Jammu Kashmir Travel Guide

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About Jammu and Kashmir:
Jammu and Kashmir is the northern most 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 Ladakh.

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 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.

Getting There:
Air : Indian Airlines connect Jammu with Delhi, Leh and Shrinagar.
Rail: Jammu Tawi, the railway station to reach Jammu, is connected by rail to Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Madras and other main cities in India.
Road: Jammu, on N.H.no 1A, is connected by good all-weather roads to all parts of India..

Fact File:
Area: 20.36sq. kms
Altitude: 305 metres
Population: 2,23,361 ( 1981 census)
Languages: Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi , Urdu and English
Best season: September to April
Major Cities: Zanskar , Gulmarg , Kargil, Pahalgam , Sonamarg , Patnitop ,Leh-Ladakh , Srinagar

Tourists Attractions:
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 river Jhelum, view from outside the shrine in honour of Shah Hamdan.

Gulmarg:
Gulmarg is surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers ,Gulmarg is known for unparalled beauty nad 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 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 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.

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 athick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games includingskiing. 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 the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available. Kolahoi is a popular destinantion via Aru a charming meadow. Pahalgam is base camp for the pilgrims of Amarnath.

Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96 Kms 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 transportto suit every budget from Buses to Taxisply on this Highway.

Ladakh:
Ladakh, known for centuries as the 'land of passes' (La-pass; Dakh-land), is a mysterious land shrouded in myth and legend -- a land where history and mythology merge. It was described by Fa-hian, who travelled across it's inhospitable terrain in 399 A.D., as "the land where snow never melts and only corn ripens". Leh is the capital city of Ladakh.

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.