A region located in the northern part of India and is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance. The region has a rich history, dating back to ancient times, and has been ruled by various empires, including the Mughals, who left a significant impact on the region’s architecture and culture.
Some of the must-visit places in Kashmir include the Mughal Gardens, the picturesque hill stations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, and the ancient shrines and temples.
Places to visit in Kashmir
Undoubtedly, If there’s a Heaven on Earth, Its Kashmir!!!
Kashmir is a breathtakingly beautiful region located in the northernmost part of India. Known for its serene valleys, snow-capped mountains, and stunning landscapes, Kashmir attracts travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Kashmir has something for everyone.
From skiing in Gulmarg to exploring the vibrant culture and rich history of Srinagar, the region promises an unforgettable experience. Book your trip to Kashmir today and discover why it is considered one of the most captivating destinations in India.
Jammu, Kashmir & The Union Territory of Ladakh are three regions of State of Kashmir,
Here are few places that you cannot miss when you are on a trip to Kashmir.Lets take you through the best places to visit in Kashmir
1 . Dal Lake
Rightly Known as the Crown of Kashmir….
From Floating House boats, Floating Markets & A Floating Post office,
This vast lake in the region of Sri Nagar is a must visit – Dal Lake
The total number of House boats alone in Dal Lake is more then 2000,Asides the other small Shikara Boats & Other personal boats.
There are more than 15 Ghats in Dal Lake, Which are basically different Boarding and deboarding points / Viewing Points & Observation Decks,
The most famous & Easily accessible ones are Ghat Number. 1 & 2
There’s an option of taking a short shikara ride,
Or choose to stay over night in a house boat, Not only this, But during the winter months, The local kids playing cricket on frozen dal lake is a view in itself. Your Kashmir trip is incomplete without a visit to dal lake.
Shikara ride usually lasts from 1 -3 Hours and
Costs Between INR 750 to INR 1600
House Boats at Dal lake are available from
Budget Category to Premium luxury House Boats – suiting to every pockets need.
Dal lake is one the must and best places to visit in Kashmir. DO NOT MISS THISS
2. Tulip Gardens
Officially named as Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Not more than 10 Kms away from Srinagar – The summer capital of Kashmir.
Srinagar has the Largest Tulip Fields in all of Asia.
This Garden shelters more than 65 species of tulips from around the world.
Strolling in the Mesmerizing tulip fields should be on top in your list of places to visit in Kashmir. This colorful field will brighten up your day even more, Visit these garden during your Kashmir trip. However these garden are open for tourist access only during few months. when they Bloom. Apart from Tulips, this Garden also houses other beautiful flowers like –Tulips, Dahlias, Carnations, Marigold, Nemesia.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is a terrace plantation structure, with more than 7 Terraces, each one has a whole different plantation of different flowers, especially Tulips, Many of the species of tulips are imported from other countries, and every year there are new additions to the collection of flowers in the garden,
It is truly a delightful sight to see a array of colorful flowers.
It is also that time of the year for Its annual Tulip Festival,
The dates changes every year as per the weather conditions,
Operating months : March, April, May
Timings : 9 Am to 5 Pm
Entry fee : INR 50 Per Adults & INR 25 Per Child
3. Gulmarg
This beautiful town of Gulmarg – Also Known as The Meadow of Flowers is situated at a mere distance of 51 Kms from Srinagar,
Famous for its snow activities like – Skiing, Sledge ride, Cable car / Gondola ride,
Pony Ride/ Horse Ride & Trekking.
Gondola Ride – There are 2 Phases for Gondola Ride,
The Phase 1 ( Kongdori Mountain) of gondola ride take around 10 Minutes o complete, and it is situated at an Altitude of Approx. 9800 Ft.
At the first phase – you will reach the starting point of skiing slopes, The phase comparatively receives more tourist visitors than the phase 2.
The Phase 2 of gondola ride takes an addition of 11 minutes from the first phase, which is situated at an altitude of Approx. 12300 Ft
Breathtaking view of Pir Panjaal Range can be seen from the Phase 2,
Also, the peak of mountain Apharwat is visible very up closely from Phase 2 , Here youll find very few tourists, and also more of seasoned skiing personals.
You can choose to take a day trip to Gulmarg or stay for a day or two.
multiple accommodation options are available to choose from – like budget friendly Home stays to Premium Luxury Accommodation.
How to reach – Multiple public and private transport options are available form Srinagar to reach Gulmarg. The journey is also very beautiful which is around 2 Hours
Gulmarg is located about 56 km from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. There are several ways to reach Gulmarg from Srinagar:
- By taxi: Hiring a taxi from Srinagar is the most convenient and fastest way to reach Gulmarg. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours.
- By bus: State-run buses and private buses are available from Srinagar to Gulmarg. The journey takes about 2-3 hours.
- By self-drive: Visitors can rent a car or bike in Srinagar and drive to Gulmarg. This is a good option for those who want to explore the scenic route and stop at scenic spots along the way.
Regardless of the mode of transportation, the journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg is scenic and provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and that is the reason why Gulmarg is one the top best places to visit in Kashmir
Operating Hours – 10 Am to 5 Pm
However, the operating Hours of Gondola rides is highly depended on the weather conditions at the time.
4. Sonamarg
Also Called as the Meadow of Gold
This picturesque location is situated at a distance of 80 Kms. From Srinagar On the Srinagar – Leh Highway, However, due to extreme weather conditions the road is not operation all year round.
Sonamarg is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains, pristine glaciers, and meadows.
The Thajiwas Glacier, Nilagrad River, and the Sindh Valley are some of the major attractions in Sonamarg. The place is also famous for adventure activities like trekking, fishing, and horse-riding. Additionally, Sonamarg is an ideal place for nature lovers, providing a serene environment and peaceful surroundings. The beautiful views of the Himalayas, lush greenery, and picturesque landscapes make Sonamarg a popular tourist destination in India.
Sonamarg is open for tourists Amidst the months of April to November, and during winters also this is the one of best places to visit in Kashmir
You can have a day trip to sonamarg or choose to spend couple of days here,
To visit Thajiwas Glacier you will be require to do a short hike of about 25-35 mins, There are options for taking a pony ride as well.
How to reach –
Sonamarg is located about 83 km from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
There are several ways to reach Sonamarg from Srinagar: Daily Public Transport Buses along with other Private transport Options are available from Srinagar to Sonamarg at a very minimal cost.
- By Taxi: Hiring a taxi from Srinagar is the most convenient and fastest way to reach Sonamarg. The journey takes about 2-3 hours.
- By bus: State-run buses and private buses are available from Srinagar to Sonamarg. The journey takes about 4-5 hours.
- By self-drive: Visitors can rent a car or bike in Srinagar and drive to Sonamarg. This is a good option for those who want to explore the scenic route and stop at scenic spots along the way.
Regardless of the mode of transportation, the journey from Srinagar to Sonamarg is scenic and provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
5. Pahalgam
Pahalgam- A quiet small town, Situated in the Anantnag District of Jammu & Kashmir. Approx. 100 Kms from Srinagar,
Pahalgam is the starting point of the holy – Amarnath Yatra.
Apart from this, The famous tourist spots of Betaab Valley, Aru Valley & Chandan Wari are also situated in Pahalgam.
Unlike other towns of Gulmarg & Srinagar ….
Pahalgam has its own quiet & old town rustic charm,
You can choose to have a day trip to Pahalgam or spend a day or two,
and explore.
Pahalgam is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, glaciers, and pine forests. The place is also famous for its trout fishing.
Asides Ambernath Yatra, Pahalgam is home to several popular trekking routes.
Pahalgam is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and offers several activities such as horse-riding, river-rafting, and camping. The scenic beauty of Pahalgam and its tranquil surroundings make it an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate.
How to reach – Public & Private transport from Srinagar are available to reach pahalgam,
However to visiti few places, you may have to Change cabs – due to taxi union rules
Pahalgam is located about 95 km from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. There are several ways to reach Pahalgam from Srinagar:
- By taxi: Hiring a taxi from Srinagar is the most convenient and fastest way to reach Pahalgam. The journey takes about 2 hours.
- By bus: State-run buses and private buses are available from Srinagar to Pahalgam. The journey takes about 3-4 hours
- By self-drive: Visitors can rent a car or bike in Srinagar and drive to Pahalgam. This is a good option for those who want to explore the scenic route and stop at scenic spots along the way.
Regardless of the mode of transportation, the journey from Srinagar to Pahalgam is scenic and provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
6. Patnitop
A hill station located in the Udhampur district of Jammu region, Patnitop is known for its scenic beauty, adventure activities, and hot springs.
Known for its breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal mountain range, Patnitop is a popular tourist destination for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil getaway from the bustling city life.
With its lush green meadows, sparkling streams and a variety of activities such as paragliding, horse riding and trekking, Patnitop offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Truly experience the beauty of nature at its best at Patnitop, Kashmir.
A Variety of activities that you can engage yourself in when visiting Patnitop –
- Trekking: With several trekking routes through the dense forests and rolling hills, Patnitop is a popular destination for trekkers – Like shiva Garh
- Paragliding: Experience the thrill of flying high above the mountains with a tandem paragliding session.
- Horse Riding: Explore the picturesque surroundings of Patnitop on horseback.
- Nature Walks: Take a leisurely walk through the lush green meadows and forests, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature.
- Skiing: Patnitop is a popular ski destination during the winter months.
- Picnicking: Spend a relaxed day with family and friends, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Patnitop.
- Adventure Sports: Participate in adventure sports like ziplining, rappelling and rock climbing to add an extra dose of excitement to your trip.
These are just a few of the many activities available in Patnitop, come and experience the magic for yourself!
How to reach Patnitop :
Patnitop is located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. There are several ways to reach Patnitop:
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Jammu Civil Enclave, located approximately 60 km away from Patnitop. From there, you can hire a taxi to reach Patnitop.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, located approximately 60 km away from Patnitop. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Patnitop.
- By Road: Patnitop is well connected by road to other cities in Jammu and Kashmir. Taxis and local buses are readily available from Jammu and other nearby cities.
Regardless of your mode of transportation, the scenic journey to Patnitop is an experience in itself, surrounded by rolling hills and lush green forests.One can add Patnitop to the list of places to visit in Kashmir
7. Katra
A popular pilgrimage site, Katra is known for its natural beauty, serene environment, and the famous shrine of Vaishno Devi.
Katra is a small town located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir and one of the must places to visit in Kashmir , India. It is known as the base camp for the popular Hindu shrine of Vaishno Devi, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. With its scenic surroundings, tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Katra attracts millions of visitors every year. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Katra offers something for everyone. Come experience the magic of this picturesque town for yourself!
Katra offers several attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy:
- Vaishno Devi Shrine: The primary attraction of Katra, Vaishno Devi is a Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi. Pilgrims from all over India visit the shrine, which is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites.
- Trekking: With several trekking routes leading to the Vaishno Devi Shrine, Katra is a popular destination for trekkers.
- Adventure Sports: Adventure enthusiasts can participate in activities such as ziplining, rappelling and rock climbing in the nearby area.
- Local Markets: Katra is known for its vibrant local markets, where visitors can shop for traditional handicrafts, souvenirs and other items.
- Natural Beauty: With its rolling hills, lush green forests and sparkling streams, the natural beauty of Katra is a sight to behold.
- Cultural Heritage: With a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries, Katra offers a unique glimpse into the history and traditions of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Religious Sites: In addition to the Vaishno Devi Shrine, Katra is home to several other religious sites, including temples and shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Katra.
How to Reach Katra :
Katra is located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. There are several ways to reach Katra:
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Jammu Civil Enclave, located approximately 50 km away from Katra. From there, you can hire a taxi to reach Katra.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, located approximately 45 km away from Katra. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Katra.
- By Road: Katra is well connected by road to other cities in Jammu and Kashmir. Taxis and local buses are readily available from Jammu and other nearby cities.
These are the top 7 places to visit in Kashmir which should be a part of your trip plan,
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