Jammu & Kashmir
Introduction

Jammu
and Kashmir, the northernmost state of India, is a perfect assimilation of
paradisaical beauty and ethnic cultures. Jammu gives you an opportunity to
make a visit to some of the most ancient temples of the country whereas
Kashmir is a picturesque land of lush gardens, crystal-clear lakes and
exotic shikaras. The state is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and
consists of three divisions Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and the
mountains of Ladakh. It has Himachal Pradesh on its south, Pakistan on its
west while the People's Republic of China lies to its north and east.
Climate
The rugged landscape of Jammu and Kashmir affects the climatic conditions
much. Towards Jammu, the climate happens to be monsoonal. Jammu has hot
summers with temperature reaching up to a maximum of 40 degrees centigrade.
The regions of Ladakh and Zanskar remain warm during summers. Erratic
rainfall occurs in the months of July and August. January is the coldest
month of the year with temperature plummeting to a minimum of -40 degrees
centigrade, immobilising all the rivers.
Important Cities & Towns
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has cities which are both scenic and serene.
Tourists mostly flock to places like Srinagar (summer capital), Jammu
(winter capital), Kashmir Valley, Patnitop, Vaishnodevi and Ladakh. Other
famous worth visiting sites in the state include Drass, Baramullah,
Anantnag, Kishtwar, Kargil, Zanskar Valley etc.
People & Culture
A major part of the state's population depends on farming and animal
husbandry to earn a living. The state is an eclectic mix of the Hindu and
Muslim community. Each of the regions Jammu, Kashmir Valley and
Ladakh is known for its distinct culture. Jammu is known for its
Dogra and Gujjar culture while Ladakhis follow the Indo-Tibetan culture.
Bakkarwalas (pastoral people) can be observed both in Jammu and the Kashmir
Valley. Muslims in the state has the majority, the other being the Hindus,
Buddhists and Sikhs.
Famous Travel Attractions

Jammu
and Kashmir is equally luring for both pilgrims and nature-lovers.
Holidaymakers have abundant options to fill their days here with flavour and
adventure. The beautiful houseboats along the picture-postcard Dal Lake are
truly a delight for all. The Mugha Gardens of Kashmir are known the world
over. Ladakh is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries that are a major draw
for tourists. Besides, multiple options of adventure sports like
mountaineering, trekking, skiing and jeep safari make the state one of the
most favoured destinations for travellers.
Air/ Rail/ Road Links
The state has well-established air, rail and road routes. It has three
domestic airports Srinagar, Jammu and Leh. Indian Airlines and Jet
Airways operate regular flights from here connecting to the key important
destinations of the country. The Jammu Tawi railhead is linked to all the
major places of the country through regular express trains. Road routes
connect the state with places including Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ambala,
Ludhiana, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Shimla and Manali.