*Valley of Kashmir*
Destination daring (the fast travel blog)
Date of publishing
✍️ Kamal Jeet Kaur Taur
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| Breathtaking veiws of beautiful Valley of Kashmir |
Introductions
hello friends, Friends, today in this article I am going to give you detailed information about (Vally of Kashmir) Jammu and Kashmir (which is called heaven on earth). I am going to make you aware of its captivating beauty, its ancient history, its geographical structure, climate etc. Along with this, I will also tell you about the tourist places here, pilgrimage places, accommodation arrangements here, etc. I hope that you will definitely like this information. If you are planning to visit Jammu and Kashmir, then this information will be very useful for you. Please read this article till the end.
History of Jammu and Kashmir.
In 1947, India became independent from the British rule, but at the time of independence, India was divided into two parts in at the name of religion and a large area of India was made Pakistan, at the same time the army of Pakistan, along with the tribesmen, captured a large part of India. Occupied the territory, this territory was none other than Jammu and Kashmir was a big part of India, Indian soldiers would not accept this illegitimate occupation They were giving a befitting reply to the nefarious army of Pakistan and were trying hard to free Kashmir from Pakistani occupation, but then, mediating in the middle, the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru declared a unilateral ceasefire, that is why there was a The Line of Control was drawn and since then Kashmir has remained a disputed area, since then till today there is a desire to end the Kashmir dispute in India-Pakistan. Not taking the name and since then half of Kashmir is occupied by Pakistan. It is generally said that India has occupied Kashmir, but the truth is that half of Kashmir is illegally occupied by Pakistan.
This northern state of India is divided into three parts. Ladakh Jammu and Kashmir. It was given the status of a state, because these three areas were the means of the same king, they were named as Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh was considered a part of Jammu. Put Earlier, Hindu rulers used to rule in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, after that the Mughal rule was established here and remained under the Muslim Sultans and became a part of the Mughal Sultanate during the time of Emperor Akbar, after that in 1819, the Sikh community of Punjab took over the charge of this state. After this the Union was handed over to Maharaja Gulab Singh by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1846.
Ancient of Kashmir History.
The old name of Kashmir was the Capcian Sea. It is believed that in ancient times there was a famous sage Kashyap, after whom Kashmir got its name. Rishi Kashyap had made Kashmir the kingdom of his dreams and his wife Kadru gave birth to the Naga dynasty Vasuki Takshak Sheshnag Karkotak Mahapadma Shankha Padma and Kulik Nag were the descendants of Rishi Kashyap Caption The rule of the descendants of Rishi Kashyap from Sagar to Kashmir In the remote valleys of the Himalayas, Shiv gana used to rule around Mount Kailash. And there Prajapati King Daksha also had an empire Artifact's of the Gupta period Maurya The history of Kashmir can be traced through the remains of dynasty Maurya, Kushan and Harappan culture and mention of Jammu is also found in Mahabharata.
According to the story of Neelam Purana, in ancient times, the Kashmir Valley was a huge lake, sage Kashyap had extracted its water from his Tapobal and made it a beautiful picturesque natural place to live, since then it emerged as the Kashmir Valley.
Kashyap Rishi had made Kashmir the kingdom of his dreams and from the womb of his wife Kadru, Naga dynasty was born. Vasuki, Takshak, Sheshnag, Karkotaka, Mahapadma, Shankh, Padma and Kulik Nag were the descendants of Kashyap Rishi Kashyap ruled from Kaptan Sagar to Kashmir. In the remote valleys of Himalayas, Shiva Gan ruled around Mount Kailash. And Prajapati King Daksha also had his empire there. The history of Kashmir is revealed through the artifact's of the Gupta period, the remains of Maurya dynasty, Maurya, Kushan and Harappa culture and Jammu is also mentioned in the Mahabharata.
According to the story of M Neelam Purana, in ancient times, Kashmir valley was a very big lake. Rishi Kashyap, by his penance, extracted its water and made it a very beautiful and picturesque natural place suitable for living. Since then, it has emerged as Kashmir valley
This is how the valley of Kashmir came into existence. However, according to geologists, the water of the lake drained out due to the collapse of the mountains at Khadiya yar, Baramulla and thus Kashmir became habitable. Rajatarangini is an authentic document of the ancient dynasties and kings of Kashmir from King Gonanda of 1184 BC to King Vijay Simha (1129 AD).
History of Kashmir:
In the 3rd century BC, the great emperor Ashoka spread Buddhism in Kashmir. Later, Kanishka ruled over it. During Kanishka's time, the fourth Buddhist Mahasagoriy of the Sarvastivada tradition was organized in Srinagar's Kundal Van Vihar under the chairmanship of the famous Buddhist scholar Vasu Mitra. In the beginning of the 6th century, Kashmir was captured by the Huns. In 530 AD, the Kashmir valley was an independent state. After this, it was ruled by the kings of the Ujjain Empire. There was a time when Ujjain used to be the capital of undivided India. After the fall of the Vikramaditya dynasty, local rulers started ruling Kashmir. A mixed form of Hindu and Buddhist cultures developed there. A unique kind of Shaiv philosophy developed in Kashmir in the sixth century. Vasu Gupta's compilation of sayings 'Spenda karika' is considered its first authentic text. The first and most prominent name among the Shaivite kings is that of Mihir kul who belonged to the Hun dynasty.
After the Hun dynasty, the rule of Gonanda II and Karkota Naga dynasty came whose king Lalit Aditya Mukta pida is included among the greatest kings of Kashmir. Among the Hindu kings of Kashmir, Lalit Aditya (697 to 738 AD) was the most famous king whose kingdom extended up to Bengal in the east, Konkan in the south, Turkistana in the north-west and Tibet in the north-east.
The next name in this sequence is Avantivarman of the Utpal dynasty who came to power in 855 AD, whose reign was a period of happiness and prosperity for Kashmir. During his 28-year reign, temples etc. were constructed on a large scale. Kashmir also has a long tradition of litterateurs and Sanskrit scholars. Famous grammarians Ramnat, Muktamanay, Shiva Swami and poets Anand vardhan and Ratnakar were members of Avanti Batman's court. There has been a long tradition of Sanskrit scholars, poets and commentators like Bhim Bhatt, Damodar Gupta in the seventh century, Ksheer Swami, Ratnakar, Vallabh Dev in the eighth century, Mannat, Kshemendra, Somdev in the ninth century, Milhan, Jayadratha of the tenth century and Kalhan of the eleventh century. After Avanti Batman's death, the period of decline of Hindu kings began.
During the reign of the then king Sahadev, the Mongol invader Dulucha attacked. Dulucha destroyed towns and villages and massacred thousands of Hindus. Many Hindus were forcibly converted to Islam. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Rinchen, a Buddhist from Tibet, converted to Islam and took over the throne of Kashmir with the help of his friend and Sahadev's commander Ramchandra's daughter Korani. Thus he became the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir (not Jammu or Ladakh).
It happened. In 1846, Ranjit Singh handed over the Jammu region to Maharaja Gulab Singh. Let's know the geography and history of all these three parts.
Introduction of Kashmir:
The area of Jammu division ends in the Pir Panjal mountain range. On the other side of this mountain is Kashmir. The area of Kashmir is about 16,000 square km. Its 10 districts are Srinagar, Budgam, Kulgam, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kupwara, Baramulla, Shopian, Ganderbal, Bandipora. Here Sunni, Shia, Bahawdi, Ahmadiya Muslims along with Hindus, most of whom are Gujjars, Rajputs and Brahmins live. The effect of terrorism is limited to Kashmiri speaking Sunni Muslims of Kashmir valley.
As soon as we mention Jammu and Kashmir, the image of a place emerges in our mind, where there are high mountains, deodar trees, beautiful valleys and the beautiful valleys that touch our heart. Come, today we will take you on a tour of the beautiful valleys of Jammu and Kashmir...
Book Hotels in Kashmir Valley 🏔️
Gulmarg
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| Enjoy skating over the snow |
Gulmarg is a very famous mountainous region of Jammu and Kashmir where natural beauty is scattered all around. This place full of natural beauty covered with snow is the main attraction for snow lovers. Shivani Per is a sightseeing spot situated on its highest peak from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the surroundings. Apart from this, the golf course here attracts the attention of golf players, in which players can enjoy the environment as well as playing golf.
Dull lake
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| Enjoy the house boat ride in Dull lake |
Dal Lake, famous for Shikra ride, is a very attractive lake. Full of its amazing natural beauty, Dal Lake attracts the attention of tourists as well as locals. In the evening, at the foot of the mountain, the sunset over the water creates a very captivating sight of colours. Tourists going to Srinagar enjoy shopping in the floating market of Dal Lake. This is a special thrilling experience in itself.
Poonch Valley
Till now you must have heard the name of Poonch sector in the violent incidents related to the Indo-Pak border. Forget all that and if you want to see nature closely, then come here. Here you will get to see beautiful waterfalls as well as mountains surrounded by greenery.
Betaab Valley
It is clear from the name itself. The superhit Bollywood movie Betaab was shot here. Since then it is famous as Betaab Valley. You can also live those romantic moments by coming here with your partner.
Nagin Valley
Here you can get to see the panoramic view of the beautiful Nagin Lake. This location is also very popular in Bollywood films. People also enjoy Shikara rides in this lake.
After snowfall, Kashmir's Gulmarg has become as beautiful as heaven, see amazing pictures
Shyak Valley
This valley is known by the name of the Shyak river flowing here. There are many religious places here. This valley remains covered with snow almost throughout the year.
Zanskar Valley
This place is located in Kargil near Ladakh. Tourism is closed here for some time during the peak winters. Tourists also enjoy ice skiing here.
Some pilgrimage places in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is also called the place of temples and pilgrimages. There are many ancient temples here which are currently dilapidated or have become ruins and there are also some pilgrimages where there is a constant flow of tourists.
1. Mata Vaishno Devi
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji 
Mata Vaishno Devi Darbar, the center of devotion and faith of millions of devotees
The temple of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is situated amidst the sky-touching mountains, tall trees and dense forests that give peace to the mind.
This divine temple of Mata Vaishno Devi is about 50 km from Jammu and 12.5 km from Katra. This temple of Maa Vaishno Devi is always crowded with devotees. This is the only temple in the world whose doors are never closed; the temple remains open 24 hours a day. Every year lakhs of people from all over the country and abroad come here to have the darshan of the mother and to receive her blessings. This temple is dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi. Three divine idols of the mother (Mata Mahakali, Mata Maha Lakshmi, Mata Maha Saraswati) are worshipped here
Mata is seated in a cave in the middle of the three peaks of Trikuta mountain, so Mata Vaishno is also known as Trikuta.
No statute is worshiped in this temple of the mother. Here inside the cave, the mother sits in the form of three divine idols. Here only the idol form of the mother is worshiped and devotees come to see the divine form of the mother.
This temple is approximately 700 years old. It is said that a Pandit named Shridhar used to live in Hansali village. He was a great devotee of the mata Vaishno Devi but he had no children. His wife also had complete faith in Maa Vaishno Devi Once during Navratri, Shridhar Ji took a vow that till the time Mother does not feed me with her own hands, I will not eat anything and drink anything. Then Mother appeared in his house in the form of a girl and showed him her abode in his dream and blessed him with four sons. According to his dream, Shridhar Ji along with some devotees searched for the court of the mother. Since then, this temple has become world famous. There are seven main stops of this temple, Bhumika Mandir, Baan Ganga, Charan Paduka, Ardh Kunwari, Hathi Matha, Sanjhi Chhat, Sundar Gufa (Bhawan) and 2.5 KM away from Bhawan is Bhairav Mandir. It is believed that after the darshan of Mata, Bhairav Ji has been seen, otherwise the journey of the devotees is considered incomplete.
For the stay of the travelers in vaishno Devi temple you get a place to rest in free inns and there are some hotels also where you can take a room as per your convenience.
Best time to visit Mata Vaishno Devi
Mata Vaishno Devi Darbar is the only temple in India that never closes. Devotees can visit here any day of the year and in any season. There is no fixed time to visit here. So you are free to visit any time Mata Vaishno Devi.
How to reach Kashmir Valley (Srinagar) J&K
By ✈️
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR) buses and taxis are available from airport to every destination of J&K.
By 🚆
- Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi (major) — Baramulla for valley rail access you can hair taxi or bus from railway station to every destination of J&K
🏯 Acomandations in the Valley of Kashmir
- Recommended Hotels: The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar, Vivanta Dal View, Popular Dal Lake Houseboats
Tip: Houseboats and Dal Lake stays fill up fast during peak season — recommend early booking.
2. Shiv khodi (Cave) temple
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| Divine form of Lord Shankar, Maa Parvati and Nandi Ji with a snake garland around the neck |
Shiv Khodi cave is located in the midst of the sky-high mountains, about 80 km from Jammu. This cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built by Lord Shiva himself with his own hands. Once upon a time, an Asur (demon) named Bhasmasur performed severe penance for Lord Shiva. Pleased with this, Lord Shiva gave him the boon that whosoever's head he places his hand on will turn into ashes. An Asur is a demon, then how can he be a saint?
One day Bhasmasur was fascinated by seeing Goddess Parvati and he said to Lord Shiva that you give Parvati to me but he refused. Then he got angry and ran towards Shiva with the desire to put his hand on Lord Shiva's head. Lord Shiva got trapped in the trap of his own boon given to that evil person and ran away to hide from him and created a cave with his trident in these mountains. Then Lord Vishnu expressed his desire to dance with him by assuming the form of Mohini. Then that demon accepted Mohini's proposal and started dancing with her. He started following Mohini and got so lost in dancing that he put his hand on his own head and himself got burnt. Due to fighting with the demon, this place was named as Ran su and This place became famous by the name of Shiv Khodi. Devotees going to Mata Vaishno Devi must also visit the Shiv Khodi cave. There are 33 crores God's presenting in this Cave.
3. Shri Raghunath temple Jummu
Raghunath Temple gives a special identity to the city of Jammu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama.
The idols of Bhavan Ram, Mata Sita and Shri Laxman Ji are installed in this temple. Apart from this, idols of 33 crore gods and goddesses are also present in this temple. People come here not only from India but abroad too to have darshan of their deity and to get their blessings. Every day 1500/2000 people come here for darshan. If this is not the case with devotees, then what is it that even after two terrorist attacks, people's faith in it has not diminished and neither has the number of tourists coming here reduced. The construction of this temple was started by Maharaja Ranvir Singh and his father Raja Gulab Singh in the year 1857. The silver door (entrance to the temple) in the main temple was made by special craftsmen of Jaipur after 3 months of hard work and 3 walls of the temple are covered with gold.
There is a school in this temple whose library has more than 6000 manuscripts written in Indian languages. There is a room in this temple in which you can see the four Dhams.
4. Shri Amarnath temple
Amaranth Cave (Baba Bifani)
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| Sacred Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir, home to the holy ice Shivlinga and a major Hindu pilgrimage site. |
Lord Shiva is seated in the form of a Shivling of ice in the Amarnath cave, located at a height of 3978 meters from the sea shore, about 150 meters away from Srinagar in the Himalayan mountains. The height of this cave is 150 feet and the length is about 90 feet. Amarnath cave can be reached through two routes, one route goes through Sonamarg Baltal and the other from Pahalgam. Lord Shiva had performed penance in this cave. There is another story about this cave. It is said that in this cave, Lord Shiva narrated the Amar Katha to Mother Parvati, but in the middle of the story, Mother Parvati fell asleep, but in the same cave, at the same time, a pair of pigeons was listening to the story and was also making the sound of 'hum hum'. Lord Shiva was so engrossed in narrating the Amar Katha to Mother that he felt that Parvati was listening to the story and was roaring in between. The supernatural Amar Katha was completed and the pigeons became immortal after listening to this story. Those pigeons are still present in the Amarnath cave, but not everyone can see them. Only a few lucky devotees get to see them. All the devotees in this cave are blessed with the blessings of the Lord. Wishes come true
This cave was first visited by sage Bhrigu, as described in mythology. It is believed that sage Bhrigu first worshipped the Shivling made of ice. Since then this temple has become a major Hindu pilgrimage. This is the place where the devotees attain salvation. Amarnath Yatra is the most difficult journey, yet every year lakhs of devotees come here with the desire to meet their idol.
Best time to visit Shri Amaranth Dham
August to September is the best time to visit Shri Amaranth Dham
5. Jwala Devi temple
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| Maa Durga, the goddess of power, is ready to give protection to her devotees |
Mata Jwala Devi is the goddess worshipped by Kashmiri Pandits. The temple of Mata Jwala Devi is located in Kharev, about 17 km from Pulwama in Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. This temple is located in the southern part of Kashmir. The fundamentalists had destroyed it by setting it on fire. Despite being in a dilapidated condition, this temple remains the center of faith of the devotees.
6. Kheer Bhawani temple
Ranganya Devi is the revered goddess of Kashmiri Pandits. Kheer Bhawani festival was celebrated every year in this temple located in Tulla Mulla village of Ganderbal in central Kashmir, but nowadays this festival has been stopped due to terrorism. Maharaja Pratap Singh rebuilt this temple in 1912 and later Maharaja Hari Singh completed this work. According to a legend, Lord Shri Ram worshipped in this temple during his exile. Devotees still wish to visit this temple.
Natural beauty is spread all around this temple. The poplar trees all around look very attractive. The gurgling water streams add to the beauty of the environment. In such a situation, every Kashmiri Pandit has a strong desire to see his beloved goddess.
Ranvirashwer temple
The temple of Lord Shiva situated on Shalimar Road in front of the Civil Secretariat of Jammu Kashmir is known as the Ranbirashwar Temple. The then King of this place, Ranveer Singh had established this temple. Hence, the temple was named Ranbirashwar Temple. The three gold walls of this temple are adorned with the pictures of Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. It is believed that if you make a wish by whispering it in the ear of the idol of Nandi Ji installed in this temple, then the wish will surely be fulfilled.
Shitaleshwar Mahadev temple
Shitaleshwar Temple is in Habba Kadal area of Srinagar. This temple is 2000 years old. Due to violent incidents, very few people visit this temple now. This dilapidated temple was re-inhabited by Kashmiri Pandits with the help of Muslims. But due to the violence that happens every day, the temple remains almost deserted. But some Kashmiri Pandits keep coming here sometimes.
Bawe wali Mata temple Jummu
Geographical location
If you want to enjoy the green valleys of Kashmir, than you can visit here from March to October and if you want to enjoy snow, then the months of December to February are best for you.
FAQs****
Q. 1 What is the Valley of Kashmir known for?
Ans. The Valley of Kashmir is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, lush landscapes, pristine lakes, and vibrant gardens. It is often referred to as "Paradise on Earth" due to its stunning scenery, including the majestic Himalayas and rich biodiversity.
Q.2 What are the best times to visit the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans. The best times to visit the Valley of Kashmir are during the spring (March to May) when flowers bloom, and in the summer (June to August) for pleasant weather. Autumn (September to November) is also beautiful with colorful foliage, while winter (December to February) attracts snow lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Q. 3 What activities can visitors enjoy in the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans. Visitors to the Valley of Kashmir can enjoy various activities such as trekking, skiing, shikara rides on Dal Lake, exploring gardens like Mughal Gardens, visiting historical sites, and indulging in local cuisine. Adventure sports like paragliding and white-water rafting are also popular.
Q. 4 Is Kashmir safe for tourists?
Ans. While the Valley of Kashmir has experienced periods of unrest, many areas are safe for tourists. It is advisable to stay updated on travel advisories, follow local guidelines, and stay in well-known tourist areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Q. 5 What is the local cuisine of the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans. The local cuisine of the Valley of Kashmir is rich and varied, featuring dishes like Rogan Josh (spiced lamb), Yakhni (yogurt-based curry), Dum Aloo (stuffed potatoes), and the famous Kashmiri Wazwan, a traditional multi-course meal. Sweets like Shahi Tukda and Kahwa (a fragrant green tea) are also popular.
Q. 6 What cultural experiences can tourists expect in the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans. Tourists can experience a rich cultural heritage in the Valley of Kashmir, including traditional music, dance, and art forms like Pashmina weaving and wood carving. Visiting local markets, participating in festivals, and engaging with the hospitable local communities offer deeper insights into Kashmiri culture.
Q.7 How can tourists reach the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans The Valley of Kashmir can be accessed by air, road, and rail. The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, which connects to major Indian cities. Tourists can also drive or take buses from nearby states, or use the train services to reach Jammu, followed by a road trip to Srinagar.
Q. 8 What are some must-visit places in the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans. Must-visit places in the Valley of Kashmir include Srinagar, known for its houseboats and gardens; Gulmarg, famous for skiing; Pahalgam, a picturesque town; Sonamarg, known for treks; and the breathtaking Dal Lake, where visitors can enjoy shikara rides and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
****
Q. 1 What is the Valley of Kashmir known for?
Ans. The Valley of Kashmir is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, lush landscapes, pristine lakes, and vibrant gardens. It is often referred to as "Paradise on Earth" due to its stunning scenery, including the majestic Himalayas and rich biodiversity.
Q.2 What are the best times to visit the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans. The best times to visit the Valley of Kashmir are during the spring (March to May) when flowers bloom, and in the summer (June to August) for pleasant weather. Autumn (September to November) is also beautiful with colorful foliage, while winter (December to February) attracts snow lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Q. 3 What activities can visitors enjoy in the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans. Visitors to the Valley of Kashmir can enjoy various activities such as trekking, skiing, shikara rides on Dal Lake, exploring gardens like Mughal Gardens, visiting historical sites, and indulging in local cuisine. Adventure sports like paragliding and white-water rafting are also popular.
Q. 4 Is Kashmir safe for tourists?
Ans. While the Valley of Kashmir has experienced periods of unrest, many areas are safe for tourists. It is advisable to stay updated on travel advisories, follow local guidelines, and stay in well-known tourist areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Q. 5 What is the local cuisine of the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans. The local cuisine of the Valley of Kashmir is rich and varied, featuring dishes like Rogan Josh (spiced lamb), Yakhni (yogurt-based curry), Dum Aloo (stuffed potatoes), and the famous Kashmiri Wazwan, a traditional multi-course meal. Sweets like Shahi Tukda and Kahwa (a fragrant green tea) are also popular.
Q. 6 What cultural experiences can tourists expect in the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans. Tourists can experience a rich cultural heritage in the Valley of Kashmir, including traditional music, dance, and art forms like Pashmina weaving and wood carving. Visiting local markets, participating in festivals, and engaging with the hospitable local communities offer deeper insights into Kashmiri culture.
Q.7 How can tourists reach the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans The Valley of Kashmir can be accessed by air, road, and rail. The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, which connects to major Indian cities. Tourists can also drive or take buses from nearby states, or use the train services to reach Jammu, followed by a road trip to Srinagar.
Q. 8 What are some must-visit places in the Valley of Kashmir?
Ans. Must-visit places in the Valley of Kashmir include Srinagar, known for its houseboats and gardens; Gulmarg, famous for skiing; Pahalgam, a picturesque town; Sonamarg, known for treks; and the breathtaking Dal Lake, where visitors can enjoy shikara rides and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Conclusions:
So friends in this article I explained all about the Valley of Kashmir, I hope you must like this article, if you are planning to visit North India then you must visit the Valley of Kashmir. If you have any questions or suggestions about this topic then you must do comment your coments are most important to me
Thanks for reading my blog
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