Kashmir's Topography
Physical Features
The
state can be divided into four major regions: the sub-mountain and
semi-mountain plain known as kandi or dry belt; the Shivalik ranges,
the high mountain zone constituting the Kashmir Valley; Pir Panchal
range and its off-shoots including Doda, Poonch and Rajouri districts
and part of Kathua and Udhampur districts; and the middle run of the
Indus River comprising Leh and Kargil.Kashmir is a multi-dimensional
variegated backdrop
physical exuberance. Its
sanctity and evergreen stature is varied from the
chaste shimmering snow, with its virgin demeanor from top to toe,
adorning the towering peaks of its mountainous periphery. Mellowing
kisses of the sun endow these summits with a rosy blush lending
perennial health to our warbling brooks, roaring waterfalls and sedate
and solemn lakes. To crown all, this very nectarine glow has most
meaningfully groomed our mental attitude to glean unity amidst seeming
diversity.
Climate
Although
a small state, the climate of this state varies from one region to
another. The climate of Jammu region is tropical while it is
semi-arctic in Ladakh and temperate in Srinagar region. Accordingly,
rainfall also varies from region to region and while there is almost no
rainfall in Ladakh, Jammu receives a rainfall of above 1,100 mm and
Srinagar around 650 mm.
Flora and Fauna
The
state is rich in flora and fauna. In Jammu, the flora ranges from the
thorn bush type of the arid plain to the temperate and alpine flora of
the higher altitudes. Of the broad-leaf trees, there are maple, horse
chestnuts, silver fir, etc. At the higher altitudes, there are birch,
rhododendron, and a large number of herbal plants.
Kashmir is also
resplendent with many hues of wood and game. The most magnificent of
the Kashmir trees is the chinar which is found throughout the valley.
Mountain ranges in the valley have dense deodar, pine and fir. Walnut,
willow, almond and cider also add to the rich flora of Kashmir.
In
the hilly regions of Doda, Udhampur, Poonch and Rajouri, there is a
large and varied fauna including leopard, cheetah and deer, wild sheep,
bear, brown musk shrew, and muskrat. Varieties of snakes, bats, lizards
and frogs are also found in the region.
The
game birds in Jammu include chakor (Alectoris graeca), snow partridge,
pheasants, and peacock.
The dense forests of Kashmir are a delight to
the sport lovers and adventurers for whom there are ibex, snow leopard,
musk deer, wolf, red bear, black bear and leopard. The winged game
includes ducks, goose, partridge, chakor, pheasant, wagtails, herons,
water pigeons, warblers, and doves. In the otherwise arid desert of
Ladakh, some 240 species of local and migratory birds have been
identified including the black-necked crane.
The Ladakh fauna includes
yak, Himalayan ibex, Tibetan antelope, snow leopard, wild ass, red bear
and gazelle.