Jammu and Kashmir travel guide – Jammu Kashmir SIghtseeing
Jammu and Kashmir is located in the northern most part of India and this beautiful state is known for its marvelous scenic beauty. Sited in the Himalayas, this state offers a great view of snow capped mountains along with some gorgeous lakes and fast flowing rivers. Jammu and Kashmir is a real paradise on earth with lush green valleys, fast flowing waters, great lakes and beautiful orchids that exert a pull on the vacationers. This state shares it border with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh nationally and with China and Pakistan internationally. The entire state is divided into three main parts namely Jammu, Kashmir valley and Ladakh.
In Ladakh, people usually follow the Indo-Tibetan culture where annual mask dance festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. Natives prefer Tibetan food which includes noodles, tsampa and many other similar cuisines. Archery and weaving is one of the main occupations for the people and also an integral part of Ladakhian culture. In the Kashmir valley, life style is a bit different. Wooden made small boats called ‘Shikara’, boat houses and the famous dance Dumal makes Kashmir Valley unique in its own kind.
As per Indian constitutional law, only the natives of J&K can purchase land in this state and people from other states of India will not be allowed to make investment in property. Due to this hard and fast rule, people started buying boat houses and this is how it became an integral part of the culture for Kashmir. The place is famous for its green tea called Kawa that is beautifully served with spices and almond. This tea is generally consumed throughout the day by the Kashmiri people. One can also experience the nomadic people in the valleys of Kashmir who move along the Himalayas looking for food for their cattle and sheep herds.
Climate
Being located in Himalayas, J&K incorporates numerous valleys and forests. It is located at a very high altitude where snow capped mountains surrounds the entire state and make it comparatively colder than other regions. The content of humidity is very less and during winters, few parts of the state experience extreme cold temperate ranging from -20 degree Celsius to -40 degree Celsius. The river streams during these months freeze down and offer a marvelous view to the travelers. During summers, the average temperature is about 20 degree Celsius, but sometimes less humidity and chilly winds blowing from the Himalayas can cause the temperature to fall down. The state also receives a good amount of rainfall in the mid season.
Places of Interest
Jammu and Kashmir is known to be a true paradise on earth which has a lot to offer to the visitors. The place includes numerous valleys, forests, lakes and rivers which add to the overall experience of holidaying in this heavenly spot. The mountain ranges of Himalayas are a real treat to watch. The glaciers are simply fascinating and attract numerous tourists during winters where they can enjoy some cool sports like skiing, hiking and mountaineering to name a few. The rich culture of this state is a great experience and the style of living is very unique. Every corner of this state is a tourist spot where people can spend some unforgettable moments of their life. Some of the famous tourist spots include Leh, Ladakh, Dal Lake and Pahalgam.
- Leh Ladakh: Located at an altitude of 3500 meters, Leh was once known as the capital of Ladakh kingdom. Today, Leh just includes some ruins of the palaces and houses of royal families. Leh Ladakh is one of the most opted tourist destinations in India. The scenic beauty of Himalayas, vast lands and valleys make this place absolutely breathtaking. Being located at a high altitude, it offers various adventure sports like mountaineering, trekking and river rafting. For holidaying in Leh, people can simply opt for the tour packages and have a great time with the family.
- Dal Lake: Dal Lake is located in Srinagar and is one of the main tourist attractions in J&K. it is believed that a trip to J&K is never complete without a visit to Dal Lake. This lake is the jewel in the crown that Kashmir wears on its forehead and comprises of a collection of lakes. Here people can enjoy the panoramic beauty of Himalayan ranges from the shores of this lake. The lake hosts boat rides where people can enjoy sailing on the blue waters in an extremely tranquilized atmosphere. The lake also includes a floating garden known as “Rad” in Kashmiri and here one can witness an awesome view of blossomed lotus floating on the surface of the water in the month of July and August.
Things to Do
Jammu and Kashmir is a place where people can never get bored. The untouched beauty of Mother Nature offers a life time experience which leaves a deep impression on the hearts of people. Adventure lovers can enjoy various sports like skiing, mountaineering, river rafting, boat rowing and hiking. This is a great place for buying high quality pashmina shawls and sweaters. In addition to this, people can also enjoy shopping at various locations in this state. One can also purchase world class carpets that are specially weaved out of hand.
Transportation and Accommodation
Transportation is not a problem in this state and people can easily travel all the tourist spots by local buses which are run by JKSRTC. Apart from this, people can also choose to travel in private taxis to have a personalized experience of holidaying in Jammu and Kashmir.
Being a famous tourist spot, people can also have the benefit of acquiring a budgeted room for themselves or they can even choose to have a luxury stay in the five star hotels. So, if you also wish to have a great holidaying experience with your family, then plan a vacation to Jammu and Kashmir.