Kashmir, the northernmost component of India, is regarded as the crown from the nation. Nestled within the lap of the mighty Himalayan ranges, Kashmir is most rapturous and beautiful with lovely vales, waterfalls, gardens and snow clad peaks. Kashmir may be the essence of every thing which is Indian--its way of life, history, tradition, individuals, and organic splendor. The state has a long history encompassing about four,000 a long time and there are numerous prehistoric websites, which give indication of human settlement within this region in those occasions.
Climatic Conditions
Kashmir has erratic climatic circumstances. All about the state of Jammu & Kashmir the climate changes along with several geographical circumstances. Near the middle mountains winter is cold and lasts for a lengthy time.
The monsoon brings a lot of rain at this portion in the area. Inside the higher mountain regions about the valley, there is often a snow fall. Summer in Kashmir is mild and much shorter than winter. Altogether the climate of Kashmir is either very chilling or pleasant through out the year. In the valley of Kashmir, winter is chilling cold and lasts from November to March.
You can find strong wind, snowfall and rainfall during this period. Warmer weather starts inside the middle of March and lasts till the end of July, but at this period of the year there is a lot of rain leading to landslides.
Places to see
Srinagar
This capital city from the state could be the most famous tourist destination. An ancient city, there are many attractions that can attract even the most unwilling tourists to this magical land. Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are some from the best-known tourist spots here.
Jammu
The winter capital of the state, the city stands next in importance after Srinagar. Most of the tourists who come to the Jammu area have the close by Mata Vaishno Devi shrine as their destination. However, the spirit of holiness permeates through the entire city, so much so that Jammu is also known as the 'City of Temples'.
Temples
The Raghunath Temple Complex could be the largest temple in North India devoted to Lord Rama. The temple of Maha Kali (better known as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata), located within the Bahu Fort, is regarded as second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power. Other temples inside the city include the Gauri Kund Temple, Shudh Mahadev Temple, Shiva Temple, Peer Khoh Cave Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, and the Parmandal Temple Complex.
Kashmir Handicrafts
Papier Mache
You can find three different grades of Papier Mache work, although if looked at a glance all looks quite same. Some are actually cardboard or wood. The idea is to provide a cheaper product for someone who wants the look of Papier Mache at cheaper price.
To make a Papier Mache, first paper is soaked in water till it breaks apart. It is then crushed, mixed with an adhesive solution, shaped over moulds, and allowed to dry and set before being painted and given the final touch.
Copper and Silverware
Craftsmen are often seen engraving objects of household utility - samovars, bowls, plates and trays. Floral, stylized, geometric, leaf and sometimes calligraphic motifs are also engraved or embossed on copper and occasionally silver, to cover the entire surface with fine designs which are then oxidized, to stand out from the background. The work known as ‘naqashi’ and the weight with the object actuates the price of the object.
Basketry
Willows that grow in abundance in marshes and lakes in Kashmir are the raw materials to make aesthetically quaint items. The items generally made are shopping baskets, lampshades, tables and chairs, all generally inexpensive.
Carpet
Kashmiri carpets are very well known for their intricate and delicate piece of work. It might well be the single most extravagant purchase during your tour to Kashmir. Kashmiri carpets are world famous for two things - firstly, they are hand made and secondly, they are always knotted, never tufted. The yarn used normally is silk, wool or silk & wool.
Woollen carpets always have a cotton base (Warp & Weft), The carpets are woven with certain motifs in vibrant colours. The finest of Kashmiri carpets are available at major showrooms. The amiable blend of colours makes the Kashmiri carpet a most loved possession.The colour and the design details differentiate it from any other carpet.
How to reach
By Air
The Indian Airlines and some private domestic airlines connect Srinagar, Jammu, and Leh to the major metropolitan cities of India.
By Rail
A good rail network connects Jammu to different parts of India. The same cannot be said about the other cities. Difficult terrain and unreachable heights make it difficult to create rail infrastructure.
By Road
You can find national highways and a number of other roadways leading to the major cities and important towns. Manali to Leh and Srinagar to Leh highways are considered to be one of the most difficult within the world. Crossing these highways is a challenge that a lot of adventure travelers accept without hesitation.
