Jammu & Kashmir is the northernmost state of India and is recognized all over the world for its scenic beauty. Someone has rightly described it as a �Paradise on Earth�. It is also a major Hindu and Muslim pilgrim spot. Certain fast facts about Kashmir would help you to know the city better and plan your trip accordingly.

FACTS & FIGURES

Area	222,236 sq km
Population	10,069,917
Capital	Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
Languages	Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, Pahari, Ladakhi
Best Time to Visit	April to June (Kashmir Valley), October to March (Jammu Region)

History There is more to Kashmir than scenic tourist spots. Kashmir finds a mention in the epic Mahabharata and it was also an important place of learning Sanskrit in the ancient times. It was here that the third Buddhist council was held by Kanishka who was a great Kushana king. The Hinayana and Mahayana sect of Buddhism came into being in this council.

The history about Kashmir is quite rich and gives us a vivid political condition of the region. In the 12th century AD Muslim rulers invaded Kashmir and the predominant ruler was Zain-ul-Abidin who ruled upto 1470 AD. Art, culture and music was advocated by him greatly. Later, the son of the great Mughal ruler Akbar, Jahangir created two exquisite gardens located on the bank of Dal Lake and known as the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. In the year 1819, the Sikhs occupied Kashmir under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Throughout India's freedom struggle, people from this state were actively involved under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah. After the independence, it became a part of the Indian territory.



Kashmir is surrounded by the mountainous landscape of the mighty Himalayas and can be reached with ease from the far corners of the country. For the tourists, Kashmir offers a number of lodging options with unmatched hospitality. There are a number of places to visit in Kashmir that should not be missed out by you at any cost.

Touristplacesinindia.com is your authentic travel guide on Kashmir and provides useful information on the hotels and tourist attractions of Kashmir.