Jammu and Kashmir is the state surmounting the map of India. Popularly referred to as the head of the country, there exist places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir for every traveler in the country. A large number of tourists quench their travel thirst with the Jammu and Kashmir points of interests.
In addition to pilgrimage, Jammu and Kashmir tourism offer road trips, adventure sports, sightseeing, skiing, etc. at various spots. The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is the most widely eminent travel experience in the country, followed by the Leh Ladakh bike trip for the adventure seekers. When you are visiting Jammu and Kashmir, you do not need to worry about which place to go next. As wherever you go, it will all be breathtakingly awesome.
Here are some top places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.
1. Jammu City
The temple of the city is handed holiness. It believes that Mata Vaishno Devi spent time in that cave, to guard herself against harm. It is surely one of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, the well-known Bahu fort and Baghe-e-Bahu garden, nestled 5km from the city center, located on the bank of Tawi river, built by Raja Bahulochan over 3000 years ago.
Inclusive to them is the Raghunath temple situated right in the heart of the city. Alongside Peer Kho Cave, Mubarak Mandi Palace, the Dogra Art Museum is showing Dogra culture heritage. So, with the belief and blessings of God to the exquisite forts, Jammu city is a gem to Jammu and Kashmir tourism.
The most known part of tourism affection towards Jammu is Amar Mahal Palace which builds for Raja Amar Singh, a Dogra king. The foremost thing in the palace is the museum which includes 120 kg of the golden throne, Pahari miniature and Kangra miniature paintings, a library of 25,000 antique books and many rarer art collections, which adds stars to Jammu city visit. Jammu Kashmir is also a famous city for Romantic Places In India
2. Rajauri
A very well known, adventurous cum terrific place to visit in Jammu is the Rajauri border. Being situated 154 km away from Jammu, it has impressive points of interest. Rajauri is a famous place for its Kalari (made from milk). It is also known as Vale of lakes as there are many lakes.
Rajauri is a versatile combination of luxury forts and beauteous places like Dehra ki Gali. It is a beautiful scenic spot at the height of plus 6600 feet above sea level and experiences heavy snowfall during winter months. Thanna Mandi -historical place right from the time of Mughals,
Kotranka Budhal- a peaceful spot in summer heats and presently a Tehsil Headquarter of the biggest tehsil Budhal, Dhanidar fort. In ancient times, this fort was for Dogra forces because from here, the whole valley of Rajauri can be view. Furthermore, Rajauri fort, patriotic Balidan Bhavan, and Rama temple are few more apt sightseeing. Hence, it is one of the best tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir.
3. Gulmarg
One to a touch of nature makes the whole world kin. To experience that touch of life, Gulmarg is the prime place to witness. The lea of flowers is what called Gulmarg. Gulmarg is 52 km away from the heaven city Srinagar. In all things in here, there is something marvelous called the Nagin valley.
It is surely one of the top places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. Khilanmarg and Frozen lakes are very enticing. If you are an adventure lover, you can enjoy skier’s paradise, trekking, snowboarding, mountain Biking, fishing, etc. The path well-known as Nagin valley was set to open at a formal ceremony organized by the state tourism department only.
Baba Reshi shrine is a religious and old spot on the slopes between Gulmarg and Tangmarg, dedicated to Baba Reshi. Gulmarg gondola (cable car) is the world’s second-largest operating cable car since 2008. It is a beautiful attraction for Jammu and Kashmir tourism.
Shark fin – Reckoned as the most beautiful bowl for powder skiing, located on the backside of lofty Mount Apharwat, whereas Aapharwat peak is another secure location for skiers and snowboarders for advance enthusiasm. Those are the few most unique destinations to witness nature.
4. Srinagar
Srinagar is the summer capital and largest city of the northern state of India, Jammu, and Kashmir. It lies on the banks of the Jhelum river, the Indus river, Dal lake, and Anchor lakes form the Kashmir Valley. Srinagar is a blend of cultural heritage, having holy places like Shiv lingam in a temple in Zaethyar, Shankaracharya temple, Hazratbal Shrine, famous Jama Masjid, Khanqah-e-Moula, Aali masjid, Hari Parbat and many more of these Jammu and Kashmir points of interests flaunt the cultural and religious diversity of the city.
The city is a home of Sher-e-Kashmir stadium for cricket, Kashmir-golf center for golf. The Bakshi stadium hosts football, boating in Shikara on Dal Lake and Nagin lake, water rafting in Pahalgam are few sporting points.These add stars to the Jammu and Kashmir tourism. Furthermore, Dachigam wildlife sanctuary, a glimpse of the vegetable market and abundant flora and fauna are for animal lovers. Stars are adding botanical garden which built in memory of the Jawaharlal Nehru. The Shikara boat, pulse houseboats, snow-capped mountains are most noteworthy.
5. Udhampur
Udhampur named after Raja Udham Singh. The fourth largest city and one of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir, woo visitors by the greenery and lush forest of dotted with eucalyptus trees. It serves as the district capital and Northern command headquarters of the Indian army.
Udhampur is one of the best tourist places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir for history lovers. It has numerous places to visit like the Krimchi group of temples, ancient temples related to Mahabharat, Pandava mandir, Suruinsar lake, Khoon – place showing bloodstains of Pandava Arjuna, Pingla Devi – historical cave.
Udhampur is also known for the underground Devika river – the sister of Ganga. Ramnagar fort built by Raja Suchet Singh, Moungri cave shrine including blessings of Vaishno Devi and Sudh Mahadev temple. As it is a recurrent place for tourism so dozens of long-distance trains connecting Udhampur to the rest of India. With a large number of pilgrim sites, these Jammu and Kashmir tourist places are certainly worth a visit.
6. Sonmarg
Famed as the “Meadow of gold” – Sonmarg is a Hill station having camp place Baltal for Amarnath pilgrims. It is approximately 80 km north-east of Srinagar. The Himalayan glaciers of Kashmir valley near Sonmarg namely Machoi glacier and Kolhoi glacier are most noteworthy. Some peaks there are above 5000 m, namely Amarnath peak, Sirbal peak, Machoi glacier, and Kolhoi peak.
These certainly are some of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. The preeminent part is the outlook of the roof-top of the world ‘Leh.’ River rafting tournaments attract abroad teams. Parellely, to give a perfect shot to the directors of Hindi cinema, they consider Sonmarg as their prime option.
Furthermore, in the tracking routes of Sonmarg beauteous lakes of Vishansar lake, Krishansar lake, Gangabal lake, and Gods lake are most noteworthy. Haramukh mountain, Naranag, and the Thajiwas glacier add a plus to Sonmarg for Jammu and Kashmir tourism.
7. Kupwara
Kupwara District is a walk with nature wearing the colors with the outlook of the Viale of Kashmir view. The production and business of Walnuts in Kupwara is a plus part. The soaring mountain peaks like Dajalonjun which is 16000 ft above sea level, Nastachun which is 10273 ft above sea level and Shamasbari which is 12000 ft above sea level makes it one of the famous places in Jammu and Kashmir.
These are considered prime options for trekking seekers. Furthermore, Lolab valley, kheer Bhawani Asthapan, Hazrat Mehmood Shah Shrine, Shaloora Shrine add stars to Kupwara. Historical places are the most noteworthy part of Jammu and Kashmir tourism. This gem of Kupwara is historical villagers like Gushi built by Kashi Shah and Karnah in Raj Tarangini and Keran. Kupwara was in light when the Jaish-e-Mohammad attack in 2017 took place.
8. Badgam
Badgam is a town in Badgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. It has the only airport in the Kashmir valley. The famous Sang-e-Safed, well-known as White Rocks, is located 10 km from Yusmarg valley. It bisected from the Centre by a tiny Doodh Ganga is a sight to see. Whereas, Yusmarg which is a hill station of Kashmir valley, situated 47km in south Srinagar.It certainly boosts the Jammu and Kashmir tourism.
The Tosa Maidan pasture and tourists’ destination falls in Khag Tehsil. Star point Nilnag lake is always a tourist attraction.The Nilnag lake is a great blue thing of beauty located at about 4km down from Yusmarg. The lake named Nilnag because of blue water. It also connected to the path towards dense forests. The blue water makes it one of the famous places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. Hence, the site is a beautiful picnic spot, and a trek of 13km uphill leads to the various beautiful tourist spot.
9. Kargil
The famous place Kargil shares margin with Pakistan border at an altitude of 2676m above sea level. It is one of the top places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir and should never miss it. It is the 2nd largest town in Ladakh after Leh. The welcoming place for a passionate crowd seeking for adventure drives like trekking, campaign, rafting, mountain areas.
The gateway to Ladakh, Drass, the beautiful town seen in prominence after the Kargil war. It includes a Tolo-ling battle place in the Kargil war between India’s armed forces and Pakistan. Mushkoh valley and Tiger Hill are the most important Jammu and Kashmir points of interest for an adventurous crowd.
10. Kathua
Kathua, a beautiful city in Jammu and Kashmir sharing a border with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh is 80 km from Jammu city. It is an important attraction of Jammu and Kashmir tourism. The city of “Dawlat Auliya” and “the city of Sufis” are proudly epithet to Kathua due to a high number of Sufi Shrines of Pirs.
The Ugh river rising from the Domal structure of Seojdhar of the middle Himalayan ranges, Jasrota temple, Mata Sundrikote, Mata Bala Sundari located in Trilokpur, Sapt Sarober and Airwan temple are few places to devote yourself in worship. These are the famous places in Jammu and Kashmir.
A Recreation park named ‘The Dream’ is a dreamy place perfectly fitting for rafting experiences. Spirituality is also a part of the attraction for the crowd to learn and experience serenity. The ancient temple of Maha Kali emerged as a famous pilgrimage center. Furthermore, The Jasrota fort built by Jas Dav, ruler of the Royal House of Jammu and Kashmir. Kathua is a genetic signature of excellence which must not miss.
11. Leh
Leh is one of the best and safest places to visit Kashmir in summer. High mountains, alpine lakes and diverse installations make Leh one of the best places to visit. Filled with the beauty and love of nature, Leh offers spectacular views so that no visitor is disappointed. When traveling to Kashmir you must explore all the top places to visit in Leh.
12. Hemis
One of the many undiscovered destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, Hemis is a small village located 10 km southeast of Leh. Like other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Hemis is a symbol of natural beauty. Hemis is popular for its famous monasteries and national parks. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you must visit Kashmir in summer. Rare species like snow leopard and bharal find shelter in the national park here.
13. Kishtwar
Since Kishtwar is somewhere away from the radar of tourists, offbeat travelers consider it a gem. The landscape here is captivated by its lush greenery consisting of high hills, pine and fir forests. Kistwar National Park attracts wildlife and nature lovers. A part from the Machail Journey and the Sarthal Journey, there are two pilgrimages of high reverence, which you must consider during your travels. When searching for the best places to visit in Kashmir, include it in your itinerary.
14. Jama Masjid
This mosque is located in Nauhatta and is considered as one of the most important mosques in Srinagar. Also, the mosque was expanded by Zayn-ul-Abidin, son of Alexander. You will find 370 wooden pillars and an enchanted courtyard in the mosque – both of which are considered to be the main attractions of this mosque.
15. Vaishno Devi
Located in the Trikuta hills, the city is famous for it’s Vaishno Devi temple which goes by the name of the city. It is said that Goddess Durga appeared from Vaishno Hindu mythology. This place is considered sacred as it is considered as one of the 108 Shakti Peeths of India, due to which this temple gets a heavy walk every year.
The journey to the temple has a trek of 13 kilometers which takes 9-10 hours depending on your speed. Services such as palanquins, ponies and helicopters are also available for those who cannot walk or want to read early. There is no doubt that Vaishno Devi is one of the sights of Kashmir.
16. Anantnag
Equipped with rich gardens and freshwater springs, Anantnag is a divine heavenly destination. Right here, you can enjoy the comfort and essence of a city. There are several places you can go on a day trip like Verinag and Daksum. Of course, our list of tourist destinations in Kashmir would not be complete without mentioning it!
17. Nishat Garden
It is considered as one of the largest Mughal gardens located on the banks of Dal Lake. Nishat Garden is also known as the Garden of Bliss and that’s exactly why, because in the background are breathtaking Jabarwan Mountains. The garden is historically famous and was designed by Asaf Khan, who was Nurjahan’s brother. It is definitely Kashmir, one of the best places in India.
18. Doda
Whether you are an apprentice or an expert in adventure activities, you will consider it a gem. Although Doda is less well known among tourists, it is well known for its two Hindu temples, namely, Althara Devi Temple and Chandi Mata Temple.
19. Poonch
Poonch is definitely one of the top beautiful places in Kashmir. The lush green meadows, the view of the snow-capped mountains and the eighteenth-century Punch castle can weave together a panorama that makes you weak on your knees.
20. Shalimar Bagh
The garden was established in 1616 by the well-known Emperor Jahangir, especially for his wife Nurjahan. Some time later, another garden called Fayez Baksh was added to it. You will find a canal inside the garden which is decorated with polished stones at the border. This canal in the center of the garden is considered to be the focal point here.
21. Chashmashahi
It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. From here, you can see a really picturesque view of Dal Lake as well as many mountains in the surrounding area.
22. Yusmarg
It is considered as the best place to observe the natural aspects of Kashmir. It is one of the top tourist destinations in Kashmir that is not much sought after. If you go down 4 kilometers from this place, you will see the beautiful Blue Snake Lake which will be a gift for your eyes. You will find true peace and beauty of Kashmir here.
23. Patnitop
The endless meadows and picturesque scenery best describe Patnitop. Covered by snow-capped sky-high Himalayas, Patnitop has created a special place in the tourism industry due to its surreal beauty. In addition, the place also offers some exciting activities that will deal with the adrenaline junkie within you. It proves to be one of the top tourist destinations in Kashmir for both family and friends.
24. Aru Valley
Located 12 km from Pahalgam, the Aru valley merges with the peaks of the Himalayas. It serves as a base camp for several treks and lakes, including Tarser Lake and Kalhoi Glacier. The valley is also home to the Aru River, a tributary of the Lidar River. Nature lovers resort to this place for peace and rest in the lap of nature.
25. Amarnath
Amarnath is a pilgrimage destination and one of the sights of Kashmir. Worshipers of Lord Shiva go every year to take blessings and witness the underlying image of Shiva which is popularly called Shivling. People from all over the world visit this place and engage in the well-known ‘Amarnath Yatra’.
Conclusion
The scenic beauty here is a secluded place for travelers away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Among its top attractions, the most scenic tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir are its beautiful lakes.
From the stunning waters of Pangong, India’s highest lake, to the breathtaking views of Dal, Srinagar’s Ratna Lake – a breathtaking view of the waters of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir has a number of stunning landscaped gardens.
Although Shalimar Bagh and Nishantha Bagh boast of excellent Mughal designs, the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is known to be home to about 50 species of tulips, one of the most beautiful places in Jammu and Kashmir. The monasteries of Jammu and Kashmir are also popular among the travelers. Hemis Math, Fuktal Math and Mulbekh Math are just some of the monasteries found in the area.