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India Tourism Guide >> Jammu & Kashmir Travel Guide
Jammu & Kashmir Travel Guide
Places to See in Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg Tourism
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.
How to Reach Gulmarg: Gulmarg is in Baramula Distt and is 57Kms from
Srinagar District .The nearest Airport in Badgam Distt.This Airport is connected
with major cities of country. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu . The journey
from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes approx. 2 hours in bus and may take short
time by chartered conveyance. The road to gulmarg is very beautiful and
is lined with poplar trees all through. All sorts of transport is available
to Gulmarg from Srinagar bus stand at Batmallo and from various tour and
travel opeartors at the prices fixed.
Jammu Tourism
Jammu. the Duggar land where the past still has a living presence. A
land of grand ancient temples, and beatiful palaces. All nestling in the
foothills of the Himalayas. It is said that, on becoming King, the Suryavanshi
Jambu Lochan went on a hunt and, crossing the Tawi, found a deer and a tiger
drinking water from the same tank. His ministers explained that this meant
that the soil of the place was so virtuous that no living creature bore
enmity against another.
Raja Jambu Lochan, who lived in the later vedic period, decided to found
his capital , Jambupura, on his soil, on the right bank of the Tawi, overlooking
his brother king Bahu's fort. Today the temple of Maha Kali ( better known
as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata), located in the Bahufort, is considered second
only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power.
The present temple was built shortly after the coronation of Maharaja Gulab
singh, in 1822. The existing fort, as well as the Manasabdar's palace inside
it, was constructed in 1820. Jammu is justly famous for its temples. Infact
it is known as the city of temples and the every fame of its tends to overshadow
its palaces, forts, forests and powerful ziarats.
If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan
Ali Shah is the other shrine that protects Jammuites. The other major tourist
attraction is the Ragunath Temple Complex. Maharaja Gulab Singh began the
construction of the Raghunath Mandir Complex in the crowded downtown Bazaar
named after it, in 1851. It was left to his son, Ranbir Singh, to inagurate
it six years later perhaps the most popular temple north of Benares, it
contains representations of almost entire Hindu pantheon, though the emphassis
falls on the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The complex houses a rich
collection of ancient texts and manuscripts.
Kargil Tourism
KARGIL (2704 m), 204 kms from Srinagar in the west and 234 kms from
Leh in the east, is the second largest urban centre of Ladakh and headquarters
of the district of same name. A quite town now, Kargil once served as important
trade and transit centre in the Pan-Asian trade network. Numerous caravans
carrying exotic merchandise comprising silk, brocade, carpets, felts, tea,
poppy, ivory etc. transited in the town on their way to and from China,
Tibet, Yarkand and Kashmir.
The old bazaar displayed a variety of Central Asian and Tibetan commodities
even after the cessation of the Central Asian trade in 1949 till these were
exhausted about two decades back. Similarly the ancient trade route passing
through the township was lined with several caravanserais. Now, since 1975,
travellers of numerous nationalities have replaced traders of the past and
Kargil has regained its importance as a centre of travel-related activities.
Leh Tourism
The palace is distinguished monument and a historical building. The
nine-storeyed palace was built by the 17th century illustrious ruler of
Ladakh, Sengge Namgyal. It is an imposing structure, though in ruins now,
situated on a hill and commands a grand view of the Leh town.
The building in grand Tibetan architecture is said to have inspired the
famous potala of Lahasa, built half a century later. Namgyal Tsemo, the
peak overlooking the town, are the ruins of the fortbuilt, by the king Tashi
namgyal in the 16th century, as a royal residence.
Ladakh Tourism
Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest
mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two
other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range.
In geological terms, this is a young land, formed only a few million years
ago by the buckling and folding of the earth's crust as the Indian sub-continent
pushed with irresistible force against the immovable mass of Asia. Its basic
contours, uplifted by these unimaginable tectonic movements, have been modified
over the millennia by the opposite process of erosion, sculpted into the
form we see today by wind and water.
Yes, water! Today, a high -altitude desert, sheltered from the rain-bearing
clouds of the Indian monsoon by the barrier of the Great Himalaya, Ladakh
was once covered by an extensive lake system, the vestiges of which still
exist on its south -east plateaux of Rupshu and Chushul - in drainage basins
with evocative names like Tso-moriri, Tsokar,a nd grandest of all, Pangong-tso.
Occasionally, some stray monsoon cluds do find their way over the Himalaya,
and lately this seems to be happening with increasing frequency. But the
main source of water remains the winter snowfall.
Dras, Zanskar and the Suru Valley on the Himalaya's northern flank receive
heavy snow in winter; this feeds the glaciers whose meltwater, carried down
by streams, irrigates the fields in summer. For the rest of the region,
the snow on the peaks is virutally the only source of water. As the crops
grow, the villagers pray not for rain, but for sun to melt the glaciers
and liberate their water. Usually their prayers are answered, for the skies
are clear and the sun shines for over 300 days in the year.
Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 feet (2750m) at Kargil
to 25,170 feet (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Thus summer temperatures
rarely exceed about 27 degree celcuis in the shade, while in winter they
may plummet to minus 20 degree celcuis even in Leh. Surprisingly, though,
the thin air makes the heat ofthe sun even more intense than at lower altitudes;
it is said that only in Ladakh can a man sitting in the sun with his feet
in the shade suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time!
- Pahalgam Tourism
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.
It takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses
some beautiful spots andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley
with India. Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag which leave
at fixed time from the Bus stands.Taxis and other sort of transport can
be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates.Assistance isavailable at Tourist
Reception Centre Srinagar. On Road to Pahalgam one comes across the beautiful
Lidder Valley with important spots of Mattan and Aishmuqam.
Patnitop Tourism
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.
Sonamarg Tourism
Sonamarg is a place of enthralling beauty. Three lakes viz Kishensar,Vishensar
and Gangabal can be viewed from Nichnai Pass. 20 Kms east of Sonamarg is
Zoji-La Pass at 3540 mtrs which leads into Ladakh Plateau. Sonamarg is in
Srinagar District on the Srinagar Leh Highway approx.110 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. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxisply
on this Highway. It Takesaround 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous
road whichcrosses some beautiful spots andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking
Kashmir Valley with India. Bus service is available from Srinagar which
leave at fixed time from the Srinagar Bus stand. Taxis and other sort of
transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. Assistance isavailable
at Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar.
Srinagar Tourism
Srinagar district is situated in the centre of Kashmir Valley, is surrounded
by five districts.In the north it is flanked by Kargil,in the South by Pulwama,in
the north-west by Budgam. The capital city of Srinagar,is located 1730 metres
above sea level.The district with a population of around 9,00,000 souls(1991-
census), is sperad over an area of 2228 Sq.Kms.It comprises three tehsils/
towns viz Srinagar, Ganderbal and Kangan, four blocks (Srinagar, Ganderbal,
Kangan and Leh), besides 175 villages.The population density in the district
Srinagar is 401 per Square Kilometer which is highest in the state. The
literacy rate of the district was 33.80%in 1981.
According to a popular legend which is mentioned in Kalhana's Rajtaringini
Kashmir valley was a vast lake. Kashyap Rishi drained out the water and
made it habitable. It is said that originally Yakshas, and Pisacas tribes
inhabited the valley at the higher reaches and did not allow the inhabitants
of the valley to live in peace. King Ashok brought Budhism to Kashmir which
was strenthened by Kanishka. In 6th century Huns came to rule the valley
and Mihirkul was one of the infamous Hun ruler. The area attained freedom
in 530 AD which was shortlived.
According to Sir Aurel Stein the famous interpretor of Kalhana the chronicler
of Kashmir the city of Srinagar had big market and mansions made of wood
touching the clouds. Hieun-tsang the famous Chinese traveller visited Srinagar
and has described it his memoirs.
Various capitals were established by the latter kings but ultimately the
city of Srinagar was destined to be the capital of the State. These capitals
are now found only in ruins or history. Some of the famous capitals are
Prvaerpora of Praversen, Prihaspora of Lalitaditya, Jayapida's Jayapora,
Avantivarman's Avantipur and cities of Kanishkapura and Juskapura.
During muslim rule Sultan Sadar-ud-din founded Rinchenpur and Ala-ud-din
founded Alauddinpura near Hariparbat Hill. ZainulAbideen founded Nowshera
as the capital while Akbar founded Naagar Nagar and raised 28ft tall wall
around it.
Vaishno Devi Tourism
The sacred cave shrine of Vaishno devi is 13kms from Katra nestling
on the top of Trikuta Hills. Vaishno devi is the mother goddess in its three
forms Mahakali,Mahalaxmi,and Mahasaraswati. Its at a distance of 61 kms
from jammu,and the cave is 30 metre long and one and a half metres high.
Pilgrims enter in small groups thorugh narrow opening walk thorugh ice cold
waters to reach the shrine. According to legend,the mother goddess hid in
the cave while escaping a demon,whom she ultimately killed. Now due to the
heavy rush of devotees to the shrine an artifical cave has also been built
near the old natural cave.
Zangla Tourism
Zangla the old castle now in ruins except from a small chappel, occupies
a hill, overlooking the desertic valley below. Nearby is the old Nunnery
worth a visit for the austere life style of the small monastic community
of nuns.
Lying deep in the northern arm of Zanskar at the end of the 35 km. Long
rough road from Padum, Zangla was being ruled by a titular king till his
death a few years back.
An old monastery situated in the nearby village of Tsa-zar has exquisite
frescos that should be missed. The village lies mid-way between Stongdey
and Zangla. Zangla is the nodal point on the popular Padum-Strongdey-Zangla-Karsha-Padum
round trip, which covers most of the cultural sites of Zanskar.
The old rope suspension bridge spanning the tumultuous Zanskar near Zangla-
a rare feat of folk engineering - is no more in use, but still visible.
The river is now crossed by a temporary footbridge for approaching the left
bank along which the trail to Karsha follows. Zangla is also the take-off
point for the Padum-Markha valley treks.
The 240 km long Kargil-Padun road, of which the first 90 km stretch is paved,
remains opened from around mid July to early November.
Zanskar Tourism
Zanskar road winds down the steep slopes of the watershed to the head
of the Stod Valley, one of Zanskar's main tributary valleys, the majestic
"Drang-Drung" glacier looms into full view. A long and winding
river of ice and snow, the Drang-Drung" is perhaps the largest glacier
in Ladakh, outside the Siachen formation. It is from the cliff-like snout
of this extensive glacier that the Stod or Doda River, the main tributary
of river Zanskar, rises.Zanskar
comprises a tri-armed valley system lying between the Great Himalayan Range
and the Zanskar mountain; The three arms radiate star-like towards the west,
north and south from a wide central expanse where the region's two principal
drainage's meet to form the main Zanskar River. It is mainly along the course
of this valley system that the region's 10,000 strong, mainly Buddhists
population lives.
Spread over an estimated geographical area of 5000 sq. kms. High rise, mountains
and deep gorges surround Zanskar. The area remains inaccessible for nearly
8 months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in closure of all the access
passes, including the Penzi-la. To-day, Zanskar has the distinction of being
the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and one of the last few
surviving cultural satellites of Tibet.
Within the mountain ramparts of this lost Shangrila stand a number of ancient
yet active monastic establishments. Some of these religious foundations
have evolved around remote meditation caves believed to have been used by
a succession of famous Buddhist saints for prolonged meditation in pursuit
of knowledge and enlightenment.
Dance and Music of Jammu & Kashmir
This dance is almost steeped in antiquity. Rouf is always performed in the
accompaniment of pleasant pathetic song. It is performed on all festive
occasions and particularly on the evenings of Ramzan and IDD days. Group
of women face each other and perform simple footwork which has a sensuous
charm about it. Hafiz Nagma is based on the classical music of Kashmir-
the Sofiyiana Kalam. The Sufiyana Kalam has its own ragas known as Muquam.
The prominent instrument used in Hafiz Nagma is called Santoor-a hundred
stringed instrument played with sticks. The danseuse in this tradition is
known as 'Hafiza'.
Wildlife in Jammu & Kashmir
Located very close to Srinagar (22km), Dachigam National park with its splendid
forests and magnificent scenery is easily accessible. The two sectors of
the park -Upper and Lower Dachigam are spread over an area of 141 sq. km.
And altitudes vary between 1700 and 4300 meters. Two steep ridges enclose
the Park with its great topographical variety - deep ravines, rocky outcrops,
steep wooded slopes and rolling alpine pastures. Tumbling down from the
Masrar Lake (4300m), up in the high ranges, the Dachigam River winds through
Lower Dachigam.
History of Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir came into being as a single political and geographical
entity following the Treaty of Amristar between the British Government and
Gulab singh signed on March 16, 1846. The Treaty handed over the control
of the Kashmir State to the Dogra ruler of Jammu who had earlier annexed
Ladakh. Thus a new State comprising three distinct religions of Jammu, Kashmir
and Ladakh was formed with Maharaja Gulab Singh as its founder ruler. The
feudal dispensation in the State, however, was too harsh for the people
to live under and towards the end of a hundred years of this rule when their
Indian brethren were fighting for independence from the British under the
inspiring leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the
Kashmiris led by a towering personality, the Sher-I-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad
Abdullah, rose against the autocracy.
Handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir
A Carpet is a life long investment-it may well be the single most expensive
purchase during your trip to Kashmir. Kashmiri carpets are world renowned
for two things- they are hand made and they are always knotted, never tufted.
It is extremely instructive to watch a carpet being made- your dealer can
probably arrange it for you. Stretched tightly on a frame is the warp of
Carpet.
Shopping in Jammu & Kashmir
There are pure wool shawls called raffal which have different counts of
wool - 40, 60, 80 etc., and the shawl is progressively more expensive as
the count increases. Shawls mixed with other fibers like cotton and cotton
derivatives are far cheaper. On the other and, woolen shawls mixed with
pashmina will be far more expensive. Then too, there are shawls that look
and feel like pashmina and which are priced between wool and pashmina.
Festivals in Jammu & Kashmir
This festival is also known as Makar Sankranti. It heralds the onset of
spring. The whole of Jammu region wears a festive look on this day. Thousands
take a dip in the holy rivers. 'Havan Yagnas' light up nearly every house
and temple in Jammu. In the rural areas, custom requires boys to go around
asking for gifts from newly-weds and new parents. A special dance called
the 'Chajja' dance is held on the occasion of Lohri. It makes a striking
picture to see boys along with their 'Chajjas' elaborately decorated with
coloured paper and flowers move on the street in a dancing procession. The
whole atmosphere comes alive with the pulsating drum beats.
Adventure Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir
The ideal trekking months stretch from April to November;no special permits
are required,though registration with the nearest tourist office is necessary.The
state affords some spectacular contrasts in nature with its alpine pastures,barren
wastelands and rugged mountains.Srinagar is a good take off point for trekking
in the Kashmir valley or in Zanskar(by road to kargil).In the Ladakh region,Leh
is the best point for base camp.Mules and porters charging approximately
$ 4 per day can be engaged from the area's nearest tourist office.Guides
are also available and there are several specialised agencies in Srinagar
and Leh dealing in trekking tours.
Important Facts of Jammu & Kashmir
CAPITAL: Summer(May-October)- Srinagar Winters(Novemenber-April)- Jammu
LANGUAGES : Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, Pahari, Ladakhi,
Flora & Fauna in Jammu & Kashmir
The State is rich in flora and fauna. In Jammu, the flora ranges from the
thorn bush type of the arid plain to the temperate and alpine flora of the
higher altitudes. Of the broad leaf trees there are maple, horse chest nuts,
silver fir etc. At the higher altitudes there are birch, rhododendron, Berbers
and a large number of herbal plants.
Pilgrim Places in Jammu & Kashmir
To the west of the city is the much lower hill of Hari Parbat, which is
surrounded by a fort. On this hill is the temple of Sharika Devi, believed
to be a form of Durga Mata or Shakti. 25 kms from Srinagar, past Ganderbal,
is the most important pilgrim place in Kashmir, the only exception being
Amarnath cave. This is the temple and spring of Tulla Mulla, the local name
of the Goddess Raginia, believed to be another form of Durga Mata.
Jammu & Kashmir
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