Jammu Kashmir India
Popularly known as the "Paradise on Earth", Jammu and Kashmir is world famous for its scenic splendour, snow-capped mountains, plentiful wildlife, exquisite monuments, hospitable people and local handicrafts. Your trip to Jammu and Kashmir will be a memorable one as the state will not only appeal to you with its scenic beauty and snow-covered mountain ranges, but the adventure sports will take you to a different world. Nestled in the Himalayan, Pir Panjal and Karakoram mountain ranges are renowned for their natural beauty and gentle people.
Jammu and Kashmir is dotted with the most beautiful mountain peaks, massive glaciers, splendid monasteries, blue lakes, rivers, forests, verdant meadows and tall pine trees. While sports like Skiing, golf, trekking, river rafting, paragliding, camping make the trip to Jammu and Kashmir more adventurous, Amarnath and Vaishno Devi attract a large number of pilgrims every year. Dal Lake, Kashmir Valley, Khardung La Pass, Gulmarg, Shalimar Bagh are some of the major attractions of the state. The unparalleled beauty and charm of the state and the sweetness of the residents will remain etched in your memory forever.
Tosa Maidan is the largest pasture in its surrounding areas, 3 miles in length and 1.5 miles in width. Sky-touching deodars fence this pasture presenting a view of a green carpet in summer. During the summer, the camps of the Gujjar community and shepherds with their grazing sheep in the pastures present a riveting picture. Also, the fragrance of wild flowers refreshes the whole environment.
Tourism is the largest industry in Jammu city. It is also a focal point for the pilgrims going to Vaishno Devi and Kashmir valley as it is second last railway terminal in North India. All the routes leading to Kashmir, Poonch, Doda and Laddakh start from Jammu city. So throughout the year, the city remains full of people from all the parts of India. Places of interest include old historic palaces like Mubarak Mandi Palace, Purani Mandi, Rani Park, Amar Mahal, Bahu Fort, Raghunath Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, Karbala, Peer Meetha, Old city.
Katra serves as the base camp for pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. The number of pilgrims who visit the shrine every year has increased from 1.4 million in 1986 to 8.2 million in 2009. Over the years, a lot has changed, but main attractions include the "bazaar" (market) for buying souvenirs, dryfruits, woolen garments, hosiery, leather jackets, etc. To reach Vaishno Devi, the pilgrims have to register at Katra before starting the trek. By registering, the pilgrims get accident insurance up to 100,000 INR while on the trek of 14 km. There is another trek of 2.5 km from Vaishno Devi temple for Baba Bhaironnath. Electric Vehicles and helicopter services are available for pilgrims. A new ropeway system as just been inaugurated from the Vaishno Devi Bhawan to the Bhairon Baba Mandir, reducing the journey to time to just 3 minutes.The ropeway can carry 800 people every hour.
The Bahu Fort is a historic fort in the city of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. Constructed on the banks on Tawi River, the ancient fort is believed to be constructed by Raja Bahulochan around 3,000 years ago. It is believed that the first renovation of this fort was undertaken by Maharaja Ranjit Singh during Sikh Rule in 18th century. The fort is a religious place, and within its precincts has a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. The temple is known locally as the "Bawe Wali Mata temple".
The Amar Mahal Palace is a palace in Jammu, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, India, which has now been converted into a Museum. It was built in the nineteenth century for Raja Amar Singh, a Dogra king by a French architect on the lines of a French Chateau. The palace was donated to the Hari-Tara charitable trust by Dr. Karan Singh for use as a museum.[1] It has many exhibits including a golden throne weighing 120 kg, Pahari miniature and Kangra miniature paintings, a library of 25,000 antique books and many rare art collections.
Sanasar is the name given to the two small villages of Sana and Sar in Jammu province, Jammu and Kashmir state, India. Named after small local lakes, Sana and Sar are located 20 km west of Patnitop, Udhampur district on the national highway 1A. A nearby mountain range is called the Shanta Ridge. The Shank Pal Temple is located at the highest point of the Shank Pal ridge, at an altitude of 2,800 metres, a few hours' walk from Sanasar. The 400-year-old temple is dedicated to Nag Shank Pal. No mortar was used to join the stones of the temple. Shanta Gala is a pass on the Shanta ridge which offers a view of the Panchari valley on the other side of the ridge. The pass leads to the Lander area.
This state is known for its many picturesque locations and landmarks, and travelling to Jammu and Kashmir. Patnitop is located in the Lower Himalayan Range close to the Pir Panjal range, 47 km from Udhampur and 112 km from Jammu.This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 m across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. The towns of Kud and Batote are nearby. Kud is a very small town where sweet shops make fresh Patissa (a sweet). It may be bought hot and melts in one's mouth. Batote is known as a place for quality rajma or the kidney bean.
Mansar is situated 64 kms from Jammu off the Jammu-Pathankot Highway. It’s a very picturesque lake with pine forested hills surrounding it on all sides. About a mile in length by half a mile in width the waters are crystal clear and very popular for boating. A peculiar feature of the lake is the presence of a large number of huge turtles in the lake. Besides, being a popular excursion destination in Jammu, it is also a holy site, sharing the legend and sanctity of Lake Mansarovar. There are several temples located on the periphery of the Lake. On the eastern bank of Mansar Lake there is a shrine dedicated to Sheshnag, a mythological snake with six heads. The shrine comprises a big boulder on which are placed a number of iron chains perhaps representing the small serpents waiting on the tutelary deity of the Sheshnag. Newlywed couples consider it auspicious to perform three circumambulations (Parikarma) around the lake to seek the blessings of Lord Sheshnag.
Doda district abounds in scenic spots with large forest area, snow-clad peaks, virgin trekking routes and majestic Chenab river passing through it. The district offers a variey of tourist spots, health resorts and enthralling trekking routes despite the vast-potential. Tourism in Doda has tremendous potential. The lush, verdant meadows of Lal Draman and Dal Draman with their fir and deodar forests, the pristine Jasmia Masjids & Ziyarats, Vasukinag Temple and the Kailash Yatra and Gupt Ganga attracts pilgrim tourists by the droves. Besides Doda is a real treat for adventure enthusiasts with its numerous Hiking , Camping & trekking zones of enchanting scenic beauty..
KISHTWAR the land of Saffron and Sapphire is nestled in the lap of beautiful & Majestic ?CHOWGAN? endowed with a high degree of Natural Beauty, crowned with Naginshiru? peak to its North and mighty river ?CHENAB ? under its feet.
Poonch or Punch is a district in Jammu and Kashmir, India. With headquarters the town of Poonch, it is bounded by the Line of Control (boundary between Indian and Pakistan administered Kashmir) on three sides (north, west and south). The 1947-48 war between India and Pakistan divided the earlier district into two parts. One went to Pakistan and the other became part of the then Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir.
Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. The city is known for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts and houseboats. Srinagar is one of several places that have been called the "Venice of the East". Nigeen Lake, Wular Lake and Manasbal Lake both lie to the north of Srinagar. Wular Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. Srinagar has some Mughal gardens, Chashma Shahi (the royal fountains), Pari Mahal (the palace of the fairies), Nishat Bagh (the garden of spring), Shalimar Bagh; the Naseem Bagh. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden is a botanical garden in the city, The Sher Garhi Palace, the Maharajas, the Gulab Bhavan, has now become the Lalit Grand Palace hotel. The Shankaracharya Temple and the Kheer Bhawani Temple are important Hindu temples in the city.
Gulmarg is located 56 km north of Srinagar at an average altitude of 2650 m. The 3,5 long and 1 km wide valley was discovered in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. It was also a favourite resort of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Gulmarg was first established as a ski resort by the British who had set up the Ski Club of India here in 1927. Skiing at Gulmarg had become very popular during the pre-independence years. The resort used to host two major skiing events, one each during Christmas and Easter. The skiing season usually commences just before Christmas (mid December) and continues till early April. During 1998, Gulmarg hosted the first National Winter Games of India.
Pahalgam is a hill station in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Mountain trails run northeast to Amarnath Cave Temple, a Hindu shrine and site of the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is home to animals including brown bears and musk deer. Northeast, the Lidder River runs through scenic Betaab Valley. Southeast, Tulian Lake is flanked by mountain peaks and often frozen.
Sonamarg or Sonmarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above sea level, literally means 'Meadow of Gold'. Sonamarg, a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass. The snow clad peaks in the Himalaya and the undulated hilly mountainous regions are perfectly suitable for all types of trekking expeditions. The major treks passing through various mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Kishansar has its base at Sonamarg. The trekking routes offer all types of challenges, from mild to most hard. The pleasant climate with mild summer and cold winter make this place an ideal location for trekkers to explore the natural beauty and challenging treks.
Yusmarg or Yousmarg (meaning 'Meadow of Jesus') is a hill station in the western part of Kashmir Valley. It is situated 47 km south of Srinagar the capital of the state. Yousmarg provides space for beautiful landscape, young pine nurseries, green pastures and heart touching lotic and lentic water bodies. Neilnag, Doudganga and a nascently created artificial dam adds more to the beauty of the meadows.Nature has bestowed Yoususmarg with pleasant flora and fauna. Among fauna, locals claim that they often sight wolves, bears, apes, cats, aves of various types (flight as well as flightless). Among aquatic fauna, Schizothoraxic is abundant one in catch.
Travelers visiting Lolab sometimes visit the resting place of the saint Kashyap reshi, which is located at a distance of 1 km from village Lalpora. A spring called Lavnag can be found nearby. The spring is three feet deep and has crystal clear water. Gauri spring is another major spring in the area. Due lack of intervention by government the place has very poor flow of tourists which keeps it potential for tourism still unexplored. This place still manages to be one of the top most camping sites in Kashmir. Some tourist attractions in the valley include Nagmarg Camping Site Diver Anderbugh, Satbaran Kalaroos, Chandigam, Warnav, Machil and Kariwan Green Meadows Diver.
Kokernag is a blend of all delicate components of natural beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. Home to a spring with magical, curative powers, located at an altitude of around 2012 meters above sea level. The moment you enter the green valley of Kokernag, you are welcomed by the cool and fragrant air of the mountains, an air that brings with it the perfume of the blossoming flowers which you see all around this picturesque vale. Place is famous for gardens, largest fresh water springs, trout stocked streams. Kokernag is situated at a distance of about 22 km from Anantnag on the right side of Anantnag- Kishtwar highway. The easiest and most comfortable way of reaching this place is to hire a Sumo at Anantnag. The total area of Kokernag is 300 Kanals of which 129 kanals is for the purpose of gardens and the rest is forest area. Many fascinating destinations are found in this area including Daksum, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Botanical Garden, Trout Fish Hatchery and Achabal.
Aharbal is a base for adventure tourism. The Veshu River is stocked with trout. The fishing permit can be obtained from the Fisheries department stationed at Aharbal. The alpine meadow of Kungwatan lies at the halfway point of the two-day trek to the high-altitude Konsernag Lake, which is the source of the Veshu. Other activities include horse riding, photography, and skiing during winter. The Aharbal Development Authority, a government agency responsible for development in Aharbal, has built tourist infrastructure including huts and a cafeteria, and other lodging and boarding facilities have also been made available. The area is peaceful and the crime rate is very low.
Verinag is a tourist place and a notified area committee with tehsil status (Shahabad Bala Verinag) in Anantnag. It is about 26 kilometers away from Anantnag and approximately 78 kilometres south-east from Srinagar which is the summer capital of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Verinag is also the first tourist spot of Kashmir Valley when travelling by road from Jammu, the winter capital of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir towards Srinagar, the summer capital of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies at the entry point of Kashmir Valley right after crossing Jawahar Tunnel and is also known as Gateway of Kashmir.
The valley with rugged terrains and the lush meadows is ideal for the jeep safaris. Bungus is a part of a unique ecological area, comprising mountain and grassland with flora, taiga or coniferous forest. Extreme natural beauty, serenity, splendour are few synonyms associated with the majestic valley of bungus. The valley is surrounded by Rajwar and Mawar in east,Shamsasburyand Dajlungum mountains in the west; Chowkibal, KarnahGali in the north, and Leepa mountains in the south. Bungus is an upcoming destination that will soon see its place in the tourist map of the state. It is one of the virgin destinations where the avid travelers look forward to visit.
Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden in Srinagar, linked through a channel to the northeast of Dal Lake. It also known as Shalimar Gardens, Farah Baksh, and Faiz Baksh. The other famous shoreline garden in the vicinity is Nishat Bagh, 'The Garden of Delight'. The Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan, in 1619. The Bagh is considered the high point of Mughal horticulture. It is now a public park and also referred to as the "Crown of Srinagar"
Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden in Srinagar, linked through a channel to the northeast of Dal Lake. It also known as Shalimar Gardens, Farah Baksh, and Faiz Baksh. The other famous shoreline garden in the vicinity is Nishat Bagh, 'The Garden of Delight'. The Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan, in 1619. The Bagh is considered the high point of Mughal horticulture. It is now a public park and also referred to as the "Crown of Srinagar"
Jammu Kashmir India
Leh is the epitome of scenic beauty. Topographically Leh is covered with three parallel
Jammu Kashmir India
The story behind the 51 Shakti Peethas is rooted in Hindu mythology, specifically in