Explore the splendour of Jammu and Kashmir

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is a beautiful land whose history is interwoven with the Indian Subcontinent history that includes the surrounding regions of South Asia, Central Asia, and East Asia. It is a perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and architectural marvels. It is famous not just for its mountains and related sports, but is also dotted with royal palaces, museums and imperial gardens.

The historical places in Jammu and Kashmir are ideal spots to get glimpses of the rich cultural heritage of the bygone era. Sneak peek into the royal past and get in-depth information about the rich history of the region by visiting these popular destinations. The ancient sculptures and edifices of the state hold special significance.

The massive forts, ancient temples, and exquisite mosques enhance the charm and glory of Jammu and Kashmir. This mesmerizing state is not just a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts but also a haven for history buffs.

From Dogra Dynasty to Mughals, the ruling history of the state is massive which can be witnessed in their old memorials and buildings. If you are looking to explore historical monuments in Jammu and Kashmir, then fret not! We have jotted down some of the popular destinations in Jammu and Kashmir that you can add to your itinerary to make your trip memorable.

“The land of fruits”

Kashmir has rightly been described as “the land of fruits”. Its land environment and climate has provided greater facilities for horticulture industry to grow more rapidly. Today we see in this valley scores of varieties of apple, pearl, baggu gosha, walnut, several types of cherry and other fruits which are grown and exported to other states .Jammu & Kashmir is India’s biggest producer of apples, with production standing at 1.72 million tonnes in 2021-2022, which is 70.54% of total production.

Saffron

Jammu and Kashmir is known for its pure and high quality saffron. The UT of Jammu and Kashmir tops the list of the saffron growing states/ UT's in India.

The crafts of Kashmir

Kashmir is not just about the stunning scenic views but also known for its handicrafts and Kashmiri gift items. Kashmiri artwork is known worldwide for its unique artistic work and the grandeur. Hence, shopping becomes an essential part of your trip.

Pashmina shawls and blankets are a symbol of elegance and great taste the world over. It is not surprising to know that in earlier times the privilege of wearing Pashmina was reserved for kings and queens and denoted royalty.

And of course everyone knows the exquisiteness of Kashmiri carpets. They are famous worldwide because of their rich handmade and rich texture. These are one of the top shopping items in Kashmir. The purest kinds of carpet you can get from Kashmir only are hand-knotted and made using pure wool or pure silk.

Other irresistible items you may not be able to pass on include the traditional jewellery festooned with semi-precious stones, intricately designed silverware and papier-mâché items to fit any taste.

Amar Mahal Palace, Jammu

Amar Palace, once the residence of the Maharajas is a grand palace with a magnificent look. It was built in the nineteenth century for Raja Amar Singh, a Dogra king by a French architect on the lines of French Chateau.

The palace now houses a museum with artifacts relating to the region’s art and culture. It also houses the city’s finest library of antique books and paintings.

The complex comprises Hari Niwas Palace which is dedicated to Raja Hari Singh, the son of Raja Amar Singh. Hari Niwas Palace has been converted into a heritage hotel that is an amazing place to get a sneak peek into the royal lifestyle of kings and queens of the bygone era.

Amar Mahal Paalce has a treasure trove of information and houses thousands of antique books and many rare artifacts. The star attraction is the throne made of real gold and weighing a whopping 120 Kgs. The museum also exhibits Pahari miniature and Kangra miniature paintings. With the backdrop of Shivalik hills and standing atop Tawi river, the Palace exhibits an unparalleled grandeur and beauty.

Mubarak Mandi Palace, Jammu

Mubarak Mandi Palace in Jammu was the royal residence of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir from the Dogra dynasty. It was their main seat till 1925 when Maharaja Hari Singh moved to the Hari Niwas Palace in the northern part of Jammu. This Palace too overlooks the Tawi River.

An architectural marvel in its own right, the palace is built in a manner that resembles both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, as also European baroque style. The Pink Hall houses the Dogra Art Museum with miniature paintings of the various Hill Schools of Kangra, Jammu and Basholi. It also has a gold painted bow and arrow of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The pink hall owes its name to the pink plastered walls of the palace section. It took almost 150 years for the Palace to be built and bears imprints of the successive Maharajas.

Bahu Fort, Jammu

Bahu Fort is a historic fort of Jammu, which is believed to be a 3000-year-old fort. It was constructed by Rajput Raja Bahu Lochan.

Encompassed by the lush forest that has been developed into a well-laid park, Bahu Fort houses an ancient temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, a revered shrine for locals.

This majestic fort is dotted with a manicured terraced garden, which is fondly referred to as ‘Bagh-e-Bahu’. This fort was refurbished by Raja Gulab Singh of the Dogra Dynasty in the 19th century.

The aquarium near the fort which is a new addition to the garden, is the largest underground aquarium in the country with an impressive collection of 400 species of fish, which makes it especially popular amongst the kids.

Akhnoor Fort, Jammu

Akhnoor Fort is located in the historical town of Akhnoor, 28 km away from Jammu city. Perched on a cliff, the fort situated on the right bank of the Chenab River. Believed to be built during early 19th century, the fort stands on an ancient town that is known for archeological remains of Harappan civilization. The fort features a two storied palace with beautiful arches and murals. It has been protected under Archeological survey of India.

The construction of the fort was started by Raja Tez Singh and completed by his successor Raja Alam Singh in 1802. There is a palace situated inside the fort complex, which is adorned with exquisite mural paintings and decked with decorative arches. Akhnoor Fort is also known for its exemplary Indian military architecture. The historical and cultural significance of the enormous fort makes it among the most popular heritage sites of Jammu.

Dal Lake, Srinagar

Reckoned to be the pride of Kashmir, this serene lake is nestled in the heart of Srinagar. The Pir Panjal mountain range surrounds this beautiful lake. Dal Lake is one of the most popular places in Srinagar. Dal Lake is also famous for its floating market too. The colorful Shikaras and houseboats are added attractions to the Lake. The backdrop of lofty Himalayas make the sunrise and sunset on the Dal Lake remarkably mesmerizing.

Mughal Gardens, Srinagar

Srinagar is famous for the most beautiful and scenic gardens in India. There are six gardens in Srinagar that were built by the Mughals due to which they are known as Mughal Gardens These are Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Achabal Garden, Chashme Shahi, Verinag and Pari Mahal. These outstanding gardens are amazing places to witness the glorious past and engineering skills of the bygone era.

Shalimar Bagh, the pinnacle of the Mughal horticulture in Kashmir, is 15 kms from the Srinagar city centre located majestically on the right bank of Dal Lake. The garden with sweeping vistas and artfully laid out terraces was built by Mughal emperor Jehangir for his wife Nur Jehan in 1619.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Kashmir is Asia's largest tulips garden. The tulip garden, formerly known as Siraj Bagh, is located at the foothills of Zabarwan mountains and on the banks of Dal lake. The major attraction here is the large variety of Tulips found in thousands of numbers. There are over 60 varieties of early, mid and late blooming tulips. Department of Tourism of J& K Government organizes the “Tulip Festival” every year.

Images from various online sources