Rightfully named as 'Heaven on Earth', this prized chunk of Northern India has been recognized for its spectacular beauty since times immemorial. Flanked in three extensive parts of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh-Leh, this serendipitous location is all about your endless affairs with sea-green lakes, snow capped peaks, holiest of high-perched shrines, rolling valleys of strawberries & saffron, scrumptious platters and the cozy shikaras.
This union territory is home to Kashmiri Pundits who are the original inhabitants of the valley. Presently a minority in the state, their population used to initially dominate the region. Kashmiri Muslims make up for 90% of the present population, who hail from both the Shia & Sunni sects of Islam. Gujjars comprise of the population too who are supposedly the Rajputs who embraced Islam.
The Kashmiris inculcate a prime number of warm spices in their dishes to compensate for the chilly temperatures they reside in year-round. Gravy-based meat dishes with rice is consumed state-wide on a daily basis. Dum Aloo, Roghan Josh, Modur Pulaav & Yakhni are some popular dishes in the list. Don’t miss out on the rose-coloured tea known as Sheer Chai that has the incorporation of sodium bicarbonate to it.
The region of Jammu is well connected with the rest of the Indian states by flight. You can avail flights to Jammu from major cities like Delhi, Srinagar & Leh. Jammu Tawi(JAT) and Bari Brahman(BBMN) are major rails operating in the region, connecting the states to Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, etc. Jammu is an active functioning terminus for inter-state buses too. Buses from Manali, Ludhiana & the likes stop here on a regular basis.
PLACES TO VISIT
Vaishno Devi :
A destination customarily visited by Indian enthusiasts by lakhs, this holy shrine nestled at an altitude of 5,200 ft within the pockets of Trikuta Mountains holds immense religious significance for Hindus. Tourists & pilgrims trudge up the steep trek route to get a glimpse of Goddess Mahakali, Mahalakshmi & Mahasaraswati inside the cave & offer them prayers and reverence.
Srinagar :
Colorful shikaras spearing through the calm waters of Dal Lake is a welcome view once you enter this summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. The city rests beside Jhelum, encircled by emerald coated hills standing in front of azure skies that envelop the northern skies year round. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the luxurious stretch of Mughal Gardens & wooden mosques the city harbors.
Leh-Ladakh :
The home to the infamous Magnetic Hill, where your car will defy all the rules of gravity & ride uphill on neutral gear, to much disbelief. When you’re done recovering from the awe, browse through the beautiful monasteries the place harbors. Hemis Monastery, Spituk Monastery & Likir Monastery are some of them. Don’t miss out on the stark beauty that is the Pangong Lake, which is the most photogenic place on Earth. You can opt for white water rafting in the Zanskar river too.
Sonamarg :
Situated at an altitude of 2730m, Sonamarg is home to another transcendental Hindu shrine which is the Amarnath. Charari Shareif- a shrine dedicated to Sheikh Noor-ud-din, the patron saint of Kashmir, is also located here. The Zoji-La Pass sitting at an altitude of 3465m is a absolute trekker’s delight. But its real allure lies in the presence of simplistic, picturesque valleys that bound to withhold the beholder’s attention.
Gulmarg :
Come here for the famous 10,000 ft high Gondola Cable Ride that offers you a panoramic view of the blissful Kashmiri landscapes. Or boast about having played in the world’s highest 18-hole golf course overlooking the city of Srinagar. Ski through its cottoned slopes, we have the amenities here. And pick up fresh strawberries from the Strawberry Valley as you go.
Pahalgam :
Situated at an altitude of 7,800m, Pahalgam is the village of the shepherds. Newly-weds come here to make ritualistic rounds around the Sheshnag Lake thrice which is believed to bring prosperity. The pilgrims start their voyage to Amarnath from Pahalgam. This region is famous for trout fishing & its interestingly done with fishing rods, fishing nets as well as Pepsi bottles. Visit the famous Betaab Valley named after the bollywood blockbuster & complete your journey.
JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKTDC) (AC & Non AC Rooms) :
Special Discount on Winter Season.
Jammu | : | 3000 - 35000 |
Katra | : | 1000 - 2200 |
Srinagar | : | 1750 - 15000 |
Pahalgam | : | 2000 - 12000 |
Sonmarg | : | 3000 – 35000 |
Gulmarg | : | 2500 – 5000 |
Patnitop | : | 1000 – 2000 |
Leh | : | 3000 - 4000 |