The amazing and tranquil places of Jammu and Kashmir

Only a few places on earth can be classified worthy enough to be compared with heaven, and Jammu and Kashmir is one of those places. A place tranquil and beautiful enough to make one completely refreshed as well as in love with nature within a few minutes of arrival, the state has an abundance of nature, cuisine, locals, handicrafts, culture, traditions, etc. Home to some of the most exquisite and almost heaven like tourist attractions and a couple of adventure and action, there can never be a dull moment when you visit the state. Just often termed as the "crown of India", Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state on Indian mainland. It basically consists of three different regions, viz. Jammu, Kashmir valley, and Ladakh. While the weather is pleasant during summer Srinagar remains the capital of the state, however, as the temperature falls with the arrival of winter the administrative headquarters transfer to Jammu, thus making it the winter capital of the state.

Illustrated almost infinite times in literature and rendered numerous times in photographs, such is the beauty of the place. It is no doubt that people have tried a zillion times to describe the untouched and enchanting beauty of the state, however, words have always fallen short. It is to explore this unmatched beauty that many backpackers head to the place on their vacation. Trains are perhaps the best and budget friendly modes to get into the place. Stay updated with the train status, say, Jhelum express 11077 running status, and get into the destination for a wonderful vacation.

While Kashmir Valley remains the "heaven of India", Ladakh, is the mute testimony of Buddhist history in India. Particularly, McLeodganj is worth mentioning. It is home to the Dalai Lama as well as the Tibetan Government in exile. Whichever area you pick to start your tour, make sure that you complete the circuit to do justice to the amazing lands of the state.

Many choose Srinagar as the starting point to being their exploration of the state. A rather bewitching city with two beautiful lakes within its folds, Srinagar holds the distinction of being the state’s summer capital. Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the colorful shikharas or enjoy two to three days stay in one the houseboats; it is worth. Besides, the place is also known for dry fruits, saffron, traditional handicrafts, shawls, carpets, etc. Apart from that, the place also renders a couple of outdoor activities for the tourists like, treks, bird watching, horse riding, golfing, water skiing, and boating.

While you are exploring the state, make sure that you also visit the holy shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi. Regarded as one of the most sacred holy shrines in Hinduism, the temple is situated on a steep outcrop in the Himalayas, about 5200 feet above the sea level. It is about 61 k.m. from Jammu and every year thousands of pilgrims trek their way up to the place to offer prayer to the goddess. Although, reaching the temple is a task to complete, however, once you have reached the spot you feel totally refreshed in the pious religious milieu that exists there. Besides, because of its high altitude the place offers some amazing panoramic views of the region that are hard to match.

In a nutshell, if you are an avid traveler or even if in case you are not, a visit to Jammu and Kashmir is a must in a lifetime. Visiting the place is relaxing, refreshing, and exhilarating experience. Book the train tickets in advance, stay updated with the train running status like 11078 train running status, 12446 train status, 12266 train status, etc. and get into the state for a wonderful vacation.

Pratima is a travel writer and loves to visit different places India. She is an avid traveler herself, and whenever she has the opportunity she flews to the destinations that she has listed in her travel log.