Of Kashmir, it was said, “Gar bar-ru-e-zamin ast; hamin ast, hamin ast, hamin asto” or ” If there be a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” The lofty snow clad mountain ranges, sylvan landscape and remarkably good-looking people made this state a virtual paradise. Of Kashmir, it was said, “Gar bar-ru-e-zamin ast; hamin ast, hamin ast, hamin asto”. Or ” If there be a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.” This state is at the extreme north west of India. On the southeast and south are the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. However, it is bounded on the west and north by Pakistan. And on the northeast it’s neighbour is China. More than 90 percent of the state is mountainous. From southwest to northeast the region contains the fertile Jammu and Punch plains. And the coniferous Himalayan foothills are from 2,000 to 7,000 feet. Followed by the heavily glaciated Pir Panjal range at 12,500 feet. Additionally, the valley of Kashmir is at 5,300 feet. While the Himalayan ranges are above 20,000 feet, the upper Indus River valley is at 11,000 feet. Moreover, the stark, barren plateau of Ladakh and the remote Karokaram range are also here. The Indus, Jhelum, Chenab and Tawi are the principal rivers. While the Dal and Wular are the major lakes. The climate varies from alpine in the northeast to subtropical in the southwest. The topography of Jammu and Kashmir offers a wide variety of climate and vegetation. Because of this, the state is a wildlife enthusiast’s delight. No animal better exemplifies the character and concerns of mountain environment than the snow leopard. Another rare animal is the hangul or Kashmir stag. One of the most endangered species of red deer in the world is found here. The eco-system here is well balanced with animals and people coexisting peacefully. One third of the world’s true mountain animals belonging to these mountains. According to legend, corroborated by some geologists, Kashmir was earlier a huge lake called the Karewa. And the area was formed by the blocking of the Jhelum river. Because of the rising Pir Panjal range during one of the periodic phases of Himalayan uplift. Therefore the valley of Kashmir was left behind. There is evidence of coral and other marine fossils in this region. Jammu & Kashmir is divided into three broad segments : Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Kashmir has the maximum population at 53%. Population of Jammu is 45%. While remote and difficult to access Ladakh is a stark, sparsely populated moonscape of incredible rough-hewn beauty. However, the state has been in the glare of international interest. This is unfortunately because of the constant disputes over territorial rights. The state has several diverse locations, which are enthralling, indeed. These include Srinagar, the land of Mughal gardens and enchanting houseboats. And this is the summer capital of the state. While Jammu is the winter capital. Pahalgam with its soaring mountains, icy glaciers and cascading streams is the base for the famous Amarnath yatra. Gulmarg with its pretty landscapes has the highest golf course in the world. Its ski slopes tempt the daring. Sonamarg is the land of the golden meadows. Buddhist populated Ladakh has its own special enduring charm. For instance, the isolated plateau of Leh. Also, Kargil the second largest town of Ladakh. And the enchanting Suru Valley and mountainous Zanskar. The state has several pilgrim destinations for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. The Amarnath temple and the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine are among the most revered and sacred of Hindu pilgri mage sites and hundreds of devotees pay homage every year at these places. The Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar is where the Moi-e-Muqqadus, or sacred hair of Prophet Mohaamad is preserved. It is a Muslim pilgrim site where the faithful come to pay homage. The Shahdara Sharief in Rajouri district is a symbol of communal harmony. Baba Ghulam Shah, born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, made Shahdara his home. And Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs visit the shrine to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the Pir.