Jammu and Kashmir: History, Economy and Tourism
Jammu and Kashmir is a region in the far north of India, known for the Kashmir Valley, Dal Lake, the Jammu temples and Himalayan meadows. Since October 2019 it has been a Union Territory. This guide covers its history, geography, economy and tourism, with the political and travel position updated for October 2026.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Union Territory of India since 31 October 2019 |
| Capitals | Srinagar and Jammu |
| Divisions and districts | Two divisions, Jammu and Kashmir, with 20 districts |
| Population (2011 census) | 12,267,013 |
| Main languages | Kashmiri, Dogri, Gojri, Pahari, Urdu, Hindi |
| Chief minister | Omar Abdullah (since October 2024) |
| Lieutenant Governor | Manoj Sinha |
The wider Kashmir region has been disputed between India and Pakistan since 1947, and between India and China in the east. This article describes the Union Territory administered by India.
History
Ancient and Medieval Kashmir
Kashmir has a long written history. The poet Kalhana wrote the Rajatarangini in the 12th century, a chronicle of the kings of Kashmir that remains one of the oldest histories written in India. The valley was an important centre of Buddhism and Hindu learning, and is linked with the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and with a Buddhist council held under the Kushans. The Karkota king Lalitaditya Muktapida built the Martand Sun Temple in the 8th century, and its ruins still stand near Anantnag.
In 1339 Shah Mir founded a Muslim dynasty in Kashmir. Sultan Zain ul Abidin, who ruled in the 15th century, is remembered for religious tolerance and for bringing crafts such as papier mache and shawl weaving. Sufi saints and the mystic poet Lal Ded shaped the region’s culture during this period.
Mughals, Afghans, Sikhs and Dogras
The Mughal emperor Akbar annexed Kashmir in 1586, and later emperors built the famous gardens of Srinagar, such as Shalimar and Nishat. Afghan rulers took over in the 1750s, and the Sikh empire of Ranjit Singh captured the valley in 1819. After the first Anglo Sikh war, the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846 gave Kashmir to Gulab Singh, the Dogra ruler of Jammu, creating the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
From 1947 to 2019
In October 1947 Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India after an attack by tribal forces from Pakistan. War between India and Pakistan followed, and a ceasefire line later became the Line of Control. Under Article 370 of the Constitution, Jammu and Kashmir had special status, with its own constitution and flag. Sheikh Abdullah led the state for long periods. From the late 1980s an armed insurgency caused heavy loss of life, and in the early 1990s most Kashmiri Pandits left the valley.
The Union Territory Since 2019
In August 2019 Parliament ended the special status under Article 370 and split the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The change took effect on 31 October 2019. On 11 December 2023 the Supreme Court upheld the change and directed that statehood be restored and Assembly elections held by September 2024.
Elections were held in September and October 2024. An alliance led by the National Conference won, and Omar Abdullah became chief minister. In September 2026 the Assembly passed a resolution asking the Union government to restore full statehood. As of October 2026, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory.
Geography
Jammu and Kashmir lies north of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and west of Ladakh. It has two very different regions. The Kashmir Valley is a broad oval valley about 100 kilometres wide, with an average height of around 1,850 metres. The Pir Panjal range closes it off to the south and west, and the Great Himalayas rise to the north east. The Jhelum River flows through the valley, past Srinagar and Wular Lake.
The Jammu region to the south is mostly hills, with the Shivaliks and middle Himalayas, and a narrow strip of fertile plains in the south west. The Chenab, Tawi and Ravi rivers drain this area. Smaller valleys such as Lidder, Sind, Poonch and the Chenab valley are spread across both divisions.
Climate
The Jammu plains have hot summers and mild winters, with most rain in the monsoon. The Kashmir Valley lies beyond the reach of most monsoon rain and gets much of its rain and snow in winter and spring from western disturbances. Winters in the valley are cold, with snow and sub zero nights, and the coldest 40 days are known locally as Chillai Kalan.
Lakes and Wildlife
Wular Lake, fed by the Jhelum, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. Dal Lake in Srinagar, Manasbal and Nigeen are smaller and popular with visitors. Dachigam National Park near Srinagar protects the hangul, or Kashmir stag, which is found nowhere else. Kishtwar High Altitude National Park in the Jammu division is home to the snow leopard and Himalayan brown bear. Chinar trees, brought to the valley in the past and loved for their autumn colour, line many roads and gardens.
Economy
Agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts and tourism drive the economy.
- Apples and fruit. Kashmir grows most of India’s apples. Apple farming is reported to employ around 3.5 million people and to make up about a tenth of the region’s economy. Walnuts, almonds and cherries are also important.
- Saffron. The Pampore area near Srinagar is famous for saffron, which has a geographical indication tag.
- Handicrafts. Pashmina shawls, hand knotted carpets, papier mache, walnut wood carving and copperware are made by thousands of artisans.
- Hydropower and minerals. Fast rivers support hydroelectric projects, and the region has deposits of sapphire, borax and graphite.
- Services. Tourism, transport, trade and government jobs employ many people, and the territory depends a good deal on funds from the Union government.
Tourism
Tourism is a major source of income. According to figures given in Parliament, the region recorded about 2.36 crore tourist visits in 2024, a record. The total fell to about 1.78 crore in 2025, including 36,410 foreign visitors. The fall followed the attack near Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, and the tension that followed. Pilgrim numbers at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine near Katra make up a large part of the total.
Popular Places to Visit
- Srinagar. Dal Lake, houseboats, shikara rides and the Mughal gardens.
- Gulmarg. A meadow resort with a cable car and winter skiing.
- Pahalgam. The Lidder valley and a base for the Amarnath Yatra.
- Sonamarg. A high meadow on the road towards Ladakh.
- Katra. The base town for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
- Jammu city. The Raghunath temple and Bahu fort.
- Patnitop and Doodhpathri. Quieter hill and meadow spots.
Getting There
Srinagar and Jammu have airports with flights to major Indian cities, and Srinagar is the only international airport in the territory. The Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla rail line now links the valley to the national rail network. It includes the Chenab Rail Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world, and Vande Bharat trains run on the route. By road, National Highway 44 connects Jammu and Srinagar, helped by tunnels such as the Chenani Nashri tunnel.
Culture
Kashmiri is the most widely spoken language, followed by Dogri, Gojri and Pahari. Food is a strong part of identity: the wazwan feast of many meat dishes, noon chai, kahwa tea and Dogra dishes such as rajma with rice. Festivals include Eid, Shivratri, known locally as Herath, Baisakhi and the Lohri celebrations of Jammu.
Read more in our pages about the Kashmiri language and the Kashmir saffron festival, our Leh Ladakh travel guide and our guide to neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
Autumn, when chinar leaves turn red and gold, is one of the most photographed seasons in the Kashmir Valley.
Travellers should check official advisories and road status before visiting, since conditions in mountain areas can change at short notice.
Prepaid mobile connections from other states may not work in the territory, so plan for a local or postpaid connection.
Buying crafts from government emporiums or registered sellers helps make sure products such as pashmina are genuine.
Houseboat stays on Dal and Nigeen lakes are best booked through registered owners listed with the tourism department.
What We Changed From the Old Post
The old post described Jammu and Kashmir as a state that included Ladakh, and its figures were years out of date. We removed the dash from the title, rewrote the text in plain English and updated it for the 2019 change to a Union Territory, the 2023 Supreme Court ruling, the 2024 election, the 2026 statehood resolution, the new rail link and tourism numbers for 2024 and 2025. We also added a quick facts table, a clearer timeline and travel details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jammu and Kashmir a state?
Not at present. It has been a Union Territory since 31 October 2019. The Assembly has asked for statehood to be restored.
What is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir?
Srinagar and Jammu jointly serve as capitals.
What is Jammu and Kashmir famous for?
It is known for the Kashmir Valley, Dal Lake, apples, saffron, pashmina shawls and the Vaishno Devi shrine.
When is the best time to visit Kashmir?
April to October suits sightseeing, while December to February is the season for snow and skiing in Gulmarg.