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Introduction
Jammu and Kashmir, also known as "Paradise on Earth," is one of India's most popular tourist destinations. The Chenab Valley, Lidder Valley, Sindh Valley, and, of course, the Kashmir Valley are all part of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which encompasses the Jammu region and the Kashmir valley.
 
Pir Panjal and Karakoram mountain ranges, located in the Himalayas, are known for their natural beauty and gentle people. The most majestic mountain ranges, vast glaciers, magnificent monasteries, blue lakes, rivers, forests, verdant meadows, and tall pine trees can all be found in Jammu and Kashmir.
 
Despite political turmoil, natural disasters and being contested for acquisition by three countries: India, Pakistan, and China, this place has managed to retain its beauty. This mountainous area is a magnificent gift from nature, and the locals are extremely sweet. Trekking, mountaineering, hiking, relaxing on lake houseboats, and mountain biking are all common activities for visitors.
 
Srinagar (March–October) is the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, while Jammu (October–March) is the winter capital. Located in the Kashmir Valley along the banks of the Jhelum River, Srinagar’s natural beauty, ample gardens, houseboats, and waterfronts will leave you speechless. Tourists come here for a variety of activities such as trekking, mountaineering, skiing, relaxing on lake houseboats, mountain biking, hiking, or simply to be in awe of nature. Jammu and Kashmir, a paradise on earth, will make you feel as though you are in a wonderland of natural wonders, rejuvenating your mind and soul and assisting you in discovering a new soul within yourself.
 
04 Nights / 05 Days

Golden Triangle of Jammu and Kashmir

12 Nights / 13 Days

Adventure Tours of Jammu and Kashmir

11 Nights / 12 Days

Magical Jammu and Kashmir Temple Tour

Traditions and Culture
Jammu and Kashmir is a melting pot of cultures. People from various religious and social traditions, including Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist, have combined to form Kashmiriyat, the state's composite community. Kashmiri Pandits, Kashmiri Muslims, Gurjars, and Rajasthani Rajputs make up the Kashmiri ethnic group.
 
This location has a lot of cultural significance. Jammu and Kashmir's people have made significant contributions to world culture through their crafts, written language, oral histories, research, and philosophy. The majority of tourists visit Kashmir to learn about the history and culture of Jammu and Kashmir.
 
The historical, cultural, and religious diversity of the region, as well as the Kashmir valley, is represented by holy places in and around the city. Although Kashmir has been the highest learning centre for Sanskrit and Persian, where early Indo-Aryanic culture arose and flourished, it has also been an embracing point for the arrival of Islam, carrying with it the best of Persian civilization's customs, tolerance, brotherhood and sacrifice.
 
With their ethnic structure, the Kashmiri population is an ethno-linguistic community that can be compared to an Indo-Greek. The Kashmiri people live in Pakistan, in the provinces of Upper Punjab and Potohar, where they form groups and live together. While Kashmiris live in various parts of India, they are primarily concentrated in the Kashmir Valley, Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban tehsils of Jammu Division.
 
Urdu, Hindi, Ladakhi, Purig, Tibetan, English, Kashmiri, and Dogri are the most widely spoken languages in Kashmir. Kashmir's primary language is Kashmiri. Gujjar and Kashmiri Pandits are the most popular users of Hindi. Dogri, also known as Pahari at times, is a language spoken primarily by Dogras from the Duggar region. Urdu is the most widely spoken language in the region among Muslims. English is a world language that is commonly used by business people, shopkeepers, tour guides, and locals to communicate with visitors. The official languages of Kashmir are Dogri, Kashmiri, Urdu, English, and Hindi, according to a recent language bill passed by the Lok Sabha.
 
Jammu and Kashmiri costumes are known for their intricate designs and embroidery, which represent the region's rich culture and landscape. The style of clothing is intended to combat the region's cold climate. Wool, silk with intricate embroideries, and cotton make up the majority of the garments. For Kashmiri people, the Pheran is an essential piece of clothing. Women's Pherans have Zari embroidery on the hemline, around the pockets, and mostly on the collar section. In the summer, Burgha is preferred, while in the autumn, Pheran is preferred. Pheran, a long loose gown that hangs down below the knees, is the traditional dress of a Kashmiri man, both Hindu and Muslim. A skullcap, a close-fitting shalwar (Muslims), or a churidar pyjama are worn by the men (Pandits).
 
Bhand Pather is a traditional folk theatre style that combines play and dance in a satirical style to portray and execute social rituals and evils in various social and cultural functions. Bhand Jashan is a typical performance by a group of 10 to 15 artists accompanied by light music for the enjoyment of the audience. The most popular type of Kashmiri folk music is chakri. It resembles the chakra found in Uttar Pradesh's mountainous regions. In the past, the musical instruments Garaha, Sarangi, and Rabab were commonly used. However, the harmonium has now been used in the show. In the 15th century, the Sofians musiqui arrived in Kashmir from Iran. It has developed itself as Kashmir's classical music form, incorporating a number of Indian Ragas into its composition.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Jammu and Kashmir:

“If there is a heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here,” Mughal Emperor Jahangir was right. Jammu and Kashmir really deserves to be named a paradise, not just because of its breathtaking natural beauty, but also because of its rich cultural heritage. Jammu & Kashmir's festivals represent the state's cultural diversity. Here are some of the major ones:

  • Urs: Eid Ul Fitr is observed on the last day of Ramzan, or Ramadan, a month-long fasting period. On this day, namaz is given six times, and the fast is broken with feasting. This peaceful festival is completed by the exchange of sweets and the wearing of new clothing, as well as the meeting of relatives and the exchanging of wishes. Bakra or Eid ul Azha In the second half of the year, Eid is commemorated by the sacrifice of a horse, camel, or sheep in every Muslim household. Its origins can be traced back to their Kurbani (or Sacrifice) concept. Its origins can be traced back to their Kurbani (or Sacrifice) concept.
  • Lohri: In Jammu and Kashmir, Lohri is one of the most important festivals. It is observed by the Jammu region's Dogras, as well as the Hindu communities of Jammu Kashmir and Punjab. Every year on the 13th of January, Lohri marks the end of the state's winter season. On this day, a bonfire is lit in the backyards of the houses to give Urg to the fire. Urg is a common way of feeding people.
  • Hemis Festival: This is one of Jammu and Kashmir's most enigmatic festivals. The festival honours Lord Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche in the area, and is held every 12 years at the Hemis Monastery in Hemis (about 45 kilometres from Leh). People are said to benefit spiritually and physically from the ritualistic festival. The ceremony is elaborate and includes a number of Tibetan ceremonial pieces.
  • Baisakhi: Baisakhi, a major Sikh festival, is observed on April 13th across the world. Sikhs in India celebrate the day as the New Year. In India, the harvesting season begins on this date. Because of the large number of Sikhs in Kashmir, this festival attracts a large number of participants.
  • Navratri: Jammu's festival is also Navratri. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi's holy abode is Jammu and Kashmir, and during Navratri, Mata Vaishno Devi's Darbar is decorated as if it were a Heaven. Every year in the month of October, the Navratri festival lasts for nine days. However, the Navratris are celebrated twice a year, with the Durgapuja in the month of October being the most common.
  • Tulip Festival: There are hundreds of Tulip gardens in Kashmir, making it popular for Tulips. Kashmir is home to Asia's highest tulip gardens, which is why the area celebrates the Tulip Festival. The tulips are a visual delight in the springtime. The scene is both breathtaking and hypnotic. The festival takes place in Srinagar at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
  • Galdan Namchot: This is one of the most popular festivals in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in Tibetan Buddhism. The festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Je Tsongkhapa, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism's Gelug branch. Ladakh celebrates the Losar, or new year, on the fifth day of Galdan Namchot. The extensive lighting of the Leh Palace is a highlight of the festival.
  • Shikara Festival: Shikara, the lifeline and identity of Kashmir's Dal Lake, is meant to be celebrated once a year. Kashmir's government started this festival in 2016 to encourage tourism. Shikaras are beautifully decorated and dressed during the festival. Shikaras compete in races such as the Shikara Race, the Dragon Boat Race, and the Canoe Polo Match. Other cultural activities are also being organised to give you a taste of the culture.
  • Damdeh: Damdeh is a traditional Dogra festival that is special to the Jammu region. Damdeh, one of the many Jammu and Kashmir festivals, is a one-of-a-kind Jammu festival. In Damdeh, people set up food stalls and sell sweet water on the highways, which are referred to as Chabeels. Every year in the month of June, Damdeh is commemorated. Damdeh is a religious festival celebrated in Jammu.
  • Spituk Gustor Zanskar: It is a popular Jammu and Kashmir festival. Thiksey, Spituk, and Karsha Zanskar monasteries in Ladakh celebrate this Tibetan festival. Gustor is a festival that commemorates sacrifices made on the penultimate day of the month, and it is held on the 30th and 31st of October each year. Early morning prayers mark the start of the festival.
  • Eid ul Azha and Eid ul Fitr: In Kashmir, the two most important Muslim festivals are celebrated in a full-fledged extravaganza. Since Kashmir is a Muslim-majority country, Muslim celebrations draw a large crowd. Despite the fact that Eid is a festival celebrated around the world and in India as well, Kashmir's magic makes Eid a joy to celebrate here.
 
Must Visit Place
Must Visiting Places in Jammu and Kashmir:
 
Jammu and Kashmir has endless places to visit with its breathtaking blue lakes, lush parks, and rolling mountains. The captivating beauty of the area provides a peaceful respite for visitors seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. These top tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir are not to be missed:
  1. Srinagar- Srinagar is unquestionably one of Kashmir's and India's most beautiful and well-known tourist destinations. Srinagar has it all, from boating to trekking, bird watching to water skiing. Srinagar, dubbed "the mirror of the mountains" by locals, is a must-see destination for any traveller. The largest city in Kashmir, it is surrounded by green mountains and is the main attraction.
  2. Vaishno Devi- This renowned shrine, which is located in the Trikuta hills, 13 kilometres from Katra, attracts millions of devotees from all over the world. Goddesses are said to arrive at the Holy cave during the pooja and aarti to pay their respects to Mata Rani. Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Durga. She is also known as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi, and Trikuta.
  3. Gulmarg- Gulmarg is widely regarded as India's "Heartland of Winter Sports," and has been voted Asia's seventh best ski destination. Winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing are available on Mount Apharwat's slopes, which are accessible through a Gondola lift. Gulmarg, India's adventure centre, is located at an altitude of around 2700 metres above sea level and is known for skiing and mountaineering.
  4. Pahalgam- Pahalgam, which is surrounded by Lidder Lake and Betaab Valley, is the place to go if you want to see clear water rivers and exhilarating deep valleys. River rafting at Lidder Lake, golfing, and shopping for traditional Kashmiri products are all popular activities in this region.
  5. Sonamarg- Sonamarg is known as the 'Golden Meadow,' as its name suggests. Its attractions include an endless stream of beautiful flowers and undulating hiking trails. For its mesmerising aura and stunning views, Sonamarg should be on everyone's list of places to visit in Kashmir.
  6. Amarnath- Amarnath, in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of India's most popular pilgrimages for Lord Shiva devotees. An enshrined Shivaling, shaped naturally with ice and resembling Lord Shiva, can be found in the Amarnath cave.
  7. Jammu- Jammu, Kashmir's Winter Capital, is a holy and peaceful city renowned for its magnificent temples, religious shrines, glittering "shikhars," and cultural heritage. It attracts visitors from all over the world because it is the starting point for the famous Vaishno Devi Temple and Amarnath Yatra. Jammu, which lies between the Himalayan range in the north and the dusty plains of Punjab in the south, is set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pir Panjal Mountains.
  8. Patnitop- Patnitop, a hilltop tourist attraction in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the most famous places to visit near Vaishno Devi and is located at around 6600 feet above sea level. It's ideal for adventure activities because of the thick forests, lush greenery of pines, and trails that lead to pockets of scenic views.
 

 

Cuisine
The beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir is known not only for its elegance and serenity, but also for its authentic non-vegetarian cuisine. With the use of hot spices such as cardamom, fennel, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and saffron, Kashmiri cuisine is mild in flavour and rich in flavour. 
 
Some worth trying dishes are:
  • Rogan Josh: Rogan Josh has to be the first dish that comes to mind when thinking of Kashmiri cuisine. Kashmir has made a name for itself in the culinary world thanks to its delectable signature dish. Rogan Josh is a flavorful lamb curry made with a combination of spices, yoghurt, and browned onions. It's a low-fat, nutritious dish that's best served with rice or naan bread. If you're a non-vegetarian, you won't be able to stop at just one serving of one of Kashmir's best dishes.
  • Kulcha: This baked goodie from Kashmir is made with a combination of wheat flour and refined flour and cooked in a traditional kiln. Dum Aaloo is a crunchy outside with a fluffy interior that is best eaten slathered in butter and served with kaahwa or sheer chai.
  • Yogurt Lamb Curry: Naat Yakhn, or yoghurt lamb curry, is a hearty lamb curry made with yoghurt, mawal flowers, black and green cardamoms, onion paste, and dried mint leaves.
  • Dum Aloo: Potatoes are baked and deep-fried to a golden crisp coating, then sauteed with a swish red gravy that makes every house smell intoxication nice. The yoghurt gravy version of this Kashmiri dish is also available. Of course, the potatoes aren't the small miser sized potatoes that are common for dum aloo, but they are hearty, massive potatoes that are close to their connoisseurs.
  • Aloo Kachaloo Chat: A spicy taro root dish with potatoes or aloo is known as aloo kachaloo chaat. This delectable snack perfectly combines the flavours of lemon, red chilli flakes, black-eyed beans, and tamarind. This is a must-try for you because it's tangy and spicy to the heart.
  • Modur Pulao: Modur Pulao is a sweetened Kashmiri rice dish made with cinnamon, a pinch of saffron, milk, ghee, sugar, cashew nuts, almonds, and green cardamom, among other ingredients. This dish is sweet, flavorful, and nutritious, thanks to the use of saffron as the main spice, which gives it a lovely colour and flavour. And this saffron is grown as well, in Kashmir.
  • Shab Deg: Shab Deg is a long-forgotten Kashmiri delicacy that brings back memories only by saying its name. Any Kashmiris reading this will know what I'm talking about. Shab Deg is a meat delicacy prepared with patience and a variety of ingredients over an extended period of time. Shab is the Arabic word for night, and Deg is a big cooking pot. To bring out the right flavours in the dish, a rooster is cooked overnight with turnips and spices, and the vessel is sealed with dough.
  • Chaaman: This yellow paneer curry is one of the few savoury Kashmiri dishes to have turmeric. The golden fried cottage cheese cubes are boiled in a pot of water with spices including cloves, cardamom, fennel powder, and saunth (dried ginger powder), transforming the humble paneer into a mouthwatering curry that is best served with a platter of steaming basmati rice.
  • Kashmiri Saag: This is the ultimate winter recipe! This soft, comforting dish takes just 6 ingredients and 20 minutes to prepare on a chilly winter night. Kashmiri saag, cooked in mustard oil, goes well with makki ki roti.
  • Kaahwa: Kaahwa is a spicy alternative to standard Indian tea that no Kashmiri can live without. This beautiful golden brown drink is made by boiling special Kashmiri green tea in water for just a few minutes, not longer, to achieve the desired colour and taste. With a hint of cardamom and cinnamon, as well as a handful of coarsely ground almonds, this lovely tea is one Kashmiri food you'll enjoy at home.
 
FAQ’s

Yes, it is quite safe to visit Kashmir. However, the numerous military checkpoints, tanks parked on the side of the road, military vehicles, and heavily armed soldiers wandering the streets shouldn't surprise anyone.


 

 All seasons are good for travel to Kashmir. In the four seasons of the year—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—it dons distinctive attire. The valley takes on a multihued appearance in the spring thanks to the flowers' vibrant hues and variety. Summertime is refreshing with its verdant meadows, while fall is marked by its fruit-laden trees. The winter season is the ideal time to enjoy snow sports in a valley covered in snow. Therefore, it would be best if you could visit Kashmir during all four seasons to see the valley from four different perspectives, which looks like a scene from a fairy tale. Alternatively, pick your preferred time of year to explore the valley.

 

In Kashmir, there is a tulip festival that takes place at the start of spring. You might schedule your trip to Kashmir around April to see the tulip gardens there.
 

Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, Nandni Wildlife Sanctuary, Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary, Dachigam National Park, Overa Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve are just a few of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that have been established in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. From October to March is the ideal season to visit Jammu and Kashmir's national parks and animal refuges. Early in the morning and late in the evening are the finest times to observe animals.


 

Kashmir is known for its hill stations, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and other ones, in addition to its stunning lakes, valleys, snow-capped mountains, and other natural wonders. This is not it! Houseboats, monasteries, temples, fairs, and festivals are among well-known attractions.

Kashmir is blessed with a number of tourist attractions, both well-known and unexplored. In Kashmir, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam are the most visited locations. There are also several stunning locations that have not yet been discovered, like Krishnasar Lake, Aru Village, Kokernag, Verinag, Lolab Valley, and many more.

 

In Kashmir, snow is indeed abundant from December to February. Snowfall is best experienced in Gulmarg, which is completely covered with it. Most snowfall is documented in Kashmir at the Apharwat and Amarnath caves. Be sure to visit these captivating locations if you're planning a vacation to Kashmir if you want to experience snowfall.


 

Jammu is home to a number of holy sites, including the Raghunath Temple, the Bawey Wali Mata Temple, the Ranbireshwar Temple, the Peer Baba Shrine, the Peer Mitha Shrine, the Vaishno Devi Shrine, and Shahdra Sharief.  Hazratbal Mosque, Jama Masjid, Shankaracharya Temple, Khanqah Shah Hamdan Mosque, Makhdoom Sahib, Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara, Martand, and Kheer Bhawani Temple are a few of Kashmir's well-known pilgrimage sites. Lord Shiva is thought to reside in the Amarnath cave. In the months of Sawan (July–August), thousands of Hindu pilgrims travel to the Amarnath Cave (yatra) from all across India in order to see the Shivling made of frozen snow.

 

 There are luxurious hotels all over the world, but staying on a houseboat in Kashmir is preferable since it offers an exceptional and unforgettable experience. If not throughout your duration of visit to Kashmir, but at least one day should be spent on a houseboat as a part of experience.
 

In Kashmir, the ban on internet use has been removed, although under specific restrictions. In most of the districts of Jammu and Kashmir, postpaid mobile internet access has been restored.


 

The greatest time to visit a tulip garden is in April during the spring season when the blooms are in full bloom.
 

Feel free to wear anything as a Westerner, as long as it isn't too revealing, such as shorts, tight jeans, and crop tops or low-cut blouses. It is crucial for ladies to cover as much of their shoulders and legs as they can by using long skirts or trousers and sleeved tops/kurtis. Short dresses of any kind are not acceptable. Don't forget to cover your head with a hat. It provides essential sun protection. Turbans are not appropriate for men to wear. While on your Kashmir tour, you should pack cotton clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion. Don't act, dress, or say anything that might offend locals. Keep in mind that you are travelling through a culturally and politically sensitive region and, if necessary, contact your tour guide for assistance.
 

Do not interpret gazing at you as being unfriendly because Indians are cordial and pleasant people. Since the majority of Indians have never travelled outside of their country, they are curious in foreign travellers. The majority of the folks you speak with will be cordial. Always engage in conversation with those you feel like engaging. Stay away from those who are too eager to assist you or who want you to make a purchase from them. Ask our representative whether you wish to visit a Kashmiri family or stay with them to enhance your trip to Jammu and Kashmir. We will be glad to set up these plans.

On 31st October, 2019 Jammu and Kashmir was removed from its status as a state and converted into union territory. Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and was created as a separate Union Territory at the same time.

The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is Srinagar.

The literacy rate of Jammu and Kashmir is 67.16%.

The most important languages of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir are Hindi, English, Dogri, and Kashmiri

April to July and from October to December is the best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir.
 

Jammu is well connected with rail and air services from all the major cities of India and Kashmir is well connected with only air service from the major cities of India. One can also reach Kashmir via road from Jammu.

The major tourist attractions of Jammu & Kashmir are:
•    Yusmarg
•    Gulmarg
•    Sonmarg
•    Pahalgam
•    Gurez Valley
•    Srinagar
•    Vaishno Devi
•    Patnitop
•    Doda
•    Kishtwar
•    Sanasar
 

Most of the tourist visiting places can be covered in six to seven days.

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