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Kashmir is the crown jewel of tourism and one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. It is a part of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and lies in the northernmost section of the country. Often regarded as “Heaven on Earth”, the place is blessed with spectacular landmarks created by Mother Nature. Alongside agriculture exports, tourism is a massive contributor to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. The availability of quality accommodations, accessible transport, sightseeing locations, and adventure activities are some of its key highlights that draw in millions of domestic and international visitors all year round. Kashmir is also one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations in India, thanks to its serene atmosphere, natural flair and local culture and traditions.
From vast green valleys to snow-clad mountains, there are a plethora of landmarks to check out during a Kashmir trip. It includes popular places and attractions like Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Apharwat Peak, Betaab Valley, etc. You can also find various prominent religious sites in Kashmir, like the Jama Masjid Mosque, Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine, Maharani Temple, etc. The wide selection of fun activities and adventures in Kashmir, like bird watching, horse riding, Shikara rides, etc., also piques a massive tourist interest. From local farm produce to beautiful works of regional craftsmanship, shopping in Kashmir is another prominent aspect of Kashmir tourism. The availability of luxurious restaurants, delicious local cuisine and famous bars allows visitors to enjoy fine dining and the exuberant nightlife of Kashmir during their holidays.
The renowned tourist attractions in Kashmir are natural landmarks, historical sites, religious places, regional events, etc. Some prominent Kashmir famous places and attractions are:
Shankaracharya Hill is a popular tourist attraction and a crucial religious landmark for Hindus. Located about half an hour's drive away from the centre of Srinagar, tourists come to this site to visit the famous Shankaracharya Temple. The temple sits on the hilltop at a height of 1,000 feet above the plain. This grey-stone-built shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a 240-step climb. Shankaracharya Hill is also known for its natural beauty and offers the best panoramic view of the city.
Covering an area of around 18 square kilometres, Dal Lake is one of the most visited tourist sites in Kashmir. It is a massive lake known for offering some of the best scenic visuals in the city. Various houseboats, gardens, parks, hotels, etc., are located on the bounds of the lake. Tourists mainly visit Dal Lake in Srinagar for its Houseboat stay and Shikara ride experiences.
The Jama Masjid is a significant religious landmark in the region. It is located in Nowhatta and is regarded as one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. Jama Masjid is known for its religious and historical significance, spectacular Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and massive courtyard. The mosque can accommodate up to 33,333 individuals at a time.
The Baisaran valley ranks as one of the top tourist attractions in Kashmir. Located 5 kilometres from Pahalgam, the place is surrounded by lush green meadows, tall pine trees and snow-capped mountains. Baisaran Valley’s breathtaking natural beauty has won it the title of “mini-Switzerland”. It is also one of the best Kashmir famous places that you can visit for adventure activities, like zorbing, zip-lining, trekking, etc.
When sightseeing in Srinagar, consider visiting the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. It is popularly known as the largest tulip garden on the continent and covers an area of 30 hectares. There are over 15 lakh tulips with more than 60 different varieties on display in the garden. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir.
Located at an elevation of 4,390 metres, the Apharwat Peak is an exceptionally beautiful summit in Gulmarg. It remains covered by thick layers of snow for most of the calendar and is a famous spot for winter adventures and activities in Kashmir. The best way to reach Apharwat Peak is via the Gulmarg Gondola ride. It is one of the best places to see in Kashmir for its natural beauty.
The Betaab Valley is another remarkable tourist attraction in Kashmir. Located 15 kilometres from Pahalgam, the place is surrounded by dense vegetation, vast green meadows and snow-covered mountains. The nearby flowing Lidder River also adds to the picturesque glow of Betaab Valley. It is one of the best Kashmir famous places for photography, horse riding and picnic.
Sonmarg is a famous hill station and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir. It is situated in the district of Ganderbal, roughly 80 kilometres from Srinagar. With an elevation of 2,730 metres, Sonmarg is a prominent location for camping and trekking activities. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, beautiful meadows, gushing streams and majestic lakes, which offer phenomenal scenic views to tourists.
The Sinthan Top is an off-beat location you can check out during your Kashmir trip. It is a mountain pass lying between Anantnag and Kishtwar. The main highlights of this location are its scenic beauty and trekking adventures. The ideal time to visit Sinthan Top is considered between April and September. It is also one of the top attractions on Kashmir's best places list.
The Chashme Shahi is a Mughal garden and a well-known Kashmir tourist spot. It is situated in Zabarwan Range and overlooks the famous Dal Lake. Chashme Shahi garden was built in 1632 AD under the orders of emperor Shah Jahan. The main highlights of the garden include its natural spring, calm atmosphere, colourful plants and Persian-influenced Mughal architecture.
The Hazratbal Shrine, in the Srinagar district, is regarded as the holiest Muslim shrine in Kashmir. This grand white marble structure is a fine specimen of the Islamic architecture of that period. The shrine is widely-known for housing a relic called Moi-e-Muqaddas, which is believed to be the hair strand of Prophet Muhammad’s beard. It is considered one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.
The Pari Mahal plays an important role in the aspect of Kashmir sightseeing. It is a 7-terraced Mughal garden nestled on top of the Zabarwan range, about 10 kilometres from the centre of Srinagar. It was built by Mughal prince Dara Shikoh somewhere around the 1650s. Pari Mahal’s main attractions are its Islamic style of architecture, colourful flowers and surrounding beauty.
Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination located at an elevation of 2,650 metres. The entire region is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green forests and massive flower-filled meadows, giving it a unique and charming look. Gulmarg’s Gondola Cable Car Ride is one of the best Kashmir tourist attractions. Other notable attractions in Gulmarg are Apharwat Peak, winter sports activities, Maharani Temple, Baba Reshi Shrine, St. Mary’s Church, etc.
Located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Amarnath Cave Temple is one of the most significant Hindu shrines in India. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and sits at an altitude of 3,888 metres. Devotees from all over the globe go on this holy journey, called Amarnath Yatra, to catch the majestic glimpse of the Shiva Lingam inside the cave temple. It is one of Kashmir's best places for a spiritual tour.
It is a grand festival that takes place every year at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar. It celebrates the blooming season of the gorgeous tulips in the garden. It is one of the most aesthetically pleasing events in Kashmir. Tourists attend this Tulip festival to get an insight into the local culture, traditions and festivities.
When it comes to fun activities, Kashmir has a massive range of experiences to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Kashmir:
There are multiple distinct bird species residing across several locations in Kashmir. These places tend to be ideal spots for bird-watching activities that you can enjoy solo or with family. The best places to visit in Kashmir for bird watching in Kashmir are Dal Lake, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Hokerser, etc.
One of the most fun things to do in Kashmir is to go horse riding. The unruly terrain, vast green meadows and beautiful scenic beauty of the region make it a magnificent location for this activity. Pahalgam and Gulmarg are the two best places to visit in Kashmir for horse riding.
During your holidays, make sure to go on the renowned Gondola cable car ride in Gulmarg. It is a signature experience offered in Kashmir that you can enjoy with your family. While on the cable car ride, you can get breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains and the underlying rocky terrain from above.
Going on a Shikara ride is another signature activity you can try during your Kashmir trip. It is a relaxing experience amidst the picturesque beauty of the lake on a traditional wooden boat. The Dal Lake in Srinagar is the best place for Shikara rides in Kashmir.
The snow-covered mountains and steep slopes in Kashmir make it a prominent location for winter sports and adventure activities. If you are visiting during the winter, consider trying out skiing. Gulmarg is one of the best places in Kashmir for skiing activities.
Kashmir is an ideal location in India to go for golfing activities. The majestic scenic beauty of the region makes the experience of playing golf a truly remarkable one. Pahalgam and Gulmarg are two of the best places to visit in Kashmir for golfing activities.
Individuals who are looking for a fast-paced adventure activity that will get their adrenaline rushing can consider river rafting in Kashmir. The Lidder River near Pahalgam and the Sindh River near Sonmarg are the two most popular places in Kashmir for river rafting.
The hilly terrain and meandering routes in Kashmir make it a great spot for mountain cycling. It is a challenging but fun activity that enables tourists to explore regional beauty at their own pace. Some of the best cycling routes in Kashmir are the Srinagar-Sonmarg route, the Gulmarg-Pahalgam route and the Sonmarg-Manasbal Lake route.
Paragliding in Kashmir is one of the most thrilling adventure activities to try in Kashmir. It offers a brand-new vantage point to check out the surrounding valleys, snow-covered mountains, serene lakes and dense forests while gliding through the air. The best places to visit in Kashmir for paragliding adventures are Srinagar, Gulmarg and Sanasar.
There are various streams and lakes in the region that allow tourists to take part in fishing and angling activities. Some of the most famous places for angling in Kashmir are Lidder, Ferozepur Nallah and Gangabal Lake.
Exploring Srinagar city on foot is one of the best things to do in Kashmir. It is a great way to explore the local landmarks and learn about urban life in the region. It is a calm and slow-paced activity suitable for individuals of all ages.
From high-quality saffron and green apples to beautiful shawls and designer clothing, there are a lot of things to buy in Kashmir. Here are some of the best places you can visit for shopping in Kashmir:
G M Shah is a widely popular handicrafts showroom based in Polo View Market, Srinagar. They sell a massive collection of quality goods, including sarees, shawls, crewelwork goods, embroidery suits, etc. The quality of products at this location is top-notch, and the price is a bit on the expensive side.
It is another famous shop located in Polo View Market, Srinagar. Saklain’s Coterie mainly deals in naturally made cosmetics and essential oils. It is a great place to buy organic hair oil, face wash, gels, scrubs, soaps, and moisturisers.
If you are looking to buy high-quality leather goods during your Kashmir trip, consider visiting Simson in Srinagar. The store has a massive collection of products on display, including wallets, jackets, purses and so on. The prices of items are reasonable, considering the quality.
Amin Bin Khalik is one of the best stores in Srinagar that deals in dry fruits. The store offers high-grade products that are grown on local farms. Some must-buy items at this store include dried cranberries, almonds, saffron and dates.
When out for souvenir shopping in Srinagar, consider stopping by Sun Beams in Polo View market. It is a prominent store in the city that sells high-quality handicrafts. Here you can find items like table lamps, wooden mementoes, jewellery boxes, chain-stitch rugs, etc.
Kashmir Loom in Srinagar is one of the best places to shop for authentic Kashmiri shawls. They offer a wide range of colours and contemporary designs. Make sure to check out their speciality product, which is Kani Weave Cashmere Shawls.
When shopping around in Srinagar, don’t forget to check out Asia Crafts on Bund Road. They sell premium quality goods, ranging from beautifully designed carpets and rugs to intricately decorated lampshade parchments and furniture.
The Gulshan Bookstore on Residency Road, Srinagar, is one of the best places in the city to shop for books. With a massive collection ranging from history to travel, it is a paradise for book lovers.
When visiting Kashmir, consider trying out the unique and delicious local bakery products. Ahdoos Bakery on Residency Road is one of the best places to shop for bakery items in the city. Make sure to check out their walnut-flavoured biscuits and Baqarkhani bread.
Featured on various media outlets, it is an antique shop that deals in manually distilled rose water, which is a regional speciality item. Located in the old city of Srinagar, Aziz Ahmad Kozgar is one of the best places to shop for rose water in Kashmir.
If you are looking for intricately designed hand-embroidered products and high-quality Pashmina pieces, visit Andraab near Humhama Chowk. It is a renowned store in the city that sells products like shawls, wraps, bedspreads, etc., of the finest quality.
Kashmir Essence is a beauty brand based in Srinagar that deals in organic products made with local ingredients. Located in Jawahar Nagar, you can shop for body cleansers, moisturisers, face packs, and other skincare and beauty products at this location.
When it comes to food, Kashmir has a lot of prominent restaurants and local delicacies to offer. Here are some of the most famous restaurants and dishes in the region:
Located on Residency Road, Srinagar, the Mughal Darbar is a famous restaurant in the city. The place serves delicious Mughlai and North Indian cuisines and is reasonably priced. Make sure to try their speciality Roganjosh when dining here.
Cafe de Linz on Street Court Road in Srinagar is a great place to go for lunch and dinner. It mainly serves Indian cuisine at a very budget-friendly price segment. The comfortable seating arrangement and prompt service are its main highlights.
Ahdoos is a restaurant on Residency Road, Srinagar, and is quite popular among tourists. Its multi-cuisine menu and affordable pricing make it one of the best places for brunch and dinner in the city. It also features a cosy ambience and air-conditioned seating.
Known for its ambience and food quality, Coffea Arabica is a great place to grab a quick bite in Srinagar. Located on Maulana Azad Link Road, the cafe serves bakery foods, coffee, milkshakes, pizzas, etc.
If you want to try mouthwatering vegetarian Indian dishes, make sure to visit Krishna Vaishno Dhaba on Durganag Road in Srinagar. Some of their must-try dishes include Butter Naan, Shahi Paneer, Tawa Roti, and more.
The Lhasa Restaurant in Srinagar is one of the best places to try Tibetan and Chinese cuisine in Kashmir. The restaurant is famous for its delightful ambience, seating arrangement, and hospitable service. Some of their must-try dishes include Momos, Wontons, Thukpa, Soups, etc.
It is a massively popular non-veg dish that is a must-try for tourists during their Kashmir trip. Rogan Josh is a type of lamb curry made with a signature mix of spices and yoghurt. Its savoury taste makes it a perfect side dish to go with naan or basmati rice.
It is a special fish curry cooked alongside diced nadur or radish. Ingredients like cloves, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, ginger, green cardamoms, etc., are also used for added flavour and spiciness. Kashmiri Muji Gaad is served across various restaurants in Srinagar.
Popular among locals, Aab Gosht is a must-try dish in Kashmir. It is a type of curry-based mutton dish prepared with lamb, milk, cardamom, garlic, onion, ghee and a few other ingredients. It has a unique taste and is usually served alongside rice.
The nightlife in Kashmir is a bit limited in options. However, there are some prominent locations where you can meet new people and enjoy your evenings with good food and drinks. Some examples include:
Located at The Lalit Grand Palace, Dal Bar is one of the most popular bars in Srinagar. It is known for having a full bar, indoor and outdoor seating options, and a well-curated cocktail menu. It also features scenic views of Dal Lake and an elegant ambience.
It is another popular spot where you can hang out with friends and enjoy the nightlife in Kashmir. Undress is a pub in Srinagar that features a delightful ambience, great music and a cosy seating arrangement. The pub remains filled with people during the evenings and is a prominent place to meet new people in the city. Make sure to have a go at their beer and wine menu when visiting this location.
Gulmarg is a town nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the Western Himalayas at an altitude of 8,690 feet above sea level. Literally translated as ‘Meadow of Flowers’ it is encased by glimmering snow peaked alps, verdant green pastures, colorful meadows, deep valleys and pine covered slopes.
A picturesque beauty, it is known for its ski resort which was established in 1927, the Gulmarg Gondola – Asia’s second longest cable car ride and the highest golf course in the world at an elevated altitude of 2,650 meters. Gulmarg is an absolute delight for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Called the ‘heartland of winter sports’, it offers a plethora of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, horse riding, heli-skiing, snow scooter, tobogganing, etc. and sightseeing options. The best season to visit Gulmarg is from October to June as it is the perfect destination especially during winters when the snow capped landscape transforms into the premier destination for winter sports in India.
Jammu and Kashmir, 193403
A family holiday in the scenic valley of Kashmir.
Flight: The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, Dehradun. A cab can be hired from there directly to Gulmarg.
Train: The closest station is Jammu station. You can either hire a taxi or take a bus to Gulmarg
Road: Several private and state buses run to Gulmarg. Private car and taxi can also be hired to reach the place.
1.Skiing
Gulmarg is a popular world class ski resort destination and attracts a lot of skiers from neighbouring nations. Established in 1927 by the British, they used to host two annual ski events at Christmas and Easter respectively. Skiing and other snow activities are carried out on the slopes of Apharwat mountains which is at the height of 14,000 feet. The Gulmarg Gondola connects Gulmarg with Apharwath Mountain from where one can ski down the trail crossing the gondola valley and poma terrain. The ski terrain adorned with Pine trees and snow covered slopes offers a mesmerizing view and challenging trails transpiring into an exhilarating experience for skiers. The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is also located here which offers courses on trekking, mountaineering, skiing, etc.
2.Gulmarg Gondola
One of the major attractions, the Gulmarg Gondola is the second highest cable car ride in the world. It came into existence in May 1998 with phase I ferrying visitors to Kongdoori at a height of 8,500 feet. The second phase became operational in May 2005 from Gulmarg to Apharwath peaks at a height of 13,500 feet. The third phase, an addition in the form of chairlift was made in 2011. The Gondola offers a spectacular view of Gulmarg, Khilanmarg, the Himalayan ranges, Pir Panjal range, Nanda Devi and the LOC.
3.Khilanmarg
6km away from Gulmarg, Khilanmarg is a riveting natural meadow which offers a splendid unparalleled panoramic view of the Himalayan range including the Nanga Parbat. A favourite destination of tourists, during spring it is a spectacular landscape engulfed with vibrant blossoming flowers and in winters, it’s one of the ski runs popular with skiing enthusiasts.
4.Apharwat Peak
Situated at an elevated height of 4,200 meters above sea level, it is a charismatic snow crest mountain peak with a breathtaking birds eye view of the entire valley. Covered with snow, it is a hot spot for skiing and has slopes and trails suitable for beginners and experts. During summers as the snow melts, the landscape transforms to lush verdant grasslands making it suitable for horse rides. The Alpathar lake at the base of the Aphwarat peaks is a magnificent lake that gets frozen during winters and becomes a thriving lake surrounded by greenery during summers. It is a nature’s paradise and a must visit attraction.
Gulmarg is also a home to several religious shrines. Visit the Maharani temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiv and Parvati and was built by the Maharaja Hari Sisodia for his wife Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia who in 1915 and belongs to the Dogra Kings. A buzzing shrine, the ziarat or tomb of Baba Reshi is a 13th century shrine of Muslim saint Baba Payam-Uddin. Witness the grandeur of the St Mary’s church that was built in 120 by the British. Made of grey bricks and green roof with ornate wooden walls, it is considered a ‘Victorian architectural wonder’ and it gleams brilliantly when surrounded by snow.
Spirituality is a beautiful journey that begins from within; it connects you to your ever-glowing soul, the pure consciousness. Seekers of the spiritual world always seek to find answers and travel to distant places to attain spiritual knowledge. India is one country, where spirituality is deeply rooted and which better place than Amarnath to explore your own divinity and find answers that take you to the path of enlightenment. Amarnath is a Hindu shrine, which is located in Jammu and Kashmir in India.
The Amarnath Cave which is home to the Lingam of Lord Shiva is surrounded by plush snow crest mountains. Amarnath Cave is located at an altitude of 3,888 meters and is about 141 kms from Srinagar. Pilgrims and tourists can witness the merging of Amravati and Panjtarni rivers while they are on their way to the Amarnath Cave and can take a dip in the holy river Amravati before entering the cave. Once at the Amarnath cave, you’ll see two Shivlings, one of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. Lakhs of devotees from all over the world throng Amarnath battling chilly winds, narrow roads and high altitudes to worship at the shrine.
The Amarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. Devotees visit this temple to get a glimpse of the Lingam of Lord Shiva which is formed from water drops that are frozen to build vertically. However, the Lingam waxes from May to August. According to religious practitioners, the Lingam grows and melts with the moon phases.
Address: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192230, India
Timings: Amarnath Cave is open all days of the week, from 4:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Amarnath is one of the most important religious places in India and every Shiva worshipper takes the Amarnath Yatra once in their lifetime.
• Sonamarg is the base camp for devotees and tourists, who want to reach the Amarnath Cave. This place is extremely serene and gives the feeling of being in a rich countryside.
• The Sheshnag Lake is another major attraction and is located at a distance of 27 kms from Pahalgam.
Amarnath is recommended for devotees and tourists - to experience a tranquil, spiritual and holy place dedicated in reverence to Lord Shiva. It is not advisable for patients with heart conditions, asthama or any major health issues.
Once at the Srinagar Airport, pilgrims can take the helicopter services, which saves time and also you don’t experience fatigue.
The closest railway station to Amarnath is Jammu, which is located at a distance 315 km from Pahalgam,
From Jammu, cabs are available that take you to Pahalgam. The Pahalgam route to Amarnath Cave takes about 5 days to reach and people normally use ponies to reach there.
Hire a cab from Jammu till Baltal and from there devotees can walk to the Amarnath cave, chanting Om Namah Shivay. It is just a day’s trek.
The best time to visit Amarnath is between May to September. During summer, Amarnath climate temperature ranges from 9 to 34 degrees. However, the ideal time to take the Amarnath Yatra is in the month of July and August and it is advisable to wear warm clothes as the winter climate is harsh and chilly
There are many stories revolving around the discovery of Amarnath Cave. One popular legend narrates that Bhrigu Muni was the first one to discover the cave. The valley of Kashmir was plunged under water and Kashyap Muni was the one, who drained it. Hence, Bhrigu Muni was the first one to receive Amarnath Darshan. After hearing about this news, many devotees worshipped the Lingam and it became the abode of Lord Shiva. As per popular beliefs, the gadaria community, discovered the Amarnath Cave, and were the first ones to encounter Baba Barfani.
Another story recounts about Buta Malik, a shepherd, who received a bag full of coal from a saint. When he opened the bag, he was surprised to find the bag contained gold coins. Overwhelmed by gratitude, the shepherd went back to the place where he had met the saint but was unable to find him and instead discovered the Amarnath Cave.
Amarnath Cave has a special significance with several mythological stories attached to it. One significant tale talks about Lord Shiva narrating the secret of His immortality and how the universe came into existence to His wife Parvati. Listening to the story, she fell asleep, but a pair of pigeons attentively heard the story and gained all wisdom. It is said that since the pigeons got the knowledge of the Amar Katha, they are presently leading immoral lives. However, many believe it’s a myth because pigeons don’t have a chance of survival in such extreme climatic conditions.
The journey of faith and devotion is not an easy one. However, located at the altitude of 2743 m, Baltal is the perfect refuge for Amarnath Cave pilgrims. This base camp provides all the necessary amenities for you to refuel your energy with food, toilets and tents located at a distance of 100 metres.
Another base camp, Pahalgam has a captivating view, with mountains laced with pine forests. Don’t forget to capture beauty at its best, when you reach Pahalgam. This riveting place is perfect to enhance your Instagram page with brilliant photography.
• At the Amarnath Cave, there are ice Lingas that are naturally formed, each depicting Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
• Nearly 5000 years old, the Amarnath Cave naturally forms ice and the process is known as Swayambhu.
• To narrate the story of immortality to his wife, Lord Shiva went to Amarnath Cave, leaving behind the moon, the bull, the snakes and the five elements, earth, air, water, fire and sky.
