There are so many beautiful places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. We have selected some scenic locations in Jammu and Kashmir which you must visit on your next holiday planned for this stunningly beautiful destination.
The unbelievable beauty of Jammu and Kashmir can never be expressed in words. No wonder it is known as a “Paradise on Earth”.
10 must-visit scenic locations in Jammu and Kashmir are –
SRINAGAR
Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The state is split into two by the river Jhelum. The most famous attraction here is the Dal Lake. You can enjoy Shikara rides, trekking, boating, skiing and so much more.
The other attractions are Mughal gardens, religious and historical sites, and the many lakes. Srinagar is also known as the “Land of gardens and lakes”.
The most surprising experience here is the floating vegetable market on Dal Lake. Asia’s largest Tulip gardens are also in Srinagar.
Best attractions to see:
Mughal Gardens, Tulip Garden, Hari Parbat Fort, Pari Mahal, Kahnqah Shahi-Hamdan, Hazratbal Shrine, Shankaracharya Temple, Kheer Bhawani Temple.
Food and shopping:
You can enjoy local cuisines like Kashmiri pulao, Aloo dum, and do not forget to buy Kashmiri shawls and dry fruits.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Sheikh Ul Amal International Airport, 11 km away and the nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station,12 km away. The distance from Delhi to Srinagar is 815 km.
SONMARG
Sonmarg means the “Meadow of Gold” and that can be observed during the spring season as there is a widespread bloom of yellow crocuses.
It is home to the famous group of rivers Lidder, Sind, and the Neelum. Trekking to the Thajiwas Glacier starts from Srinagar (the base point of this trek).
You can also enjoy river rafting on the gushing Indus river. Sonmarg is Kashmir’s most scenic location and a dream place for many.
Best attractions to see:
Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake. Thajiwas Glacier.
Food and shopping:
There are many restaurants to experience local food and the most popular buys here are saffron, walnuts, stone jewellery.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport, 102 Km away and the nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station, 101 km. The distance from Delhi to Sonmarg is 888 km.
GULMARG
Gulmarg is known as the “Meadow of Flowers”, a perfect place for adventure seekers. It offers the world’s second-highest gondola ride to Apharwat Peak and the third-highest ski resort.
The activities to enjoy here are skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and more adventure activities. Not to be missed is the winter festival organised by the Indian Army and Tourism Ministry every year.
Best attractions to see:
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Strawberry fields, Apharwat Peak.
Food and shopping:
Rogan Josh, Dum aloo are famous dishes to try here and you can buy saris and handicrafts from Gulmarg.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Sheikh Ul Amal International Airport, 57 km away and the nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station which is 56 km away. The distance from Delhi to Gulmarg is about 861 km.
PAHALGAM
Pahalgam is breathtakingly beautiful, and the Himalayan ranges and mountain rivers make this place extremely beautiful.
Adventure seekers can try out trout fishing, trekking, and angling to enjoy here. It is also the base camp for popular trekking getaways like Amarnath, Aru Valley, Kolhoi Glacier, and other high-altitude destinations.
The Aru Valley and Betaab Valleys are prominent attractions in Pahalgam. You can also enjoy a pony ride or explore on foot.
Best attractions to see:
Betaab Valley, Mamal Temple, Sheshnaag Lake.
Food and shopping:
Gustaba, Sheekh kebabs are the most popular food and dry fruits are a must-buy.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport, 89 km away and the nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station, 93 km away. The distance from Delhi to Pahalgam is about 800 km.
PULWAMA
There are multiple reasons to visit Pulwama. The positive vibes of Pulwama are truly the reason, and its scenic beauty lends its magic for which it is known as the “Delight of Kashmir”.
The widespread saffron fields, the largest milk production, and the mesmerizing atmosphere make this place a heaven. Places to visit here include Aharbal Waterfalls, Shikargarh, and Avantishwar Temple.
The place is famous for its historical monuments and religious sites. If you are planning a long holiday then plan a seven-day Tarsar Marsar Trek, as it is really amazing. Mountaineering and skiing during the winters are famous activities here.
Best attractions to see:
Aharbal Waterfalls, Shikargarh, Avantishwar Temple.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Sheikh UL Alam airport 31 Km away nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station, 34 Km away. The distance of Pulwama from Delhi is about 793 km.
ARU VALLEY
Aru Valley’s scenic beauty is surreal to believe. You can enjoy the stunning views of this valley on a pony ride or on foot.
Book a local homestay and enjoy the traditional delicacies at the roadside hotels. This place is perfect for nature lovers. You can bless your eyes with the views of Kashmir valley from the Aru Valley.
This place is a must-visit because of the astounding views and scenic beauty all around. Surprising but true is the fact that you won’t be able to get enough of the natural scenic views here. You can enjoy activities like horse riding and hiking here.
Best attractions to see:
Aru river, Lidder river.
Food and shopping:
Try eating and shopping from the local shops, which are full of local delicacies and local handicrafts of the finest standards.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Sheikh UL Alam airport, 101 Km end nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station, 105 Km. The distance of Aru Valley from Delhi is about 812 km.
YUSMARG VALLEY
It is believed that Lord Jesus stayed here for a short duration and he got extremely impressed by Yusmarg Valley’s spectacular atmosphere.
Yusmarg means “Meadows of Jesus”. This is a scenic mini hill station of Kashmir and is popular amongst couples. For adventure seekers who enjoy trekking for long periods in remote locations, Yusmarg Valley is an ideal place. Trekking and pony riding are popular activities here.
Best attractions to see:
Foaming river Dudhganga, Alpine Lake, Nilnag Lake, Sang-e-safed.
Food and shopping:
Small cafes and shops are famous here for local food and handicrafts.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Sheikh UL Alam Airport, 47 Km away and the nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station, 45 Km away. The distance from Delhi to Yusmarg Valley is about 604 km.
PATNITOP
Patnitop is one of the most famous locations in Kashmir and also the most developed location. People usually come with their loved ones to spend quality time in peace.
During the winters you can enjoy paragliding at Dewariyai and in the summers make a reservation for a round of golf at its 9-hole course. Both activities are major crowd pullers in Patnitop.
There are three freshwater springs (which are considered to have medicinal properties) in the area where you can also take a refreshing bath.
The sweet dish, ‘Patisa’ is a must-try, which is prepared in pure desi ghee, it will take you to another world when it melts in your mouth.
Trekking, paragliding, and skiing are some of the famous activities here.
Best attractions to see:
Nathatop, Sanasar Lake, Naag Mandir, Patnitop Circular Road, Chennai-Nashri Tunnel.
Food and shopping:
Do try chocolate barfi, sund panjeeri, rajma with rice and kaladi kulcha. Local handicrafts are a big draw for shopping.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Jammu Airport which is 115 Km away and the nearest railway station is Udhampur Railway Station which is 46 km away. The distance from Delhi to Patnitop is 657 km.
BETAAB VALLEY
Betaab Valley is among the most beautiful places in Kashmir. You can enjoy the beautiful views of this Valley while having a cup of tea or Kashmiri Kahwa at the roadside café. Betaab Valley is a stopover en-route to Chandanwari.
The location is famous because some of the blockbusters of Bollywood were shot here like Kashmir Ki Kali in 1964 and Bajrangi Bhaijaan in 2015. The place is a perfect combination of delightful views and peace, and is really a must-visit place in Kashmir.
Best attractions to see:
Tulian Lake, Mount Kolahoi, Mamaleshwar Temple.
Food and shopping:
The local cuisines are a must-try here. Local handicrafts are good buys.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Sheikh Ul Alam Airport, 96 Km and nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station, 99 Km. The distance of Betaab Valley from Delhi is about 806 km.
JAMMU CITY
The city of Jammu is known because of the presence of Mata Vaishnodevi Temple, a significant pilgrimage spot for Hindus.
The other temples here are Peer Baba Temple, Mahamaya Temple, and Peer Khoh. The presence of so many temples makes this city a religious site and this is the reason Jammu is known as the ‘City of Temples’. Other than the temples the other attraction is the Bahu Fort, one of the unexplored places near Jammu. The beauty of this city will make you feel relaxed and energised.
Best attractions to see:
Vaishno Devi Temple, Raghunath Temple, Bahut Fort.
Food and shopping:
Kashmiri Pulao, Rajma, and Aloo Dum are prominent dishes and the famous bazaars are Ragunaath Bazaar, Bahu Plaza.
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Jammu Airport and the nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi. The distance of Jammu City from Delhi is about 592 km.
Shopping facts
( Some excellent buys which can be found in local shops everywhere in Kashmir include Pashmina shawls and blankets, Kashmiri carpets, Dogra jewelry, silver jewellery, traditional jewellery like Kundals, Nupura, Chaunk Phool, Tika, Balu and Kada, traditional dresses of Kashmiri men and women, paper mache and wood curios, Kashmir willow bats, Crewel embroidery fabrics, and dry fruits).
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