Jammu and Kashmir
The state of Jammu Kashmir is the northernmost state of India. The state is broadly divided into three major regions i.e., Salubrious Kashmir Valley Region, the Sub-Tropical Jammu Region, and the Arctic Gold Region. The beauty of the region is totally unique making it a great tourist attraction. The state of Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with a high-quality mineral base and water resource. Around the globe, the lovely state of Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its handicrafts and handloom products. The state is a tourist hub Tourist from all over the world come to this beautiful and tranquil land to imbibe the serene and calmness land.
History: The foundation of Kashmir is said to have laid by the Kashyapa also referred to as the Kashyapamar The earliest people on this cold land are believed to be nomads leading a nomadic life with cattle. Buddhism influenced Kashmir during the rule of Ashoka. Many traditions and customs are believed to have maintained during the rule of Muslim rulers. The Mughals have a deep influence on the land i.e., with the food, religious practice and architecture.
Jammu and Kashmir is surrounded with the Mountains. The Himalayan ranges cover almost the entire part of the serene land. The altitude of the mountain ranges vary from 3000 to 6000 meters. Rivers enhance the beauty of the area - the important rivers in the region are Chenab, Jehlum, Indus and Ravi.
The blissful land of Jammu and Kashmir is located on the northern part of India . The entire area of the land is 22,22,238 sq, km. This land is situated between 32.17 degrees and 36.58 degrees north latitude and 37.26 degrees and 80.30 degrees east longitude. Snow-capped mountains, exhilarating treks, lush green meadows, limpid lakes, chunky forests, and breathtaking panoramas mark the landscape of this paradise on Earth. J&K is basically divided into three major regions namely, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Jammu lies on the southeastern side of the state, Kashmir lies on the western side and Ladakh lies on the northern and northeastern side of the land.
Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with rich flora and fauna. There are en number of varieties of plants and flowers throughout the state. The varieties of plants differ from place to place within the state. In Jammu, one can find thick bush type plants scattered over the region. There is temperate and alpine flora in the Jammu Region. At higher altitudes, there are Berbers, rhododendron, birch, and other herbal plants. The Kashmir valley is also blessed with the abundant in wood and the game. The most wonderful variety of trees found in the Kashmir valley are the trees of Chinar found everywhere in the region.
When we talk about the fauna in the region, there is a huge and wide-ranging fauna including sheep, cheetah, bear, leopard, deer, muskrat, snake, bat, lizard, frog, peacock, snow partridge and pheasant. In Ladakh also there is rich fauna including Himalayan Ibex, red bear, gazelle, yak, and antelope.
Best Places to Visit in Kashmir
1. Alpather Lake
2. Shrine Of Baba Reshi
3. Aru Valley
4. Chandanwari in Pahalgam
5. Dal-Lake
6. Thajiwas Glacier in Sonmarg
7. Mughal Garden in Srinagar
8. Shalimar Bagh
9. Vaishno Devi
Best Things to do in Kashmir
1. Ride on Gulmarg Gondola
2. Golfing in Gulmarg
3. Sledding in Chandanwari
4. Trekking to Kolahoi Glacier
5. Driving at the Zoji-La Pass
6. Stay in a houseboat
7. Paragliding at Pari Mahal
8. Enjoy a Shikara Ride on Dal Lake
Travel Tips – Baggage
Woollen clothes and scarves to keep you warm
Umbrella and raincoats, if travelling between April and June
Avoid carrying heels and go for flats or sports shoes
Trekking boots if you plan to go on a hike
Smart sun gear, sunglasses and sunscreen
Whether you’re travelling by road, air or train, tit- bits to munch on the way will help while away time
Power Banks And Adapters
Toiletries
Hand sanitiser is a must to free yourself from any germs you may have been exposed to during the trip.
Toothpaste and toothbrush, though available in the hotel, is a cleaner option if it’s your own.
A sunscreen and moisturiser always to protect your skin from the sun.
Your own face wash, which you can use anywhere and anytime during the trip to feel fresh.
Shampoo and conditioner, since you know your hair type best; the hotel provided ones may not suit your skin.
Your personal hair comb or brush, which ideally, must not be shared with anyone.
Clothes
Heavy woollen clothes for the winter, thermals and zippers
Light weight clothes for the summer
A wide-brimmed hat for protection against the heat and sunrays
Flats and sports shoes
Scarves, mufflers or mittens
Medicines
Always keep a first aid kit bag handy with you in case of any emergencies.
Pain killers
Antiseptic cream
Safety pins
Crepe rolled bandages
Skin rash cream
Cough and cold medicines
Cold creams/lip guard
Prescribed medicines with the prescription
Antidiarrheal medicine
The Day Of Travel
Food
Carry some ready to eat food like biscuits, nuts, sandwiches or rolls to keep your stomach full during the trip and just in case the airlines food doesn’t suit you. Homemade food is safer as you do not want an upset stomach on a flight or a train. Do carry some sweets, toffees or candies in case you feel nauseous while on the road.
Important Documents
Valid photo identification and address proofs such as your passport, pan card, adhaar card or driving licence, to get onto that plane or even to get access to certain places in Kashmir.
A printout of your ticket no matter how you are travelling - be it by road, railways or air.
Photocopies of important documents such as your tickets, passports, valid photo identification proofs, credit/debit/forex cards, and hotel and other sightseeing bookings
Scanned copies of the above, which must be emailed to yourself
Insurance
God forbid, if unwanted circumstances interrupt your trip or cut it short after the bookings have been made, travel insurance is a way to get some of your money back. Most domestic travel insurance companies in India provide you services such as medical assistance on your phone across the country and reimbursement of medical costs during the trip, no matter where you are.
Important Numbers
Always keep handy the numbers of the local Consulate, police and other emergency services as well as of the travel consultants and agents you have organised your trip through.
Cash/Card
Credit cards are accepted by most hotels and restaurants in Kashmir. You will also find 24/7 ATMs. MasterCard and Visa are the widely accepted credit cards in Kashmir. However, it is advisable to carry some cash if you plan to head to remote areas.
Tips For Travelling In Kashmir
Head to Srinagar; take the shikara ride and visit the Moghul gardens. Visit Gulmarg and engage in some skiing, mountain biking and trekking. Go to the golden meadows of Sonmarg and take some nature walks with your family.
Getting around - The most convenient way to explore Kashmir would be to hop on to the minibuses and taxis available. If you want to engage in some sightseeing, do so in the state luxury buses operated by J&K Tourism Development Corporation. Hire a tourist taxi if you wish to go on trips and excursions.
Some food specialities of Kashmir include Modur Pulav, Yakhni (yoghurt lamb curry), Dum Olav and Kashmiri Muji Gaad.
Do take some time out to take a piece of this paradise home. Buy pashmina shawls, vintage maps of Kashmir and red Kashmiri chillies.
Tipping - It is not really necessary to tip the waiters in Kashmir. However, it is almost always appreciated. 10% of a bill is considered to be acceptable.
Social Etiquette
Try not to point your feet towards people or deities or touching anybody with them.
Do ask people before you take pictures of ceremonies and sacred sites.
Do remove your shoes before you enter places of worship or people’s homes.
Do say namaste or salaam alaikum while greeting people.
Cost of living in Kashmir
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