Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir, India's northernmost state, consists of three regions differing in topography and culture. In the south, Jammu is a transition zone from the Indian plains to the Himalayas. Jammu was the stronghold of Hindu Dogra kings and abounds with popular temples and secluded forest retreats. It includes the city of Jammu, the state's winter capital. The Kashmir Valley, the second region, is a large, fertile, region enclosed by the high snow-capped ridges of the Pir Panjal range to the west and south, and the main Himalaya range to the east. Its' population is predominantly Muslim, with a history that can be traced back to the 14th century. The state has been subject to political unrest since the late 1980s.

Sonmarg, 80 km north-east of Srinagar and at an altitude of 2743 metres, this is strewn with alpine flowers, giving it the sobriquet of "Meadow of Gold". Gulmarg, which has the highest golf course in the world, and spectacular views of the towering mountains including Nanga Parbat. It includes the city of Srinagar, the state's summer capital. Srinagar used to be India's most popular hill station, and a favourite locale for shooting Hindi films. Ladakh is the northern-most region of the state, with a bleak terrain of barren mountains. Hilltop monasteries make Ladakh one of the best living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in the world today.