Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO)

JKTPO, a Government of J&K undertaking, has been conceived to accelerate Trade and Export in Jammu & Kashmir. The organization acts as facilitator/ partner/ provider/ collaborator/catalyst for Trade and Export Promotion activities. JKTPO is mandated to develop, maintain trade & export Infrastructure for organizing Trade fairs, Exhibitions, Vendor Development meets, B2B and B2G meets etc. JKTPO has been nominated as the nodal agency for organizing and managing the Jammu & Kashmir Global Investors’ Summit 2020.

For more information on Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization, please refer to: http://www.jktpo.in/

Places to Visit

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with bounties of nature, shrines for peace of mind and soul and magnificent places of historical and cultural significance. There are numerous places of tourist’s interest to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Lakes

Visit the water bodies in the lower Shiwalik Himalayas, Kashmir valley and the high mountains of the Kashmir Himalayas for a complex and vibrant ecosystem. One can almost see the whole city travelling through these lakes. These tranquil and snowy lakes have been a major attraction of this paradise on earth. Several scenic lakes with multi-faceted eco-system and grandeur, which epitomize the state of Jammu and Kashmir are:

• Dal Lake

Popular as the jewel in the crown of Kashmir, the Dal Lake is the most famous and most visited lake in the state. Lined with Mughal-era gardens, the lake is rich in lotus, water lilies and water chestnuts. It is among those major destinations that let you free to enjoy life on water in the houseboats. One can have the pleasure of Shikara rides, kayaking, canoeing and other water activities in the Dal.

• Nigeen Lake

Located east of Kashmir, the lake lies on the foothills of the mountain Zabarwan. A number of willow and poplar trees lining the lake, Shankaracharya hill on the south and Hari Parbat on the west provide a charming view to the surroundings.

• Wullar Lake

With a width and length of approximately 10 and 24 km respectively, Wullar Lake is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. The lake gives about 60 percent of the fish yield of the region. It is a perfect location between the cities of Sopore and Bandipore and provides a marvelous view of the majestic hills on one side and steep valleys on the other. Moreover, a renowned bird watcher's paradise, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is also situated near the Lake.

• Surinsar Lake

With wooded hills all around, thick forests in the backdrop and countless lotus flowers on the surface, the beautiful Surinsar lake is a great picturesque tourist spot situated about 42 km from Jammu. According to Hindu mythology, the lake originated when Arjuna, the hero of the epic Mahabharata, shot an arrow to the land.

• Mansar Lake

Popular for the food and crafts festival, the Mansar Lake draws thousands of tourists every year around Baisakhi. Apart from the scenic beauty and landscapes, the lake has several religious values too. Situated about 40 km south of Udhampur, the Mansar lake is surrounded by dense forests and hills. The lake is counted among major tourists destinations because of boating facilities and its religious values owing to Sheeshnag shrine. Flickering of seasonal birds, tortoise and fish of different species can be observed while boating in the calm Mansar Lake.

Jammu and Kashmir is declared a 'paradise on earth' because of its marvelous natural beauty. J&K's hill stations make you experience the outstanding heights and engaging climate. A few destinations offer tranquil peace in cool natural surroundings, while some are known for various adventure sports.

• Patnitop

This beautiful serene hill station has all the attractions that an ideal hilly tourist destination should have. The place is rich in dense pines, snow clad peaks, waterways, freshwater springs, adventure sports and a unique climate. At an altitude of 2024 metres, you will find a huge golf course too. Sudh Mahadev is another sacred spot situated close to Patnitop.

• Sonmarg

Known as the 'Meadow of Gold', Sonmarg is an ideal place for camping. Countless colourful flowers and the holy Sindh river form a perfect gateway to Ladakh. Nature lovers can spot dense forests of alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine, and various lakes. Most importantly, this hill station serves as a base camp for the holy Amarnath yatra, which is organized in July-August every year.

• Gulmarg

Spreading the sweet fragrance and aroma in Baramula district, the meadow of flowers- Gulmarg is quite close to Srinagar. This hill station is popular for its grassy slopes of flowers and the highest golf course in the world.

For more information on places to visit in J&K, please refer to: http://www.jktourism.jk.gov.in/List/List.aspx

Culture

Popularly known as “paradise on earth”, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has a rich cultural heritage. The fairs and festivals of the UT reflect its diverse cultural and social heritage. The culture of Jammu and Kashmir is a comprehensive mingling of customs and practices of its three distinct regions, Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. Apart from its demographical variations, specific cultural diversions of its elements are what make the culture of Jammu and Kashmir remarkable. Music, dance, cuisine, lifestyle, festivals all these only highlight the diversities prevalent in these provinces. Unity is restored when a common thread of cultural tradition binds them together thus making it a part of Jammu and Kashmir as a whole.

For more information on places J&K's Cuisine, Music,Festivals and Dances; please refer to:http://jktourism.org/index.php/cultural/