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Jammu &
Kashmir Travel
Fast Facts:-
| Population |
8.8 million. |
| Area |
222,236 sq km |
| Capital |
Srinagar in Summer, Jammu in Winter |
|
Three Main Regions |
Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh |
| Main
Languages |
Kashmiri,
Dogri, Urdu & Ladakhi |
| Best
Time to Go |
For Jammu - October to February
For Kashmir - May to October and November to February For
Ladakh - Mid June to September |
History
Jammu & Kashmir has always been
a centre of conflict for independent India. When India and Pakistan became
independent, there was much controversy over whether the region should be
annexed to India or Pakistan. The population was predominantly
Muslim but J & K was not a part of 'British India'. In 1990 the J&K state
government was dissolved and the state was placed under direct rule from Delhi
(President's Rule). In November 1995, the independent Election Commission
rejected the Indian Government's request for elections in the province because
J&K was too unstable. The Kashmiri opposition parties (and the Pakistan
Government, which assists the Muslim secessionists) planned to boycott the
elections went ahead in September 1996 and were won by the National Conference
Party (a pro-India, regional party), under the leadership of Farooq Abdullah.
About Kashmir Valley
Kashmir is an area on the
northern borders of India and Pakistan; officially known as Jammu & Kashmir.
Kashmir is famous for its natural beauty and has often been referred to as the
'Switzerland of the East'. The heart of the area is the fertile Vale of Kashmir
(known as The Valley), which lies between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal
mountain range. About 12 million people live in Kashmir, of which around 70% are
Muslims. The rest include Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. Hindus live mostly in the
south and around the city of Jammu. To the east is the Ladakh region, where the
majority of the people are Buddhists and of Tibetan origin. Most of the Kashmiri
people work on farms. Others are engaged in small industries making shawls, rugs
and carpets. Kashmir is well known for its wool and, in particular, its shawls
and carpets.
Jammu Kashmir is the first
Himalayan state of India, but its not another hill land of India. Jammu and
Kashmir is really three regions: the foothill plains of Jammu; the lakes and
blue valleys of Kashmir rising to alpine passes, the high altitude plains and
starkly beautiful mountains of Ladakh, which lies beyond those passes. It's
enough to move one to poetry. Among the most attractive part that this Indian
state has is the adventure opportunities that can be segregated into trekking,
mountaineering and Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari, Motorbike Safari, Pilgrimage
Amarnath, Skiing in Gulmarg etc.
Places to Interest
Gulmarg & Sonamarg
The large meadow of Gulmarg is
52 km south-west of Srinagar at 2730 m. The name means Meadow of Flowers and in
spring it's just that. Also once a popular trekking base, Gulmarg used to be
India's premier skiing resort.
M o r e I n f o.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is about 95km east of
Srinagar, at an altitude of 2130m. At the junction of the East and West
Lidder rivers, Pahalgam was a popular trekking base before the present roubles.
The Sri Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage) endures, however, and each year in
July/August thousands of Hindu pilgrims approach the Amarnath cave from this
area.
Amarnath Cave (Pilgrimage)
The pilgrimage destination of
Amarnath shrine is located inside a cave in the Himalayas. in Kashmir the
mythological and historical importance of this sacred place according to
mythology is the fact that lord Shiva recounted the secret of creation and
immortality to the Goddess Parvati in this cave. This secret is of immortality
is known as the amar katha and according to legend lord Shiva made sure that no
living being was around when he narrated this story to the Goddess Parvati.
Srinagar
Srinagar is the summer capital
of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is the pride of the beautiful valley of
Kashmir. Srinagar is famous for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats
floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry
fruits. Srinagar is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and
Kashmir, in the northern region of India.
M o r e I n f o.
Sonamarg
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.
Adventure in Jammu &
Kashmir
Tours To Jammu & Kashmir
Himalaya India|
 Hotels in Kashmir
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"Travel info. about Jammu"
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