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.
Attractions in Kashmir
- Shankaracharya Hill
- Dal Lake
- Jama Masjid Mosque
- Baisaran
- Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
- Apharwat Peak
- Betaab Valley
- Sonmarg
- Sinthan Top
- Chashme Shahi Garden
- Hazratbal
- Pari Mahal
- Gulmarg
- Amarnath Yatra
- Tulip Festival
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
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.
Dal Lake
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.
Jama Masjid Mosque
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.
Baisaran
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.
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
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.
Apharwat Peak
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.
Betaab Valley
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
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.
Sinthan Top
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.
Chashme Shahi Garden
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.
Hazratbal
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.
Pari Mahal
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
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.
Amarnath Yatra
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.
Tulip Festival
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.
Activities in Kashmir
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:
Bird watching
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.
Horse riding
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.
Gondola cable car ride
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.
Shikara Rides
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.
Skiing
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.
Golfing
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.
Rafting
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.
Mountain cycling
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
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.
Angling
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.
City walks
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.
Shopping in Kashmir
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
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.
Saklain’s Coterie
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.
Simson
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
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.
Sunbeam
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
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.
Asia Crafts
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.
Gulshan Bookstore
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.
Ahdoos Bakery
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.
Aziz Ahmad Kozgar
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.
Andraab
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
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.
Food in Kashmir
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:
- Best Restaurants in Kashmir
- Best Dishes in Kashmir
Best Restaurants in Kashmir
Mughal Darbar
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
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
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.
Coffea Arabica
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.
Krishna Vaishno Dhaba
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.
Lhasa Restaurant
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.
Best Dishes in Kashmir
Rogan Josh
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.
Kashmiri Muji Gaad
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.
Aab Gosht
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.
Nightlife in Kashmir
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:
Dal Bar
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.
Undress
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.
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