Places to visit in Kashmir

Srinagar

Located on the banks of river Jhelum and also called as ‘Heaven on Earth’ Srinagar is the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Famous for its decorated houseboats and beautiful Shikararas on Dal lake it is the heart of the state.

Shikaras and gondola-type rowboats are used by the tourist to see the floating vegetable market. Known as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, it has some beautiful Mughal Gardens being Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden. Local cuisine is famous all over the globe, so when you visit  Srinagar, trying out the local dishes, which are rich in unique aromatic spices, is a must.

Places to visit: Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh. 

Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi is a town that is home to famous Vaishno Devi Mandir located in Trikuta hills, 13 km from Katra. This renowned shrine lures millions of followers from all around the world. Commonly known as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi, Vaishno Devi is an Avatar of the Hindu Goddess Durga. Followers believe the goddess herself calls the devotees to reach there at her wish every year at that time of the year.

The Holy shrine board was formed in the year 1986, and the temple has witnessed an increasing number of followers ever since. It is a religious destination where pilgrims trek 13km uphill to reach, it takes about 6-9 hours depending on the weather and pace. You can reach the top on Ponies and Palanquins, as well as helicopter services, are available.

Places to visit: Vaishno Devi temple, Katra, Ardh Kuwari lake, Bhairavnath Temple etc.

Best Kashmir Holiday Package List

Amarnath

Amarnath is an important pilgrimage site in India for the worshippers of Lord Shiva. The cave is a Shelter to a naturally formed enshrined ice structure called the Shivaling, which resembles Lord Shiva.

The Holy site is visited by millions of tourists every year from all across the world in what is famously known as the ‘Amarnath Yatra’. According to the Scripts, this place is regarded to be the same cave where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati. Visiting this place is must you might end up finding your very own formula to eternity?

Places to visit: Pahalgam, Baltal, Amarnath Cave.

Jammu

Jammu is the winter capital on the union territory, it is the southernmost part of the Jammu and Kashmir. Ruled by the  Dogra dynasty in the pre-independence era  Jammu is famous for its ancient temples and beautiful palaces, Jammu is called the ‘City of Temples’.

The climate of Jammu is not like Srinagar it is less cold so you can buy walnuts and handloom from the markets in Jammu which are very popular. Jammu has Himalayan ranges in the north, the plains of Punjab in the south, Shivalik hills to the east and rivers like Ravi, Tawi and Chenab cut their way through the region in the west.

Places to visit: Bahu fort, Mansar Lake, Shivkhori, Raghunath Bazaar etc.

 Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a tourist popular destination positioned in the Pir Panjal Range of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located at an altitude of 2730m above sea level. Surrounded by snow-covered tall Himalayan ranges, fields of flowers, Green valleys, Gulmarg also has the world’s second-highest Gondola ride.

It is one of the top honeymoon destinations like Shimla and Manali, a beautiful town that attracts a lot of travelers. Gulmarg is famous as a hub for Mountaineering and Skiing all around the world.

People from different parts of the country and the world visit here to take courses on trekking, mountaineering, skiing, etc. which are offered by IISM at reasonable rates. The shooting of many Bollywood films has been done in the region because of its scenic beauty.

Places to visit: Gulmarg Gondola, Khilanmarg, Alpathar Lake etc.

Patnitop

Famously known as the “Photographer’s paradise”, with endless fields and scenic views of the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature. It is one of the popular tourist destinations in the region as it has activities like skiing and trekking as well as water springs that attract tourists.

Sanasar, located 17 kms away is also popular for paragliding, golf courses and also with various sightseeing options. Patnitop will surely give you one the most eye catching experience along with its wide range of adventure sports it has to offer.

Places to visit: Naag Mandir, Skiing and paragliding in Patnitop, Nathatop etc.

Nubra valley

Located on the ancient Silk Route, the valley has Shyok and Nubra rivers flowing through it and have some beautiful monasteries. It is 140 km from Leh located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Its road further leads to the Siachen base camp so it is currently under Military Supervision. To travel these region travelers need to get a special permit like the protected area permit for foreign nationals, and Indian travelers need to obtain an Inner Line Permit.

Travelers Need to hand over the photocopies of your travel permits to the soldiers in the Khardung La pass. The famous hand Crafted Kashmiri or Tibetan artifacts, Pashmina shawls, woolen socks, almonds, apricots, apples and other things that define Kashmir are readily available in Diskit.

Places to visit: Panamik Village, Diskit Monastery, Bactarian Camel ride

Sonmarg

Sonamarg is a beautiful town in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with snow-covered fields, surrounded by sumptuous glaciers and tranquil lakes which cast subtle spells on the visitors.  ‘The Meadow of gold’, Sonamarg is a charming town located 80km north-east of Srinagar at an altitude of around 2800 m above sea level.

There are many mountains located in the region like Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Kishansar and lakes like Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake at a height of 3, 801m above sea level, is popular for fishing and tourist attraction. Sonmarg is famous for its scenic views and an addictive atmosphere. You can truly experience the beauty of mother nature when you visit the region.

 Places to visit: Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, Nilagrad River, etc