Jammu & Kashmir, a piece of heaven on earth, is the 19th largest state in India and it is located mostly in the Himalayan mountains.It is likewise the main state in India with a Muslim-greater part populace.
J&K consists of three main regions – Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.The state has lovely lush green mountains and valleys, religious shrines, and remote mountains among the three. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and they will happily welcome you into their territory and homes. Each one of these regions has its own culture, which is visible in their daily lives as well as their way of life. Whatever your justification behind visiting J&K, regardless of whether it is to partake in excellence, or test your cutoff points while journeying the mountains, or basically to find serenity and harmony,J&K will offer you a hundred reasons to keep coming back for more.
LOCATION
J&K is India’s only state that shares borders with only two other states, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, both to the south. Pakistan to the west and north, and China to the east, are its international neighbours, divided by the Line of Actual Control. The state of Jammu and Kashmir could be dubbed the “Valley State.” The main Kashmir Valley is vast, stretching 100 kilometres across and covering an area of 15000 square kilometres.
The Jhelum River is the only main river that runs through Kashmir. The state’s other rivers are the Indus, Tawi, Ravi, and Chenab. Jammu and Kashmir’s biogeography is diverse due to its varied elevations.
THINGS TO CHECK OUT
- Temples – The state of Jammu and Kashmir is well-known for its religious shrines. The state is rich in pilgrimage sites for people of all faiths, whether Hindu, Muslim, or Buddhist. People travel long distances to pay their respects, and others come to marvel at the splendour of some of these ancient structures.
- Wildlife – The lovely sanctuaries of Jammu and Kashmir reward nature lovers with views of diverse topography and also rare wildlife species. The state has a few national parks and sanctuaries dedicated to the protection of endangered species. The hangul (Kashmiri stag), leopard, wild cats, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan marmot, musk deer, and a species of wild goat can all be seen by visitors who are lucky enough. Himalayan birds such as pheasants, golden eagles, and bearded vultures can also be seen.
- Food – The state’s cuisine is divided into two categories: Jammu cuisine and Kashmir cuisine, both of which are distinct and delicious in their own right. Because the land is fertile in Jammu, unlike the higher regions of Kashmir, the cuisine is predominantly vegetarian. Visitors should try the rajma-chawal, morel yakhani (a rare mushroom), rajma ka madra, khatta meat, kachaloo chat, and auria (a potato-based curry), among other delicacies, while in Jammu. Seekh kabab, tabakh maaz (fried lamb ribs), methi maaz, rogan josh, kashmiri pulao, and palak nadir are among the rich non-vegetarian dishes available in Kashmir. Do try haakh, a simple but essential part of Kashmiri life.
- Festivals – The festivals of Jammu and Kashmir genuinely illustrate ‘unity in diversity.’ Although the state is divided into three distinct regions, each with its own religion and way of life, nothing unites the different networks like festivals.The joy and enthusiasm are contagious and must be witnessed to be understood.
WHEN TO VISIT
Jammu and Kashmir is without a doubt one of the most magnificent places in India, and it attracts visitors at all times of the year. Winter is the best time to visit if you enjoy the perfectly preserved beauty of snow. Spring is ideal for nature lovers and honeymooners, while summer is great for families with children or the elderly when the weather is warmer.
Winter lasts from October to March, with temperatures ranging from -2 to 12 degrees. Summer begins in April and lasts until June, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees. J&K does experience monsoon rains from July to September. Spring arrives between winter and summer.
SOME INTERESTING FACTS
- According to legend, Kashmir was once a lake that was drained.
- Kashmir is also known as “Paradise on Earth.”
- K2, the world’s second highest peak, is located in Kashmir.
- It is the only state in the country with its own animal, bird, tree, flower, and flag.
- People in J&K have dual citizenship – that of the state and that of the country.
- Only state residents are permitted to purchase property in this area.
