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The state of Jammu & Kashmir is a
region of widely varying people and geography. In the south, Jammu is a
transition zone from the Indian plains to the Himalaya. Nature has lavishly
endowed Kashmir with certain distinctive favours which hardly find a
parallel in any alpine land of the world. Correctly, the rest of the state
is Kashmir but in practice this title is reserved for the beautiful valley
of Kashmir, a large Himalayan valley in the north of the state. A spell on a
houseboat on Dal Lake has always been one of India's real treats and Kashmir
also offers some delightful trekking opportunities and unsurpassed scenery.
Set in the womb of the Himalayas and gifted with beautiful and inspiring
natural scenery, it emerged as a highly advanced seat of learning from very
early times, taking its place along with the famous Universities of Taxila
and Nalanda. Ramparts of high mountains and seclusion of the land helped her
top reserve the life and conditions of early times which is rather difficult
to resuscitate in regard to other such mountainous regions. The cultural
heritage of Kashmir is, therefore, very rich and derives its inspiration and
strength both from her natural environs and the rich literature and literary
traditions alike. |
