Jammu and Kashmir

“Garfirdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto.”

Carved tectonically on the lap of the Himalayan and the Karakoram mountain ranges, Jammu and Kashmir is a land of exotic natural artistry-designed remarkably with spectacular lakes, fresh water streams, luscious fruits, extensive forests, mighty uplands and verdant pastures.

The state primarily comprises of three distinct geographical provinces- ‘The Lesser Himalayas’ or ‘The Jhelum Valley’, drained by the river Jhelum, constituting Kashmir; ‘The Inner Himalayas’ or ‘The Indus Valley’ forming the scenic Ladakh; and ‘The Outer Himalayas’ or ‘The Southern mountain range’ embracing Jammu, the land of temples. Srinagar is the summer capital of the state while Jammu is its winter counterpart.

Jammu and Kashmir has always been a place renowned worldwide as one of the most, if not the most, amazing places in the in the world. The valley of Gulmarg- a land of lush green pasture-is a rolling plain dotted with innumerable Bluebells, Daisies and Buttercups fabricating the whole landscape with motley of colors and is regarded as an excellent base from where the intrepid travelers can set off for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range.

The chief appeal of the state rests in the uncountable lakes and fresh water streams that run through the heart of the land and brings about an ambience of tranquility-the Dal Lake, the Gadsar Lake, the Tarsar Lake and the Wular Lake-being the most well-known among other picturesque ones. The Dal Lake is also known as to be an abode to the natives who spend their life on the houseboats. The fascinating experience of a boat ride on the majestic Dal Lake has always been the centre the attraction for the tourists who have come to this land over the years.

Not only because of its magnificent natural resources does Jammu and Kashmir ranks high among the tourists all over the world, but also being a home to numerous holy temples and shrines it has an appeal to the pilgrims as well-while Amarnath is the holy place for the Hindus, the quaint Shey monastery of Ladakh is the centre of the Buddhist pilgrims. Vaishno Devi in Katara is another popular shrine for thousands of Hindu deities.

The essence of Kashmir lies in its uniqueness. Be it the aesthetic beauty of the Kashmir Valley or the majestic gardens of Srinagar or the holy shrines of Ladakh-Kashmir is an adroit choice. The romance of being in Kaahmir lies in the thrilling ride in the Dal Lake, on an adorned ‘Shikara’-with a cup of ‘Kahva’(a specially made green tea flavored with cardamoms and almonds)-it soothes the mind. An experience of being in paradise. An experience to be cherished life long.