The geography of Kashmir is actually divided into three land masses: the foothill plains of Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and the mountains of Ladakh. Its strategic position leads to off-and-on skirmishes with Pakistan and has converted this beautiful place into one of the highest battlegrounds of the world. The Jammu region is better known as the land of temples and beautiful palaces. Jammu, the capital, is the major city you’ll pass on your way to the Kashmir region. The Kashmir region is very famous for its natural beauty and popularly known as 'Paradise on Earth' or 'The Valley', because of the area that stretches out between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Mountain Range. Its capital Srinagar is a wonderful colourful city with many museums and gardens.
Ladakh lies between an altitude of 9000 feet to 25000 feet. Ladakh is mounted by the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram Mountain ranges. Dras Zanskar and the Suru Valley in the Himalaya region receive heavy snow in winter. It is said that only in Ladakh you can suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. The people, region and the culture of Ladakh are much alike the Tibet and the Central Asia. Many villages are crowned with a Gompa or Monastery. Leh is a lovely town with the impressive Leh Palace dominating the town.

It might be a wise idea to check out the latest news on the situation in Kashmir. Although it is relatively safe for tourists, Kashmir still is a disputed territory and the fighting between Pakistan and India still claims lives.

Sightseeing at Jammu -
Mata Vaishno Devi, Raghunath Temple, Ranbireshwar temple, Amarmahal, Bahufort, Mansar Lake, Dal and Nagin Lakes, Shankaracharya Temple, Mughal Gardens of Shalimar, Mosque of Hazrathal, Amarnath, Gulmarg, Raghunath Temple, Thiksey Monastery, Stok Palace and Museum, Leh Palace, Bahu Fort, Peer Baba, Mubarak Mandi Palace, Katra, Patnitop, Dal Lake, Pahalgam, Hemis Gompa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Shanti Stupa.

India Travel Destination Guide

Bus Services from Delhi

Following are the details of Bus servies from delhi to various states. Only state buses DTC(Delhi Transport Corpotration) are included in this summary; To Rajasthan DTC provides good services for Rajasthan. But in case you are not able to find the bus for rajasthan, then you can take the buses from Dhaula Kuan.

Photographing in India

Keep in mind to ask before directing your camera to all that could be considered "strategic", including airports and anything military, but even with the bridges, the stations and the principal roads. The film of camera, sold with the average Western prices, is largely available in India (but check the

International Airlines Offices in New Delhi

Internation Airlines with thier office addresses: Aeroflot, Tolstoy House, 15-17 Tolstoy Marg; Air Canada, 1st floor, ALPs Building, 56 Janpath 0014; Air France, 7 Atma Ram Mansion, Scindia House, Connaught Place; Air India, Jeevan Bharati Building, opposite Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place; Air Lanka, Room 1, Hotel Janpath, Janpath Air Ukraine, C-37,

Metalware and jewellery in India

The south is one major area for metalware in India (dancing Shivas, : known as Nataraj, are a favourite here -check out the quality in the palace art gallery ! at Thanjavur), the Himalayas another, Dokra, j a speciality of West Bengal and Orissa, uses this very same lost-wax technique

Brass and copperware in India

Buying gemstones can be something of a minefield; scams abound, and you would be most unwise to even consider buying gems for resale or as an investment without a basic knowledge of the trade. . Jaipur is a major centre for gems (and con tricks), while Hyderabad specializes in sorting

Indian embassies outside

Indian embassies Australia High Commission; 3-5 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600® 02/6273 3999, © 62731308,® hicanb@ozemail.com.au. Consulates; Level 27,25 Bligh St, Level 27, Sydney, NSW 2000® 02/9223 9500,® 9223 9246,® indianc@enternet.com.au; 15 Munro St, Coburg, Melbourne, Vic 3058® 03/9384 0141, ® 9384 1609. Honorary Consulates; Level 1, Terrace Hotel, 195

Embassies & consulates in New Delhi

Embassies & consulates in New Delhi Afghanistan 5/50 F, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Algeria B-3/61, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-29 Angola C-17, Malcha Marg, New Delhi-21 Argentine B-8/9, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Armenia B, 8/2, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Austria EP-13,Chandragupta Marg,Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Belgium 50-N, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Belize B-8/14, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Benin 43-A, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi-20 Bhutan Chandergupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Brazil 8, Aurangzeb Road,

Electricity in India

Generally 220V 50Hz AC, though direct current supplies also exist, so check before plugging in. Most sockets are triple round-pin (accepting European-size double round-pin plugs). British, Irish and Australasian plugs will need an adaptor, preferably universal; American and Canadian appliances will need a transformer too, unless multi-voltage. Power cuts and

Bargaining in India

Don't worry too much about the first quoted prices. Some guidebooks suggest paying a third of the opening price, but it's a flexible guideline depending on the shop, the goods and the shopkeeper's impression of you. Bargaining is very much a matter of personal style, but should always be lighthearted,

Cigarettes in India

Indian cigarettes, such as Wills, Gold Flake, Four Square and Charms, are OK once you get used to them, and hardly break the bank (Rs10-30 per pack), but if you find them too rough, stock up on imported brands such as Marlboro and Benson and Hedges, or some rolling tobacco,