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| Hill Stations of J&K |
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| About Delhi |
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| Travel Destinations Guide |
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| Adventure Tours India |
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Biking Tours |
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Paragliding |
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Skiing |
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Safari Tours |
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Water Rafting |
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Trekking Tours |
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Camel Safari |
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| Temples of Delhi |
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| Historical Forts of Delhi |
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| Know more about Jammu and Kashmir |
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 Historical Synopsis
The history of Jammu and Kashmir is the second oldest after the history of Jew's and is considered as old as 5000 years old. Many legends narrate the tail about the existence of the Kashmir and origin of its name but many unitedly believe that the land of Kashmir emerged only when the saint Kashyapa drained the water from the lake Satisar by cutting the gap in the hills of Baramulla. This land came to be known as Ksahypmir after the name of the saint Kashyap and later became Kashmir Ka means 'Water' and Shmir means 'to Desiccate' hence Kashmir stands for 'a land desiccated from water" and shows how this land got its name from the process of desiccation. This story is also recorded in the Kashmir history Rajatarangini written by the Kalhana in 12th century.
 Festive Celebration In Jammu and Kashmir
The colors of celebration that fill the heart and soul of every traveler who visits this place at the time of festivals is the unique feature of this state that makes you carve the dream to visit this place again and again to enjoy the festivals here. Religious fervor and the zeal and zest with which every celebration is observed, captivates the sense of every visitor. In spite of the different religions being followed in the state the festivals means a day of joy and celebration to one and all without any consideration of religion, caste or creed. Festivals in the state means dance, delicacies and dynamism, all the people come together and share sweets and dance the whole night, but only after completing the religious obligations associated to these festivals.
 Jammu And Kashmir Wildlife
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is situated around 22 km away from Srinagar and covers an area of more than 141-sq. km. Located amidst the mountains, there is a huge variation in the altitude of the park that ranges from 1600 m to 4200m above sea level. Due to this difference, the park is divided into two regions, the upper region and the lower region. The park is without a doubt the most scenic of all the parks in the state.
Gulmarg Biosphere
This is a park that is rich in everything, right from flora and fauna to avi-fauna. Gulmarg Biosphere is located at a distance of 48 km from Srinagar and covers an area of 180 sq. km. The park has acquired fame because it has been able to protect most of the animals that are found here, which are Musk Deer, Hangul, Brown Bear, Leopard and Black Bear. Most of the park is covered in forest consisting mainly of Conifers. The common birds that you will see here are Griffon Vulture, Monal, Koklas, European Hoopoe and many more. Best time to come here is between September and March for mammals and March to May for birds.
Hemis High Altitude National Park
Named after the famous Hemis Monastery, Hemis High Altitude National Park is located in the eastern part of Ladakh and covers an area of around 600 sq. km in the Markha and Rumbak valleys. The park is relatively barren and you will not see a lot of vegetation inside the park. There are 10 main species of animals in the park and almost all of them are on the list of endangered species. Shapu, Snow Leopard, Great Tibetan sheep, and Ibex are few that are found here.
Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary
Located on the National Highway, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is around 28 km away from Jammu. The park is famous for both animals and birds as well. The main mammal species that are found here are 8 which include, leopard, wild boars, rhesus monkeys, grey langur and many more. To spot them, it is best to come in months from September to March. And the common birds that you will see here are Indian Mynah, Blue rock pigeon, Chir Pheasants, and Chakors which are most spotted in the months from March to May. The Sanctuary covers around 33 sq. km.
 Monumental Heritage of Jammu and Kashmir
Bahu Fort
The impressive structure Bahu Fort is amazing due to its construction itself and is the oldest fort in Jammu city. The fort renovated by rulers of Dogra in a later period, was constructed by Raja Bahulochan, nearly 300 years back.
A majestic garden, known as Bagh-e-Bahu with extensive lawns beautifully filled with flowers and plants is a favorite picnic spot and surrounds the Bahu Fort. The garden has all types of attractions ranging from plants, shrubs, big trees and flowers to waterfalls.
The local people spend their weekends here and the magnificent place is really a nice place to seek clam and cool relaxation. During the dusk, the enviable sight of sunset and the snow colored water flow of Tawi River can be viewed from Fort.
 Mubarak Mandi Complex
The Mubarak Mandi Complex in Jammu and Kashmir is steeped in a history of around 150 years. What began as the royal residence of the Dogra rulers of Kashmir, later became a complex of government houses, offices and courts counting to be 76 in number including the Royal Secretariat. The buildings have come up successively surrounding a central courtyard and ornamented garden. It also houses sprawling galleries and halls to hold public events and official ceremonies.
The Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex was built strategically to give an unobstructed view of the River Tawi on one side and the old city on the hillock on the other side for security reasons. The oldest building in the palace complex dates back to as long as 1824. The architecture is clearly a melting pot Mughal, Rajasthani and 17 th century European style. Elaborate and extensive symmetrical ornamentation of the Mubarak Mandi Complex is truly a delight to behold.
 Pari Mahal - House of Fairies
Pari Mahal is as much a monument as garden. This was initially a garden built by Dara Shiko for his Sufi teacher, Mulla Shah. Once punctuated wth several springs that have since dried up, the Pari Mahal gardens are now the pride of the state. Pari Mahal is illuminated at night, and can he seen, located on the spur of a hill, from most places in Srinagar. Pari Mahal gardens are now exclusively maintained by the state government. Built around a small spring, they house exotic flowering plants laid out in terraces surmounted by the ruined arches of a once beautiful building. Pari Mahal is illuminated at night, and can be seen, located on the on the spur of a hill, most places in Srinagar.
 Hari Parbat Fort
The Mughal fort situated on the banks of the Dal Lake of Srinagar, it is positioned on top of the Sharika Hill. Originally, it was built during the reign of Akbar but its present structure owes itself to the Afghan governor of Kashmir in the 18th century. It has a Parvati temple on the western slope and the Muslim shrines of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah on the southern one. On the southern side of the outer wall there is a Guru Dwara, which commemorates the visit of Guru Hargobind Singh. Presently the fort is under army occupation. According to the local legend, this hill was once a lake as large as a sea and was inhabited by the abominable demon known as Jalobhava. The inhabitants called on Goddess Sati, spouse of Lord Shiva for her help. She took the form of a bird and dropped a pebble on the demon's head, which kept on increasing in size until the demon was crushed by it. Hari Parbat is revered as that pebble and it is said to have become the home for all 33 crore gods of the Hindu pantheon.
 Cuisines
Jammu and Kashmiri, a state always referred as paradise on earth has every thing that makes your holidays more thrilling and exciting. The hill resorts that are recognized for their verdant woods, lush green meadows, spine chilling water streams and water falls, cities known for small hills, gardens, rivers and lakes that had the luxury of houseboats. Beyond all these natures endowments one thing that delights every visitor is the delicacies. Talk about the Kashmiri cuisine and mouth watering is the common response. Essentially non-vegetarian, cuisine of Kashmiri is popularly known as Wazwan and the cook is known as Waza. These wazas claim to be the descendants of the master chefs who migrated from different parts of central Asia to Kashmiri in 15th century at the time of reign of Timurlane in India. Plan a tour to this city and know more about the details and preparation of Kashmiri delicacies, while enjoying a meal on the dinning table of a houseboat.
 Shopping
Jammu and Kashmir is known throughout the world as much for its arts and crafts as for its scenic beauty and bracing climate. Kashmir is integral in its entity. From the amusing trinket to a collector's item, you'll find it all, here. Row upon row of shops filled with handicrafts line the streets. The array is awesome. There are objects to suit every pocket, as the variety within each craft is wide.
If you are planning to be a part of Kashmir this vacation, then do not forget to embark upon your shopping expedition from the very essence of Kashmir, which is Saffron. Your trip will surely be incomplete if you are not the owner of the mesmerizing hand woven carpets. Adorn the floors of your house with the 'Nawadas'. The Pashmina and Shahtoosh shawls are a must buy in Kashmir. No where will else will you get the majestic fabric in accordance with the incomprehensible embroidery. Kashmir is home to some of the best walnut woodcarving done anywhere in the world. The silk manufactured in Kashmir is also of very superior quality. Kashmir is an ideal destination from the prospective of shopping. Being a frugal while you are in Kashmir will make you repent, so shop your heart and pocket out because there is no other Kashmir on the planet.
Getting There
By Air
Indian Airlines operate regular daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu. They leave from Delhi directly, from Delhi via Jammu, and from Bombay via New Delhi and Jammu. Jet Airways also operate daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi as well as Jammu. Indian Airlines has its city office in the Tourist Reception Centre, while the Jet Airways office is close by.
Srinagar airport is 14 kms from the city. . Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) operates special coach services between the airport and the city.
By Rail
The nearest railhead for Srinagar is Jammu Tawi (305 kms) where trains arrive from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Ahmedabad, etc. As with flights, train bookings have to be made well in advance. During the holiday season, additional trains operate to and from various parts of the country
By Road
National Highway 1-A, connecting Srinagar with Jammu, is a good, all-weather road with several sharp inclines and hairpin bends. It is maintained by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), which clears the road of any obstructions resulting from natural causes like landslides and heavy snowfall. The famous Jawahar Tunnel that connects Jammu with the Kashmir Valley across the Pir Panjal range falls en route |
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