JAMMU & KASHMIR

Jammu and Kashmir is a state in northern India, often denoted by the acronym J&K. It is located mostly in the Himalayan mountains, and shares borders with the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south.

Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.

The Mughals aptly called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ where they journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer. Here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among these people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.

Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised. In winter, when snow carpets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes. In spring and summer, the honey-dewed orchards, rippling lakes and blue skies beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains and valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, water-skiing in the lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or simply drifting down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and living in gorgeous houseboats are some of the most favoured ones.

Regions: The state consists of three regions:

• Jammu,
• Kashmir Valley and
• Ladakh.

Jammu is situated on a Shivalik hillock with the river Tawi flowing by at the foot of the hill. The mountain ranges and valleys of Kashmir are a rare beauty. Buddhist Culture is widespread in Ladakh and it also known as “Little Tibet”.

Name: The name Srinagar means the “City of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth”. It was founded by Ashoka the Great. The present city of Srinagar was built by Pravarsena II adjoining the old city.

Existence: Jammu is said to have been founded by Raja Jambu Lochan some 3000 years back. Capital: Jammu is the Winter Capital of the state whereas Srinagar is the Summer Capital of it. Srinagar is the Largest City of the State Jammu and Kashmir.

Boundary: Jammu and Kashmir has an International Border with China and also Line of Control (LOC) separates Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan.

Population: As per Census 2011, the total population of this state is 12,548,926. Population wise, it holds 18 th  position.

Land Area: Its land area is 222,236 sq. km. Land Area wise, it holds 6 th  rank.

Language: Its Official languages are Kashmiri and Hindi. But there are several other languages which peoples of Jammu and Kashmir like to speak are Dogri, Urdu, English and Ladakhi.

Literacy: Its literacy ratio is 66.7%.

Districts:  There are 22 districts present in this state.

Climate: Jammu City is hot in during summer and the temperature reaches up to 40 degree Celsius. The Ladakh region is very cold.

Connectivity: Jammu and Kashmir is well connected with railways, roadways and airways.

Places of Interest: Raghunath Temple is the heart of the city Jammu. Jammu is especially famous for its exquisite Pahari School of Miniature Paintings.

Best Time: The Best times to visit this state are April to October and December to January.