Impact Factor(JCC): 1.1947- This article can be downloaded from www.bestjournals.in SOCIO-ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ECOTOURISM IN KASHMIR ISHFAQ HUSSAIN MALIK Research Scholar, Department of Geography Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India ABSTRACT Ecotourism appeals to socially and ecologically conscious individuals. Kashmir, known as 'paradise on earth', attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year but lots of socio-economic, political and environmental problems have arisen mainly because of over influx of tourists at certain places like Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Dal Lake, and political disturbance because Kashmir is trapped in the cross hairs of India and Pakistan. On the other hand, Kashmir provides a great potential for tourism industry. Thus, it is important to understand the tourism of Kashmir through the prism of political ecology, ecotourism and sustainable development, how ecotourism can be used for the protection of the cultural heritage and ecological diversity and to foster the culture and human rights of Kashmir and also contribution in the socio- economic development and political empowerment of local communities. KEYWORDS: Ecological Diversity, Ecotourism, Empowerment, Sustainable Development, Political Ecology Let me cry out in that void, say it as I can. I write on that void: Kashmir, Kaschmir, Cashmere, Qashmir, Cashmir, Cashmire, Kashmere......Agha Shahid Ali INTRODUCTION The state of Jammu and Kashmir has the latitudinal extent of 32º 17´North to 37º 6´ North and longitudinal extent of 73º 26´ East to 80º 30´ East. J & K is divided into three divisions - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and all the three divisions have immense potential for tourism but Kashmir Valley is the most important in terms of tourism. Kashmir is famous for its unique beauty and natural scenery throughout the world. It is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with four seasons, always extravagantly beautiful. Kashmir is surrounded by two Himalayan Ranges- the Great Himalayan Range from the north and the Pir Panjal from south. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the beautiful valleys, forested with orchards and decorated amazingly by lily-laden lakes. Its high snow-clad Himalayan mountains, scenic spots, beautiful valleys, exquisite pleasure Mughal gardens, hill stations, rivers with ice-cold water, attractive lakes and springs, evergreen fields, dense forests, beautiful health resorts, rich culture and ageless grace of its architecture enhance its grandeur and are a source of great attraction for tourists. People have written zillions of words to best describe the beauty of Kashmir, however the truth is that the power of words can never comprehend the mysticism that this Valley possesses. The famous Mughal Emperor Jahangir while describing the beauty of Kashmir said "Agar Firdous Baroye Zameen Ast, Hami Asto, Hami Asto, Hami Ast" which means "If there is heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here". It is also widely known for its different kinds of agricultural products, fruit, vegetables, saffron, herbs, minerals, precious stones handicrafts like woollen carpets, shawls and finest kind of embroidery on clothes. Pilgrimage to famous religious BEST: International Journal of Humanities, Arts, Medicine and Sciences (BEST: IJHAMS) ISSN (P): 2348-0521, ISSN (E): 2454-4728 Vol. 3, Issue 11, Nov 2015, 155-166 © BEST Journals