WHY JAMMU & KASHMIR KNOWN AS "THE PARADISE ON EARTH"?

  Jammu & Kashmir is famous as paradise on earth and the top most tourist destination of India. It is the northern most state of India a...

 Jammu & Kashmir is famous as paradise on earth and the top most tourist destination of India. It is the northern most state of India and its greater part is situated in the Himalayan Mountains. Mughal Emperor Jahangir said Kashmir: The Paradise On Earth when he visit Kashmir in the 17th century.

Kashmir Valley is famous for the landscapes, Himalayas, nature, snow, greenery and cuisines. Its beauty is compared to the heaven. The great poet Amir Khusrau's Quote, "Agar firdaus bar-rue zameen ast, hami asto, hami ast.” Means, “if there is ever heaven on earth it’s here, it’s here, it’s here.

Jammu & Kashmir is famous for its beautiful destinations, food, culture and festivals. So lets start exploring everything and feel the beauty of Jammu & Kashmir and know why it is known as "The Crown of India."

- DESTINATIONS OF JAMMU & KASHMIR:

1. Srinagar :

Srinagar is a panoramic beautiful city and summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. During winter it is all covered with snow which attract the tourists very much whereas in summers it is become picturesque when flowers blossoms everywhere in valley, snow melts and and the roof-tops of the houses are turned into the flower gardens.

In Srinagar, Houseboats are very famous. the beautiful architecture like floating hotels in the water. the popular lakes in Srinagar are Dal lake and Nagin lake where you can stay in houseboats and enjoy the SHIKARA ride in Dal lake.

2. Gulmarg :

Gulmarg is one of the popular destination in Kashmir and also the most visited place by the tourists. Here you can see the snow throughout the year. Gulmarg is quite popular for its Gondola Ride (Cable Car Ride). It is one the best place to enjoy the Skiing and Golfing.

3. Amarnath Cave :

It is one the holiest and toughest pilgrimage journey in India which opens only one in a year from May till August. This holy journey is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This journey goes through some very beautiful places like Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Sheshnag Lake, Baltal, Ganesh Top, Chandanbari etc. In Amarnath Cave pilgrims pray their homage to Lord Shiva in the form of naturally ice made Shiva Lingam.

There are so many places and destinations in Jammu and Kashmir left. When you go there, you find that why Jammu and Kashmir known as "The Paradise On Earth".

-POPULAR FOOD OF JAMMU & KASHMIR:

1. Rogan Josh :

Rogan Josh, a traditional lamb dish is one of the signature recipes of Kashmiri cuisine. Mughals introduced this dish. Robust with the flavours of browned onions, various spices of yoghurt. It is very healthy and fat free dish. Try this with rice and naan.

2. Dum Olav :

While most the J&K dishes are non-veg, there is something very special prepared with potatoes with pure veggies. Dum Aloo or Dum Olav is the most famous Kashmiri food.

3. Kashmiri Muji Gaad :

It is a dish made up of fish prepared generally with radish or Nadur. This dish is the combination of veg and the non-veg items as the taste of fish and lotus stem blend together to give it a unique taste.

4. Kachaloo Chaat :

It is the famous street food of Jammu. It is made up of taro roots and prepared with potatoes. This snack offers a combined taste of lemon, red chilly flakes and tamarind in the best way possible./Must try it when you visit Jammu. 

The more you explore the more you find the variety of food in Jammu and Kashmir.

- FESTIVALS OF JAMMU & KASHMIR:

1. Tulip Festival :

Kashmir is full of Tulip gardens and the festivals is celebrated every year which seek the attention of the tourists all over the world. The celebration take place in Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden in Srinagar where you can see the variety of handicrafts, luscious cuisine, and a few cultural programs.

2. Hemis Festival :

The ceremony is celebrated at Hemis Gompa which is the largest and the richest monastery in Kashmir. This day is celebrated to remember the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava and the government announced the holiday on this day. 

3. Shikara Festival :

It is the latest added rituals in the list of Kashmir. On this day Shikaras are painted beautifully and decorated with flowers. The main reason to celebrate this festival is to promote the tourism and it is celebrated every year in the month of July to August.

4. Navratri Festival :

This festival is celebrated in the month of September and October to the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi undertaken during the Navratras is considered the most auspicious. The yatra is open throughout the year. The festival brings to the forefront the culture and the traditions of the region as witnessed by the millions of pilgrims who visit the Vaishno Devi Shrine during this festival.

All in all, the festivals in Jammu and Kashmir are the time that one should be there to witness the grand celebrations and feel the joy. With all these measures you will know that why Jammu and Kashmir called "The Paradise On Earth".