Experience unmatched beauty when you experience Jammu and Kashmir!

When most tourist sites in India take your breath away… just imagine what a state that’s nicknamed ‘Paradise on Earth’ can do to you!! Jammu and Kashmir-a state that has it all – from sun-kissed mountains to lush green valleys, exotic orchards, green pastures, alpine forests, beautiful gardens and crystal clear lakes … sounds wonderful doesn’t it?

A true paradise of nature lovers, here are some breathtaking tourist spots that just can’t help but leave you mesmerized!

Also called the ‘City of Lakes’, Srinagar is the capital of this paradisical state and one of the main tourist attractions. A picture perfect destination, it is most known for its breathtaking Dal Lake and Nagin lake that are surrounded by imposing mountains giving it that perfect look.The boathouses and the aquatic sports such as kayaking, water surfing, canoeing, and angling add to the excitement of tourists visiting the city. Srinagar is also known for some of the most beautiful gardens found in India and its fruit orchards, and must visit attractions here include the Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh, Garden of Char Minar, Harwan Gardens and Chashma Shahi.

Other attractions here include the Pari Mahal a historic monument, near the beautiful Chashma Shahi Gardens, the Hari Parbhat Fort built during the 18^thcentury, which is home to two beautiful darwazas (gateways) the Kathi Darwaza and the Sangin Darwaza).

Other attractions include the Shankaracharya temple, Sharika Devi Temple, Dastgir Sahib Shrine, Jama Masjid, Hazratbal Mosque, Pathar Masjid and more.

Literally translating to the ’Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg known for its beautiful meadows of flowers is often referred to as the pride of Jammu and Kashmir. While must visits here include Khilanmarg, Apharwat Peak, Alpather Lake and shrine of Baba Reshmi, Gulmarg is a haven for adventure sports lovers with loads to choose from, be it skiing, wildlife expeditions, mountaineering, or more.

At an altitude of 2730 meters, Sonamarg or ‘Golden Meadows’ is often referred to as a mini Kashmir and is blessed with  dazzling lakes, snowed capped mountains and striking streams. Noted for its exquisite beauty, tourists can enjoy some breathtaking trekking trails from here to many scenic locales such as Vishansar, Satsar, Gadsar, and Amarnath.

Some important attractions here include Baltal and Yushmarg with its beautiful landscapes make wonderful picnic areas, Nilagrad for its waters which are believed to have healing powers, and the picturesque Bisansar and Krishnasar Lakes.

Around 95 km from Srinagar, Pahalgam lies in the lovely Lidder valley and is not only known for its scenic beauty but also adventure sports such as rock climbing, trekking and skiing. The main attractions in these regions include the famous Amarnath Caves, known to be one of the holiest Hindu pilgrim centres visited by tens of thousands of devotees every year, for its natural ice Shivaling. While Saisaran is blessed with some of Mother Nature’s choicest gifts, one can find the picturesque Tulian lake, amidst pine forests and snow capped mountains, while Chandanwari is known for its snow bridge.

At an altitude ranging from 2750 – 3550 meters, the mountainous region of Ladakh is blessed with some of the most breathtaking landscapes. Guarded by the Himalayan and the Karakoram Range, Ladakh offers an amazing array of tourist sites which include Kargil, Suru valley, Sankoo, Padum. Sani, Zongkul, Zangla, Drass and Stongdev. It’s exciting trekking trails have also made it a hit amongst sports freaks with trekking trails such as the Nubra Valley, Chadar ice trek, Indus Valley, Markhs Valley and the Great salt lakes of Changtang, Spiti to Ladakh, etc being all time favorites.

A part of the mesmerizing Ladakh region, Leh is known not just for its exotic natural beauty but also for some interesting places of interest making it popular with tourists heading this way. From monasteries such as the Hemis Monastery, Likir Monastery, Phyang Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery to other attractions like the Old Castle at Tsemo Hill, rock cut sculpture at Mulbekh, sculpture at Drass, Leh Palace and Shey Palace, Leh is a destination that provides tourists with plenty of opportunity for sightseeing.

However there’s no arguing that the best time to enjoy Leh is during one of its vibrant festivals celebrated here like Ladakh Festival, Buddha Mahotsava Festival and Sindhu Darshan Festival.

While the destinations mentioned above are the main attractions of the state, others include the famous Nubra Valley also called the “Valley of Flowers”. Situated in close proximity to the famous Siachen Glacier; it is one of Ladakh’s famous tourist spots for this magnificent valley is filled with natural beauty.

Katra is another important town as it serves as the base camp for those heading to the sacred Vaishno Devi shrine, a pilgrim site highly revered by Hindus.

Another destination of importance for Hindus is Mantalai, as according to Indian mythology this is the area Lord Shiva was united in marriage to Goddess Parvati. The ancient Sudh Mahadev Temple said to be over 2800 years old is one known to attract its share of devotees especially during the full moon night in the month of August. Also of religious importance is the Gauri Kund Spring; it is considered sacred by devotees as it is believed to be the place Goddess Parvati would bathe before offering her prayers to the Lord.

If adventure is what you seek then Sanasar is the place for you! Known not just for its beauty but also for some interesting activities such as trekking, paragliding, parasailing, hot air ballooning, and more, this is the right place to explore your adventurous side!

Surrounded by thick forested hills, that are reflected in its crystal waters, the Sruinsar Lake is one that can’t help but take your breath away. Adding to the beauty here is the Sruinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to a wide species of birds and animals.

Akhoor is a town of historical importance; the Amar Mahal Palace Museum is one of the main attractions of this place. Constructed in red sand stone, this majestic monument that once served as the residence of Raja Amar Singh is home to a brilliant golden throne that has been preserved here.

Another palace of importance here is the Mubarak Mandi Palace built in 1824.It is one of the oldest structures here and is an amalgamation of European Baroque, Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Of importance is the beautiful Sheesh Mahal the residence of the Dogra king and the Dogra Art Museum that houses nearly 800 paintings of different styles.

Other attractions here include Jhajjar Kotli, Harwan, and several other religious sites and places of worhip.

A State filled with some marvelous attractions, Jammu and Kashmir is known not just for its spectacular beauty but also for some interesting adventure sports, religious sites and exotic wildlife.

Looking to carry back a bit of your magical holiday? From Kashmiri shawls to carpets, papier mache, to walnuts or walnut wood items, saffron and more, the State spoils you with the choices available!

And while the tensions between India and Pakistan over the land have led this state to have its share of problems, when it comes to unmatched natural beauty Jammu and Kashmir still remains an undisputed wonderland for tourists!

The festivals of Ladakh!

It’s that time of the year when this barren landscape also known as ‘little Tibet’ comes alive with a riot of colours and welcomes its tourists! Come summers and Ladakh magically transforms into one of India’s most exquisite destinations, one that’s known for its awesome trekking routes, mountain climbing, river rafting or as the poet advised ‘just to stand and stare’  at all the beauty around!

Making your trip to this exquisite land covered in mystery, more memorable, is the 2 days Hemis Festival which falls on the 10th day (Tse-Chu) of the Tibetan lunar month, and is held at the largest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh – the Hemis Gompa. The monastery is home to over 500 monks who are more than enthusiastic to welcome tourists and devotees visiting this spiritual destination. The Lamas called ‘Chhams’ are all set to amaze tourists with their masked dance performances.

A cultural extravaganza, it is a mixture of art and culture set against the magnificent backdrop of the Himalayas, commemorating the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, known by many as the second Buddha who was responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Tibetan world.

According to legends as Guru Padmasambhava fought fiends for the well being of the locals, this festival is associated with the triumph of good over evil and is replicated in the various cultural programmes held during the festival.

From plays to colourful masked dance performances accompanied to the beating of drums, long horns and cymbals, this festival organized by the head lama, is also an occasion for prayers and the display of the religious painting, the aged-old thangka,  which is just one of the most treasured items housed at the Gompa. Exquisitely embroidered with pearls and semi-precious stones, this two-storey high ‘Tangka’ depicting a portrait of Guru Padmasambhava, is displayed to the public once every twelve years and one has to be lucky to catch a glimpse of the same.

At the end of the festival, an idol made of dough is destroyed and the pieces scattered in all four directions by the leader of the black hat dancers. This gala occasion calls for locals to come dressed in their finest attire. Adding to the entertainment is the colourful fair where tourists can pick up some exquisite handicrafts exclusive to this region.

Besides the Hemis Monastary founded in the 17th century by Stagsang Raschegn, known to house many valuable monuments, other interesting monasteries here include the Thiksey monastery, a monastery that consists of nearly 12 levels alongside a hill. Besides housing a 15 meters tall statue of the Buddha, one can also find some sacred Kangyur and Stangyur texts here.

The Spituk monastery founded in the 11^th century is another must visit and is known for its Spituk festival held annually. Founded in 15th century, the Phyang Monastary is also called Tashi Chosang, and is known for the festival of Gang-Sgnon Tsedub.

Known as Klu-Kkhjil (water spirits), the Lekir monastery, a 14^th century monastery was founded by Lama Dhwang Chosje a great champion of meditation. Like other monasteries here, this monastery too is known for its Lekir festival.

Other monasteries attracting tourists include the Lamayuru monastery the oldest monastery here founded in the 10th century, the Alchi Choskor the only monastery in Ladakh to be situated on flat ground and the Rizong Monastery.

A place where every occasion is celebrated with great pomp with monks whole heartedly participating in the same, some festivals worth mentioning here apart from the Hemis Festival are the Thiksey, Spituk, Karsha and the Dosmochey festival celebrated at the beginning and ending of the Tibetan New Year in Leh (Leh Palace), Liker (Lower Ladakh) and Deskit (Nubra valley) monasteries to celebrate the victory over evil. Another festival involving mask dances performances is the Stok Gruru Tsechu celebrated by the monks of Stok and Spituk monasteries.

While this year the Hemis festival falls in July, other festivals that are also celebrated around the same time (July / August) include the Phyang Tsedup, the Yuru Kabgyat.

Following The Losar (New Year) celebrations, is Galdan Namchot, the birth anniversary of Tsogkha pa who started the Gelukpa School of order. This celebration lasts for over a month, and locals enthusiastically participate by decorating their houses, and images of Ibex are made as auspicious symbols.

What makes the Matho Nagrang unique is the emergence of the two prophets after a month long meditation in total isolation. Not only do they participate in the festivities and dances but also predict the future of people and events.

While most of the festivals here include driving out evils, the Ladakh festival that takes place in September annually also adds a bit of adventure to the festival with games such as Archery and Polo.

A destination where festivals are enthusiastically participated by locals, also worth mentioning are the festivals of Lamayuru, which takes place in July, Phiyang takes place in July-August, Sindhu Darshan (Visit Indus) Festival, and the Tak-thok festival.

While festivals are a main attraction here and one will come across plenty of them, other activities include rafting down the mighty Indus River, mountaineering, paragliding, trekking, archery and even skiing. For those who have adventure and sports in mind and are on the lookout for a perfect getaway Ladakh might just be what you need!