"If there be a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here." The lofty snow clad mountain ranges, sylvan landscape and remarkably good-looking people has made Kashmir a virtual paradise. This state, at the extreme north west of the country, is bounded on the west and north by Pakistan, on the northeast by China and on the southeast and south by the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. More than 90 percent of the state is mountainous.
The topography of Jammu and Kashmir offers a wide variety of climate and vegetation making the state a wildlife enthusiast's delight. No animal better exemplifies the character and concerns of mountain environment than the snow leopard. Another rare animal is the hangul or Kashmir stag, one of the most endangered species of red deer in the world. The eco-system here is well balanced with animals and people coexisting peacefully and one third of the world's true mountain animals belonging to these mountains.
The state has several pilgrim destinations for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. The Amarnath temple and the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine are among the most revered and sacred of Hindu pilgrimage sites and hundreds of devotees pay homage every year at these places. The Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar where the Moi-e-Muqqadus, or sacred hair of Prophet Mohaamad is preserved is a Muslim pilgrim site where the faithful come to pay homage. The Shahdara Sharief in Rajouri district is a symbol of communal harmony. Baba Ghulam Shah, born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, made Shahdara his home and Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs visit the shrine to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the Pir. Ladakh, remote and isolated, has a fascinating barren landscape and attracts tourists keen to experience the stark atmosphere that forms the backdrop to the many monasteries and monastic festivals here.
The state has several diverse locations, which are enthralling, indeed. These include Srinagar, the land of Mughal gardens, enchanting houseboats and the summer capital; Pahalgam with its soaring mountains, icy glaciers and cascading streams, the base for the famous Amarnath yatra; Gulmarg with its pretty landscapes, highest golf course in the world and ski slopes that tempt the daring; Sonamarg the land of the golden meadows and religious Jammu- the winter capital. Buddhist populated Ladakh has its own special enduring charm with the isolated plateau of Leh, Kargil the second largest town of Ladakh, the enchanting Suru Valley and mountainous Zanskar.
To make your vacations truly memorable, Jammu and Kashmir offers you a number of adventure sports. The most popular tourist activities in Kashmir include whitewater rafting, fishing, skiing, hunting, backpacking, kayaking, bicycling, canoe trips, snow skiing, water skiing, camping, surfing, rock climbing, hiking, snow boarding trans-Himalayan jeep safaris and paragliding. Tourists can enjoy the ultimate white water rafting experience at reasonable prices. In India white water rafting activities is almost confined to the north Himalayan Rivers and Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most popular regions where rafting on a full scale takes place. Come to Jammu and Kashmir and enjoy a vacation that would be etched in your memory for life.
Eindian Vacations offers tour bookings, and vacation packages for Jammu and Kashmir, India. To book your tour, or for more information, please fill up the form below.
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