Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India's fascinating
Northern most state is a wide cultural and geographical
contrast. It consists of three regions differing in
topography and culture - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
The region of Jammu includes the city of Jammu, situated
on the north Indian plains, a short distance from
the Shivalik Hills. North of the Shivaliks the rest
of the Jammu region is drained by the Chenab River
whose vast catchment area includes several narrow
valleys that extend deep into the high Himalayas.
The region of Jammu is predominantly Hindu, although
there are small Muslim communities. Jammu was the
stronghold of Hindu Dogra kings
and abounds with popular temples and secluded forest
retreats.
The
Kashmir Valley, north of Jammu, is fertile verdant
region enclosed by high snow-capped ridges of the
Pir Panjal range to the west and south and the main
Himalayan range to the
east. Its population is predominantly
Muslim with a rich Islamic history that can be traced
to the 14th century. The Mughal rulers were always
happy to retreat here from the heat of the plains. They developed their formal garden style art to its
greatest heights in Kashmir. The State's summer capital
Srinagar is located in this valley. Kashmir has been
involved in a political controversy ever since the
independence of India, with parts of it under the
occupation of Pakistan and China. In the last few
years, this has led to heightened tension, militancy
and disruption of peace in the region. One can only
hope that the problems will be solved by the respective
national governments and Kashmir will regains its
former glory
Places to Visit Jammu, Leh, Nubra Valley,
Rupsu Valley, Srinagar
Jammu & Kashmir Tour, Tour to Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir Tour Information, Visit Rupsu Valley, State in India, Travel to Jammu & Kashmir, Visit Leh, Jammu & Kashmir Tour in India, Jammu & Kashmir Srinagar, Indian Culture, Pilgrimage In India, Palaces in India
