Quick Facts
- Capitals: Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
- Largest City: Srinagar
- Official Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, English
- Formation: Reorganized into a UT on 31 October 2019
- Nicknames: “Paradise on Earth”
- Famous For: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Vaishno Devi
Contents
History & Heritage
Jammu & Kashmir has a history of ancient Hindu kingdoms, Mughal influence, and rich Sufi traditions.
- Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh.
- Temples & Shrines: Vaishno Devi, Shankaracharya Temple.
- Modern Era: UT status since 2019.
Geography & Climate
Surrounded by the Himalayas, it features valleys, rivers, and snow-capped peaks.
- Rivers: Jhelum, Chenab, Indus.
- Climate: Alpine in the north, subtropical in Jammu.
Top Places to Visit
- Srinagar: Dal Lake, houseboats, Mughal Gardens.
- Gulmarg: Skiing, Gondola ride.
- Pahalgam: Lidder Valley, Betaab Valley.
- Jammu: Raghunath Temple, Vaishno Devi.
- Sonmarg: Thajiwas Glacier.
Festivals
- Navratri: Celebrated at Vaishno Devi.
- Eid-ul-Fitr: Major festival in the valley.
- Hemis Festival: Buddhist celebration in Ladakh region.
Cuisine
Kashmiri cuisine is known for its aromatic flavors and Wazwan dishes.
- Famous Dishes: Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Gushtaba.
- Specials: Kahwa (spiced tea), Modur Pulav.
Arts & Crafts
- Pashmina shawls and carpets.
- Walnut wood carving.
- Paper-mâché crafts.
Shopping
- Lal Chowk and Polo View Market for handicrafts.
- Raghunath Bazaar in Jammu for souvenirs.
Adventure & Wildlife
- Skiing in Gulmarg.
- Trekking in Pahalgam and Sonmarg.
- Wildlife spotting in Dachigam National Park.
How to Reach
- By Air: Srinagar Airport, Jammu Airport.
- By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the main station.
- By Road: Well-connected by NH44.
Best Time to Visit
March to October is ideal, with winter (Dec–Feb) for snow lovers.
Sample Itineraries
5 Days – Kashmir Valley
- Day 1: Srinagar (Dal Lake, houseboat).
- Day 2: Gulmarg day trip.
- Day 3: Pahalgam.
- Day 4: Sonmarg excursion.
- Day 5: Local shopping & return.