Kashmir Tourism
Jammu & Kashmir, a piece of heaven on earth, is the 19th largest state in India and it is located mostly all in the Himalayan mountains. It is also the only state in India with a Muslim-majority population.
J&K consists of three main regions – Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Between the three, the state offers beautiful verdant mountains and valleys, religious shrines and remote mountains. The people here are warm and hospitable, and they will welcome you into their land and homes easily. Each of these regions has its own culture, and this is evident in their daily lives and also their lifestyle.
Whatever your reason for visiting J&K, whether it is to enjoy the beauty, or test your limits while trekking the mountains, or simply to discover serenity and peace, J&K will offer you several reasons to keep coming back for more.
One can never run out of places to explore in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The land is brimming with picturesque vistas, amazing flora, stunning architecture and there are quaint homestays and eco-friendly resorts that visitors can choose from. Those with an adventurous bent of mind will find a plethora of activities waiting for them. And finally, if you are spiritually inclined, the numerous religious shrines will show you the way to peace and serenity.
Kashmir is an epitome of natural beauty, and it is renowned the world over for that. You can soak your senses on the many lakes, gardens and hill stations that attract thousands of tourists every year. Take perfect pictures and take home memories of a perfect holiday at:
The beautiful sanctuaries of Jammu and Kashmir reward the nature seeker with views of diverse topography as well as the rarest species of wildlife. The state has several national parks and sanctuaries, aimed at protecting some of these endangered species. Lucky visitors can catch a glimpse of the hangul (Kashmiri stag), leopard, wild cats, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan marmot, musk deer, and a species of wild goat. Himalayan birds, like pheasants, the golden eagle and the bearded vultures can also be spotted.
The culture of Jammu and Kashmir is based on the dances, music and festivals of the people. Its rich, varied history means its arts and crafts have a multi-religious and multi-ethnic flavor. Kashmiris are known the world over for their handicrafts. There is much Persian influence in the floral designs that are typical of Kashmiri art.
The festivals of Jammu and Kashmir truly demonstrate 'unity in diversity'. Even though the state is divided into three distinct regions, with their individual religions and way of life, nothing brings the different communities together like celebrations do. The joy and enthusiasm is infectious and has to be experienced to be understood.
The food in the state can be divided into the Jammu cuisine and the Kashmir cuisine, both of which are unique and delicious in their own ways. Jammu cuisine is predominantly vegetarian since the land is fertile unlike the higher regions of Kashmir. When in Jammu, visitors must sample the rajma-chawal, morel yakhani (a rare mushroom), rajma ka madhra, khatta meat, kachaloo chat and auria (a potato-based curry), among other delicacies. Kashmir serves up a rich non-vegetarian platter of seekh kabab, tabakh maaz (fried lamb ribs), methi maaz, rogan josh, kashmiri pulao and palak nadir. Do sample haakh, a simple but necessary addition to the Kashmiri life.