Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Jammu & Kashmir Info

Jammu and Kashmir is the northern-most state of India, lying mostly in the Himalayan mountains. Jammu and Kashmir shares a border with Himachal Pradesh to the south, Pakistan to the west and People's Republic of China to the north and the east. Jammu and Kashmir consists of three divisions: Jammu, the Vale of Kashmir and Ladakh.



Jammu
,
the Duggar land where the past still has a living presence. A land of grand ancient temples, and beautiful palaces. All nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas. Jammu is justly famous for its temples. Infact it is known as the city of temples and the every fame of its tends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests and powerful ziarats. Jammu attracts tens of thousands of Hindu and Muslim pilgrims every year.


The Vale of Kashmir, also known as Kashmir Valley, is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape. Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a many faceted 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.

Ladakh, also known as "Little Tibet", is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and Buddhist culture which was established as early as the 2nd century.Known for centuries as the 'land of passes' (La-pass;Dakh-land), Ladakh was described by Fa-hian, who travelled across its inhospitable terrain in 399 A.D., as 'The land where snow never melts and only corn ripens'.

Weather

In Jammu & Kashmir, the climatic conditions are marked with sudden change and a year can be roughly divided into six seasons of roughly 2 months each:

1. Spring-From March 15 to May 15.
2. Summer-From May 15 to July 15.
3. Rainy Season-From July 15 to Sept. 15.
4. Autumn-From Sept. 15 to Nov. 15.
5. Winter-From Nov. 15 to Jan 15.
6. Ice Cold-From Jan. 15 to March 15.

Tourism

The Mughal king Jehangir, moved to such an ecstasy by the beauty of Kashmir exclaimed, "if there is a Paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here". Unlike the other Himalayan regions, Kashmir has been the tourists paradise and holiday resort for a long time, probably one of the oldest on the earth.


Places of Tourist Interest

Amarnath Yatra (Natural Ice Shiva Lingam) : Situated at a height of 3,880 metres in the Himalayas, the cave enshrines a naturally formed ice-lingam, symbol of Lord Shiva, which waxes and wanes with the moon, reaching its maximum dimensions on the day of pilgrimage. This is where, Hindus believe, Lord Shiva explained the secret of salvation to his consort Parvati on a full moon night. Every year in the month of Shravana (July-August), when the moon is full, thousands of devout pilgrims gather before Amarnath Cave in the picturesque Lidder Valley in Kashmir to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.

Gulmarg : Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

Pahalgam : 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 25Deg C. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations. One can indulge in Horse Riding, Golf, Fishing and Trekking.

Patnitop : 112 kms from Jammu, this famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the best-developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. The occupancy of the huts and Dak Bungalow is full in summer months.

Srinagar : Known as The Lake City, 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.

Sonamarg : The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg ('The meadow of gold') has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with Trout and Mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months.
Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes -Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.

When to Go

The best period to visit Jammu & Kashmir varies depending on the region as follows: Jammu - October To February, Kashmir - May To October & November To February, Ladakh - Mid June To September.
Interesting Fact

During colonial times, the laws of Jammu & Kashmir State did not allow for acqusition of immovable property by non-state subjects. To overcome this hurdle, house boats [which move] were devised to allow Europeans to acquire residential premiseses without breaking the law. The Kashmiri's have refurbished the British-inspired houseboats as private hotels, which are now tourist attractions.

Some More Information About Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir, India is the fixed to northern most part of India like a glittering crown of India with all its glory and luster. Amidst the snow covered peaks and the labyrinthine valleys of its three chief regions-Ladakh, Kashmir, Jammu - eternity is as much a geographical fact as that of time. Travel to this glorious snow wrapped land of India - Jammu & Kashmir, all dressed up to offer you the most exciting of opportunities to make your stay in India a an unforgettable one. Travel to Kashmir and dwell in the land of varied cultures and customs. Make your off hours more fruitful with a tour to this Switzerland of East. Cover yourself with cosy fabrics of Kashmir sipping the special Kashmiri tea and relish the laziz Kashmiri cuisine and make you tour to Kashmir a perfect success. Kashmir - the garden of India, surrounded by pines amidst the white carpet of snow with beautiful lakes, dotted with luxurious house boats and ancient pilgrimages is perfect place to make you holidays truly profitable.

Clearly visible in the distinct parts - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, all yielding diverse religion, language and culture, but constantly interfusing, making it sparkling specimens of Indian unity in diversity. The various cultural forms like art & architecture, fairs & festivals, rites & rituals, seers & sagas, languages and landscapes, mounted on the ageless era of history, speaks aloud of uniformity and diversity with matchless cultural symmetry & service.

Kashmir has been the highest learning point of Sanskrit and Persian where early Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourished. Ladakh on the other side, has been the highest living centre of Tantrayan Buddhism. Similarly Jammu, has been the axis of Rajas and Maharajas, who have enriched the cultural, historical and social bonds of all these diverse ethnic and linguistic sections of the state. The ancient archeological monuments and remnants of the past are the true picture of the rich cultural traditions of the state.

Kashmir is justly said to be the Nature's grand finale of beauty. In this masterpiece of earth's creation seasons in strong individuality vie with one another in putting up exquisite patterns of charm and loveliness. Nature has left an indelible mark on the folk performances of Kashmir as they are intimately interlined with the moods and movements of the seasons.
Book a tour to Kashmir

Jammu, the land of the Dogras, offer an entirely different fare of dances and music. Over the centuries long spell of seperation from their soldier, husbands and brothers have led the hardy but graceful women of the Duggar to evolve many diverting dances and songs to keep themselves in cheer in their free moments. The songs of seperation the ever increasing yearning for reunion with the beloved, the hard life on the mountain slopes and various other themes connected with their day-to-day life find their echo in folk songs and dances.

Ladakh, is the repository of ancient cultural heritage. It is the only place in the world where Tantrayans Buddhism is practised as a way of life. People of this region are deeply drenched in music, dance and drama which embody religious fervour. Ladakhi songs and dances are simple in thought, content and performance to. Ladakhi dances reveal the simple and noble nature of the Ladakhi people. Song and drama both are the means towards salvation.

Kashmir, is a land of fabled beauty and eternal romance, blessed by nature with breath-taking scenery and a glorious climate. The Kashmir valley, a fertile well watered spot, surrounded by high mountains has been described with justification as a "heaven on earth", a produce rich oasis an area not noted for its abundance.


Best of Luck.

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Naiz Ahmed Naik

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