Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of India. It is situated mostly in the Himalayan mountains. Jammu and Kashmir shares a border with the People's Republic of China to the north and east, the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south. Jammu and Kashmir consists of three regions: Jammu, the Kashmir valley and Ladakh. Srinagar is the summer capital, and Jammu, its winter capital. While the Kashmir valley, often known as Paradise on Earth, is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape, Jammu's numerous shrines attracts tens of thousands of Hindu and Muslim pilgrims every year. Ladakh, also known as "Little Tibet", is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and Buddhist culture.

How to reach:

Srinagar is connected to Delhi by daily flights via Jammu. The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, 305 kms away. Srinagar being the only major town linked by road to the rest of the country, all visitors make it their base going for excursions to nearby resorts for fishing or trekking expeditions.

The Banihal tunnel which links the valley of Kashmir to the outside world is closed to traffic after dark. The 295 km journey is through Udhampur, Kud, Batote, Patnitop, Ramban and Qazi Gund. As most of the road is up or downhill and curved rather than straight, high speed cannot be maintained on this route. Presuming there are no obstructions on the way the journey should take 8 hrs. Attractive guest houses are there at Kud, Batote and Patnitop maintained by JKTDC.

What to see:

Hazratbal Shrine

The Hazrathalbal Shrine which is situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Shankaracharya Temple

It is located at 1100ft.above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-e-Suleiman. The temple, besides a prominent religious place of Hindus, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a magnificient panoramic view of the Srinagar city.

Imambara Hassanabad

The 2nd oldest shrine and is a world famous place of mourning and worship of one million shia population of J&K is Imambara Hassanabad situated in south west of city centre Lal Chowk. The Imam Bargah is surrounded by world famous Hazratbal shrine one side, Temple of Mata Sharka Devi and Gurdawara Chatti Padshahi on other side.

Cheshma Shahi

or the Royal Spring was laid by Shah Jahan in 1632 A.D. It is 9 Km. from the city centre and is famous for a spring of refreshment digestive water.

Shalimar Garden

The Garden,15 Kms from the city centre, was built by Emperor Jahangir for his beloved wife, Nurjahan.

Dal Lake

The world famous water body described by Sir Walter Lawerence as the "Lake par-excellence",half a kilometers from the city, is the jewel in the crown of Kashmir. Two islands,Sona Lank and Ropa Lank,within the lake add to its beauty. Nagin is the most lovely part of the Dal Lake separted by a causeway.

Dachigam

Dachigam is a wildlife sanctuary which is home to the endangered HANGUL species of the Deer in the country. One can also see the Brown Bear, Musk Deer, leopards and migratory birds. There is a Trout fish farm also in Dachigam.

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Eating out

Kashmiri cusine can be divided into the Pandit and Muslim styles. The former is restricted mainly to household while most restaurants offer the Muslim style.

Gushtaba or the goat meat balls, Kashmiri pulao with saffron and Badam Pasand meat with almonds are some traditional delicacies worth savouring. Wazwan is Kashmir's most formal and eloborate meal. The course includes delicacies like methi tabakmaaz, roganjosh and rishta. Gustaba the concluding dish Phirni for desert and a cup of the Kahwah green tea flavoured with spices end the Wazwan.

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Shopping

Kashmir is famous for its handicrafts. Some specialities are silk and wool carpets, paper machie products, pashmina and embroidered shawls and a variety of stones and walnutwood products.

The main shopping areas are near the Bund, Boulevard, Residency Road and Hari Singh High Street.