If you are looking for some of the best places to visit in Jammu And Kashmir, you will definitely be happy to know that there are some really spectacular sites. The best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir are the forts and ancient cities of Srinagar, Gulmarg, Kupwara, and Sonmarg. Let’s take a look at some of them in this article.
1. Srinagar
The largest city in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is the summer capital and is situated in the valley of the Jhelum River, which is a tributary of the Indus. It is also located on the banks of Dal and Anchar Lakes. The city is characterized by its natural environment, waterfronts, and houseboats. For a truly authentic experience, it is worth visiting at least once.
The city is home to the Burzahom Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that contains ruins from 4 different periods. The site has numerous unearthed artifacts that tell of the prehistoric human activities in Kashmir. The site also contains inscriptions and artwork from the earliest settlers of the region. The city’s Old City is also worth a visit, where you can stroll the streets of the Old City.
Located at 1585 meters above sea level, the city is a paradise in itself. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil getaway, a romantic vacation, or an exciting adventure, Srinagar has something for everyone. Its many temples and gardens, as well as the enticing lakes, are sure to inspire you. In addition to the old city, you can find national parks in the area, which will provide a wonderful view of Himalayan biodiversity.
2. Sonmarg
In the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir, Sonmarg is the perfect location to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is just 62 kilometers north of Ganderbal Town and 80 kilometers northeast of Srinagar, making it a great destination for a romantic weekend getaway or a family holiday. While visiting the region, be sure to plan your itinerary so that you can spend some time enjoying the picturesque scenery.
Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh and is an important military location for the Indian army. It is the base camp for many trekking expeditions and pilgrimages and is also home to the three Great Lakes of Kashmir, including the magnificent Kishnasar Lake. It is also the starting point of the popular Amarnath Trek. Sonmarg is the perfect location to enjoy the scenery as you walk along the scenic trails.
The Nilgarh River is one of the most popular spots in Sonmarg, thanks to its miraculous healing powers. The beautiful natural setting surrounding the river is another reason why it is a popular destination. On Sundays, the river is often packed with tourists, eager to take a dip. It is also considered a holy day and the day of Rabibar is an ideal day to go for a dip.
3. Gulmarg
If you love skiing, Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir should definitely be on your list of places to visit. The mountain town is 31 km away from Baramulla and 49 km away from Srinagar. It is a popular winter skiing destination for a variety of reasons. In the winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding and enjoy spectacular views of the snow-covered mountains.
There are umpteen places to see and do in Gulmarg, including skiing and snow sports, gondola rides, and sightseeing. The main attractions of Gulmarg are located in close proximity to one another, making it an ideal place for families. If you’re traveling with kids, take them to the Children’s Park for some fun and games. You can also take them for pony rides or toy train rides.
For those who are religious, you’ll want to check out the Baba Reshi Shrine. This 15th-century shrine was built by a Muslim saint who spent much of his time in the valley. Its architecture is very unique and features wooden pillars and lattice work windows. You can also enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants in Gulmarg, including the famous Khilanmarg restaurant.
4. Kupwara
Located in northwestern parts of the state, Kupwara district is surrounded by the snow-clad mountains of the Pir Panjal and Shamsbari ranges. The district is a mix of mountain villages and lush green forests. The Kishenganga River runs through the outskirts of the district and merges with the Jhelum River at Domel. Kupwara is famous for its scenic beauty and many outdoor activities like boating and trekking.
Located 90 km from Srinagar, Kupwara is easily accessible by bus. The nearest train station is in Jammu, which is 210 km away. Besides buses, Kupwara is also connected by road. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway, the best time to visit Kupwara is during the spring and summer months.
When it comes to sightseeing, Kupwara is a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. The city is renowned for its hot springs and picturesque landscape. The best time to visit Kashmir is during the winter season when the temperature remains pleasant and the weather is perfect for sightseeing. You can enjoy the beautiful winter weather and experience the beauty of the pristine mountains.
5. Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is a folk manifestation of Hindu Mother Goddess Devi. She is often called “Mother of Gods” or simply “Mother of Gods.” She is created from the combined energies of the Hindu deities Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. In this way, Vaishno Devi has been worshipped and revered for centuries.
You can get to this beautiful shrine by taking a pony ride, which costs INR 150 per person. In addition to horse riding, you can visit the ancient shrine of Vaishno Devi. A visit to this shrine is a spiritual experience that you won’t forget. Then, on your way back, don’t forget to spend some time at Katra’s main bazaar, which is situated at the foot of the Trikuta mountains.
If you are seeking something to do while in Vaishno Devi, the Shrine Board runs refreshment units in specific locations throughout the valley. These units serve tasty vegetarian food, such as the delicious rice-based Rajma. There are also several restaurants in Katra and the nearby market. You can also enjoy a spot of water rafting. During your stay in the valley, you should take advantage of the many activities that the region has to offer.
6. Amarnath
Located on the banks of the Liddar River, Pahalgam is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts. You can also see the mystical Amarnath shrine and enjoy the famed Kashmiri saffron. There are several other activities available in the area, such as trekking and skiing. The trip to Amarnath can be extended to include other attractions as well.
Amarnath is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the country, and it is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Its sanctum is an underground cave containing the Shivalinga. The cave is accessible only during the months of July and August. While visiting Amarnath, you should also be aware of the weather conditions. In the winter, it’s often snowy, so you should plan your trip accordingly.
Amarnath is an ancient cave dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred site is also popular with religious pilgrims. It is said that Lord Shiva is worshipped in the cave, and many pilgrims have traveled from all over the world to witness it. Visiting Amarnath is a spiritual experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. While the Amarnath cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the other important places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir include Sonamarg, the beautiful valley of Kashmir, and the renowned Hindu shrine of Amarnath. The pilgrimage is referred to as the Amarnath Yatra, and it is one of the holiest journeys in all of India.
7. Pahalgam
The beautiful hill station of Pahalgam is located in Jammu and Kashmir. The town is the site of the Amarnath Cave Temple, which is the focus of an annual pilgrimage known as Amarnath Yatra. The area is also home to the Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, where musk deer and brown bears live. The Lidder River winds through the Betaab Valley and leads to the Tulian Lake, which is often frozen in winter.
For those looking for adventure, Pahalgam is a great place to go on a guided tour of the surrounding area. It is also the base camp for the popular Amarnath Yatra. In the winter, Pahalgam hosts a two-day Snow Festival that highlights winter sports like skiing, golf, trekking, and angling. For nature lovers, Pahalgam is also a great place to go white water rafting down the Lidder River. If you’re coming from out of the region, Pahalgam is accessible via train from Srinagar. The train journey from the city is approximately two hours. Once you’re in the valley, you can hire ponies or horses to explore the town on your own. It’s a great way to get the feel of the area, and is a great option for people of all ages.
