Jammu and Kashmir (Heaven on The Earth)

Jammu and Kashmir (Heaven on The Earth)

About Jammu And Kashmir:-

Jammu and Kashmir is a state in northern India. It is located mostly in the Himalayan mountains.  Jammu and Kashmir consists of three regions: Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Srinagar is the summer capital, and Jammu is the winter capital.  The Kashmir valley is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape, and Jammu's numerous shrines attract tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year. Ladakh, also known as "Little Tibet", is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and Buddhist culture.

ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT HERE:-

KASHMIR:-

A land of unmatched scenic beauty and rich culture, Kashmir truly is a ‘Heaven on Earth’. The state of Jammu and Kashmir shows a rich diversity in its landscape. Low hills in the south, snow-capped peaks and velvety valleys in the centre and a barren, yet enchanting realm in the extreme north make up the state’s geography.

Srinagar:-

Paradise on earth, Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

Aharbal:-

Aharbal is a hill station in the south-western part of Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, 75 km south of the state capital Srinagar.

Aharbal lies in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the Veshu River, a tributary of the Jehlum River, in analpine valley covered in pine and fir trees within the Pir Panjal Mountains, 18 km south of the town of Shopian and 28 km west ofKulgam. It lies at an altitude of 2266 metres above sea level.

Aharbal is known for its waterfall, Aharbal Falls, where the Veshu falls noisily 25 metres and 7 metres through a narrow gorge of granite boulders. Aharbal Falls are also referred to as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir.

PAHALGAM:-

VALLEY OF SHEPHERDS

PAHALGAM - The Valley of Shepherds. Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 deg C.

Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath yatra (holy journey) to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of July/August, thousands of pilgrims descend on Pahalgam on their way to the holy cave

Travel  To Pahalgam:-

By Air: Srinagar, 95 km, is the nearest airport. 

By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead that is connected to other cities by NH 1A. 

By Road: A road drive of about 2½ hours from Srinagar takes you to Pahalgam. Buses and taxis are operated on a regular basis from Srinagar and other major cities.

GULMARG:- 

Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination and a notified area committee in the Baramula district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.The town is situated in the Pirpanjal range in the western Himalayas.  

Gulmarg is one of the beautiful place that can be visited in Kashmir valley. Gulmarg literally means the meadow of flowers. Originally, Gulmarg was called Gaurimag, named after Shiva’s coasts.  

Gulmarg is the main skiing resort for the adventure lovers. The skis, sticks, snow boots, woollen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles, caps, Even the amateurs can enjoy the skiing with the ski lifts and chair lifts. The best season for skiing is from November to February. The slopes in Gulmarg varies between 8,700 and 10,500 feet and are the highest skis in India. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift through pine-clad slopes is an experience of a lifetime. This gondola will take you up above 15,000 feet and is one of the highest in the world. Here, you can touch the skies and merge with the clouds. 

How To Reach Here 

By Air: The nearest airport is located in Srinagar about 57 km from Gulmarg. Regular flights connect Srinagar with the other major cities in India.  

By Rail: The nearest railway station is located in Jammu.  

By Road: Gulmarg is well connected by road with Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Jammu and various other cities of Jammu and Kashmir. 

SONAMARG:- 

For all those adventure loving people who wish to enjoy camping at a hill station, Sonmarg is the ideal destination. Tourists flock to this small hill resort in heavy numbers to see the enchanting natural beauty and snow clad peaks. Known as the 'Meadow of Gold', Sonmarg is set amidst a valley of flowers and lakes. The exotic flora of the region is nurtured by the Sindh river. Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh.  

The dense forests of Sonmarg comprise of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine. The place is frequently visited by nature lovers in the search of tranquil peace and soothing natural beauty. The stunning blue water lakes and grasslands are the other attractions. The enchanting beauty of the towering snow clad mountains is a real treat to the eyes.

LEH/ LADAKH:- 

There is very little left to say about the cold, bare and hauntingly beautiful desert of Ladakh, that hasn't already been said before. Tales of its beauty and mystique are sung far and wide, with people from all over the world putting the region on their bucket list of places to experience before they die. It's cold, it's crystal clear and it's very, very photogenic up here. 

Bi-humped bactrian camels, red cloaked monks, and flocks of mountain goat trudge along, lending the landscape a timeless aura. Stunning blue-green lakes ripple silently within giant basins of brown and purple rock. 

The sun and clouds bathe each part of the region in a different hue at different times of the day; sometimes a hopeful golden, sometimes a glowering indigo. The region is very used to tourists, so you will always find plenty of places to stay, eat and rest. Hiring local driver-driven jeeps is expensive, so many people prefer to brave the terrain on yaks, bikes or on foot. Leh is a quiet, spiritual little town, steeped in tradition and Buddhist culture. 

Many people prefer to stay in Leh and make day trips into Ladakh and its neighbouring villages. Ladakh is great to visit if you're into travel photography or writing or just want a good adventure and some alone time. 

DAL LAKE:- 

A LAKE MADE OF LAKES

Dal Lake has rightfully become an icon of the Kashmir tourism industry. A Himalayan urban lake, it has five basins and a number of channels that are well linked with each other. The sparkling quiet waters of Dal surrounded by snow-capped mountains on its three sides, undoubtedly mark it as one of the most beautiful lakes of India. 

It is also the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir with numerous gardens and orchards all along its shores. Houseboats form an indelible part of the scenery of the Dal Lake that are always ready to take tourists to a romantic and peaceful ride of the lake and soothe their nerves as the houseboat floats over the slightly rippling waters. 

There are Shikaras that look like small ornate versions of the gondolas of Venice that offers ferry rides to and from the banks of the lake to the houseboats. The shores of the Lake houses the distinct Moghul monuments and the campus of the Kashmir University while the two hillocks overlooking the lake house Shankar Acharya and Hari Parbat temples. The glorious Mughal gardens on its shores contribute to the beauty of the Dal Lake.   One can find a number of restaurants and hotels at the lakefront that have sprung up, encouraged by the large influx of tourists here.

VAISHNO DEVI:- 

Located in Trikuta hills, 13 Kms from Katra at a height of 1560 m above sea level with shimmering clouds and thinning air, this town is the holy cave temple of Mata Vaishnodevi, with spirituality and vibrancy lingering in the atmosphere.  

Revered and highly believed in, thousands of Pilgrims visit each year to seek blessings and show unflinching faith in this temple. Vaishno Devi is a religious trekking destination where pilgrims walk about 13 km uphill to reach the little caves which is among one of the 108 Shakti Peetha. Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani is a manifestation of Durga, a Goddess according to Hindu mythology. 

The trek itself is very enjoyable, though it might be a little difficult for kids and elderly people. However, ponies and palanquins are available by various vendors to take you there at the top. The whole way is decently paved with lots of shops selling snacks, food items and various religious goods. The pilgrims show their dedication and enthusiasm by shouting slogans and singing songs in the praise of Maa Vaishnavi all along the road. Overall, a great place if you are inclined towards both Hinduism and nature.