Jammu and Kashmir Travel Guide

The Capital of Jammu & Kashmir, it is situated at an altitude of 1730 metres above sea level. Dal, Nagin and Anchar are some of the well-known lakes here. River Jhelum also runs through Srinagar. Dal is a very large lake requiring `shikara' ride to reach houseboats. a couple may like a houseboat in the interior of the lake, needing half-an-hour shikara ride, to reach far enough from glare. Jammu and Kashmir has the distinction of having multifaceted, variegated and unique cultural blend, making it distinct from the rest of the country, not only from the different cultural forms and heritage, but from geographical, demographically, ethical, social entities, forming a distinct spectrum of diversity and diversions into Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, all professing diverse religion, language and culture, but continuously intermingling, making it vibrant specimens of Indian Unity amidst diversity. Its different cultural forms like art and architecture, fair and festivals, rites and rituals, seer and sagas, language and mountains, embedded in ageless period of history, speak volumes of unity and diversity with unparalleled cultural cohesion and cultural service. While the Kashmir has been the highest learning centre of Sanskrit and Persian where early Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourshed, it has also been embracing point of advent of Islam bringing its fold finest traditions of Persian civilization, tolerance, brotherhood and sacrifice. Ladakh on the other hand, has been the highest and living centre of Tantrayan Buddhism. Jammu, the same way, has been the seat of Rajas and Maharajas which have cemented and enriched the cultural, historical and social bonds of all these diverse ethnic and linguistic divisions of the state. The ancient archeological monuments and remnants speak volume of the district cultural traditions of the state.

Kashmir is blessed with numerous gifts from Mother Nature, which make Jammu and Kashmir the most beautiful and fabulous place on earth. Ladakh is the ‘land of high passes’ and is often called ‘Little Tibet’. Explore the isolated region of Zanskar valley, which offers excellent options for mountaineering and trekking. Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir stands beside picturesque Dal Lake. Shankaracharya hill, Shalimar bagh gardens and houseboats in the lake are must visits. Gulmarg, meaning the meadow of flowers, is emerging as the major ski resort of India. Jammu, the winter capital of the state, is an important gateway too, being the major transport hub of Kashmir. The valley, practically one large health resort, is enchanting all the year round. The colourful flower season starts from the middle of March and April. May and June find fruit trees laden with many hued carpets of flowers decking the meadows and hill slopes. One of the most attractive aspects of Kashmir is its adventure prospects which includes trekking, mountaineering, fishing, rafting, heli- skiing to trans Himalayan Jeep Safari. June and July is the best time for swimming, sun-bathing, surf-riding and trekking. August and September are good for fishing trout and mahseer in ice-cold mountain streams. Big and small game are to be found aplenty in September and October; Autumn is the fruit season and also a good time for trekking. December to February is the season for winter sports in Gulmarg. The state experiences extreme climates in the summer and winter. The weather is pleasant from October onwards. However, the best time to enjoy Kashmir and the adventures of Ladakh region is between the months of May and September. Amongst the three regions of Jammu & Kashmir State, Jammu, perhaps, offers the widest diversity of terrain and beauty. The entire region is pocketed with lakes and valleys, some still little explored. The foundation of the settlement of Jammu is attributed to King Jambulochan of the 9th century BC. In 1730 AD, it came under the Dogra rule of Raja Dhruv Deva and Jammu became an important centre for arts and culture, now renwned as the Pahari School. Religion, too, played an important part in its development, so beautifully evidenced in its various shrines and temples spread throughout the region. Being near the Himalayas, the climate of the entire area is cold though summers are markedly warm. The temperatures range from 26.2°C to 4.3° C in winters and from 43.0°C to 23.4°C during summers.

The recommended clothing for winters would be heavy/medium woolens while light cottons would be the best for summers in Jammu. Summers in Jammu are a sweltering, uncomfortable contrast to the cool climes of Kashmir. However, from October onwards, it becomes quite pleasant. The people of this state speak Urdu and Kashmiri, and 80 percent make their living in agriculture, raising rice, wheat and corn. Woodcarving and making shawls and carpets are honored traditions in Kashmir. During the cold winters, people keep warm by carrying a kangri, or small earthen pot filled with burning coals, under their cloaks or shawls.Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a many faced diamond, changing character with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Three Himalayan ranges, Karakoram, Zanaskar and Pir Panjal - snow capped, majestic, frame the landscape from northwest to northeast. They are the birthplace of great rivers which flow through the Kashmir valley. This land is a happy combination of the mighty splendor of mountains, of lovely glades and forests. The river Jhelum meanders its steady course through corn-fields into the heart of the Srinagar city and, onwards,till it rushes headlong through the frowning gorges, and dashing against boulders joins the Arabian Sea through the plains of Punjab.Attractions: Mata Vaishno Devi, Maha Kali (better known as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata), Gauri Kund temple, Shudh Mahadev temple, Shiva temple, Peer Khoh Cave temple, Ranbireshwar temple, Parmandal temple complex., Sheesh Mahal, Amar Mahal Palace Museum, Akhnoor, Jujjar Kotli Tourist Complex.There is no city specific festival of Jammu as such. Normally, all the Hindu and other religious festivals are celebrated here with gaiety. However, what makes any celebration in Jammu different is the traditional dance and music of the Dogra Pahari region of Jammu. These songs and dances are performed on the occasion of feasts, festivals and marriages by the rural folk of this region. Men and women clad in their traditional costumes, participate in this musical revelry. Besides, every year during Baisakhi in the month of April, a food and craft festival is organized near the Mansar Lake by the JKTDC.

Access: Indian Airlines connect Jammu with Delhi, Leh and Shrinagar.Jammu Tawi, the railway station to reach Jammu, is connected by rail to Calcutta, Delhi, Bombay, Madras and other main cities in India. Jammu, on N.H.no 1A, is connected by good all-weather roads to all parts of India. Some of the road distances are:- Amritshar 243 kms, Chandigarh 436 kms, Delhi 586 kms, Katra 48 kms, Shrinagar 305 kms, Manali 428 kms. J & K State Road Transport Corporation as well as some other State Road Transport Corporations (Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh) service Jammu to and from various major places in North India providing deluxe & ordinary buses. Coaches, Tourist Taxis, Other Taxis, Scooter Rickshawas, Tongas, Matador Mini Buses and City Bus Services available.