and baulis receive a spring-cleaning and this is followed on the next day by worship of nagas (serpents), to whom rice and floral offerings are made.
Festivals in Kashmir Province
Navaratra
The New Year day falls on first Navaratra - the first day of the new moon in the month of Chaitra. In every Hindu home, it begins with an invocation to Lakshmi, the goddess of bounty. In every family, a young lady lays a large plate with paddy, sugar, curds, fruits, walnut, coins, a mirror, ink-holder and the New year scroll. Early in the morning she shows the plate to every inmate and thus seeks the blessings of the goddess for moral and material development of members of the family.
Navroz
The Navroz festival of the Shia Muslims comes a week after the New year day. They celebrate this nine-day festival with good eating and activities showing a spirit of gay abandon, in contrast to recitation of religious dirges that characterise most of their festivals.
Durga Ashtami
During the month of April they celebrate Durga Ashtami, followed by Ramnavami. It is the birthday of Lord Rama. For the Kashmiri pandits the day is also connected with goddess Durga, and they celebrate it with a feast of rice and meat viands, after the prayers.
Vikrami Samvat
In the middle of April or on the Baisakhi day, starts the New year of the Vikrami Samvat. The day presents a grand spectacle of colour and gaiety on the Dal lake and in the gardens that flank it.
Urs or Ziarats
The Urs (or Ziarats) is a typical Kashmiri festival. It is held annually at the shrines of Muslim saints on their death anniversaries. There is a saying "It snows when the Urs of Meesha Sahib is held, it is windy when the Urs of Batamol Sahib takes place, it rains on the occasion of the Urs of Bahauddin". These Urs are popular despite the rigours of weather. This is celebrated in different parts of Srinagar, not only by Muslims but Hindus and Sikhs as well. An interesting feature of the Urs celebrations at Batamaloo (the locality in Srinagar named after the saint Batamol Sahib) and in Anantag (Rishi Mol's anniversary) is that both Muslims and Hindus abstain from taking meat during the course of the festival.
Shab-i Mairaj /Shab-i-Barat
Muslim festivals which are celebrated nationally, include Shab-i Mairaj which is followed by Shab-i-Barat. The dates of these festivals change in accordance with the appearance of the moon and shift by 10 days each year. During the night of Shab-i-Barat, the Muslims keep vigil. Legend goes that on this night the Holy prophet visits each house and relieves the pains of suffering humanity.
Ramzan
Another Muslim festival of this area is Ramzan. During the month of Ramzan, Muslims abstain from eating or drinking during the day.
Jeth Ashtami / Har Ashtami
Jeth Ashtami is succeeded by Har Ashtami in a month. These two days are the birthday and the incarnation day, respectively, of the Rajnya goddess. Hindus fast on these days and go on a pilgrimage to Kheer Bhawani, a well known spring-girt temple at Tulmula dedicated to the Goddess Rajnya Devi. After a bath in the cool stream nearby, incense and candles are burnt at the altar of the goddess.
Summer
Summer is characterized by snow-capped peaks, clear streams, cool bubbling springs, noisy torrents, and beautiful lakes. This is the season when Kashmir becomes the "play ground of Asia".
Winter
Due to extreme weather conditions, the capital of the state during summer is Srinagar and shifts to Jammu during the winter season.
Summer is characterized by snow-capped peaks, clear streams, cool bubbling springs, noisy torrents, and beautiful lakes. This is the season when Kashmir becomes the "play ground of Asia".
Winter
Due to extreme weather conditions, the capital of the state during summer is Srinagar and shifts to Jammu during the winter season.
By Air:
Srinagar airport is approximately 14 km from the city. There are daily flights to Srinagar, operated by Indian Airlines (from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu) and other Private Airlines like Air Deccan, SpiceJet, Kingfisher, Jet Airways (from Delhi and Jammu).
By Railway:
Jammu Tawi, approximately 305 km far, is the nearest railhead for Srinagar. Trains from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and other cities arrive at this station only. During holiday season, when there is a heavy rush for Kashmir, additional trains operate for and from this station.
By Road:
National Highway 1-A is the main highway connecting Srinagar with Jammu. J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) as well as a number of private Super deluxe, A-class and B-class busses operate to and from the state. Private taxis are also available for traveling to Kashmir. This is one of the most adventurous though a bit strenuous travel track in India.
Srinagar airport is approximately 14 km from the city. There are daily flights to Srinagar, operated by Indian Airlines (from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu) and other Private Airlines like Air Deccan, SpiceJet, Kingfisher, Jet Airways (from Delhi and Jammu).
By Railway:
Jammu Tawi, approximately 305 km far, is the nearest railhead for Srinagar. Trains from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and other cities arrive at this station only. During holiday season, when there is a heavy rush for Kashmir, additional trains operate for and from this station.
By Road:
National Highway 1-A is the main highway connecting Srinagar with Jammu. J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) as well as a number of private Super deluxe, A-class and B-class busses operate to and from the state. Private taxis are also available for traveling to Kashmir. This is one of the most adventurous though a bit strenuous travel track in India.