Jammu Kashmir And LadakhPopulation: 10.1 million
Area: 222,236sq km
Capital: Srinagar (summer) and Jammu (winter)
Main language: Kashmiri, Urdu, ladakhi, and Hindi
Jammu and Kashmir
The state is divided into three different provinces namely Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Each province is different in all aspects, right from the landscapes to the religion followed. Jammu has the major population of Hindu community, Kashmir is mainly occupied by Muslims and most people in Ladakh follow Buddhism. Kashmir is most famous for its serene lakes sprinkled throughout the province. An evening on the shores of these lakes or a calm ride on the Shikaras, for most people turns out to be the best moments of their trip in the laps of nature. Spending few days in a houseboat are more enthralling than spending a week in the most luxurious hotel. But nothing compares to the adventure activities that you can indulge in . Ladakh is a land no other. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the great Himalaya and the Karakorum, it lies athwart two others, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range Ladakh region. With snow capped mountains, fast flowing rivers, this is a world beyond imagination. Here, apart from taking the toughest treks, you can also indulge in river rafting which is really a mind-blowing experience. Rush of blood during the adventure activity is not the only feeling that you get here. Only few are places that purify your soul more than Jammu and Kashmir. It is also one of the most visited Pilgrimage State in India, Pilgrims throng to state to visit few of the holiest Hindu shrines like Mai Vaishno Devi and Amarnath Cave and one of the sacred most shrines for Muslims, Haziratbal and for the Ladakh is the place where you will find the biggest and most important Buddhist monasteries in India
Top destination in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu Sector
Jammu
Jammu is not as famous for its natural beauty as it is for its man made marvels. You will find the most amazing temples, forts and palaces in the city. Jammu is also considered the holiest city of north India
Patnitop
Patnitop is famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu -Srinagar highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forest, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountains cape of the Chenab basin.
Ragunath temple
Ragunath Temple is the biggest temple complex in north India and is the most important shrine in entire Jammu. Situated right in the heart of Jammu City, the temple witnesses a lot of tourist from all over India.
Amar Mahal Palace
Amar Mahal Palace is stunning structure made up of red stones. This palace was once the abode of famous Raja Amar Singh but now is used as a museum housing famous paintings and portraits of rulers of Jammu and Kashmir. You will also find the renowned painting Nal Damayanti here.
Katra
The holiest Mai Vaishno Devi Temple is situated on the Trikuta Mountains at an altitude of 5200 m above sea level. The temple is around 62 km away from main Jammu City. One is required to walk to the shrine from Katra, which is around 14 km away. Some pilgrims take this walk bare foot, which makes the journey really tough
Kashmir Sector
Srinagar
Srinagar means the city of god's the gateways to the paradise. It lies in the heart of beautiful valley of Kashmir and the summer capital of the state .Srinagar city is spread on the either bank of the river Jehlum. Srinagar has long been Kashmir's most important commercial town. Boats have been a primary means of conveyance in the past. Srinagar is a unique city with breathtaking physical environment, lakes, Mughal gardens, springs, golf course, hills & mountains, cycling tracks, trekking opportunities, angling, water sports.
Gulmarg
A charming hill resort, at an altitude of 2653meters and set amidst surrounding mountains, 52km from Srinagar is Gulmarg. Once called gaurimarg in the honor of gauri, wife of lord Shiva this meadow of flower is the highest green golf course and highest ropeway In the world .Gulmarg in winter is an experience of Himalayas spectacular in the blush of dawn.
Pahalgam
"The Valley of Shepherds"Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 deg C. A. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations.
Sonamarg
The drive from Srinagar to Leh, Sonamarg is the last stop of Kashmir District. From here starts the territory of Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 2743 m above sea level, Sonamarg is absolutely true to its name, which means 'Meadow of Gold'. The moment you enter Sonamarg, the first thing that you will notice will be the snow-covered mountain that forms the backdrop of the town. Covered with alpine trees from all sides, Sonamarg has few of the most loveliest flower collection in J & K. In winters though, the town is covered with snow giving it an altogether different charm of white..Sonamarg is base for the major trek.
Yusmarg
A two hour drive from Srinagar (47 kms) will take you to acres upon acres of grassy meadow ringed by forests of pine, and towering beyond them, awesome and majestic snow clad mountains. This is Yusmarg - close enough to Srinagar for a picnic, idyllic enough to make you want to stay for a few days.
Kokernag
Situated the lower of Bringhi valley, Kokernag (2,020 m, 70 kms from Srinagar), is set amidst sprawling gardens fragrant with the bloom of thousands of flowers. The Kokernag spring bubbles at seven places at the foot of the forested mountain.
Verinag
The spring of Verinag is believed to be the chief source of the river Jhelum. Construction of the octagonal base of the spring and the arcade around it was undertaken by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir and completed during the reign of Shah Jahan. Down the stream to the east lie the remains of a Mughal pavilion and baths
Aharbal fall
The distant rumble becomes a roar as one approach the waterfall of Aharbal, which crashes down a narrow gorge. Aharbal is more than just a waterfall. There are several places to picnic in the surrounding areas, as well as delightful walks of varying lengths all over the hillsides.