Top 15 Tourist Places in Kashmir
by Vishal Sharma. 02 March 2022
About Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is known around the world for their scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, plentiful wildlife, breathtaking monuments, friendly people, and handicrafts. Kashmir is stunning and enchanting, cradled high in the majestic green Himalayas and admired all over the world for its exceptional natural beauty. With its lofty hills, lush green valleys, glistening lakes, temples, and gorgeous Mughal-era gardens, it has long inspired writers. Add in the appeal of wonderful Kashmiri cuisine as well as apples, walnuts, dry fruits, and Kesar from nearby orchards.
1) Srinagar
Srinagar, also known as "Heaven on Earth," is located on the banks of the Jhelum River in the union state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is one of the most important places among Kashmir Tourist Places. The city, which stretches on both banks of the Jhelum River, is known for its natural beauty, gardens, waterfronts, and houseboats.
In addition, there are numerous houseboats on the lake that offer a magnificent and unique stay experience. Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden are among India's most beautiful Mughal-era gardens, with Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashm-E-Shahi Garden among the most popular.
There is also Asia's largest tulip garden here. Kashmiri Shawls, Kesar, Kahwa, Kashmiri Bat, Kashmiri Apples, and Dried Fruits are all popular in Srinagar (almonds and walnuts).
2) Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a prominent skiing resort in the Pir Panjal Range of Jammu and Kashmir's Union Territory. This spectacular tourist spot in Kashmir's valley is ideal for families, honeymooners, and winter adventure sports enthusiasts. Gulmarg is known as one of India's top skiing locations, with tall snow-capped mountains, rich foliage, little lakes, and a wide variety of flowers.
With various sightseeing options in tourist destinations such as Khilanmarg, Tangmarg, and Ferozepur Nallah, a vacation in Gulmarg is sure to be enjoyable. You can also go on a spiritual tour of Gulmarg's most prominent religious sites, such as St. Mary's Church, Baba Rezi Shrine, and Maharani Temple.
Tourists can also expect a fair amount of thrills and adventure in Gulmarg. Skiing is the most popular adventure sport in Gulmarg. Aside from that, guests can take a Gondola cable car ride, go sledge skiing, or go trout fishing.
3) Sonmarg
Sonmarg, which means "Meadow of Gold", is a picturesque hill station in the Kashmir Valley located in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonmarg is an ideal holiday destination in Kashmir. If you are staying at Dal Lake, you may easily reach Sonmarg by taking a taxi from Dal Gate. The adventure lovers in Sonmarg have great opportunities to head out for scenic treks.
Amongst the most popular treks starting from Sonmarg are Gangabal Lake Trek, Krishansar and Vishansar twin lakes. Amarnath Cave is around 22 kilometres from Sonmarg. During winters the valley covered with snow offers an opportunity to the tourist to enjoy sledging, skiing, snowmobile or snow fighting. At Sonmarg, one may also view glaciers.
4) Pahalgam
Pahalgam, commonly known as the 'Valley of Shepherds,' is a popular hill station in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. The musical flow of Lidder Nallah, as well as the cold refreshing and pleasant temperature, attract tourists not only from within the country but also from abroad.
Pahalgam is bordered by densely forested pine trees, meadows, and the snow-capped Himalayan highlands. It also acts as a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, which begins in Chandanwari, about 16 kilometres away, and is the popular route for travellers seeking to reach Lord Shiva's mountain cave.
It is one of Kashmir's most popular tourist attractions since it offers camping, sightseeing, trekking, pilgrimage yatras, white water rafting, horseback riding, and fishing. Pahalgam, in addition to being a pilgrimage destination, is also a treat for adventurers and the beginning point for various treks. Furthermore, the large expanses of rivers in Pahalgam are ideal for those who prefer trout fishing.
5) Dal Lake
Dal Lake is the most famous sight in Srinagar. It is a popular tourist destination, and every visitor to the Kashmir valley makes a point of seeing the water body.
The lake is 18 square kilometres in size and is part of a natural wetland that is 21.1 square kilometres in size, including its floating gardens. During July and August, the floating gardens, called in Kashmiri as "Raad," bloom with lotus blossoms. Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank are the islands in the middle of Lokut-dal and Bod-dal, respectively. The houseboats are intimately connected with Srinagar's Dal Lake, which serves as a tourist destination.
The boats have become quite popular with tourists, even though they are a part of daily life on the lake and are utilised for a variety of functions including transporting people and products. For tourists visiting Kashmir, a trip on the lake is a must.
6) Yusmarg
In Kashmiri, the word Yusmarg means "The Meadow of Jesus." Yusmarg is famed for its lush pastures and dense woodlands, which are set against a breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Yusmarg, about 2 hours (90 km) from Gulmarg, is one of the Kashmir Valley's less-visited tourist destinations.
In the meadows, there are cottages, where visitors can spend the night and wake up to a glorious sunrise. There are various trekking paths in the Yusmarg area for adventure seekers.
7) Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri, in the Budgam district, is yet another newly created lovely Paradise Kashmir location. It's roughly 43 kilometres from Srinagar. Doodhpathri translates to 'Valley of Milk,' and the name comes from the fact that the water running through the meadows here appears to be milk from afar.
It is also said that the cattle that graze in the meadows of this location produce a significant amount of milk, which is why it is known as DoodhPathri. An excellent location with a calm setting and a green ambience.
8) Drung Waterfall
Drung Waterfall is about 50 kilometres from Srinagar, Kashmir's capital city. Drung is a settlement, but the tall waterfall that blends with the water streams streaming from the glaciers, making it a sight to behold, attracts both locals and tourists. It can be found on the way to Gulmarg. A trail leads to this waterfall from the little town of Tangmarg, which is located just before Gulmarg. The waterfall is modest, but it is a sight to behold during the winter months.
9) Nishat Garden
Nishat Garden is a terraced Mughal garden located near Srinagar in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, India, on the eastern side of the Dal Lake. It is the Kashmir Valley's second-largest Mughal garden and one of Srinagar's most renowned tourist attractions. Asif Khan, the elder brother of Nur Jehan, the bride of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, conceived and created the garden in AD 1633.
"Garden of Joy," "Garden of Gladness," and "Garden of Delight" are all Urdu words for "Nishat Bagh." This dreamlike garden is a haven for nature enthusiasts, family vacationers, and romantic couples, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
The lovely gardens are set out over 12 terraces, each representing a zodiac sign, and give stunning views of Dal Lake and the Pir Panjal mountain range.
Timings: 9 am-7 pm
Entry Fee: INR 24 for Adults
10) Shalimar Garden
Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden in Srinagar, India, connected to the northeast of Dal Lake via a waterway on the lake's right bank on the outskirts of Srinagar city in Jammu and Kashmir. In 1619, Mughal Emperor Jahangir created the Bagh for his wife Noor Jahan.
It is the largest of the three Mughal Gardens in the city, with a total size of 31 acres. This magnificent work of art, also known as the 'home of love,' was originally named as 'Farah Baksh,' which means 'delightful.' The Shalimar Bagh is surrounded by tall Chinar trees and a plethora of colourful blooms, creating a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.
Timings: 9:30 am-6:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 24 for Adults
11) Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is Asia's largest tulip garden, covering around 30 hectares. It is located on the Zabarwan Range's foothills, with a view of Dal Lake. The garden was established in 2007 with the goal of boosting Kashmir Valley's floriculture and tourism. The Tulip Festival, which takes place every year at the start of the spring season, is organised by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir (between March and May).
Timings: 8 am-7 pm
12) Anantnag
Anantnag is one of the most picturesque cities in Jammu & Kashmir's Union Territory. Anantnag, which is 53 kilometres from Srinagar, is considered the Kashmir valley's commercial and financial centre. Amarnath Cave, Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Sheshnag Lake, Martand Sun Temple, and other attractions in Anantnag are well-known.
13) Baltal
Baltal Valley is located at a height of 2743 metres. Baltal Valley, 15 kilometres from Sonmarg, is a lovely site that serves as a camping spot for pilgrims travelling to the Amarnath Caves. Many base camps are put up here since it gives a shorter and alternative approach to the sacred Amarnath Cave. Aside from that, Baltal is known for its beautiful surroundings.
14) Jama Masjid
Sultan Sikandar constructed the Jamia Masjid in 1402. It is also one of Srinagar's most popular tourist attractions. It includes a large garden with a fountain in the centre. There are so many different kinds of flowers in the garden. Thousands of worshippers flock to the holy Jama Masjid every Friday to offer prayers. There is a market outside the mosque. If you feel up to it, go for a walk to the Market. The Jamia Masjid's architectural style is influenced by Indo-Saracenic architecture and exhibits parallels to Buddhist pagodas.
15) Patnitop
Patnitop is a hill resort in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, situated on a picturesque plateau of the Himalayan Shiwalik Range. Patnitop has a variety of treks, temples, monuments, and a garden where you may spend a fantastic holiday with family, friends, or perhaps a spouse. It also offers a spectacular view of the Pir Panjal range.
