Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath which has had a significant impact on the state's economy.
[2] Gulmarg, one of the most popular ski resort destinations in India, is also home to the world's highest green golf course.
The region is predominantly located in the Himalayan mountains, offering picturesque vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and serene lakes.
Kupwara, often referred to as "Kashmir's Switzerland," features scenic spots like Lolab Valley, Rishipathri Lake, and lush forests, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
North Kashmir's combination of natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and cultural significance makes it a popular destination for travelers.
Between the green hills, streams, and meadows lie a valley in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara where the cattle run wild, birds sing lullabies through the day.
It consists of a linear elliptical bowl aligned along the east–west axis and is surrounded by Rajwar and Mawar in the east, Shamasbury and Dajlungun Mountains in the west and Chowkibal and Karnah Guli in the north.
Its high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions were a huge obstacle but the administration has materialized this project in a short span of time.
The Kupwara District Administration and Tourism Department organized a two-day Bangus Mela earlier this year in August.
[citation needed] The Lolab Bangus Drang yari Development Authority (LRDDA) installed night-stay tents for tourists.
The meadows and slopes of Bungus are enveloped in flowers and medicinal plants such as Macrotima Benthami (gew zaban), Saussurea Sacra (Jugi pedshah), and Aconitum Heterophylleum (patrees).
[citation needed] The fauna in Bungus includes musk deer, antelope, snow leopards, brown and black bears, monkeys, and red foxes.
The bird species include pheasants, tragopan, black partridge, bush quail, and wildfowl.
the valley was not an easy destination due to its proximity to the LoC (5 km) but the reinstallation of better security systems after the abrogation of Article 370, has helped to increase the faith of explorers who earlier did not find it safe to visit.
Beyond the Sadhna top lies the Karnah valley along the river Kishan-Ganga and at the edge of it is the last village of North-West Kashmir, Tithwal.
In the olden days, Tithwal was the trading hub where hundreds of shops lined up selling ghee, honey and walnut kernels.
To immerse fully into the surroundings, the Forest Department of J&K, like at many other places, have built Kail and Deodar huts.
One of the most noted monuments documented by many archaeologists, historians and architects is the Datta Mandir located at Banihal near Uri.
[citation needed] To reach Detha Mandir one has to head Southwest on Airport Road, make a U-turn to hit NH1and drive for 3.8 km followed by a slight left onto NH1.
According to local history, a faqir named Balol and his disciples met Guru Sahib near Kalampura village.
In the last years of 19th century, a plate form (Thara) 20 x 25 ft. was constructed by S. Matwal Singh Sahni and other Gur Sikhs.
To reach Gurudwara Thara Sahib one has to Head Southwest on Airport Road, make a U-turn to hit NH1and drive for 3.8 km followed by a slight left onto NH1.
Continue straight for 32 km passing Zehra Crossing and then turn left onto Singhpora-Delina Road.
Baltal, 15 km east of Sonamarg, is a valley that lies at the foot of the Zoji La pass.
Verinag Spring and Mughal Arcade surrounding it is officially recognized by Archaeological Survey of India as a Monument of National Importance.
[31] Gurez, or Gurais[32] (Guráai in the local Shina language),[33] located in the Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Due to heavy snowfall (around 2 metres (7 ft)) and closure of Razdan Pass in winter, the valley remains cut off for six months of the year.
[44][45] As is the custom with Hindu deities, the goddess has many names including Ragnya or Rajna,[c] along with variations in honorifics such as Devi, Mata or Bhagavati.
The major tourist attractions in this region are; [53] The primary methods of transport in Jammu and Kashmir are by road and air.
Jammu and Kashmir has a 119 km (74 mi) long modern railway line that started in October 2009 and connects Baramulla in the western part of the valley to Srinagar and Qazigund.
