Jammu and Kashmir, the North Indian state, is a paradise for tourists. Situated on the top most part of the country, Jammu and Kashmir is set like a jewelled crown on the map of India. The majestic Himalayan Mountain in Jammu and Kashmir, represent the awe-inspiring supremacy, beauty, and opulence of Nature. The lush green valleys of this state are a rare spectacle to behold. The beautiful gardens built by the Mughals are a major attraction of Jammu and Kashmir. When one is in this state, he or she cannot afford to miss the picturesque lakes and the house boat. These are considered as the most interesting aspect of Jammu and Kashmir tourism. Due to its striking geographical locations, adventure sports are a big rage here. The state has a lot to offer for the pilgrimage tourists too. There are numerous towering temples in Jammu and Kashmir which are visited by religious pilgrims from all across the country.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is a home to several sacred places of worship. There are many lofty temples, which attract a large number of Hindu pilgrims. The sacred cave shrine of Vaishno Devi, in Jammu and Kashmir, is flooded with devotees almost all throughout the year. A pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi mandir is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimages. In the cave there are images of three deities, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, and Mahalakshmi. The Amarnath cave, located on the mount Amarnath, is another holy place for the Hindus. In the month of Shravan, on the full moon in August, thousands of Hindu religious devotees go on a pilgrimage up to the cave. The Mahakali temple at Jammu, in Jammu and Kashmir, is considered second to the Vaishno Devi in respect to spiritual power. The Khir Bhawani temple, in Srinagar, is a very important Hindu Shrine. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Ragnya Devi. The Khir Bhawani temple is visited by Hindus in large numbers to offer prayers to seek the blessings of the deity. Charar-e-Sharif in Jammu and Kashmir is the mausoleum of Shaikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, and is a holy place for the Muslim devotees. This shrine draws people from all division of life to seek his blessings and favour. The most important Gurudwara in Jammu and Kashmir is Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara, situated near the Kathi Darwaza, Srinagar, which is held in great awe and reverence by devotees of all faiths especially the Sikhs.

Nature Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
The beautiful natural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir makes it one of the most coveted destinations in India. The outstanding beauty of the Himalayan Mountain range attracts tourists from all over the world. Himalaya, the world`s largest mountain range, which also features the highest mountain peak of the world, can be clearly viewed from the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Valleys in Jammu and Kashmir are an indispensable part of its tourism. The natural splendour of the Kashmir valley is bound to mesmerise the visitors. The Puga valley of Jammu and Kashmir is renowned for its borax and sulphur deposits and hot water springs. This valley is a major crowd pull. The Suru Valley forms the foundation of the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a fertile valley and a much visited destination of Jammu and Kashmir. The Nubra valley of Jammu and Kashmir, portrays some characteristics which are not seen any where else in the Himalayan valleys. The exquisite water bodies of Jammu and Kashmir enhance the beauty of the state. These water bodies are of great environmental and socio-economic implication. The most well-known of these are Dal Lake and Nagin Lake of Srinagar with their multi-faceted eco system and magnificence. National and international tourists horde to the place fascinated by the awe-inspiring beauty of the places. The Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is a jewel in its crown. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in India. The house boats in the lakes in Jammu and Kashmir, offer an opportunity for the tourists to spend quality time in the environment of peace and serenity. The Nagin Lake, which lies east to the capital city of Srinagar, is another major attraction of Jammu and Kashmir. Shikaras are provided for the tourists, a ride in which will be a different experience altogether. The scenic gardens of Jammu and Kashmir are an integral part of its tourism. Built by the Mughals, these gardens are well planned and vast and are a home to a variety of flora and fauna. The Shalimar garden, which was once reserved for the royal ladies, houses innumerable varieties of flowers, which are in full bloom during spring and autumn. The Nishat garden, on the bank of Dal Lake, is a nature lover`s delight. The Garden has a beautiful water canal flowing right through its middle. It is a favourite picnic spot for the local tourists.

Adventure Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is an ideal place for adventure and sports tourism. The most popular tourist activities in Kashmir include camping, surfing, whitewater rafting, backpacking, kayaking, bicycling, canoe trips, snow skiing, fishing, skiing, hunting, water skiing, rock climbing, hiking, snow boarding trans-Himalayan jeep safaris and paragliding. Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir has one of the world`s highest green golf courses, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For the would-be golfer, there are golf sets on hire, pros to coach one in the game, and provisional memberships. A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and requires technically skilled participants and careful organisation. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs. Trekking possibilities include short, daylong walks up and down mountain slopes to visit isolated villages or monastic settlements, or across a ridge to enjoy the sheer beauty of the lunar mountains cape. Long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness can be quite thrilling experience. For example, the trek from Lamayuru in the Indus valley to Darcha in Lahaul across Zanskar takes nearly three weeks. Most of the established routes traverse the Zanskar range, which separates the Indus valley from Zanskar. Jammu and Kashmir Tourism has introduced Paragliding at Sanasar and Jammu. Equipment can be hired from the tourist office in Jammu city. May, June, September and October are suitable months for paragliding at Sanasar which is situated 19-km from Patnitop with a good approachable road and transport links. One can reach Sanasar from Jammu via Kud and Patnitop by bus or taxi. Fishing is big commerce in Jammu and Kashmir through spring and summer. The British pioneered the brown and rainbow trout to the streams of Kashmir, where they have thrived. At the same time they introduced the system of anglers reserving ` beats` on their favourite river. Reservations for beats should be made before one arrives in Jammu and Kashmir, through an Indian Government Tourist Office or directly to the Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar.

Leisure Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir has a number of monuments which are of prime historical importance. The Hari Parbat fort of Jammu and Kashmir was built in the 18th century and is a much visited site of the state. The Baghe Bahu fort in Jammu is the oldest structure built almost three thousand years ago by Raja Bahulochan but restored by Dogra Kings. Situated on the bank of Tawi River, this fort still astounds its visitors with its beauty and grandeur. Beautiful gardens and waterfalls enhance the exquisiteness of this fort. Palaces in Jammu and Kashmir also have a great historical significance. Numerous palaces were built in the land of Jammu and Kashmir, but at present only a few survives. The Amar Mahal palace in Jammu and Ram Nagar Palace in Udhampur are the most well-known palaces of the state. Situated on the luxuriant green hills Amar Mahal palace was the housing palace of the Dogra rulers in Kashmir and an embodiment of royalty. This palace also houses a museum which the tourists will find pretty interesting. Ram Nagar Palace has the famous Sheesh Mahal palace, Darbal hall and Rang Mahal. The walls of the halls are richly ornamented and are quite appealing to the onlookers. The monuments in the state of Jammu and Kashmir are noteworthy for its architectural extravaganza. Jammu and Kashmir is a haven for the tourists who want to make a trip to hill stations. The stupendous heights and the appealing climate of the hill stations are bound to enthrall the tourists. The Sonamarg hill station in Jammu and Kashmir is a paradise for tourists and one of the most popular destinations in India. The Patnitop hill station is a tourist’s favourite. This hill station is surrounded by dense forest and luxuriant green Pines. The Srinagar hill station has captivated its tourist with its fascinating Himalayan backdrop, scenic gardens and glittering lakes.

Visiting information on Jammu and Kashmir

How to reach Jammu and Kashmir
Travelling to Jammu and Kashmir is quite easy and the place is accessible by air, railways and roadways.

By Air
Airport of Jammu and Kashmir is located in the city of Jammu. Airlines from Jammu are well linked with most of the important cities of India, such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. All major airlines like the Indian airlines and the Jet airways operate their flights to Jammu on a regular basis.

By Rail
The most vital railway station in the whole state of Jammu and Kashmir is that of Jammu and is known as Jammu Tawi station. The station is well connected with almost all the key cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

By Road
The road network system of Jammu and Kashmir is excellent and connects the state with all major cities like Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Shimla, etc.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most vibrant shopping destinations of India. The arts and crafts are the most shopped stuffs in the state. The traditional clothes are also very well-liked among travellers. The Papier Mache objects are exclusive of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Made of paper and card board, these objects are a must buy among the visitors. Items available in this material are souvenirs like pen stand, wall hangings, table lamps, fancy glasses and other decorative. Wooden items made of walnut wood are a great favourite among the tourists. Jewellery boxes, pen stands, table lamps, portraits, and numerable showpieces made of this wood, are obtainable in the markets of Jammu and Kashmir. The Pashmina shawls are a main attraction of this state. Silk sarees is the other item that is famous for its quality and sophistication. The best time to visit Kashmir is during the months of March to October. The weather during this time is at its best. There are excellent accommodation facilities for the tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. Both luxury and budget hotels are available here which provide comfortable rooms for its guests that are supplied with every modern day comfort.