Jammu and Kashmir Tourism

Jammu and Kashmir is India's northernmost state, sharing international borders with Pakistan and Tibet, with Himachal Pradesh to its south. This beautiful land is nestled amid the foothills of the magnificent snow capped Himalayas, Karakoram, and Ladakh, Hindu Kush, and Pir Panjal mountain ranges. The home of the rugged Dogras, Jammu and Kashmir is dotted with most beautiful mountain peaks, massive glaciers, splendid monasteries, blue lakes, rivers, forests, verdant meadows and tall pine trees.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is a tourist's delight. The natural beauty of the Kashmir valley has been a byword for centuries. Mughal emperors often used Jammu and Kashmir as a retreat to get away from the summers of their capital and built some fabulous gardens in the beautiful valley.

Jammu & Kashmir - Tourist Destinations

Srinagar: It the capital of the well loved tourist destination. Some of the locales here is sure to overwhelm even some of the most seasoned tourists. The lakes and gardens accompanied by the wonderful climate will surely brighten up every ones day. The attractions include the Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi. The exotic boat houses on the lakes of Srinagar also attract tourists in large numbers.

Jammu : Jammu is considered to be the winter capital of the state and follows Kashmir in the list of Kashmir. Many tourists who come here visit the well known Mata Vaishno Devi shrine which is locate on a hill. Other interesting places include Peer Budhan Ali Shah and Raghunath Temple. The Raghunath temple which was built for Lord Ram is the largest temple in North India. The Sheesh Mahal of Jammu is regarded the most stunning site of the place. Once the residence of Dogra kings, the Mahal also houses a museum. From the place, a commanding view is available of river Tawi on one side and the city on the other.

Pahalgam : Thousands of devotes throng Pahalgam every year during the annual Amarnath yatra. Pahalgam is a beautiful place which is situated at the confluence of Seshnag lake and Lidder river. Apart from the celebrations the place is also popular retreat for other tourists activities like fishing, golf, horse riding and other trekking activities.

Leh - Ladakh : Leh a popular and important centre for followers of Bhuddism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This place is so beautiful and is lapped in the snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas. The place has been a centre of Tibeto-Buddhist culture for many years now.. Located at altitudes over 3,505 metres above sea level, the prime attractions in Leh are Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Sankar Gompa, Shanti Stupa and Soma Gompa.

Gulmarg : It is located at a distance of 56 kms from Srinagar is one of the most frequented hill resorts in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for out door spots like skiing and heliskiing while many competitions are also held in winters. Other attractions of the place are green golf courses, biosphere reserves and the Alpather Lake. The place receives receive abundant snow fall during the winters that will make it a popular option for all snow lovers.

Zanskar : The Zanskar region is another region that is seeped in Buddhist traditions. There are nine monasteries in Zanskar whose architecture is very impressive. The largest of the monasteries is called Karsha. The people of Zanskar are also very religious and known for their hospitality.

Staying in one of the beautiful and exquisite Houseboats on the lakes of Jammu and Kashmir would definitely be a lifetime experience. The state is easily accessible with a number of trains and flights available at regular intervals. It is in true sense the 'Heaven on Earth' and is worth paying a visit to the earthly paradise.