Kashmir Valley
وادی کشمیر कश्मीर घाटी Vale of Kashmir | |
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State division | |
![]() Group of arched terraces and structural complex | |
Kashmir Valley (orange bordered) lies in Jammu & Kashmir state of India | |
Countries | India |
State | Jammu and Kashmir |
Districts | Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Bandipore, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian and Srinagar |
Headquarters | Srinagar |
Area | |
• Total | 15,948 km2 (6,158 sq mi) |
Elevation | 1,850 m (6,070 ft) |
Population (2011) | |
• Total | 6,907,622 |
• Density | 430/km2 (1,100/sq mi) |
Demonym(s) | Kashmiri, Koshur (in Kashmiri) |
Languages | |
• Official, Main spoken language | Urdu, Kashmiri |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
The Kashmir Valley (Urdu: وادی کشمیر) or Vale of Kashmir is a valley between the Karakoram and the Pir Panjal Range.[1] It was formed by the draining of the huge Karena lake during a period of tectonic uplift.[1] The Mughal Emperor Jahangir (1569–1627) called the Kashmir Valley a "paradise on earth".[1] It is in the Indian administered state of Jammu and Kashmir. There are 10 districts in this administrative division. The valley is about 135 kilometres (84 mi) long and 32 kilometres (20 mi) wide.