punjab

PUNJAB

About Punjab

Punjab, located in the north west of India, is one of the smallest and the most prosperous states of India. The five rivers Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum gave it its name 'punj-ab' or the 'land of five waters'. These five rivers divide the state into three regions: Majha, Doaba and Malwa.Punjab is certainly a primarily agricultural state and enjoys the natural benefits of fertile soils and abundant waters. As a civilization, it is one of the most ancient in the world with a distinguished culture. The Punjabi language has its origins in the Indo-European family of languages which also included Persian and Latin. A land of ethnic and religious diversity, it is the birth place of a number of religious movements. Some of the prominent ones include Sikhism, Buddhism and many Sufi schools of Islam. Punjab flourished significantly during the reign of the great Mogul emperor, Babar, whose empire stretched from Delhi in the east to Kabul and Ghazni in the west. The prosperity continued under Maharaja Ranjit Singh's (1780-1838 AD) rule. But it saw a major downfall in 1947, when the partition of the nation shrunk the boundaries of Indian Punjab resulting in a great loss of land and resources. At present, the present state is just a fourth of its original area. Post-independence, Punjab has made considerable economic progress despite the setback it suffered in 1947. It contributes nearly two thirds to the total production of food grains and a third of milk production in the country. It is the leading producer of wheat at a total production of 2 million tonnes per annum. The initiative of Green revolution (a major agricultural initiative) has been keenly taken forward by the people of Punjab. Even though, Punjabis account for less than 2.5% of the Indian population, they are one of the most prosperous races in India. Their per capita income is twice the national average. Enriched with a distinct blend of rural and urban flavors, Punjab has a lot to offer to a tourist eye. It has a unique religious legacy with a host of Gurudwaras, the largest and the most prominent being The Golden Temple at Amritsar. Every year, thousands of tourists from around the world visit this holy shrine. The dome of the temple covered with pure gold presents a fascinating sight as its reflection falls in the holy waters of the sarovar. Other gurudwaras worth visiting are Sri Anandpur Sahib (the birthplace of Khalsa), Damdama Sahib and Goindwal Sahib. Jallianwala Bagh of Amritsar is another historical spot where a number of people jumped into a well to escape the firing of a British General. The place reminds one of the horrors of the British rule and Punjab's sacrifice to the struggle for freedom of India. Then there is the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh which has now been converted into a museum. It preserves the weapons dating back to the Mogul times and portraits of the ruling dynasties of Punjab. The best times to visit Punjab are the autumn and the spring seasons. The natural landscape looks breathtaking with lush mustard fields. The rustic charm of the place and celebratory spirit of the Punjabis are sure to make for a memorable travel experience. Culture & Heritage The culture of Punjab has its own unique fragrance. It is unmatched. The scent of this fertile land is such in which the warmth of you-are-my-own is inborn. All communities hold pride in their traditions and the Punjabis whose open-mindedness has become proverbial also hold their unique tradition of hospitality high in their estimation as well as in their values of life. A guest in Punjab is considered as a representative sent by God. Hospitality promotes brotherhood and holds a special significance for bringing people closer; love and kindness flow out of it. In Punjab they say that the more you love the more it multiplies and you get back many more times the kindness that you give. The land of Punjab, which is described as the land of Gurus, Pirs and the warriors, as a matter of faith believes in earning honest living through hard labour and in sharing the fruits of this labour with others, without expecting any returns. Hospitality is a living aspect of Punjabi culture, which is shown even to the migratory birds that sojourn here. Punjabis not only profess and practice hospitality in their own land but also carry it, untainted and virgin, to the lands where they immigrate. There is no country in the world where Punjabis have not created waves. Hospitality binds people together in bonds of love; it increases circles of friendship and makes the atmosphere aglow with human warmth. Punjabis have proved this in all corners of the world in seemingly alien lands and because of these qualities they have been willingly accepted as useful, responsible citizens of the world, warm neighbours and good friends. When the British landed in Punjab as victors they were astonished to find that every little village and every mohalla in the larger cities of Punjab had special places to receive and honour guests, and that the people of this land were irrepressible extroverts. The District Gazetteers of the time bring forth Punjab's generous hospitality in bold relief. Although Punjab has received hospitality as God's gift, on account of recent disturbances and rising prices it is coming under strain in the towns and cities. However, in villages it still reigns supreme. It resides in the soul of rural folk. Reach a home in the middle of the night, the ladies will happily get up and cook fresh food for you. You can't pass by certain villages without enjoying hospitality. You'll be looked after so long as you stay. You will be warmly sent off, not empty-handed, but with a gift of whatever is available in the house. Like all other human traits of the people of Punjab, their hospitality is also guileless, rare and intense. It is a ubiquitous theme of Punjabi folklore. When the crow, sitting atop the roof, crows, or dough when it is being kneaded bubbles, folk songs tell us that these are auspicious omens that mean a guest is on his way. There are several other sayings that speak of the pleasures derived by looking after visitors. Good habitat, laughter, playfulness and love from the environment in which hospitality grows. May the culture of this blessed land of the five rivers perpetuate and ever grow.

jammu and kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir

Weather and Climate: 

Jammu and Kashmir comprises of three distinct climatic regions with vast variance due to a sharp rise of altitude from 1,000 feet to 28,250 feet above sea level within four degrees of latitude of the state. The state is geologically constituted of rocks varying from the oldest period of earth's history to the youngest present day river and lake deposits. 

Plan Your Trip: 

This state, at the extreme north west of the country, is bounded on the west and north by Pakistan, on the northeast by China and on the southeast and south by the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The State lies between 32.17" and 36.58" north latitude and east to west, the State lies between 73.26" and 80.30" longitude More than 90 percent of the state is mountainous, making mobile phones the best option for long-distance communication. From southwest to northeast the region contains the fertile Jammu and Punch plains, the coniferous Himalayan foothills from 2,000 to 7,000 feet, the heavily glaciated Pir Panjal range at 12,500 feet, the valley of Kashmirat 5,300 feet, the Himalayan ranges above 20,000 feet, the upper Indus River valley at 11,000 feet, the stark, barren plateau of Ladakh and the remote Karokaram range. The Indus, Jhelum, Chenab and Tawi are the principal rivers while the Dal and Wular are the major lakes. The climate varies from alpine in the northeast to subtropical in the southwest. 

Where To Visit: 

Drass:
The town of Drass, 60 km west of Kargil on the road to Srinagar, is located at an altitude of 3,300 m in a relatively flat and open space in the centre of a valley. It has extensive willow groves along the river. In winter it is covered with a thick blanket of snow. Drass experiences the lowest temperatures in the Ladakh valley and is said to be the second coldest inhabited place in Asia. The mercury may drop to as low as 40 degrees Celsius below freezing point, and communication with the outside world is often completely cut off. During the spring and summer, however, the valley around the township becomes very picturesque as the gently undulating hillsides turn into lush green pastures splashed with a variety of fragrant wild flowers.

Drass is a convenient base for a 3-day long trek to the Suru valley across the sub-range separating the two valleys. This trek passes through some of the most beautiful upland villages with flower sprinkled meadows on both sides of the 4,500 metres high Umbala pass which falls en route. The trek to the holy cave of Amarnath in neighbouring Kashmir, which starts from Minamarg below Zoji La, takes 3 days and involves crossing a 5,200 metres high pass. Drass also offers numerous shorter treks and hikes to the upland villages. 

How to Get There
Buses plying between Srinagar and Kargil/Leh touch Drass. Local buses leave Kargil in the morning and afternoon for Drass

Tourist Information 
All tourists to Ladakh, travelling from Srinagar by road are required to register themselves at the Tourist Registration Centre at Drass.

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Gulmarg
Gulmarg, or meadow of flowers, is an apt term indeed for this idyllic flower-laden meadow at an altitude of 2,730 metres, in Baramulla district. Situated at a distance of 51 km from Srinagar, it is a saucer-shaped bowl overhanging the main valley of Kashmir. The towering peaks above the meadow are covered with dense forests of tall conifers and gigantic fir and pine trees, all vying with each other to touch the azure skies. An equally popular destination in winter, it is coated with a blanket of thick, soft snow, turning its gentle slopes into some of the finest ski slopes. Surrounded by crests of white, the air seems to sparkle against the ice as skiers flash past in the hush of the snow. The beginner's slope makes learning easy, with perfect snow conditions and a gentle gradient. Trained instructors are available and equipment can be hired. Skating, curling, and ski bobbing are some of the activities offered.

Gulmarg's international lush green golf course is the highest in the world. Equipment is available on hire for the visitor allured by the golf greens here. Gulmarg was once an important trekking base and the Gulmarg-Khilanmarg-Apharwat-Alpather is still a great trek.

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Gulmarg's hotels offer accommodation and meals to suit all budgets. A luxurious chalet-type hotel is available. JKTDC has huts on offer at Gulmarg. All these properties require advance booking from Srinagar.

How to Get There
Air : The nearest airport to Gulmarg is in Badgam district.
Rail : The Jammu railway station is the closest in the vicinity.
Road : Gulmarg is a two-hour bus journey from Srinagar. Various modes of transport including chartered conveyance are available from Srinagar bus stand at Batmallo. The journey from Tangmarg can also be undertaken on ponies.

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Where To Stay: 

The Jammu and Kashmir have also so many Hotels and Restaurants suiting every budget. The accomodation is available for every budget. Hotels are also available on the other major commercial areas of Srinagar. More information on tarrifs the manager and tourist reception centre can be contacted at Srinagar.Information bookings and reservations can also be had from the offices of JKTDC across the country from the location nearest to you. billiga hotel i New York 

HOTELS OF JAMMU

'A' category-Western Style Hotels
(Rs.900/- to 4500/-room only)
Hotel Asia,near Nerhu Market. :: Hotel Jammu Ashok,Palace Raod. :: Hotel Hari Niwas Palace,palace Road. :: Hotel K.C.Residency,Vir Marg.

'B'Category
(Rs.300/- to 1000/-Room only)
Hotel Mansar,Vir Marg. :: Hotel Premier,Vir Marge. ::Samrat Hotel,General Bus Stand. :: Hotel Jewal,Jewal Chowk. Jammu :: International,G.S.S.Road. :: Hotel Moti Mahal,G.S.S.Road. :: Hotel Sitara,Below Gumat. ::Hotel Vivek,Bus Stand. :: Mugal Darbar Hotel & Restaurant, Vir Marge. :: Hotel Ashiana, Below Gumat.:: Hotel Cosmo,Vir marge.

'C' Category
(Rs.100/- to 400/- Room only)
Green View Lodge,Chand Nagar. :: Indra Lodge,Chand nagar. :: Khorana Lodge,Hari Market. :: Rachna Hotel & Restaurant, City Chowk. :: Gulmohur Hotel,G.S.S.Road.:: Air lines Hotel,Canal Road. :: Picnic Hotel,Idgah Road. :: Diamond Hotel,below Gumat. :: City View,below Gumat. :: City Top,below Gumat.

In addition to the above categories of hotals, a large number of lodges offer economy accommodation for budget tourist throughout the city. Ask for a list of registered lodges from the Tourist office.

SUPPLEMENTARY ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation to suit almost every pocket is provided by the J&K Tourism Development Corporation in the Tourist Reception Centre Hotel Blocks,Vir Marge; AC and Non-AC rooms are available. Advance reservation can be obtained by writing to:-

The Manager Reseervation, J&K Tourism Development Corporation, Regional Office, Tourist Reception Centre, Vir Marge, Jammu. Tel:579554

The Asstt.Director Tourism,Railway Station, Jammu.Tel:530078.

The Reservation Counter J&K Tourism Development Corporation, General Bus Stand,Jammu.

The Railway Retiring Room, Jammu Railways Station(For railways passengers only AC & Non-Ac rooms are available).

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DHARAMSHALAS
(Open to people of all faiths) :: Gita Bhawan, Prade Ground. :: Aggarwal Dharamshala, G.S.S.Road. :: Hari Bhawan, Hari Market. :: Vinayak Dharamshala,Vinayak Bazaar. :: (Note:Accommodation on first-come,first-service basis.charges are nominal.)

WHERE TO EAT

In Jammu, you can have a good meal in almost any part of the city. The restaurants provide food ranging from the simple to the exotic. Depending upon the mood you are in,you can go in for regular north-Indian food or try some of the kashmiri delicacies. Following are some of the popular restaurants:

RESTAURANTS
J&K TDC Wazwan & Vegetarian Restaurant,Vir Marge.:: Hotel Asia, near Nehru Market. :: Hotel Ashoka,Palace Road. :: Hari Niwas Palace Hotel, Palce Road. :: Kailash Cafeteria,Raghunath Bazaar. ::Premier, Vir Marge. :: K.C.Residency,Vir Marge. ::Standard,Vir Marge. :: New Naz, Vir Marge. ::Rachna,City Chowk. :: Ziyafat,Vir Marge. :: Mughal Darbar,Vir Marge.

FAST FOOD
You have other options also. If you want to have a quick snacks, just step into any of these fast food outlets:
Jewel's, Jewel Chowk. :: Jewel Gandhi Nagar(Gole Market). :: K.C.Plaza,Vir marge. :: Premier's, Victoria Junction,Vir marge. :: Raffals,Premnath Dogra Chowk.

Most restaurants and fast food outlets serve both vegetarian and non-vegetrian fare.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
A number of Well-stocked bars in the city and wine shops provide a vast range of Indian and Foreign Liquor. However, National holidays and Certain other state holidays are dry days.

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