The food, traditional, local, or exotic is extremely liked and savored by one and all. Some of the famous food preparations commonly available to visitors are Khatte Baingan, Kulcha, Chicken Pulao, NadrooYakhni, Kashmiri Rajma, Haak, Dum Aloo, and other lip-smacking cuisines.

The scenic beauty of Kashmir makes it a paradise on earth. Nature’s bounty nourishes the soul of the onlooker. The snow-capped mountains and the wildlife are soothing to the eyes. The handicrafts that are locally made are beautiful and creative so that one is so captivated by the beauty that one cannot resist owning them, at least,  some of them.

Things To Do In Kashmir

Tourists visiting Jammu have ample opportunities to indulge in some adventurous activities. One can even trek to Vaishno Devi Temple. Every year several devotees visit the sacred pilgrim spot. Tourists can enjoy skiing in Patnitop. Patnitop is a beautiful hill station where many tourists indulge in skiing. The elegant skiing locations are available to tourists and some of them are astonishing trekking paths. One can experience the thrilling helicopter ride from Jammu to Poonch. It is so exciting to see the mountainous terrain with vegetation from atop a helicopter. Thus witnessing the pretty views from the sky makes it a memorable experience. Tourists can indulge in boating in Mansar Lake situated in Jammu. One can devote 2-3 hours to exploring the lake. One coming to Kashmir can enjoy a Shikara ride in Dal Lake, which is an experience of a lifetime.

One can witness the floating markets where one can come to know the lifestyle of Kashmir. Clicking photos in Kashmiri clothes is loved by tourists. One can visit the floating garden of Dal Lake and Nehru Park in Shikara. A gondola or cable car can be availed to take a ride at Gulmarg Valley. The ride offers one the opportunity to view the Gulmarg valley from a height. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenic view of the beautiful Gulmarg Valley covered with snow or lush green vegetation. One can even take a trip to Ladakh, depending upon the available time. One can satisfy one’s curiosity regarding the tales prevalent about the Magnetic Hill. The interesting thing about this hill is that the vehicles moving uphill require no burning of fuel in the carburetor. One can climb uphill in their vehicle with vehicle ignition off but to come down one needs to accelerate their vehicle.

Staying in House Boat for a day or two is in itself an uncommon experience.  So why not go for a houseboat rather than a hotel? One can easily chill out in Kashmir and experience the serenity. The hospitality at the boathouse just makes one delightfully happy. One can buy Kashmiri Shawls, Jewellery, Carpets, Kashmiri Dry Fruits, and antique Copper. There are some famous markets where one can indulge in shopping. The famous market includes – Raghunath Bazaar and Hari Market. The market is famous for items of Wooden carving. The market is located in Jammu.

Then there is the Kashmir Government Art Emporium where you can get good quality carpets, handicrafts, and other items. Gole Market is situated in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. It is the most frequented market. One can find items here according to one’s needs and desires. If visiting in October make sure to visit the Ladakh monastery because every year in October 30 and 31st Tibetian festival, SpitukGustor Zanskar, is celebrated with a grandeur unmatched.

For foodies, Jammu & Kashmir has to offer several street foods to its visitors. Relish Gheoor which is a flour-based both salty or sweet dish and one is for a surprise. EvenKalaadiKulchawill makes you adore it. Kalaadi is nothing but a kind of traditional cheese. Then there are – Laal Maas, Halwa, Rajma chawal, Kashmiri Biryani, NadduYakhni, Sku &Thupka, Pava, Khambir, Kadam Saag, and a lot more other delicacies that will keep one busy in deciding to choose which one to eat. There are other magnificent places to pay a visit to like – Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar, Monastries of Kashmir, Mubarak Mandi Palace in Jammu, Bagh–e Bahu Garden in Jammu, Bhimgarh Fort in Udhampur, Mansar Lake in Jammu, Bahu Fort in Jammu, Raghunath Temple, Manda Zoo in Jammu, AmarMahal, Jammu and other beautiful tourist places in Kashmir-

Kashmir Tourist Places To Visit

1. Srinagar

Srinagar is the most frequented place in Jammu & Kashmir. Tourists make a beeline for Dal Lake where they prefer to hire Shikara. Tourists can shop for local Kashmiri items from floating markets. A lot of Bollywood films have been shot at Dal Lake. Due to the picturesque view, Srinagar is considered to be the heart of  Kashmir where most of the activities are centered.

2. Gulmarg

Gulmarg is one of the most famous hill stations. It is popular among tourists as a skiing destination. According to mythology, Gulmarg was originally known as Gaurimarg in honor of Goddess Parvati. History reveals that the British used to visit Gulmarg to escape the summers of North India. Tourists can indulge here in snowboarding and skiing activities. One can see and experience the snowfall that makes the place so picturesque and beautiful. Some the tourist places in Gulmarg are famous for skiing and trekking like- Kongdori, Shark Fin, Apharwat Peak, Nagin Valley, Frozen Lake, Bota Pathri, and Khilanmarg.

3. Pahalgam

Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 7200 ft and is located on the banks of river Lidder. The place is famous for picnic spots around the banks of the Lidder River. It is also famous for the Amarnath Yatra. Amarnath Yatra is organized annually and has great religious significance. Some of the Bollywood movies are being shot here.

4. Katra

Katra is located in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountain Range. It is also named Katra Vaishno Devi. Vaishno Devi temple is situated in Katra. Every year a lot of Devotees visit Katra for Darshan of Ma Vaishno Devi. It is a good 14 Km trek to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Weak and old people can opt for helicopter service to reach the shrine.

5. Jammu

Jammu is the winter capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu can be seen holding a number of Palaces, Temples, and Parks. Bahu Fort is also a temple. It is located 5 km away from Jammu. Bahu Fort is situated on the banks of river Tawi. Then there are Peerkho caves which are found next to the Tawi river. The Peer Kho caves consist of 12 Shiva Lingams. Jammu City is the starting point for many pilgrimages who come to visit Vaishno Devi and Kashmir Valley. The city is well-connected by rail.

6. Patnitop

Patnitop is situated in Udhampur. Udhampur is a district of Kashmir. The district is situated on a Plateau. Patnitop place holds magnificent, scenic, and picturesque views for the tourists as the surroundings are lush green. The place has Lakes and temples to admire. Tourists can visit Naag mandir and Nathatop here. 

7. Rajouri

Rajouri is the district in the Jammu division. It is about 154 Km away from Jammu. Tourists visiting this district can find several magnificent Forts and temples like- Rajauri Fort, Balidan Bhavan, Dhanidhar Fort, and Rama Temple. There are other interesting sightseeing spots like- Dehra Kigali, Kotranka Budhal, and Thanamandi. The place can be visited both in summers and winters as the weather is pleasant throughout the year. It is one of the most visited places in Jammu and Kashmir.

8. Udhampur

Udhampur is considered to be the second-largest city in Jammu. It is named after Raja Udham Singh. The city generally caters to the taste of history lovers. Tourists will find many relics dating back to the time of the epic of Mahabharata. There are several elegant places like – Moungri Cave Shrine, Pingla Mata, and Sudh Mahadev temple. Then there is the Krimachi group of temples which are the oldest structures in Udhampur city. It is also well known for the underground river Devaki. Devaki was known to be the sister of  Ganga. Ramnagar Fort is at a distance of about 40 Km from Udhampur. It was built by Raja Suchet Singh. The history behind the fort lures the visitors out of curiosity. Further, the natural environment around here poses a magnetic force of attraction for the place.

9. Hemis

Hemis is a small village located on the bank of the river Indus. It is situated about 45 km away from Leh. Hemis is famous for its monastery and a National Park. The national park is spread over an area of 600 Km. The main wild animals that roam here are - Bharals and Snow Leopards. Hemis Monastery is the largest monastery in Ladakh. Hemis festival is organized in June or July and hence visitors can time their visit accordingly to participate in the festival

10. Dachigam National Park

Dachigam means ten villages that were relocated to build this national park. It is located about 22 km from Srinagar city. In the past that is in the year, 1910 it was declared a protected area. It was converted into a National Park in 1981. Dachigam National Park is home to several wild animals like – Leopards, Musk Deer, Jackal, Hill Fox, and Himalayan Black Bear. There are several bird species like – Cinnamon Sparrow, Woodpecker, Black Bulbul, and a large number of migratory birds. The state animal Hangul can also be seen in this park.

11. Kazinag National Park

The main attraction of this Kazinag National Park is that there are about 17 species of butterflies that one finds here to one’s astonishment. An endangered animal, the Markhor, can be seen in this natural reserve. Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan. Apart from the aforementioned species of animals, one may come across Musk Deer, Snow Leopards, and Brown Bear. Visitors coming here can stay at Limber Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists can opt for tents and sleeping bags that can easily be hired.

12. Kishtwar National Park

The Kishtwar is situated in the Kishtwar district. In the year 1981, it was declared a National Park. The Park is home to about 15 mammals - Kashmiri Stag, Hangul that migrate to and from DachigamNational Park. There are, to the joy of the visitors, many migratory birds visiting this park. Adventurous activities are actively carried out for the tourists including trekking and camping.

13. Salim Ali National Park

The Salim Ali National Park is situated in Srinagar named in honor of renowned Indian Ornithologist, Dr.Salim Ali. It is home to some animals like – Hangul, Himalayan Black Bear, and about 70 species of birds. It is considered to be the best bird sanctuary in India.

14. Amarnath Temple

The Amarnath Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The temples throughout South Asia commemorate the location of fallen body parts of the Hindu deity Sati. The Amarnath Cave is situated in Jammu & Kashmir. It is located about 141 Km from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. There is snow all around the Amarnath cave. In summer from July to August, the Amarnath cave is open for the devotees. According to mythology, it is the cave where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati. It takes around 3-5 days to reach. 2 routes lead to Amarnath one is the Baltal route which is short and is a trekking route and the other is the Pahalgam route which is long but is most preferred by the devotees.

15. Sonamarg

Sonamarg is located in Kashmir surrounded by glaciers and serene Lakes. The town of Sonamarg is situated at 80 km north – east of Srinagar at an elevation of around 2800 Km from sea level. There are several mountain lakes located around Sonamarg; Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Kishansar. The Kishansar lake is famous for fishing. It is considered the most famous tourist attraction in Sonmarg.

Where to Stay in Kashmir

Kashmir has a large number of facilities available to tourists where they can comfortably stay during their tour schedule. Srinagar, Jammu, Udhampur, and other important cities and districts of the state provide ample opportunities to stay and palatable food to the tourists. Houseboats can be a preferred stay option for many who are near Dal Lake in Srinagar. Depending upon the site or visit one can even opt for tents in the camping sites for a memorable stay in the wilderness. One can find budget hotels to luxury hotels that are spread at the various places in Jammu and Kashmir as per one’s budget.

How To Reach Kashmir

By Air

Visitors wanting to come to Jammu & Kashmir can board a flight to Srinagar airport which is 15 km away from the city. It is well connected to important cities. Visitors can board Indigo, Jet Airways, and Go Air which operates regular flights for Jammu, Leh, and other prime cities. After reaching the airport visitors can hire taxis to reach their destination of choice. Tourists can also board flights to Jammu as Jammu has its airport

By Road

The National Highway -  NH 1 & NH 44 connects Kashmir to important cities of India. Then there is the Jawahar tunnel that connects Jammu to Kashmir. The major buses that are operated by J& K State Road Transport Corporation connect Jammu to the nearest cities such as Srinagar, Patni and Amritsar, Ludhiana, Delhi, Shimla & Manali.

By Train

The nearest railway station is in Jammu. The Jammu Tawi railway station is situated at a distance of about 300km from Srinagar. Visitors can board Jammu Mail and New Delhi – Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express to reach Jammu.

Best Time To Visit Kashmir

The best time to visit Jammu & Kashmir is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and is optimally suitable for visiting splendid sites in and around Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir witnesses summers in March and end in May making days warm and nights cold. This season witnesses the Amarnath Yatra being undertaken. Tourists arrive in large numbers to visit Amarnath. Witnessing snowfall during the months from November to February makes it an unforgettable experience for tourists. Yet Jammu &  Kashmir can be visited all around the year.