Jammu and Kashmir
THINGS TO DO:
The houseboats and shikaras in the Dal Lake, adventure sports in Gulmarg, Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, and lush green scenery of Aru Valley: Jammu & Kashmir has something to offer to all kinds of travellers. This makes the state an ideal tourist destination in both summers as well as winters. There is much more than sightseeing in the valley state of India that makes your holiday an unforgettable experience.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Srinagar: Srinagar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and famous places to visit in Kashmir as well as in India. From boating to trekking, bird watching to water skiing, Srinagar place has it all. Locally this place is known as the mirror to the mountains, Srinagar is a first stopover for every traveller and there is a long list of places to visit in Srinagar, Kashmir. The largest city of Kashmir, this place is enclosed by the green mountains and the main highlight being the Dal Lake which is the gem of the city. This place gives a close outlook to the Kashmiri cuisine and the state’s culture.
Gulmarg: Famously known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg is a treat to the eyes with its spread of vibrant flowers against snow-capped mountains as backgrounds. Gulmarg is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for all right reasons. This region of Kashmir is also known as the adventurer’s paradise because of its vast options of skiing in the snow while enjoying the views around. The best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall is in winter season i.e. December-January.
Sonamarg: Sonamarg, as the name suggests, is famous as the ‘Meadow of Gold’. An endless stream of stunning flowers and undulated trekking routes are its attractions. It has to be in every visitors’ list of places to visit in Kashmir for its mesmerizing aura and breath-taking views. The best season to visit Kashmir would be in summer i.e. May-June when the valley is blooming with variegated flowers.
Pulwama: Famously named as the “Rice Bowl Of Kashmir”, this quaint village in Jammu and Kashmir is a great place to witness the nature’s real beauty of the state. Situated at a distance of 40 Kms from Srinagar, this place has many tourist sites for the first time travelers to explore. This multi hued city offers amiable weather, pleasant odor saffron fields, malleable citizens. One cannot have enough of the saffron fields and the rich culture in Pulwama.
Leh: Leh is one of the best and safe places to visit in Kashmir in summers. The lofty mountains, the alpine lakes, and the quaint settings enable Leh one of the best places to visit. This place is every biker’s dreamland. Clad in the beauty and love of nature, Leh offers breath-taking views, leaving no visitor disappointed. You must explore all the top places to visit in Leh when traveling to Kashmir.
Kargil: Kargil is a small town in the Kargil district of Ladakh region, which brings shivers down the spine of the Indian Citizens. This part of the Ladakh is a must visit for every first time traveler for capturing the undaunted beauty of the place. Kargil is the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh which offers a plethora of options to escape in the nature’s lap. Not only does this city bring heart-touching memories but also provides scintillating views. The atmosphere in this city oozes with emotions.
Jammu city: The city of Jammu is indeed one of the famous places in Kashmir area. As you may know it, the city is bestowed by the presence of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, a significant pilgrimage spot for Hindus. It is also called the City of Temples, as there are many religious sites here, including Peer Baba Temple, Mahamaya Temple and Peer Khoh. Other than the spiritual side, the city is beautified with scenic charm and rugged Bahu Fort.
Doda: Blessed with diversity in its landscape, Doda is a place for adventure and nature lovers. Whether you are a beginner in adventure activities or an expert, you will consider this a gem. Doda is, though lesser-known among tourists, it is well known for two Hindu shrines, namely – Athra Devi Temple and Chandi Mata Temple.
Poonch: One of the top beautiful places in Kashmir, without a doubt, is Poonch. The lush green meadows, view of snow-capped mountains and the eighteenth century Poonch Fort combine to weave a panorama that makes you weak in the knees. The seven lakes of GirganDhok have to be in your itinerary, alongside many religious shrines like Baksh Sahib and GurudwaraNangali Sahib.
Kupwara: Kupwara is a small district located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and situated at a distance of 90 Kms from the state capital, Srinagar. Blessed with nature’s finest views, the thriving meadows, alpine mountains, and the gushing clear water make Kupwara a must-visit destination in Kashmir. This city epitomizes the beauty of Kashmir.
Kathua: Commonly called the “city of sufis”, this city in Jammu and Kashmir shares the southern borders with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The city has a large presence of Sufi shrines of Pirs within its boundaries. For the history lovers willing to have a glimpse of Kashmir’s past, Kathua should be on your list of top places to visit in Kashmir. Situated on the banks of a river, Kathua offers scintillating views and serene atmosphere. The city is also a gateway to a state and a big industrial town with army presence.
Pahalgam: Pahalgam is considered as an illustration of the heaven on earth which is situated at an altitude of 2740 m. It is situated at distance of 95 Kms from Srinagar and surrounded by dense forests, beautiful lakes and meadows of flowers. Tranquility and serenity are the other names of Pahalgam. This tiny town is known to suck out all the stress of every visitor and is therefore counted amongst the best places to visit in Kashmir
