There are several best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Jammu, Pahalgam, Dal Lake, Sonamarg, Patnitop, Katra, Wular Lake, Doodhpathri, Gandola, and many valleys. Kashmir is known for beautiful valleys, lakes, gardens, snowcapped mountains, hill stations, glaciers, and many tourist attractions. It has cool and pleasant weather. It is the perfect place for families, honeymooners, and adventure seekers. The natural beauty and picturesque locations of Kashmir have made it the favorite destination for tourists across the world.
This article includes the places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir India. Following is the list of the places to visit in Kashmir.
The Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Jammu and Kashmir of India.
Srinagar
Srinagar is the largest city and Summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir located on the bank of River Jhelum. The city is known for pleasant weather, lakes, houseboats, and gardens. There are many beautiful places to visit in Srinagar like Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, Shah Kashmir Arts emporium, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden, Pari Mahal, and Nagin Lake. Along with that Srinagar is well connected by flights to major airports in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. April to October is the best time to visit Srinagar as the weather is not too cold. Srinagar is the best destination for honeymooners.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a town in Kashmir state of India located at an elevation of 2650 meters from sea level. It is known for its hill station, skiing destination, and notified area committee in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg is also known as the “Meadow of Flowers” as there are different varieties of wildflowers. The beauty of Gulmarg is enhanced by snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, and lakes. The places to visit in Gulmarg are Gulmarg Gandola, Khilanmarg, Himalayan Ski Guides, Kashmir Adventure tour, and Gulmarg backcountry. The best time to visit Gulmarg is the summer season from March to June. The distance of Gulmarg from Baramulla is 31 km and from Srinagar is 49 km.
Jammu
Jammu is the winter capital of The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir located at an elevation of 327 meters. Jammu is famous for temples, palaces, forts, forests, and powerful Ziarats. Jammu lies in the southern part of Jammu and Kashmir along the Tawi River. The places to visit in Jammu are M/s Gupta jewelry Artificial, Amar Mahal Library and Museum, Bahu Fort, Bagh-E- Bahu, Mubarak, Mandi heritage complex, and Shree Ranbireshwar Temple. It is also the most populous district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a town and hill station in the Ananthnag district of Kashmir, India. It is located at an elevation of 2740 meters. Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty, and pleasant atmosphere. It is an ideal place for hiking, trekking, and fishing. The Lidder River runs through the Betab valley making Pahalgam more beautiful. It is the starting point for the annual pilgrimage Amarnath Cave Yatra. The best places to visit in Pahalgam are Betab valley, Baisaran Hill, Awantipora, and Golf Course. Pahalgam is also known as the “Valley of Shepherd”. The best time to visit Pahalgam is from July to October when the Pahalgam is covered in the cascade of flowers.
Dal Lake
Dal Lake is an urban lake and the most visited place in Srinagar by tourists. It is the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir having an area of 22 km square. The lake is an integral part of tourism in Srinagar and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir”. The shikara ride in the lake is a top tourist attraction. Dal lake has the maximum number of houseboats for your best and super luxurious accommodation including dining, kitchen bedroom, and balcony with a breathtaking view. The Dal lake froze in the winter season so boating is not possible. The distance of dal lake from Srinagar Airport is 23.3 km.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg is a town in Kashmir of India. The meaning of Sonamarg is “Meadow of Gold”. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations at an elevation of 2730 meters located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonamarg has many snow-capped mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows, lakes, and flowing rivers. April to June is the best time to visit Sonamarg. The zero point at Sonamarg is located on Kashmir Ladhak Highway. The distance between Sonamarg to Srinagar is 80 km and Gulmarg to Sonamarg is 124 km. November and December is the snowfall time in Sonamarg. It is home to some of the best trekking trails as Sonamarg is covered with snow.
Patnitop
Patnitop is a hill station located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is on the Jammu – Srinagar Highway. The best places to visit in Patnitop are Nathatop, Sanasar Lake, Naag Mandir, Circulated Road, Chenani- Nashri Tunnel, Sudh Mahadeo, and Baglihar. It is the best destination for tourists offering a paragliding joyride at an altitude of 2024 meters above sea level. It is also the best place for street shopping. The distance between Patnitop and Udhampur is 47 km and from Katra 84 km. During the winter season weather is very cold and temperatures fall below zero degrees Celsius. The winter season is the snowfall time in Patnitop.
Katra or Vaishno Devi
Katra or Vaishno Devi is a city in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated on the foothill of the Trikuta Mountains where the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi is located at an elevation of 2870 feet. Katra is a picturesque region in Jammu and Kashmir. Every year thousands of tourists come to this shrine to pay respect to the Goddess. The distance between Katra and Vaishno Devi is a 12 km climb on a well-paved road. The distance between Katra to Srinagar is 71 km by road. The Katra market is famous for carpets, shawls, dry fruits, silverware, and brassware.
Wular Lake
Wular lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in South Asia located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at the foothill of Haramuk Mountain. The total area of the lake is 200 square km. The distance between Wular lake and Srinagar is 60 km. The Wular Lake lies at an altitude of 1580 meters. The length of the lake is 16 km and the depth is 14 meters. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kashmir other than Dal Lake. The main source of water for Wular Lake is River Jhelum. The lake has a small island in the center called” Zaina Lank”.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is a tulip garden in Srinagar. It is the largest tulip garden in Asia spread over an area of 30 hectares. There are more than one million Tulip plants open to tourists. The garden is located at Siraj Baug, Chesmashahi, Srinagar. The government of Jammu and Kashmir organizes an annual Tulip festival to showcase the range of flowers in the garden as a part of tourism. The Tulip garden is open to tourists from March to May. The timing of the Tulip Garden is from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm on all days. The beautiful Tulip Garden is one of the must-visit places in Srinagar.
Apharwat
Apharwat is a summit in Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at a height of 4390 meters above sea level in Gulmarg. It receives heavy snowfall and is mostly covered with snow for much of the year. It is very near to the Line of Control. It has breathtaking beauty and the longest ski slope in Asia. The Gulmarg Gondola ride will take you to Apharwat Peak. Another way to reach Apharwat peak is by trek. This is one of the best places for the trek. You can start your trek from Gulmarg or the first level of the Gandola ride. The perfect time to reach Apharwat peak is between March and October.
Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is located in the Ananthnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The distance between Betaab valley and Pahalgam is 15 km and Srinagar is 120 km. The original name of Betaab valley was Hajan valley or Hagan valley. Betaab valley got its name from the Bollywood Movie Betaab featuring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh. Betaab valley is a very popular destination in Kashmir. It is also a base camp for trekking and further exploration of mountains. The valley is a gorgeous expanse by the Lidder River, offering picturesque surroundings and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Kashmir Valley
The Kashmir valley is also known as the Vale of Kashmir located at an elevation of 1,850 meters in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The fertile soil of the valley grows rice, corn, fruits, and vegetables. The scenic mountains and lakes in the Kashmir valley attract tourists. Some of the major tourist places in Kashmir valley are Srinagar with its renowned Dal Lake and Mughal Garden, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Patnitop, and Jammu. Kashmir valley lies between the Pir Panjal and the western end of the great Himalayan range.
Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri is a hill station and tourist destination located in the Budgam district at an altitude of 8957 feet. It is a new emerging travel destination in Kashmir. The meaning of “Doodhpathri” is the valley of Milk. Doodhpathri is bowl-shaped alpine unexplored heaven on earth surrounded by snow-clad mountains and grassy meadows of pine trees. The distance between Doodhpathri and Srinagar is 37 km. Doodhpathri and Yusmarg have their own beauty. But Doodhpathri is better as compared to Yusmarg.
Thajiwas Glacier
Thajiwas Glacier is a top tourist attraction in the Forest Block of Jammu and Kashmir. Thajiwas Glacier is located at an altitude of 9186 feet. This is an adventure destination in Sonmarg. You can reach the glacier by pony ride or by trekking. The trek through woodland and meadows takes to you the beautiful glacier. This is the best place for photography and sledding. The distance between Thajiwas Glacier and Sonmarg is 3 km. Thajiwas Glacier is referred to as “The hidden jewel of Kashmir” with its frozen lake, snow-capped mountains, fir and pine trees, and alpine meadows. June to September is the best time to visit Thajiwas Glacier when the climate is pleasant, cool, and great for different activities.
Gulmarg Gondola
Gulmarg Gondola is a high-altitude cable car in Gulmarg. Gulmarg Gondola is the second largest and highest cable car in the world. The second stage of the Gondola has a height of 12,293 feet. If you want to experience the tallest cable car, then book an online ticket. Gulmarg Gondola is the top tourist attraction in Kashmir. Gulmarg Gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed rowing boat used to ferry passengers to high altitudes. The length of the Gulmarg Gondola is 4.2 km. The starting point is Kongdoori and the endpoint is Apparat peak. The time of the Gulmarg Gondola is from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Chenab valley
Chenab valley is a river valley formed by River Chenab. It is a collective term used for the Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts of the Jammu division of Kashmir. Chenab valley lies between the middle and outer Himalayan Ranges in Jammu and Kashmir. The river has a rich power generation potential in India. The valley is surrounded by mountains and borders the district of Ananthnag, Kulgam, and Chamba. Indian Railway is constructing the world’s highest arch rail bridge over the Chenab. The length of the bridge is 1.3 km and is located in the Kouri area of Reasi.
Pampore
Pampore is a small town in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is also known as Pampar or Panpar. It is located on the eastern side of River Jhelum on the Jammu – Srinagar National Highway at an elevation of 1573 meters. It is one of the places in the world where saffron, the world’s most expensive spice grown. It is also known as the Saffron Town of Kashmir. The endless field of saffron flowers is an attractive tourist destination. The flowers are at their peak in the month of October.
Great Lake Trek
The Great Lake Trek or Kashmir Great Lake Trek is known as Sonamarg – Vishansar- Naranag Trek. It is high altitude trek in Kashmir Valley. Naranag is the lowest point of the trek is at a height of 6982 feet whereas Gadsar pass is the highest point at a height of 13,750 feet. The best time for the Great lake trek is from June to September. The length of the trek is approximately 68 km. This is the only trek in the Himalayas that packs three high-altitude passes, and five river valleys crossing seven sporting alpine lakes.
Yusmarg
Yusmarg is a hill station in the western part of Kashmir valley in the Indian Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is also known as the Meadows of Jesus is a picturesque destination that tourists must visit for natural beauty. Yusmarg is known for its grassy pastures, deep forest, and snow-covered mountains forming a stunning backdrop. The distance between Yusmarg and Doodhpathri is 4 km and can be covered in one trip. Nilnag Lake is one of the top places to visit near Yusmarg. The distance between Yusmarg and Srinagar is 47 km.
Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal is a seven-terraced garden located at the top of the Zabarwan Mountain range overlooking the city of Srinagar on one side and Dal Lake on another side. Pari Mahal is also called an Angel’s Abode. The meaning of Pari Mahal is “the place of fairies”. Once it was the residence of Dara Siko the Mughal prince and now is the top tourist attraction in Srinagar.
I hope this information will be useful to you for planning a trip to Kashmir the heaven on earth.
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