Often referred to as Paradise on Earth, Jammu & Kashmir is the most significant part of the Indian subcontinent which has a glorifying past. Once a princely state during the British rule in India, both the divisions are now together carved as Union Territory which is administered by the Central Government of India. Located in the Pir Panjal ranges of the Himalayas, Jammu & Kashmir lies close to the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh & Punjab. The capital of Jammu & Kashmir is Srinagar which is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in India.
History of Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir was a princely state during the rule of Britishers in India from 1846 to 1947. This beautiful region became the princely state of the Indian subcontinent on 26th October 1947 when the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir, Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with India in return for military aid during the Indo-Pakistan War. Under the Constitution Article 370, Jammu & Kashmir was given a special status that allowed the region with a separate constitution, flag, and autonomy over its internal administration.
However, on 6th August 2019, the Government of India removed Article 370, and Jammu & Kashmir was declared as the Union Territory of India separating Ladakh as a 3rd administrative division. Despite all the testimony of time and invasions, the region of Jammu & Kashmir retains the ethereal characteristics of Heaven on Earth.
Culture of Jammu & Kashmir
The vibrant and diverse culture of Jammu & Kashmir is an amalgamation of Hindu, Persian, Islamic, Sikh, Buddhist as well as Central Asian cultures. Home to many revered shrines such as Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra, Amarnath Cave near Srinagar, Hazratbal Shrine, Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara, etc, religion plays a significant role in the lives of people in Jammu & Kashmir. Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, Gojri, Pahadi, Hindi, and Punjabi are popular languages spoken in the region. The festivals of Jammu & Kashmir such as the Shikara race, Tulip festival, Hemis, Gurez, etc also depict the beautiful culture of this region. Having traces of different regions, the traditional costumes of this region such as turbans, taranga belt of pashmina & colored scarf are inspired by the Mughal era. Pheran & Poots are typical Kashmiri dresses that are worn by both men and women. Major dance forms practiced in Jammu & Kashmir are Chakri, Ladishah, Ruf, Roul, Dogri, etc while the folk music comprises Rabab, Ghazals, Sufi, etc are sung during wedding ceremonies and festivals. Sitar, Dukra, and Nagara are the most popular musical instruments that have roots in this region.
Handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir
Famous for intricately embroidered Pashmina shawls, beautifully crafted Papier Mache products, wood carving, woolen rugs, and hand-woven carpets - a wide range of beautiful handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir are popular all over the world. Also famous for willow baskets, furniture made of walnut wood, and exquisite silverware, there’s a lot to buy on the trip to this amazing tourist place in India. Handicrafts of J&K such as rugs, shawls, silverware are exported to different parts of the world that fetch the Union Territory with a hefty amount of foreign exchange which is used in the development and infrastructure. Another source of income here in this part of the country is agriculture as this region is very rich in the cultivation of saffron and fruits such as mulberry, apples, grapes, plums, cherries, apricots, walnuts, almonds, etc.
Food of Jammu & Kashmir
Both the regions of Jammu & Kashmir are famous for a rich culinary culture. With a large variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes cooked in spices like cardamom, cinnamon & cloves, there’s a lot to satiate your craving. One of the most elaborate and iconic dishes in Jammu & Kashmir is Wazwan which is an assortment of 32 vegetarian & non-vegetarian dishes. Rogan Josh is a popular lamb dish that has aromatic flavors of typical Kashmiri food. Kashmiri Kehwa made of green tea leaves, nuts and saffron is also quite popular and enjoyed by the locals and tourists alike. Dishes like Tabakhmaaz, Shab Deg, Dum Aloo, Kulthi ki Dal, Aab Gosht, Riste, Dal Patt, Nader ti Gaad, Novroze, Yakhni, Rajma, etc are very famous for their delectable taste. Tsot & Tsochvor, Sheermal, Lava, Tsot are the popular breads and sweet savories include sund panjeeri, patisa etc. Rich in aroma and delectable in taste, the luscious food of Jammu & Kashmir is a treat for taste buds.
Things to do in Jammu & Kashmir
From endless alpine meadows in Kashmir to an array of holy shrines in Jammu, there’s a lot to do in this part of the country. The best time to visit Jammu & Kashmir is during the months of March to October when the weather is pleasant.
- Known as the City of Temples, there are many temples to visit in Jammu.
- Enjoy the delightful Shikara ride and houseboat stay on the serene waters of Dal and Nigeen Lake in Srinagar.
- Don’t miss the fun of the incredible Gondola ride in Gulmarg.
- Indulge in thrilling paragliding experience in Nathatop, Batote, and Sanasar.
- Attend famous festivals like Shikara Festival, Saffron Festival, Tulip Festival, etc.
- Go camping in Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Baltal, and Sheshnag.
- Explore the rich history of Amar Palace Museum, Akhnoor Fort, Bahu Fort, etc.
- Catch sight of hill stations like Yusmarg, Gulmarg, Patnitop, etc.
- Get an adrenaline rush with mountaineering in places like Kishtwar, Harmukh, Tattakuti, etc.
- Explore the rich wildlife in Kazinag national park and other Sanctuaries.
Visit Jammu & Kashmir to witness the idyllic paradisiacal beauty on Earth. Book economical flight tickets, hotels, tour packages, buses, cars, and more only through Adotrip App. We get you unmatched prices and exciting offers. Stay tuned to Adotrip for memorable travel experiences!
