| The utter loveliness and sumptuousness
of the Kashmir Valley cannot be captured in
plain words. Set at the base of the overwhelming
Himalayas, with the wonderful Jhelum River
winding all the way through it, this territory
of unrefined natural radiance has enticed
populace from all over the globe for centuries.
Fittingly referred to as heaven, Kashmir has
been ruled by King Ashoka, the Kushanas, Gonondas,
Guptas, Karkotas, Mughals, Afghans, Sikhs,
and at last by the Dogras in the 19th century.
Despite all these invasions, the Kashmiris
have retained their traditions and innate
simplicity. The main portion of the inhabitants
is Muslim, followed by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists
and Christians.
Kashmir is a terrain interlaced by many
Lakes and Rivers, every one enthralling
in its own way. The Jhelum or Vitasta, as
it was called, is not only the bloodline,
as it was, of the state, but also poses
as the unearthly stimulation for numerous
songs, legends, and poems. The other prominent
lakes include the Manasbal Lake, the Liddar
River, the famous Dal Lake, Nagin Lake and
the Wular Lake, the biggest in the state.
Shalimar, Nasim Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and the
well-known Chashmi - e - Shahi are a few
of the enjoyable gardens that are set up
here.
Apart from its being the land of towering
snow-clad mountains, dazzling waterfalls,
shikaras (water taxis), imposing Chinnar
trees, and enormous fields of vivacious
flowers, Kashmir is also famous for its
exclusive handicrafts - paper-machetes,
woodwork, stone jewellery, fine Pashmina
and Shahtush shawls, carpet weaving and
silverware. The arts and crafts of this
area are more than 500 years old, and carry
a distinctive Persian impression.
The valley is scattered with quite a few
mosques and temples, built in varied architectural
styles. Hazrat-Bal Mosque; the most sanctified
of all Muslim shrines, Avantipur temples,
Amarnath Caves, Shankaracharya temple, Martand
Temple all add to the scenic appeal of Kashmir.
Places to explore in J&K…
1. Jammu
2. Kashmir
3. Leh & Ladakh
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