Jammu and Kashmir is the sixth largest state of India with an area of 222236 Sq Km and the state is placed on the northernmost Himalayan range of India. According to the census of India 2011, approximately 10143700 people reside here. Jammu and Kashmir is separated by the international border with the neighboring country of Republic of China to the north and east and Pakistan to the west and northwest. The neighboring states of Jammu and Kashmir are Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south.

(Hill station in Ladakh)

The capital city of the state in summer season is Srinagar and Jammu is the winter capital city. Maximum region of Jammu and Kashmir is located in the high elevation area of great Himalayans mountain ranges and the region of the state is divided in three divisions, namely Jammu (outer Himalayas or southern mountain range), Kashmir (lesser Himalayas or Jhelum Valley) and Ladakh (inner Himalayas or Indus Valley). These three divisions contain 22 distinct districts.

Jammu divisions- Kathua, Jammu, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar..
Kashmir Valley divisions- Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla and Kupwara..
Ladakh divisions- Kargil and Leh district..

The climate type of Jammu & Kashmir typically changes with its different elevation regions. Usually we can divide the state as three distinct climate zones. Higher Himalaya’s climate zone in Ladakh region, middle Himalaya’s climate zone in Kashmir Valley and the outer plains or the outer hills climate zone in Jammu region.

Climate in Ladakh Usually the temperature of Ladakh region is cold and chilly throughout the year and it receives heavy snowfalls during the winter season from October to May. Summer (May to August):- temperature varies from 30° C (in day time) to 3° C (at night) and average is 21° C. Winter (October to March):- temperature varies from -20° C to -60° C. Average annual rainfall of the region is 100 mm.

Climate in Kashmir Summer (May to August):- temperature varies from 30° C to 10° C and average is 28° C. Winter (December to March):- temperature varies from 8° C to -2° C. Average annual rainfall of the region is 530 mm.

Climate in Jammu Summer (April to June):- temperature varies from 44° C to 25° C and average is 30° C. Winter (October to Mid-March):- temperature varies from 26° (in day time) C to 4.7° C (at night and morning). Monsoon (July to September):- Average annual rainfall 1100 mm.

Language and Religions: There are four mostly used languages in the state. These are Urdu, Kashmiri, Ladakhi and Dogri. Among of them Urdu is used as official language. Most people speak at least a little Hindi or Punjabi as their second language. The people of Jammu and Kashmir mainly follow Muslim (66.97%) and Hindu religion (29.63%) rest is Sikh (2.03%) and Buddhist including some local tribal (1.36%).

Festivals in Jammu and Kashmir: Lohri is one of the most popular festivals in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated in winter. Some other major festivals of the state are Bakra Eid, Muharram, Baisakhi, Bahu Mela or fair placed in Bahu Fort twice a year, Chaitra Chaudash, Purmandal Mela at Purmandal, Jhiri Mela and Navratra Festival.  Read more...