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Jammu and Kashmir: Heaven on Earth
Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory in northern India, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and vibrant cultural heritage. The region is divided into 20 administrative districts, each with its own unique attractions, culture, and traditions.
20
Districts
2
Divisions
12.5M+
Population
42,241
Area (km²)
Kashmir Division

Anantnag
Headquarters: Anantnag City
Area: 3,574 km²
Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu
Famous for: Amarnath Cave, Betaab Valley, Pahalgam, Martand Sun Temple
Known as the “Land of Numerous Springs,” Anantnag is one of the oldest districts in Kashmir Valley. It is a popular tourist destination with picturesque landscapes, pristine rivers, and sacred sites. The district is home to the famous Amarnath Cave, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Bandipora
Headquarters: Bandipora Town
Area: 398 km²
Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu, Shina
Famous for: Wular Lake, Gurez Valley, Tragbal Pass, Satbaryan
Bandipora is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and is home to Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. The district offers stunning mountain ranges, lush green valleys, and pristine lakes. The Gurez Valley, with its scenic beauty and unique culture, is a major attraction for tourists seeking offbeat destinations.

Baramulla
Headquarters: Baramulla City
Area: 4,243 km²
Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu, Pahari
Famous for: Gulmarg, Skiing, Uri, Apharwat Peak
Baramulla is the largest district in Kashmir Valley by area. It is home to the world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg, known for its stunning slopes and the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. The district is characterized by picturesque landscapes, flowing rivers, and apple orchards.

Budgam
Headquarters: Budgam Town
Area: 1,361 km²
Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu
Famous for: Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Nilnag Lake, Pottery
Budgam is centrally located in the Kashmir Valley and is known for its lush green meadows, pristine water bodies, and handicrafts. The district houses the Srinagar International Airport and is famous for Yousmarg and Doodhpathri, two beautiful meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is also known for its pottery and willow wicker work.

Ganderbal
Headquarters: Ganderbal Town
Area: 1,045 km²
Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu
Famous for: Sonamarg, Thajiwas Glacier, Zoji La Pass, Manasbal Lake
Ganderbal is known as the “Gateway to Ladakh” due to its strategic location on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. The district is renowned for the beautiful tourist destination of Sonamarg (“Meadow of Gold”), known for its snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and flower-filled meadows. The district is also home to Manasbal Lake, the deepest lake in Kashmir.

Kulgam
Headquarters: Kulgam Town
Area: 410 km²
Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu
Famous for: Aharbal Waterfall, Rice cultivation, Fruit orchards
Kulgam is a picturesque district located in the southern part of Kashmir Valley. Known as the “Rice Bowl of Kashmir,” the district is characterized by fertile lands and extensive rice cultivation. The breathtaking Aharbal Waterfall, often called the “Niagara Falls of Kashmir,” is a major tourist attraction. The district is also known for its fruit orchards, particularly apples.

Kupwara
Headquarters: Kupwara Town
Area: 2,379 km²
Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu, Pahari
Famous for: Lolab Valley, Bungus Valley, Dense forests
Kupwara, known as the “Crown of Kashmir,” is a frontier district located in the northern part of Kashmir Valley. It is known for its pristine valleys, dense forests, and picturesque meadows. The Lolab Valley, a cluster of 114 villages surrounded by dense forests and mountains, is a major tourist attraction. The district is also known for its walnut production and wooden handicrafts.

Pulwama
Headquarters: Pulwama Town
Area: 1,090 km²
Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu
Famous for: Saffron cultivation, Milk production, Pampore
Pulwama, known as the “Rice Bowl of Kashmir,” is famous for its saffron fields, particularly in Pampore, known as the “Saffron Town of Kashmir.” The district is rich in agricultural production and is also known for its milk and dairy products. It houses several ancient shrines and temples, including the historic Avantishwar Temple and the holy spring of Tral.

Shopian
Headquarters: Shopian Town
Area: 312 km²
Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu
Famous for: Apple cultivation, Peer Ki Gali, Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary
Shopian is known as the “Apple Bowl of Kashmir” due to its extensive apple cultivation. The district produces some of the finest quality apples in India. The district is characterized by picturesque landscapes, including dense forests, flowing streams, and mountains. The historic Mughal Road passes through Shopian, connecting Kashmir Valley with Poonch and Rajouri.

Srinagar
Headquarters: Srinagar City
Area: 294 km²
Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu, English
Famous for: Dal Lake, Houseboats, Mughal Gardens, Handicrafts
Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and one of the most beautiful cities in India. Known for the iconic Dal Lake with its houseboats and floating gardens, the city is a major tourist destination. The city is home to beautiful Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. Srinagar is also famous for its rich cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and historic monuments.
Jammu Division

Doda
Headquarters: Doda Town
Area: 2,625 km²
Languages: Dogri, Kashmiri, Urdu
Famous for: Bhaderwah Valley, Scenic beauty, Kailash Kund
Doda is known for its picturesque locations and is often called “Mini Kashmir” due to its scenic beauty. The district is home to the beautiful Bhaderwah Valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The ancient Vasuki Nag Temple and the sacred Kailash Kund lake at an altitude of 14,500 feet are major pilgrimage sites. The district is also known for its apple orchards and coniferous forests.

Jammu
Headquarters: Jammu City
Area: 3,097 km²
Languages: Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi
Famous for: Vaishno Devi, Raghunath Temple, Bahu Fort
Jammu, known as the “City of Temples,” is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The district is famous for its ancient temples and religious sites, including the Raghunath Temple complex. The Vaishno Devi shrine, located in the nearby Reasi district, attracts millions of pilgrims each year. Jammu is also known for its distinctive cuisine, particularly Rajma Chawal and Kalari cheese.

Kathua
Headquarters: Kathua Town
Area: 2,502 km²
Languages: Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi
Famous for: Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary, Basohli Paintings
Kathua is known as the “Gateway to Jammu and Kashmir” as it borders Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The district is famous for its Basohli paintings, a vibrant style of miniature painting that originated in the 17th century. Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna, is a major attraction. The district also has several ancient temples and historic forts, including the Jasmergarh Fort.

Kishtwar
Headquarters: Kishtwar Town
Area: 7,737 km²
Languages: Kishtwari, Urdu, Dogri
Famous for: Saffron cultivation, Kishtwar National Park, Hydroelectric plants
Kishtwar, known as the “Land of Sapphire and Saffron,” is the largest district of Jammu and Kashmir by area. The district is famous for its rare sapphire mines and high-quality saffron cultivation. Kishtwar National Park, home to endangered species like the Hangul (Kashmir stag), is a biodiversity hotspot. The district is also known for its hydroelectric power projects on the Chenab River.

Poonch
Headquarters: Poonch Town
Area: 1,674 km²
Languages: Pahari, Gojri, Punjabi
Famous for: Poonch Fort, Noori Chamb Waterfall, Buddha Amarnath
Poonch, often called “Mini Kashmir,” is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. The historic Poonch Fort, built in 1713, is a major attraction. The district is home to the Buddha Amarnath Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Noori Chamb, a picturesque waterfall, is another popular tourist destination. The district is also known for its ethnic diversity and cross-cultural influences.

Rajouri
Headquarters: Rajouri Town
Area: 2,630 km²
Languages: Gojri, Pahari, Dogri
Famous for: Ancient temples, Mughal architecture, Diverse culture
Rajouri, known as the “Land of Kings,” has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The district features a unique blend of Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh cultures. The district is home to several ancient temples and Mughal-era architecture. The Pir Panjal range provides a picturesque backdrop to the district. Rajouri is also known for its traditional handicrafts and distinctive cuisine.

Ramban
Headquarters: Ramban Town
Area: 1,329 km²
Languages: Dogri, Kashmiri, Gojri
Famous for: Chenab River, Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, Mountainous terrain
Ramban is situated on the banks of the Chenab River and is known for its rugged mountainous terrain. The district serves as a transit point on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, India’s longest road tunnel, is located in this district. Ramban is also known for its apple orchards, walnut production, and traditional handicrafts.

Reasi
Headquarters: Reasi Town
Area: 1,719 km²
Languages: Dogri, Hindi, Gojri
Famous for: Vaishno Devi Shrine, Shiv Khori Cave, Bhimgarh Fort
Reasi is known for the famous Vaishno Devi Shrine, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. Located in Katra, the shrine attracts millions of devotees each year. The district is also home to Shiv Khori, a natural cave with a Shiva lingam. The historic Bhimgarh Fort, built in the 8th century, showcases the region’s ancient architecture. The district features diverse landscapes including mountains, forests, and rivers.

Samba
Headquarters: Samba Town
Area: 914 km²
Languages: Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi
Famous for: Mansar Lake, Industrial area, Border tourism
Samba is an industrial hub of Jammu and Kashmir and is known for its manufacturing units. The district is home to Mansar Lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by forests that attracts many tourists. Samba has a rich cultural heritage with several ancient temples and historic sites. The district is also known for its border tourism, as it shares its boundary with Pakistan. Farming and agriculture are important economic activities in the region.

Udhampur
Headquarters: Udhampur Town
Area: 2,380 km²
Languages: Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi
Famous for: Patnitop, Kud, Northern Command HQ, Devika River
Udhampur is known as the “Land of Devika” (referring to the sacred Devika River). The district is home to Patnitop, a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities. The district is strategically important as it houses the Northern Command Headquarters of the Indian Army. Udhampur is also known for its traditional sweets, particularly the famous Kud Pathwari. The district has numerous ancient temples and natural springs.
District Map of Jammu and Kashmir

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is divided into 20 administrative districts across two divisions: Kashmir Division and Jammu Division. The Kashmir Division consists of 10 districts primarily in the Kashmir Valley, while the Jammu Division includes 10 districts in the Jammu region.
Kashmir Division Districts
- Anantnag
- Bandipora
- Baramulla
- Budgam
- Ganderbal
- Kulgam
- Kupwara
- Pulwama
- Shopian
- Srinagar
Jammu Division Districts
- Doda
- Jammu
- Kathua
- Kishtwar
- Poonch
- Rajouri
- Ramban
- Reasi
- Samba
- Udhampur
District Statistics
Jammu and Kashmir at a Glance
Most Populous Districts
Largest Districts by Area
District Formation Timeline