"Paradise on the Earth"
The first fruit of Dogra reign, the state of Jammu & Kashmir blesses the Northern Frontier of India. The state officially integrated in 1948 as a part of India, when the existing rulers agreed to join Indian federation. J&K as it is often dubbed as, has wide vista that surfaces rich culture, tradition and history.
Its vivid description in the epic of Mahabharatha and writings of Kalhana (Rajatarangini) manifests the vital position it holds in upgrading the Indian diorama of history. Needless to mention the deliberate natural escape it has been for travel aficionados, the state of J&K compliments the picture of Indian jigsaw puzzle.
The valley of Kashmir occupies the topmost position in the map of India. Kashmir, along with the region of Jammu, Ladakh and Gilgit forms the State of Jammu and Kashmir. From the numerous valleys situated in the state, Kashmir Valley is the biggest one, spread over an area of 105 sq km. Located approximately 1730 m above the sea level; it has Tibet in its east and Pakistan China and CIS in its west. The south of Kashmir is bordered by Punjab, while on the southwest is Himachal Pradesh.
Jammu and Kashmir location is between 32.17" and 36.58" North altitude and East to West, the State lies between 73.26" and 80.30" longitude. In case of latitude, Jammu and Kashmir matches up with South Carolina (North America), Fez (Morracco), Damascus, Baghdad and Peshawar (Pakistan). The standard time in Kashmir is 5.30 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and has a difference of half an hour with the local time.
Popularly known as the "Paradise on the Earth" the state is world famous for its scenic splendour, snow-capped mountains, plentiful wildlife, exquisite monuments, hospitable people and local handicraft.
Your trip to Jammu and Kashmir will be the most fulfilled and memorable journey ever as the state not only appeals you with its scenic beauty and snow-covered mountain ranges but the adventure sports will take you to a different world. Nestled in the Himalayan, Pir Panjal and Karakoram mountain ranges is renowned for its natural beauty and gentle people. Jammu and Kashmir is dotted with the most beautiful mountain peaks, massive glaciers, splendid monasteries, blue lakes, rivers, forests, verdant meadows and tall pine trees.
While Sports like Skiing, golf, trekking, river rafting, paragliding, camping make the trip to Jammu and Kashmir more adventurous, Amarnath and Vaishno Devi attracts large number of pilgrims every year. Dal Lake, Kashmir Valley, Khardung La Pass, Gulmarg, Shalimar bagh are some of the major attractions of the state. The unparalleled beauty and charm of the state and the sweetness of it's citizens will remain etched in your memory forever.
