Jammu and Kashmir – Switzerland of India
Discover the ultimate paradise on earth as you explore the fascinating zone of India – Jammu, and Kashmir. Situated on the Northern part of the Indian subcontinent, Jammu and Kashmir is one landscape that beautifies the Indian map with its elegant beauty. The snow-clad mountains, glittering peaks, and a variety of flowers welcome you into the perfumed air. With cities like Srinagar, Pahalgam, Jammu, and Kashmir form an incredible destination to be explored. Travel to Jammu and Kashmir, a state encompassing incredible beauty.
Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of India, nestled in the Himalayas. It is blessed with magnificent beauty. Being here in the land, one thinks the famous lines of Persian poet Firdaus to be justifiably right; “Agar Firdaus bar me Zaminast Haminasto haminnasto haminasto.” (If there is heaven anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here). The state of Jammu and Kashmir includes the regions of Kashmir, Jammu, and Srinagar.
Kashmir is one of India’s most beautiful and touristically popular regions and has been since the time of the great Moghul emperors. It’s probably most famous for the houseboats on picturesque Dal Lake you’ve not really been to Kashmir until you’ve stayed on one – but there’s a lot more to the Kashmir Valley than just lazing on board.
Provisions for the formation of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir were contained within the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which was passed by both houses of the Parliament of India in August 2019. The act re-constituted the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, ‘Jammu and Kashmir’ and ‘Ladakh’, with effect from 31 October 2019.
Fast Facts :
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Area: 42,241 sq. km
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Highest elevation: 7,135 meter
- Capital Srinagar: (May–October), Jammu (Nov-April)
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Population: 12,267,013 ( 2011 census)
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Languages: Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and English
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Best season: September to April
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Major Cities: Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Patnitop, Srinagar, Anantnag
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State Emblem: Government of Jammu and Kashmir with Emblem of India
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State Animal: Hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu)
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State Bird: Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis)
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State Tree: Chinar tree (Platanus oreintalis)
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State Flower: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
- Culture and Tradition of Jammu Kashmir
Tourist Attractions :
Srinagar
In Srinagar (The capital of Kashmir) visit Hari Parbat Fort, Jama Masjid, Walk in the old bazaar, and over one of the seven old Bridges on the river Jhelum, view from outside the shrine in honor of Shah Hamdan.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers, Gulmarg is known for unparalleled beauty and is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world. It is famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course. It is the premier resort for winter sports in the country. The meadow of Flowers is a world-famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters.
Raghunath Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The inner walls of the temple are covered with gold sheets 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.
Patnitop
Patnitop is enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks, and breathtaking views of the mountainscape of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the best-developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests, and lush green cover.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above sea level. Camping equipment, ponies, and skiing equipment are readily available. Kolahoi is a popular destination via Aru a charming meadow. Pahalgam is the base camp for the pilgrims of Amarnath.
Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96 km from Srinagar. The nearest airport is in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. The road to Pahalgam takes from Khannabal or alternatively from Bijbehara villages from this National Highway. Every sort of transport suits every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway.
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is in the east of Srinagar city. Much of it is a maze of intricate waterways. Dal Lake comprises 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.
Getting There :
- By Air: Indian Airlines connect Jammu with Delhi and Srinagar.
- By Rail: Jammu Tawi, the railway station to reach Jammu, is connected by rail to Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Madras, and other main cities in India.
- By Road: Jammu, on N.H.no 1A, is connected by good all-weather roads to all parts of India.
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