About kashmir

About kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir is a state in India. It is a large state and was ruled by a Maharaja (Indian King) in

the past. Jammu & Kashmir is made up of many regions but is called Jammu & Kashmir because the two

most populous regions in the state are called Jammu and Kashmir.The valley of Kashmir is known all

over the world for its beauty and charm. The Kashmir valley is situated about 300 km. from Jammu across

forested ravines and steep mountain passes. The emerald valley of Kashmir is cradled in the Himalayas,

under the crystal blue skies, against the background of snow-capped mountains. It is a magic land of

silvery streams, rivers, fresh water lakes, pine, deodar and chinar forests, snow clad mountains, sparkling

waterfalls, shikaras, green meadows and grassy slopes full of flowers of vibrant colours.Kashmir, the

“Paradise on Earth”, is known for its captivating beauty. It is encircled by three mountain ranges of

the Himalayas- Karakoram, Zanaskar and Pir Panjal, running from northwest to northeast. Forming the

backdrop of Kashmir, these snow-capped ranges make Kashmir look like a picture straight out of a fairytale.

Dazzling rivers, serene lakes, splendid gardens, flowering meadows, etc are some other features of

the landscape of the Kashmir valley. The breathtaking beauty of Kashmir has earned it the name of the

“Switzerland of the East”.Kashmir is known for its exquisite craftsmanship which flourished over the

centuries. During the winters, the craftsmen make handicrafts and sell them to tourists coming there

during summers. Some of the famous handicrafts of Kashmir are the hand-knotted Persian rugs and traditional

rugs, carpets, embroidered woollen caps, shawls and jackets, the Jamawar, silk-soft Pashmina shawls,

crewel embroidery, embroidered gold and silver dresses, caps, boleros and ponchos, stone studded jewellery,

filigree, enamelware, articles made of beaten and carved silver, articles made of walnut wood and papier mache,

silks and embroidery. Wood carving is another special art of Kashmir which is very unique. The walnut

furniture made in Kashmir is exquisite and work done on the furniture speaks about the Kashmiri’s patience

and workmanship.Kashmir is also known for the Kashmiri saffron, which is very expensive. But, only a

small quantity of it provides flavour to a dish. Walnuts and almonds are available throughout the

year. Shah Zira, Kashmiri chillies and honey are the other items which are grown in Kashmir. During

festive occasions, the Kashmiris serve a feast called Wazwan. The Wazwan consists of 36 meat dishes

prepared specially by highly trained chefs and eaten together.Nothing describes the beauty of Kashmir

better than the following words of a Mughal emperor:
“Gar Bar-ru-e-Zamin Ast; Hamin Ast, Hamin Ast Hamin Ast.”
It means that if there is paradise on this earth, this is it, this is it, and this is it.