Kashmir

Kashmir was one of the most important centres of Buddhism in India. Kashmir retained a strong influence of Buddhism despite the influence of Kashmir Saivism and the various Sufi Orders of Islam. The Rishi Order emerged as the most dominant Sufi Order in Kashmir because of its assimilation of Buddhist practices. The founder of the Order, Nund Rishi or Sheikh Nooruddin Wali, is the patron saint of Kashmir. Nund Rishi wrote a poem in the praise of the Buddha and was considered to be the spiritual heir of Lal Ded, the Kashmiri Saivite saint. He also had differences with the Kubrawiyya Sufi Order which was brought to Kashmir by Syed Ali Hamdani in the fourteenth century.

Kashmir is derived from the Sanskrit "Kashyapa" + "Mira", which means the mountain range of sage Kashyapa. Srinagar, the ancient capital, lies alongside Dal Lake and is famous for its canals and houseboats. Srinagar (alt. 1,600 m. or 5,200 ft.) served as a favoured summer capital for many foreign conquerors who found the heat of the Northern Indian plains in the summer season to be oppressive. Just outside the city are the beautiful Shalimar, Nishat and Chashmashahi gardens created by Mughal emperors.

• Jammu

Jammu valley is one of the three major regions of Jammu and Kashmir. The capital of the state, also known as Jammu, is a famous pilgrimage destination for the devout, and one of the major tourist spots of Kashmir. Jammu city is also a rich cultural site, with temples and palaces dotting the cityscape. A visit to the chief tourist attractions of Jammu, like the Bawey Mata temple, and the magnificent Raghunath Mandir are a must on your Jammu tour itinerary.

• Srinagar

Srinagar is aptly named the "City of Lakes". With a mixed Hindu, Mughal and Sikh past, the city is an amalgamation of various cultural influences. Srinagar is one of the major tourist spots of Kashmir owing to its pleasant weather and many tourist attractions, which include the iconic Dal Lake, the Mughal Gardens and the Hazratbal Shrine.

• Gulmarg

Gulmarg's beauty pulls at the heartstrings, making your Kashmir tour itinerary incomplete without a visit to this spot of Paradise On Earth. Gulmarg has been popular with Emperors and shepherds, Sultans and farmers, alike for its grassy knolls and a profusion of wild flowers. The major tour attractions of Gulmarg include the world's highest golf course and ski resort.

• Pahalgam

Pahalgam is one of the most picturesque mountain resorts of Kashmir. The major tourist attractions of Pahalgam are the myriad trekking routes, the nature trails, the skiing resorts and the Pahalgam wildlife sanctuary.

Leh

Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is a popular, if unconventional, tourist spot of Kashmir. The cold desert surrounding the city is visited by scores of tourists looking for a place off the beaten path. Leh is a known as a center for Buddhist culture and religion, and the many monasteries, temples and Gomphas dotting the city is a testimony of the piety and religiosity of the people.

• Zanskar

Zanskar is a modern day Shangri La owing to its near inaccessibility. The mountain passes leading into Zanskar are open for only a few weeks in the summer months. But once there, the intrepid adventurer is amply rewarded for his or her pains. The breathtaking beauty of this city in the cold desert area of Ladakh, the Gomphas and Buddhist temples of Zanskar, are the major tour attractions of the city.

• Kargil

Kargil district lies to the West of Ladakh. The people of Kargil are chiefly agrarian, and have herded cattle and tended to crops for generations. The town of Kargil is the capital of Kargil district. It is famous as one of the transit points on the famous Silk Route of ancient Asia. The Suru River flows through the city, adding to its rugged charm.

• Patnitop

Patnitop is another unusual tourist spot of Kashmir. It is famous for its hill resorts, the fragrant pine forests and breathtaking beauty.

Air

Nearest Jammu airport is 8 km from the city centre. Indian Airlines operates scheduled from Jammu to Delhi- and Srinagar / Leh. Jet Airways also operates services between Jammu - Delhi and Jammu - Srinagar.

Rail

Jammu Tawi is an important railhead of the Northern Railways serving the Jammu and Kashmir state.

Road

Jammu falls on National Highway 1-A and is connected by National Highway network to all parts of the country.