Jammu & Kashmir is a state with variety of culture, tradition and of course landscape. Its the landscape that attracts tourism from all over the world to to this Northern state of India.
The state is well connected with Air. road and rail links.
The state of J&K has 3 major airports, ie, Jammu Airport, Srinagar International Airport and Leh Airport.
A good highway approach using the NH 1 and a rail link up to Udhampur at the moment and then continuing from Banihal to Baramullah.
This is my first blog and is specially for the people who love to have an adventurous drive. This drive is on NH 1A, the highway linking Jammu and Srinagar. There are many places on the way where a visitor must take a break to freshen up, recharge his senses with the lovely food specialties available at these places.
Leaving Jammu early in the morning, head straight on NH 1 A towards Srinagar.
First stop Nandini. Located barely 30-35 Kms from Jammu this small place is famous for its Paneer (Cheese). Mouth watering paneer pakodas and tea is all you need to start your journey.
Driving for another 30-40 minutes after your breakfast, you will pass through the Udhampur town. Carry on driving and after another 35-40 Kms make a stop at 'KUD'
KUD is famous for it's sweets. The most popular sweets are Patisa and Chocolate Barfi. And not to miss in Kud is a Spring located right under the temple. Try the spring water, its as fresh as it gets. Kud has many famous sweet shops established as long as 90 years back, satisfying the sweet tooth of the people of Kashmir Valley. Its one place where a Kashmiri or a Jammuite does'nt go empty handed ;)
Continue your journey for another 10 Kms and your shall reach PATNITOP
Highest point on this highway, Patnitop is the weekend get-away for Jammuites. If you plan a night stay in Patnitop, dont forget to visit the famous Sanasar Top.
Continuing your journey, in a while you shall reach Batote Town, you may take the Batote Bye-Pass to avoid unnecessary jam in the town.
Drivng another 10-15 Kms you will reach Peeda my mid-day. Peeda is famous for its Rajma-Chawal ( Bean Rice ) and Anardane Ki Chutney, lavishly topped with Desi Ghee ( Butter ), a yummy spot for foodies. This is the point from where you can view
the Baghliar Dam as well and one of the dhaba's giving an excellent view of the dam is called Dam View Restaurant !!
Carrying on further, after your delicious dose of Rajma-Chawal, you will cross Chanderkote. After crossing the Chanderkote bridge you will proceed towards Ramban town with River Chenab flowing along the road. The drive from Ramban to Ramsu gets exciting with high mountains on one side of the road and deep cliffs along the other. Be careful on the curves.
After crossing Ramsu, you will pass through Banihal town and once you are through the town, you will arrive at famous Jawahar Tunnel.
Crossing the Jawahar tunnel, you will arrive at Qazigund Town. You can stop here for a cup of Kashmir's famous salted or the Pink tea with Corn Paratha.
Up till here, you would have covered about 230 Kms of your journey leaving behind the dangerous curves and cliffs.
A straight drive of about 70-75 Kms will take you through Anantnag ( Land of Springs ), Awantipora (Famous for sun temples), Pampore (saffron town) and finally Srinagar.
Its one journey that one should make at least once in a lifetime.
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