Jammu & Kashmir tourism has been described as a paradise so many times that one feels it is the ultimate homage you could pay to it. But somehow, there is a vagueness in it which does not do justice to this part of the country. This region has a complicated history, and its stunning scenery and cultural diversity make it a one-of-a-kind and enthralling destination. Jammu & Kashmir lies in India’s far north and shares international borders with Pakistan and China.
What is paradise in jammu and kashmir? Jammu and Kashmir, also known as the “Crown of India,” is a northern Indian union territory with a rich and diversified cultural past. It is noted for its breathtaking natural beauty, with views ranging from lush valleys and calm lakes to hilly mountains and high-altitude desert regions. It is its alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes, amber hues of the trees during autumn, boathouses, gondolas, apple orchards and everything else that add to its landscape. Jammu and Kashmir’s cuisine is diverse and rich. It contains foods such as Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Yakhni, and a variety of breads such as Sheermal and Lavasa. The area is also famed for its kebabs and the Wazwan feast.
Yusmarg
Yusmarg is a hill station in the western part of the valley of Kashmir. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community believes it to be the place where Jesus once lived. Yusmarg translates as ‘The Meadow of Jesus’ in Kashmiri. A marg means a meadow, and the term ‘Yus’ is considered to be a short form of Youza or Jesus. It can also be referred to as Switzerland and is 47 kilometres away from Srinagar. The landscape here is more beautiful than anything you will ever see. Yusmarg, the imperial gem of the Bagdam district, is home to several picturesque locations. It enchants visitors with its natural beauty in sites such as Sang-e-Safed Valley; Yusmarg is also known for having some exceptional flower springs.
Tattakutti (4,725 m) and Sunset Peak (4,746 m) are two of the highest peaks in the PirPanjal range. Yusmarg’s huge natural slopes offer skiing chances to adventure seekers. On the other hand, the holy shrine of Charar-e-Sharif is said to bless the entire region and safeguard the land from all types of misfortunes. Yusmarg’s ageless beauty captivates tourists’ hearts and inspires them to return again and again.
Sightseeing Attractions in Yusmarg
- Pakherpora Shrine
- Charar-e-Sharif
- Doodhganga
- Nilnag Lake
- Sang-e-Safed
Top Things to Do in Yusmarg
- Trekking
- Horse riding
- Trout fishing
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is located at an elevation of 2730 metres above sea level and is a notified area committee in the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district. It is 31 kilometres (19 miles) from Baramulla and 49 kilometres (30 miles) from Srinagar. Gulmarg has everything going for it: snow-dressed mountains, greenery, lakes, pine & fir forests and different types of flowers. It is snug in a valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas, within the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary.
Gulmarg very well justifies its name, the meadows of flowers, and you will come across a lot of meadows decorated with daisies. A beautiful aspect of the meadow is the 1890s Anglican Church of St. Mary’s, which is situated on a lonely hill and accessible by a dead-end road connecting the 1965 neo-colonial Hotel Highlands Park and the famous Gulmarg Golf Club.
Most of all though, Gulmarg has the highest green golf course in the world as well as the highest cable car project. Gulmarg has also grown as one of the best adventure destinations, with the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering based here. Hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and snowboarding courses are all available at IISM. Numerous other private tour companies in Gulmarg offer similar skiing and snowboarding courses and facilities. Gulmarg, known for its scenic splendour, has also been a favourite location for the filming of several Bollywood films.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Gulmarg
- St. Mary’s Church
- Baba Reshi Shrine
- Maharani Temple/Shiva Temple
Popular Things to Do in Gulmarg
- Play golf at the highest golf course in the world
- Enjoy a gongola cable car ride
- Go skiing at Shark Fin, the best skiing slope in Gulmarg
Sonmarg
Sonamarg is a beautiful hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, approximately 80 kilometres north of Srinagar. It is at a height of approximately 2,730 metres above sea level, on the bank of the flowing Sindh River. Sonmarg means a “meadow of gold”, and is one of the best tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir for sightseeing & adventure. Its landscape is marked by a glacier, forests and snow-capped mountains. The town is located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, about 70 km from Srinagar International Airport. It was also the starting point for the Silk Road, which linked Kashmir to China.
This mountain is surrounded by the big Himalayan glaciers Kolahoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier, and it is the source of the famed Three Sisters of Kashmir Valley. The three Great Lakes in Kashmir: Kishansar, Vishansar and Gadsar, can be visited from here. Peaks such as Kolahoi Peak, Amarnath Peak, Machoi Peak, and Sirbal Peak tower over this lovely hill town, making Songamarg a renowned destination for adventure sports tourism. The Thajiwas range divides the Sonmarg Valley into two halves; on one side lies the fir-covered Thajiwas spur, which is popular for camping. The Thajiwas glacier, which is the main attraction of this place, is located on the other side.
Camping & trout fishing are some popular adventure activities. Sonmarg is also the starting point for the trek to Amarnath, a major Hindu pilgrimage destination. However, in the winter, Sonamarg is inaccessible because of avalanches and heavy snowfall that shut the NH1D, which connects it to neighboring locations. Except for the winter months (November to February), the climate in the area is normally suitable for tourism. It is best to visit flowery meadows between April and October to fully appreciate their splendor.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Sonmarg
- Thajiwas Glacier
- Baltal Valley (close to Sonmarg)
- Amarnath Cave
- Naranag
- Vishansar Lake
- Vishansar Lake
- Gadsar Lake
Best Things to Do in Sonmarg
- Whitewater rafting
- Trekking
- Camping
- Trout fishing
Pahalgam
Pahalgam. Located in the Anantnag district, about 90 km away from Srinagar and it is located on the banks of the River Lidder. One of the most well-liked trekking areas is the Kolahoi Glaciers trip, which passes via the lovely settlement of Aru village, Pahalgam. Pahalgam in Kashmir Valley is a compassionate and beautiful reflection of nature. This small village is located at the intersection of two streams flowing from the beautiful Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River and offers many breathtaking landscapes. Pahalgam is also known as the Valley of Shepherds.
Pahalgam was the location for the classic Bollywood film Betaab, starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh. As a result, the valley was renamed Betaab Valley. It is a visual treat with its meadows, forests and pristine environment. Aru Valley, Betab Valley and Baisaran are some of the places which make Pahalgam the best in Kashmir for a sightseeing tour. Remember to purchase authentic Kashmiri saffron from Pampore when at Pahalgam.
Baisaran, commonly known as “Mini Switzerland,” is a picturesque location 6 kilometres from Pahalgam. With serene meadows, clean lakes, and picturesque surroundings, you may simply stroll across the region or sit down for a picnic. Baisaran also provides activities such as pony rides and zorbing. Chandanwari, located in Pahalgam, is the starting point for one of India’s most famous pilgrimages, the Amarnath Yatra.
From November to February, the weather is fairly cold, with plenty of snow on the ground. It grows a little warmer in the later months till April, though the minimum temperature stays around 2-3 degrees Celsius.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Aru Valley
- Betaab Valley
- Baisaran
- Sheikhpora
Best Things to Do
- Trout fishing
- Pony ride
- Enjoy a picnic
Gurez Valley
The Gurez Valley is a stunning natural location in Jammu and Kashmir, located in the high Himalayas around 86 kilometres (53 miles) north of Srinagar and 123 kilometres (76 miles) south of Bandipore. Gurez Valley is situated at an elevation of 2400 metres above sea level and the weather is always nice here. The area is ideal for photography, tranquil picnics, and hiking adventures. The picturesque valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, meadows clothed with lindens, walnut and willow trees and the raging river KishanGanga. Dawar and Tilel are the two districts that make up the Gurez Valley. Dawar is also Gurez’s central settlement, and it is where all of the hotels are located.
Due to substantial snowfall of about 2 metres (7 ft) and the closure of Razdan Pass in winter, the Gurez Valley is cut off from the rest of the world for six months and also enhances its appeal as a famous tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. The people who live here are one of the oldest tribes in Kashmir called the Dard Shin Tribe and speak a language called Shina. Villages are also spread across the valley, providing tourists with a glimpse into the tough yet peaceful lives of the residents.
Visitors can ride the Gurez helicopter operated by the Gurez Copter Service to see the valley from a whole different perspective. Given its altitude, the valley is expected to be colder than other places. Pack a warm jacket, gloves, and extra clothing to keep yourself warm in windy conditions, especially at night. The network is difficult to discover here, and companies such as Airtel and JIO may not work at all. BSNL is one of the few service providers that provides some services, but it is also bleak.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Peer Baba Shrine
- Habba Khatoon Peak
Best Things to Do
- Trekking
- Trout fishing
- Mountain climbing
Srinagar
Srinagar finds a place on this list because it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the top honeymoon destination. Srinagar, often referred to as “Heaven on Earth,” is located in the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, on the banks of the Jhelum River between the Hari Parbat and Shankaracharya hills. Srinagar is notable for its stationary houseboats and gondola-style rowboats known as Shikaras in Dal Lake. It is Jammu and Kashmir’s largest city and summer capital.
The presence of many Mughal Gardens, religious & historical sites as well as Dal & Nigeen Lakes has led Srinagar to being called the “Land of Gardens and Lakes.” Among the other things that will surprise you, is the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake. Shikaras are used by tourists to visit sites such as the Floating Vegetable Market and the Mir Bahris, a vibrant community of people who live on the lakeside itself. Several houseboats on the lake offer a wonderful and unique stay experience. Srinagar is home to some of India’s most beautiful Mughal-era gardens, including Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashm-e-Shahi Garden. The largest Tulip gardens in Asia are also in Srinagar.
Kashmiri food, also known as Wazwan, is well-known around the world. When in Srinagar, taste the traditional delicacies, which are rich in typical fragrant spices. Srinagar is also known for its Kashmiri shawls, Kashmiri apples, and dried fruits (almonds and walnuts) at the Lal Chowk Market.
During the winter months of December to February, heavy snowfall affects Srinagar’s connection. Communal conflicts often result in frequent curfews in some areas of the city; however, things have improved in recent years. So, before you go, make sure you look over the circumstances.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Mughal Gardens
- Tulip Gardens
- Hari Parbat Fort
- Pari Mahal
- Kahnqah Shah-i-Hamadan
- Hazratbal Shrine
- Shankaracharya Temple
- Kheer Bhawani Temple
Best Things to Do
- Take a shikhara ride on the Dal Lake
- Enjoy a houseboat stay on Dal & Nageen Lakes
- Visit the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake
Vaishno Devi
Those who are spiritually inclined should not miss out on visiting Vaishno devi, a temple town, and also a major Hindu pilgrimage destination in India. The temple stands on the Trikuta Hills,13 kilometres from Katra (in Jammu and Kashmir’s union territory). The Mother Goddess, who is the main deity, is believed to fulfil the wishes of her devotees. Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi, and Trikuta, is an embodiment of the Hindu Goddess Durga. Goddesses are believed to arrive at the Holy Cave during the pooja and aarti to pay their respects to Mata Rani. Vaishno Devi is known as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata (the mother who grants her children’s requests). This sacred site is regarded as the most important Shaktipeeth since it is believed that the Goddess Sati’s skull fell here.
Maa Vaishno Devi’s darshan in the holy cave takes the shape of three naturally formed rocks known as pindies. The goddess is represented by these pindies in three different forms: Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. Interestingly, although sharing the same source rock, all of the pindies varied in colour and texture. The delicate white rock on the extreme left is believed to be the Goddess Saraswati, the yellow-red rock in the middle represents Goddess Lakshmi and the black rock on the left represents Goddess Kali. The Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata were believed to have built the sacred cave temple. Every year, almost a million individuals visit the Vaishno Devi temple.
To reach the temple, you will have to take a trek of nearly 14 kilometres which starts from the Ban Ganga bridge. Other options are battery-operated cars, ponies, palkies and helicopter rides to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. On the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, devotees make customary offerings to Mata of chunri (a red-coloured drape), sarees, dried fruits, silver or gold trinkets, Cholas, flowers, and so on. The route to Vaishno Devi is filled with stores that sell a range of snacks and refreshments, as well as religious souvenirs.
Top Things to Do
- Seek blessing at Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
- Visit Ardhkuwari and Bhairo Temples
- Patnitop
The hill station of patnitop is included among the popular tourist places in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir for its meadows, gorgeous views & lovely views of the Himalayan peaks. If you are looking for winter getaways in Jammu, this is where you should be. Patnitop is situated in the Ramban area of Jammu and Kashmir, India, between Ramban Town and Udhampur City. It is situated 112 kilometers (70 miles) from Jammu on the route from Udhampur to Srinagar on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Located on a plateau in the Himalayan Shivalik range.
A paragliding joyride is available at Patnitop, a hilltop tourist resort situated 2024 meters above sea level. The trip starts at Dawariyai, a landmark located two km away on Patnitop-Sanasar Road, also called Billoo Di Powri Point. You can also enjoy skiing & paragliding at Madhatop, which can be reached by 5 kilometers from Patnitop. Furthermore, travelers can enjoy visiting areas like Batote, natural freshwater springs, and savoring Kashmiri cuisine in Patnitop’s famous dhabas. During your stay, don’t forget to taste Patisa, the local delicacy.
Sanasar, which is 17 kilometers away from this hill station, is well-known for its golf courses, paragliding base, and extensive tourist possibilities.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Billo ki Powri
- Kud Park
- Shiva Ghar (almost 11 kilometers from Patnitop)
Popular Things to Do
- Enjoy a picnic at Kud Park
- Try paragliding & skiing at Madhatop (almost 5 kilometers from Patnitop)
Doda
Doda is a district located in the eastern part of Jammu and has plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and even adventure. The region is named after the town of Doda, which is located at an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level. The district boundaries do not intersect with international borders or the Line of Control. The district is bordered by the Himachal Pradesh districts of Anantnag, Ramban, Kishtwar, Udhampur, and Chamba. The area of this place is hilly all over the district. It is situated on the Chenab River in the southern western (Punjab) Himalayas (the western section of the huge Himalayas mountain range). Agriculture and mining are prominent in the surrounding area, which includes deodar pine trees.
Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of sports like snow skiing, mountain biking, trekking and paragliding. There are several wonderful trekking paths in the Bhaderwah region in particular. Those who are spiritually inclined should certainly visit Doda since there are plenty of temples and a splendid mosque too. The Chandi Mata Temple and Vasuki Nag Temple are prominent pilgrimage places for Hindus.
The climate in the area ranges from temperate to subtropical. The district’s climate is almost desert-like, with little rain. The temperature changes from location to location. The temperatures of Ramban and Doda are warmer. Summer is typically without rain but during the months of July and September, the Doda district receives a lot of rain.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Vasuki Naag Temple
- Gupt Ganga Temple
- Jamia Masjid Bhaderwah
- Shitla Mata Roshera
- Ziyarat Bangla Nallah
- Lakshmi Narayana Temple
- Bhog Taraq
- Devi Gol
- Nagni Mata
Best Things to Do
- Snow skiing
- Mountain biking
- Paragliding
- Trekking
- Camping
Kishtwar
Kishtwar district covers an area of 7,737 square kilometres (2,987 square miles). The district is bounded to the east and north by the Kargil district, to the south by the Chamba district, and to the west by Anantnag and Doda districts. Kishtwar is located on a plateau above the Chenab River and below the Nigeen Glacier. Kishtwar is a sleepy peaceful town and a top tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir as much for its waterfalls and numerous trekking routes as for its rare blue sapphire and high-quality saffron that is found here. The area does saffron cultivation for a limited time and its harvesting is followed by ceremonies and festivals.
It is home to the biggest mosques, a national park home to rich flora & fauna, an old fort, traditional Kishtwari craft and unique Kashmiri vegetarian dishes like Aloo (Potatoes) in yoghurt.
The Kishtwar National Park covers 400 square kilometres and is home to several mammal species, including musk deer and Himalayan black and brown bear. Kishtwar is unique due to its wide range of flora and animals, even though it is not the only high-altitude wildlife sanctuary.
A vacation in Kishtwar will also provide you with lots of sightseeing options, with the most popular tourist attractions such as Qilla Kishtwar, Katarsamna & Bharnoin, which is also a popular picnic spot, Mughal Maidan & Padyarna, a historical site covered with remains of stone-temples, stone inscriptions, and idols.
Another reason travellers visit Kishtwar is for adventure tourism, with the Paddar and Wadhwan Valleys popular for paragliding and rock climbing. Trekking is also popular here, including a well-known route that crosses the Umasi La Pass from Paddar Valley to Zanskar Valley.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Jamia Masjid
- Shrine of Shah Asrar-ud-Din
- Shrine of Shah Farid-ud-Din Bagdadi
- Sarthal Devi Temple
- Kishtwar National Park
- Dishes like Lotus root curry
