Jammu and Kashmir

1. Vaishno Devi: The famous Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple is India's most famous Hindu pilgrimage site that contributes largely to Jammu and Kashmir tourism. Many devotees flock to this prominent religious site from all over the world, seeking Goddess Vaishno Devi's blessings to fulfill all of their wishes. People worship the deity by making traditional offerings, including sarees, gold ornaments, flowers, chunri, dry fruits, etc. The Vaishno Devi Temple is a rare place on Earth that cannot be explored or traveled but experienced.

Location: Bhavan, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir

2. Srinagar: Srinagar contributes significantly to Jammu and Kashmir tourism, as it is the city of lakes and the Venice of the East, offering soul-stirring views of the Himalayas. This city is full of sparkling lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and shikaras, along with magnificent Mughal Gardens called Nishant Bag inspired by Persian architecture, which has fascinated tourists for eons.

Location: Kashmir Valley, J&K

3.Pahalgam: Pahalgam has boosted the Jammu and Kashmir tourism to a large extent by drawing scores of tourists to the Lidder River’s banks for trout fishing, trekking and hiking. You can come here to set out for important pilgrimages like Amarnath Yatra or trek to the stunning Kolhoi Glaciers via Aru village. Believe it or not, but you are going to love frozen glacier sledging here besides enjoying the scenic views of the famous Betaab Valley. If you are at Pahalgam and would love to take back home some authentic Kashmiri kesar, do not forget to head to Pampore.

Location: Anantnag district, J&K

4. Sonamarg: In Jammu and Kashmir, Sonamarg is a scenic hill station located 80 kilometers northeast of Srinagar. Sonamarg is known for its snow-covered fields surrounded by majestic glaciers and beautiful lakes that create a sense of serenity. Sonamarg is engulfed by two large glaciers of the Himalayas, namely the Machoi and Kolhoi Glaciers, which give rise to Kashmir Valley's Three Sisters. You should not miss out on the Thajiwas glacier when you are here, as it is one prime attraction that majorly contributes to Jammu and Kashmir tourism.

Location:Ganderbal district, J&K

5. Patnitop: Jammu and Kashmir tourism is in many ways dependent on Patnitop as it offers multiple adventure opportunities like skiing, trekking, and paragliding. If you are a golf and paragliding enthusiast you must visit Sanasar and Nathatop that are located nearby. However, if you would love to go on an enlightening trek, you can come to Shiva Garh here.

Location: Udhampur district, J&K

6. Aru Valley: One of the most enthralling villages of Kashmir that has trumpeted Jammu and Kashmir tourism is Aru Valley. That is because lying beside Aru River, this place draws tourists with its lush green meadows for activities like trekking, hiking and riding. During the colder months, this site becomes a winter wonderland, enveloped with snow and provides remarkable skiing opportunities. 

Location: Anantnag district, J&K

7. Yousmarg: Located 47 kilometers away from Srinagar, Yusmarg is one of the most pristine locations of J&K that is known for its untainted landscape. There are plenty of maple trees in Yusmarg's forests, making it an excellent destination for those who enjoy trekking long distances and to remote areas. On the whole, Yusmarg is a beautiful place that can occasionally be mistaken for Switzerland, or at least for something very similar. The site is still in contrast to Kashmir's tourist destinations but is a fantastic trekking location.

Location: Yousmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 191112

8. Bhaderwah: The Bhaderwah valleys are located in the foothills of the Himalayas, making them an ideal location for a horse ride to provide a spectacular view of the surrounding area. The many species of snakes found in the town due to its elevation of 1613 meters, the town is also well-known for its skiing in the snow-covered mountains. This popular trekking destination, Nagaon ki Bhoomi is situated in the foothills of the mountains and is also known as the Land of Snakes.

Location: Doda district, J&K

9. Katra: Katra is located in the Trikuta range's foothills and is a popular hiking trail leading to Vaishno Devi's shrine. There is a prominent shrine in Katra, the Vaishno Devi Temple, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Uddhampur district. With helicopters and eco-friendly vehicles available, tourists can now take advantage of this growing tourist attraction. You should consider visiting Katra even if you are not a pilgrim, as attractions such as the Chenab River, Bangangan, and many peaks around it are great for mountain climbing and family outings.

Location: Reasi district, J&K

10. Sanasar: The scenic Sanasar Meadow, named after the villages of Sar and Sana, is located in the Jammu Region. Paragliding, camping, and trekking are among the many adventure activities enjoyed here. Sanasar treats you to views of dense coniferous forests, majestic Himalayan mountains, and flower-filled meadows galore for nature lovers looking to break free from city life's chaos. You can test your nerves off Sanasar's cliffs by gliding over its majestic scenery, but since it has numerous trekking trails, you could also set out to trek in the wilderness. The hiking trails Ladoo Ladi, from Shanta Gala, and Madhatop, a pass on the Shanta Ridge, where you can observe panoramic views of the Panchari Valley, are among the best in the area.

Location: Udhampur district, J&K

Planning A Trip To Jammu & Kashmir, Checkout And Book: Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages

1. Take a ropeway ride in Patnitop: The Patnitop ropeway is one of Jammu and Kashmir's most enjoyable adventure activities. This ropeway offers thrilling views of the treetops, verdant meadows, snow-capped mountains, and spectacular natural landscapes, as it is Asia's highest ropeway, a river. With 2.8 kilometers of track, the ropeway is ideal for taking in the lush pine forests and vibrant blossoming flowers in the meadows below. Moreover, it is as if you are passing through a cloud, an incomparable sensation.

Location: Udhampur District, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Price: Starting from INR 849

2. Visit Raghunath Bazaar for some shopping: Raghunath Bazaar, which lies close to the historic Raghunath Temple in Jammu, is the city's old tourist attraction. You can get your hands on handcrafted goods, local produce, and other things to enhance your holiday experience at Raghunath Bazaar. You will find many stalls and shops selling dry and fresh fruits, including walnuts, peaches, nuts, cashews, saffron, and apples, besides traditional pashmina shawls, embroidered clothes, and spices.

Location: Jammu City, Jammu and Kashmir, India

3. Visit the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: In Jammu and Kashmir, you should not miss an opportunity to visit the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia's largest tulip garden. This garden is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains, with a picturesque view of Dal Lake. It comprises many plants, including hyacinths, ranunculus, daffodils, and other flora species. Here, you can view almost 1.25 million tulip flowers of various colors while taking a relaxing stroll among the flower borders.

Location: Cheshma Shahi Road, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001, India 

Price: INR 25- INR 50

4. Ride ponies at Pahalgam: You can enjoy a pony ride in Pahalgam during your stay in Jammu and Kashmir. Natural vistas, valleys, and a glacier surround you in this pristine, unspoiled, magical destination. You can enjoy riding a pony, which is the primary mode of transportation here. Furthermore, during the pony ride, you will also have the opportunity to observe the daily life of Jammu and Kashmir's people besides having a fun banter with them.

Location: Pahalgam, Anantnag District, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Price: INR 1655 onwards

5. Trip to Vaishno Devi Temple: The most sought-after thing to do in J&K is to visit Vaishno Devi Temple, and a pilgrimage to this revered religious site is a must during a holiday in the area. Goddess Durga's incarnation, Goddess Vaishno Devi Temple, is situated in the Trikuta Mountains, and this mountain range has one base and three peaks. During the 6- to 9-hour trek to the temple, you will pass scenic caves, as well as food and other stalls on the way to enjoy the stunning views of the valley, and as you approach the temple, you can see a shrine inside the cave.

Location: PVG4+JRR, Resham Ghar Colony, Jammu 18001, India

Price: INR 100 onwards

6. Experience Kashmir's local cuisine: Don't forget to sample the local cuisine when visiting Jammu and Kashmir while on vacation. Kashmir is renowned across the globe for its variety of spices, dried fruits and other local products. A must-try is their traditional cuisine, which usually involves a lot of meat and is prepared in a chulha. The tasty dishes one can eat here include mutton or lamb Rogan josh, Kashmiri Kahwa tea; paneer Chaman (fried cottage cheese served in tomato-based gravy); nadroo yakhni ( lotus roots in yogurt curry); gushtaba (minced mutton cooked in yogurt), dum aloo, and others.

Location: Jammu and Kashmir, India

Price: Starting from INR 400

7. Enjoy Gulmarg's Gondola Cable Car Ride: Taking a ride in the famous Gulmarg Cable Car is another popular activity in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a must-do experience for people of all ages to enjoy a Gondola Ride in Gulmarg. Enjoy breathtaking views of the picturesque Kashmir Valley, dotted with snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, and serene lakes. This activity offers one of the finest panoramas in the valley, which is challenging to find anywhere else. From a high vantage point, you will view the Gulmarg Valley and various attractions of the region, such as the Mary Shoulder, Kongdoori and Apharwat Peak.

Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Price: INR 700 onwards

8. Ski-in Gulmarg: Many adventures are available in Jammu and Kashmir, but skiing in Gulmarg is undoubtedly among the most enjoyable ones. There are several spots and places here where you can experience skiing while viewing the snow-covered peaks and icy slopes of the Himalayan Mountains ranges. Skiing in Gulmarg is ideal at any time of the year due to its powdery snow, making it the third-highest ski resort in the world.

Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403, India

Price: Starting from INR 740 onwards

9. Stay in a houseboat: A significant highlight of Jammu and Kashmir tourism is the unique experience of spending a night in a houseboat. Several houseboats are docked at the Dal Lake jetty, a popular tourist attraction in Srinagar. Here, you can spend a night sampling a traditional Wazwan meal, surrounded by the countryside's stunning views, ice-capped mountains, and Kashmir's tranquil surroundings. The houseboats offer Wi-Fi, heaters, airport transfers, sightseeing and other services, ensuring a complete holiday experience.

Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Price: Starting from INR 1742

10. Shikara rides on Dal Lake: Indulging in a shikara ride in the serene Dal Lake is integral to your Jammu and Kashmir tourism. It is tucked away in the picturesque valley of Kashmir. Dal Lake is an ideal place to relax and unwind from the stresses of city life. As you ride the shikara, you will be able to enjoy the verdant landscapes, the water oars' soothing sounds on the lake's still waters, as well as the tranquility and serenity of the surroundings.

Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Price: Starting from INR 400 onwards

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Jammu & Kashmir