Kashmir Tourism: Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Jammu & Kashmir

Indulge in the Heavenly Beauty of Kashmir, the Paradise on Earth, in Northern India’s Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This Destination is renowned for its Scenic Landscapes, Colorful Flower Gardens, and Apple Farms, as well as its exceptional Handicrafts and Kashmiri Shawls. Explore the Thrilling Adventures offered by Wular Lake and Gulmarg, which attract Adventurers from all over the World. Discover the Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Kashmir in this Article.

If there is paradise on Earth, it is this, it is this, it is this!

Inscription in Shah Jahan’s Diwan-i-Khas

Although, almost every place in Jammu and Kashmir is worth visiting. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions which you should never miss to visit in Kashmir.

Kashmir Tourism: Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Kashmir

1. Dal Lake

It is the largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir. The “Lake of Flowers”, “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir” and “Srinagar’s Jewel” are different names by which the lake is known. The lake finds its mention in the ancient Sanskrit texts where it is referred to as “Mahasarit”. One of the best things to do in Dal Lake is to ride a Shikara Houseboat amidst the snow-capped peaks. Dal Lake is also famous for its floating market apart from the popular Shikara boat ride.

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2. Wular Lake

Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India located near Sopore in Srinagar. The term Wular or Wolar lake finds its mention in the ancient Sanskrit texts where it is mentioned as “Mahapadmasar”. It is a top-notch destination for adventure enthusiasts. Water sports activities are the key attraction for tourists at Wular Lake.

3. Gulmarg

Also known as the “Meadow of Flowers”, Gulmarg is famous for its apple gardens and its Gondola which is a cable car that takes you to the mountains for surreal and panoramic views of the valley. Gulmarg is a popular tourist destination, especially for adventure seekers. Snow skiing, sledging, tobogganing, snowboarding, heli-skiing etc are some of the best things to do in Gulmarg. Apart from being the most famous destination for Skiing, Gulmarg is also emerging as a tourist spot for solo tourists and ice lovers. The first and most famous Igloo Hotel is in Gulmarg. The night view of Gulmarg is one of the most amazing things to witness in the valley of Kashmir.

4. Patnitop

Patnitop is a very underrated tourist place and a fascinating hill station in Jammu. Set amidst the snow-capped hills are the green meadows of Patnitop. Riding a pony is the most sought-after activity to explore the place. Patnitop is famous for its longest and highest ropeway and India’s longest road Tunnel, the Doctor Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel.

5. Sonmarg

Also known as the “Meadow of Gold”, Sonmarg was historically the gateway to the ancient ‘silk route’. Sonmarg is home to the famous Amarnath peak revered for its auspicious Amarnath Jyotirlinga. Fishing, photography, trekking, hiking, camping, river rafting etc are some of the best things to do in Sonmarg. Zero Point is a famous tourist spot and a viewpoint among tourists in Sonmarg. Apart from the attractions in Sonmarg, the market here is one of the most popular things to explore.

6. Pahalgam

Pahalgam is the most popular hill station and tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir and is also known as the “Village of Shepherds”. Around 5 km from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu-Kashmir, a very top sight-seeing destination is located called Baisaran Valley, also known as mini-Switzerland. According to Hinduism, Pahalgam was originally known as “Bail Gaon” which means “village of the bull”. The bull refers to Nandi (a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva). It is believed that Lord Shiva left Nandi here before entering the Amarnath Cave.

7. Amar Mahal Palace

The Amar Mahal Palace was made by Maharaja Amar Singh of the Dogra clan in the 19th century in the picturesque valley of Jammu-Kashmir. The fort is also known as Maharaja Hari Singh Palace and is located merely at a distance of 3.6km from Gulmarg in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Maharaja Hari Singh was the last ruler who lived in this Palace. It has now been turned into a museum.

8. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden of Kashmir was earlier known as Model Floriculture Center and Siraj Bagh. It has about 1.5 million and 68 varieties of Tulips. Also, there are 46 other varieties of flowers including hyacinths, daffodils and ranunculus. A Tulip festival is organized annually in spring at the Indira Gandi Tulip Garden in the mountain range of Jammu & Kashmir. This Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is situated 37km north of Pulwama. The Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is open for all from the 19th of March 2023.

9. Pari Mahal

Also known as “Peer Mahal” and the “Palace of Fairies”, Pari Mahal is historically a Mughal garden. What is must know about Pari Mahal is that it has a garden which has seven terraces and is situated at the top of the Zabarwan mountain in the district of Jammu-Kashmir. According to the history of the Pari Mahal, Dara Shikoh lived here for some years of his lifetime. He used it as an observatory and for teaching astrology and astronomy.

10. Hari Parbat

4.3 km from Srinagar, there is a historical tourist attraction called Hari Parbat, also known as Koh-i-Maran. It is a hill situated in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, which is considered sacred among many religions. Atop the hill or the Hari Parbat is the Durrani Fort whose construction was started by Akbar and finished by the Durrani ruler Atta Mohammed Khan. Including a Hindu temple dedicated to Maa Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati, many mosques and gurdwaras are situated here at the Hari Parbat.

Kashmir Tourism: Apart from the top tourist attractions, these are famous tourist places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir

Visit Kashmir in Comfort: Find Your Perfect Getaway at the Best Hotels and Hostels in Jammu & Kashmir

There are various budget hotels, hostels and even luxury hotels and resorts to stay in Kashmir during your visit.

Kashmir Tourism: Some of the hostels in Kashmir are:-

Kashmir Tourism: Some of the hotels in Kashmir are:-

Kashmir Tourism: Some of the Luxury Hotels and Resorts are:-

FAQ’S =》

Q1. What is the best time to visit Jammu & Kashmir?

Ans. Summers are the best time to visit Kashmir. March to June is the ideal season to experience this place. If you are more into adventure activities then you should visit Kashmir in the months of November to February.

Q2. How to reach Kashmir?

Ans. There are three airports to reach Kashmir. Srinagar, Jammu and Kargil airports are well connected and have regular direct flights from major Indian cities. Several trains and buses are also available.

Q3. How much does a trip to Kashmir cost?

Ans. Kashmir is suitable for tourists from all budget classes. ₹2000 – ₹3500 per day is enough for travellers to experience a good memory. Therefore a 7 days trip to Kashmir would cost around ₹15000.

Q4. How many days are enough for exploring Kashmir?

Ans. 10 days are ideally considered best to explore Kashmir comfortably. However, it depends on your plan, pace and itinerary. 6 nights and 7 days trip to Kashmir is also popular among tourists.

Q5. How to travel in Kashmir?

Ans. Kashmir has a lot of local transport. You can go on a bus, taxi and auto or even hire your own cab. In case you wish to book a cab, it is better to bargain.

Q6. How safe is Kashmir for tourists?

Ans. Kashmir is clearly safe for tourists. The violence has also decreased substantially in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in recent years. It is generally advised not to travel in hilly areas during the rainy season due to the chances of heavy rainfall and landslides.

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