A Guide to the Famous Tourist Attractions of Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir, famous as “Paradise on Earth,” fascinates visitors with its natural virginity, deep cultural roots, and historical sights. This state has something for everyone: adventure, spiritualism, or simply being part of nature’s creation. Jammu and Kashmir is one such place. Here is a complete guide to some of Jammu and Kashmir’s most well-known tourist places.
1. Dal Lake
Dal Lake is Srinagar’s crowning glory, covering an area of about 18 square kilometers. Houseboats and shikaras (traditional wooden boats) dotted the glistening blue waters, making Dal Lake a world-renowned spot. One can take a relaxed Shikara ride, visit the vibrant floating vegetable market, or plan a night’s stay in one of those beautiful houseboats. Mughal gardens surround it, which add to its beauty. Occasionally, during the winter, parts of the lake freeze, creating a magnificent sight.
2. Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is a beautiful park in Kashmir, famous for its vibrant tulip flowers. It’s the largest tulip garden in Asia, where you can see rows of colorful tulips in spring. Visitors come to enjoy the stunning views of the flowers against the backdrop of the Zabarwan Range. It’s a popular spot for picnics and photography, offering a peaceful atmosphere to relax and appreciate nature’s beauty.
3. Apple Orchards
Step into Kashmir’s beautiful apple orchards, where rows of apple trees spread out beneath towering mountains. Here, you can pick fresh apples straight from the trees, breathing in the fresh mountain air. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot where you can relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. Whether you’re exploring with family or friends, visiting Kashmir’s apple orchards is a delightful experience that brings you closer to nature and lets you enjoy the simple pleasure of picking your own fruit.
4.Shalimar Bagh
Shalimar Bagh is a beautiful garden in Kashmir, built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife, Nur Jahan. Known for its stunning Mughal architecture, the garden features terraced lawns, flowing water channels, and vibrant flower beds. Tall, ancient Chinese trees provide shade, and the serene atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for relaxation. With its historical significance and breathtaking beauty, Shalimar Bagh is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the enchanting landscapes of Kashmir.
5. Nishat Bagh
Nishat Bagh, also known as the “Garden of Joy,” is a beautiful Mughal garden located in Srinagar, Kashmir. It is famous for its stunning terraced lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and tall Chinese trees. Overlooking the serene Dal Lake and set against the backdrop of the majestic Zabarwan Mountains, Nishat Bagh offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll and enjoying the natural beauty of Kashmir.
6. Chashme Shah
Chashme Shah is a beautiful garden in Srinagar, Kashmir. It’s famous for its peaceful atmosphere and colorful flowers. You can walk around, see the old Mughal-style buildings, and sit by the pretty fountains. The name means “Royal Spring,” showing its royal past and fresh feel. If you want to relax and learn about Kashmir’s history, Chashme Shah is a great place to visit.
7. Shankaracharya Temple
The Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perched atop Shankaracharya Hill, it offers panoramic views of Srinagar city and Dal Lake. Visitors climb steps to reach the temple, where they can admire its stone architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and a place of historical importance, believed to have been visited by the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya during his travels across India centuries ago.
8. Gulmarg Gondola Ride
The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable cars globally, peaking at approximately 3,979 meters above sea level. It offers magnificent views and access to skiing and snowboarding during the winter season. Two gondolas ferry tourists from Gulmarg to Kongdoori Mountain, providing stunning views of these mountains from various angles.
9. The Gulmarg Golf Club
Enjoy a day of outdoor fun at our scenic golf course! Nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, our course offers a relaxing environment for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re practicing your swing or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, our well-maintained fairways and greens provide the perfect setting. Join us for a round of golf with friends or family, and experience the joy of playing amidst nature’s beauty.
10. Amarnath Cave
Discover the sacred Amarnath Cave in Kashmir’s Himalayas, revered by Hindus for its connection to Lord Shiva. Inside, a unique ice formation, believed to represent the deity, forms naturally each summer. Pilgrims undertake a challenging trek to reach this spiritual site, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. The journey blends awe-inspiring nature with deep religious significance, drawing devotees seeking both physical and spiritual fulfillment. Experience the wonder and peace of Amarnath Cave on a journey that touches the heart and soul.
11. Vaishno Devi Temple
The Vaishno Devi Temple is a holy place for Hindus in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, India. People visit to pray to Goddess Vaishno Devi. They walk along beautiful paths to reach the temple and seek blessings. The atmosphere is calm and spiritual, surrounded by nature. It’s a place where faith and the beauty of the mountains combine, making it special for everyone who comes.
12. Mubarak Mandi Palace
The Mubarak Mandi Palace, a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, and European architectural styles, symbolizes the Dogra dynasty’s grandeur. The complex accommodates courtyards, halls, and galleries exhibiting royal artifacts. While visiting the palace, visit the Pink Hall Museum, which houses paintings, manuscripts, and sculptures.
13. Thajivas Glacier
Explore the breathtaking Thajivas Glacier, a majestic river of ice nestled in the heart of the mountains. This natural wonder is a sight to behold, with its sparkling blue ice and towering cliffs. Trek through pristine landscapes and discover the serene beauty of this glacier. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike, Thajivas Glacier offers a glimpse into the raw, untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
14. Apharwat Peak
Apharwat Peak, situated near Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, is famed for being the longest ski slope in Asia and a major tourist attraction. Standing at an altitude of 4,390 meters, it provides stunning views and is linked to the Kongdori Valley by the second phase of the Gulmarg Gondola (cable car). The peak is renowned for its soft, crystal-clear snow that persists for most of the year, making it an excellent destination for skiing, sleighing, and snowboarding.
15. Sinthan Top
Sinthan TopSinthan Top, a hill station and popular tourist destination in South Kashmir’s Breng Valley, is renowned for its beauty and offers an adventurous journey with approximately 37 kilometers of winding and uphill drive from Daksum. The spot is becoming popular for activities such as mountaineering, trekking, and skiing. It is accessible from Srinagar with a drive of about 4–5 hours. At the ‘360 Degree View’ spot, visitors can see areas of both Kashmir and Jammu Divisions. Attractions like Kokernag, Daksum, and Achabal are along the route, enhancing the travel experience.
16. Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley, located near Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, is a scenic spot surrounded by tall deodar trees and pine forests, with the Lidder River flowing through it. Named after the Bollywood movie “Betaab” which was filmed here, it is a haven for nature lovers, offering lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains, and a dense canopy of vegetation. The valley is situated 15 kilometers from Pahalgam and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.
17. Aru Valley
Aru Valley is a tranquil village situated about 12 kilometers from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Located at an altitude of 2,408 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges. The valley is renowned for its lush meadows, pristine lakes, and mountains, serving as a base camp for treks to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. Its natural beauty and rich history, once being a gateway to the silk route from Kashmir to Tibet, make it a captivating destination for tourists.
18. Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake, also spelled as Nageen Lake, is a mildly eutrophic lake situated in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Often considered part of Dal Lake, it is connected via a narrow strait and linked to Khushal Sar and Gil Sar lakes through the Nallah Amir Khan channel. Renowned for its pristine waters and tranquil ambience, Nigeen Lake is smaller than Dal Lake and derives its name from the word ‘nageena’, meaning “the jewel in the ring”. It’s a beautiful spot for visitors seeking peace and natural beauty.
19. Zojila Pass
Zojila Pass, also known as Zoji La or Zojila Pass, is a vital high mountain pass in the Himalayas, connecting the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh. Located on the Srinagar-Leh highway (NH-1) at an altitude of 11,650 feet, the pass is notorious for its challenging conditions and is often referred to as ‘The Mountain Pass of Blizzards’. It remains closed for nearly half the year due to heavy snowfall and is considered one of the most difficult and dangerous roads in the world. Despite its challenges, Zojila Pass offers breathtaking views and serves as a gateway to the wonders of Ladakh.
20. Zero Point
Zero Point is known as the boundary between Kashmir and Ladakh, characterized by two large gates—one on the Kashmir side and another on the Ladakh side. Situated approximately 35 kilometers from Sonamarg town, it is a significant landmark for travelers transitioning between these two regions. Visitors typically need to take a local taxi from Sonamarg to reach Zero Point, as cabs from Srinagar or other places are not permitted beyond Sonamarg.
21. River Rafting
Discover the thrill of river rafting in Jammu and Kashmir! Navigate through rushing rivers surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, making every moment an adventure. Whether you’re new to rafting or a seasoned explorer, experience the rush of conquering rapids and floating through serene waters. It’s a real-life adventure that promises unforgettable excitement and breathtaking scenery in the heart of nature.
