Northern India
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory in northern India known for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, valleys, lakes, snow-covered mountains, gardens, and rich cultural heritage. Srinagar serves as the summer capital while Jammu is the winter capital.
13M
People
42,241 km²
Area
20
Districts
5
LS Seats
UT Formed: 31 Oct 2019
Summer: Srinagar
Winter: Jammu
Basic Information
Union Territory: Jammu and Kashmir
Capitals: Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
UT Formation: 31 October 2019
Official Languages: Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, Urdu, English
Geography & Climate
Area: 42,241 sq km
Terrain: Himalayan valleys, mountains & lakes
Climate: Cold winters & mild summers
Major Rivers: Jhelum, Chenab, Tawi
Political Parties
Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC)
People's Democratic Party (PDP)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Indian National Congress (INC)
Administration
Lieutenant Governor: Manoj Sinha
Legislative Assembly: Present (UT legislature)
High Court: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court
Demographics
Population: ~13 million
Literacy: ~67%
Major Communities: Kashmiri, Dogra, Gujjar & Pahari groups
Urban Centers: Srinagar & Jammu
Economy
Main Sectors: Tourism, Handicrafts, Agriculture
Famous Products: Saffron, Apples, Pashmina
Handicrafts: Carpets & shawls
Symbols
Animal: Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
Bird: Black-necked Crane
Tree: Chinar
Flower: Lotus
Foods
Traditional Foods: Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Dum Aloo
Wazwan: Traditional multi-course cuisine
Beverages: Kahwa & Noon Chai
Tourism & Heritage
Popular Destinations: Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg
Lakes: Dal Lake & Wular Lake
Pilgrimage: Vaishno Devi & Amarnath
Mughal Gardens: Nishat & Shalimar Gardens
Transportation
Airports: Srinagar & Jammu airports
Rail: Jammu major rail hub
Road: Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
Culture
Festivals: Eid, Lohri, Baisakhi & Tulip Festival
Handicrafts: Pashmina shawls & wood carving
Music & Folk: Rouf & Chakri traditions
Education
University of Kashmir — Major higher education institution
IIT Jammu — Premier engineering institute
Research Areas: Himalayan ecology & agriculture
Interesting Facts
Known as "Paradise on Earth" for its natural beauty.
Famous worldwide for saffron and Pashmina shawls.
Dal Lake houseboats are globally recognized tourist attractions.
Home to beautiful Himalayan valleys and alpine meadows.