A queen of natural beauty, Kashmir is a state that is often referred to as the Switzerland of India. As soon as you approach Kashmir beautiful places greet you and take your travel diaries a notch higher. Therefore, let us take a quick look at the various places to visit in Kashmir that you can plan your 2021 travel trips with. Remember, the state is divided into three areas namely Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and it is enclosed by the Pir Panjal range and the mighty Himalayan range on both sides. Therefore, it is not rare to find very beautiful scenic landscapes even while travelling from one destination to another in this heavenly state. Tourist activities are always high in this land and the COVID-19 situation has required extra precautions while taking a trip to Kashmir tourist places. The best time to visit Kashmir would be in summer and winter. Places to visit in Jammu Kashmir are best experienced all round the year.
Top 30 Places To Visit In Kashmir
Your next vacation can always be one of these places to visit in Kashmir and we help you with the details of each and every place, its offerings and what the best time to visit it is.
#1. Srinagar – Heaven On Earth –
This is always the first stop for all travellers to Kashmir and usually there is always a long list of places to visit in Srinagar, Kashmir. Tourist places of interest include Dal Lake, the Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh, and more. Among things to do, one is met with a wide range of options like bird watching, skiing, water skiing, boating, trekking, paragliding, and much more. It is one of the most romantic getaways for couples looking to rest in serenity. Boathouses in Dal Lake can be rented and long vacations can be spent with families. The locals are very friendly and they always encourage you to mingle with them enjoy the folklore and shop local jewellery. They even invite people to their home to partake of the local food which speaks for the bounty of natural grace that they are blessed with, and which reflects in their cheerful and sharing characters.
Must Read: Srinagar – The City of Splendid Houseboats
#2. Gulmarg – Ski Your Way-
The spread of snow-capped mountains and its valleys full of flowers make Gulmarg a ready treat for the eyes. It is also known as the Meadow of Flowers and imagine yourself skiing past vast stretches of flower and snow while on your vacation here! Is the sight not relaxing enough! Gulmarg is a must-visit for snow lovers and skiing enthusiasts. A rare attraction is the strawberry field. A visit to Apharwat Peak is also a welcome thing to do. Make sure you take a Gondola ride to get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains around. Also, you can go mountain biking and trekking.
#3. Sonamarg – The Land Of Gold –
Known as the Meadow of Gold, it is lined by superior trekking routes and endless streams of vibrant flowers. To visit this place during snowfall, you have to come here in January and December. Other times to watch the flowers bloom, you must visit from June to December. The breathtaking views of the place along with the fragrance of flowers make it mesmerizing and soothing to the mind’s eye. A lot of movies have been shot here from different film industries. The valley is a must-visit for flower enthusiasts and trekking enthusiasts.
#4. Leh – 3 Idiot’s Location –
Surrounded by lofty mountains and dispersed with picturesque lakes, Leh is definitely heaven for most bikers and also for travel enthusiasts of the world. The biking route is full of risks and the journey towards Leh can always be full of memories of risky passes, turns, and valleys that stay as photographs. Many travellers carry oxygen cylinders to make up for the reduced oxygen at those heights. It is peaceful and fulfils your heart with countless memories that last a lifetime. Get close to nature at Leh, like never before. Most visitors return for more experience in the place. Do read more about Heavenly Places to Visit/ Experience in Leh Ladakh
#5. Kupwara – The Delight Of Kashmir –
A small district in Kashmir, it is a stone’s throw away from Srinagar and promises you the majesty of alpine mountains, clear gushing water, and thriving meadows. The place is set in scenic locales and is a highlight example of the beauty of Kashmir. You can visit the Lolab Valley to feel the beauty of nature, or visit the Qamar Reshi Sahib Shrine to offer your prayers, or check out the Sheikh Baba Behram point. In short, you have more than just natural beauty awaiting you at Kupwara. It is also a favourite destination for Sikhs.
#6. Kathua – Lesser-Known Gem –
This iconic city is the gateway to Kashmir state from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. It has many Sufi shrines and pirs and is also known as the City of Sufis. Kashmir’s past is seen here in the form of clear monuments and buildings. The serene atmosphere might deceive you but it is also a hub of industrialization with an army presence. You have tourist places to visit in Kashmir like Jasrota Fort and Ujh Barrage which have even more historic marvels to greet you with. Feel the tranquillity of the place with a visit to the Coral River. This place is open to tourists all around the year.
#7. Kargil – A Witness Of Many Wars –
Located as the second largest town of Ladakh region, this region is peaceful, naturally beautiful and politically strife with memories of war anguish and death over the Line of Control. However, in peaceful times, you can always visit the area and take a trek to Suru Valley, enjoy mountaineering in the Nun Mountains, visit sites like Mulbek Gompa, Urgyan Dzong, Wakha Rgyal, and Shergol. Not to forget the army base camps of LoC are strictly controlled and may restrict you from visiting any or all of the places depending upon what the conditions are like. DO not forget to pay a visit to the war memorial at Kargil to pay your respects to valiant soldiers of the Indian army who lay down their lives for saving the land from extremists.
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#8. Pulwama – All About Natural Springs & Apple Orchards –
The rich culture of Pulwama is characteristic of its people who have a very friendly and giving nature. The places are filled with saffron fields which have a very pleasant odor, one that you may not forget all your life. It is a quaint village ideal for mountaineering and trekking in summers and in winters you can easily enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the snow-covered hills and fields. The best time to visit, however, is summer since the myriad colors of saffron plantations transport you to a different world altogether. It is also known as the Rice Bowl of Kashmir.
Must Read: Impressions of Villages: A Glimpse Into Rural India
#9. Pahalgam – Get Allured By Picturesque Views –
It is known as a picture of heaven on earth where pictures were taken in every frame come out perfect. There are dense forests, beautiful lakes, and tranquil meadows of flowers that you must not miss out on. Waking up to the serene beauty of nature is best experienced in the heart of Pahalgam. It is a tiny town and helps you forget all your stress and strain making it one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.
#10. Hemis – The Famous Snow Leopard Capital –
Boasting of age-old monasteries that are also equal to architectural marvels from the yesteryears, Hemis is a lesser-known destination in Kashmir. The monasteries are magnificent and make for a must-visit on your list of activities. Another important attraction of Hemis is the national park which has rare species like snow leopards and bharals housed in it. The tourists will get to see these animals compulsorily in these safaris and rides and must not miss out on them. The best time to visit is in the summer.
#11. Jammu City – The City Of Beauty –
Get welcomed into the scenic charm of Jammu city whilst you make your way to several spots of interest in this prominent city of Kashmir. The city boasts of the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, which is a potent pilgrimage centre visited by hundreds of devotees from all over the country. There are other temples and places of worship like Peer Baba Temple, Mahamaya Temple and Peer Khoh. The rugged Bahu Fort is also an iconic structure that must be visited if you want to feel the old world charm of the city.
#12. Kishtwar – Animal Lover’s Paradise –
This offbeat travel destination is a reward for animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts since it has a national park in it. The area itself is lush green with pine and deodar forests lining all sides of the roads. There are loft hills and winding roads to greet you into the lap of tranquillity. Two pilgrimage circuits are of high reverence. These are the Sarthal Yatra and Machail Yatra. You can therefore enjoy a combination of trekking, pilgrimage, safaris, and hiking in Kishtwar, all done in the peace and quiet of a lesser-known tourist destination.
#13. Doda – Mini Kashmir –
Offering several options to adventure enthusiasts, Doda is also known as Mini Kashmir. You could be a starter in adventure sports or an expert in adventures, the place offers you all kinds of options to explore the wild side of sports. In short, it is a gem for adventure seekers. Although not known to many people, there are two popular Hindu temples which are Athra Devi Temple and Chandi Mata Temple. Other than temple visiting you can do trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing and hiking to enjoy the serene views of the place.
#14. Poonch – Offbeat Location –
A well-designed location for lovers of tranquility and peace, this is a place not many tourists keep on their travel plans. It is a beautiful place with lush green meadows, unending views of snow-capped mountains, and an aura of the past. This is more due to the presence of Poonch fort, one that was established in the eighteenth century. There are many religious places like the Baksh Sahib and the Gurudwara Nangali Sahib that you must visit to experience the true spirit of the place. The seven lakes of Girgan Dhok are also a must-visit for nature lovers.
#15. Anantnag – Home To Temples –
Known to be a divine destination, Anantnag is a place of freshwater springs and gardens. It is also a sprawling city and you have many comfortable options of stay. The essence of nature is very strong here and you can also visit nearby places like Daksum and Verinag on day-long trips while being stationed at Anantnag. Therefore, the list of activities that you can take up while at Anantnag includes shopping, temple visits, trekking, camping, day trips, sightseeing, and more. Do not miss the divinely decorated gardens of the city.
Must Read: Shopping in Kashmir? 5 Things to Put on Your Kashmir Shopping List
#16. Nishat Garden – Perfect For A Laid-Back Day –
Located on the banks of Dal Lake, the Nishat Garden was designed by the brother of Noor Jehan, Asaf Khan. It is also known as the Garden of Bliss and the garden is an epic and the largest of Mughal Gardens It is surrounded by Zabarwan Mountains as a backdrop and is a haven for majestic views. It is the best place to have a laid back day where you rest with a book or your photo lens and enjoy the serenity and peace of being in the lap of Mother Nature.
#17. Shalimar Garden – Photographer’s Paradise –
The garden that was built by Shah Jehan for his wife Noor Jahan. It has a canal in the centre that is embellished with polished stones. This is the highlight of the Shalimar Garden which later had another part added to it called the Faiz Baksh. It is a perfect place for picnics and day-long bird-watching. It offers excellent chances for photography too.
#18. Chashmashahi – One Of The Mughal Gardens –
This is one of the smallest gardens from the Mughal era and was built by Shah Jehan and boasts of a magnificent view of the Dal Lake. You can spend your entire day here picnicking, sight-seeing, or simply reading a book accompanied by the view of a great Dal Lake.
#19. Jama Masjid – Marvel At The Intricate Architecture –
A great example of the architecture of 1400 AD, Jama Masjid is located in Nowhatta. This mosque was built by Sultan Sikander and has 370 wooden pillars and a massive courtyard that is mesmerizing. It is said that the mosque was expanded by the son of Sultan Sikander, Zain-ul-Abidin. This is a must-visit for anyone visiting Kashmir and should be on priority on your list of places to visit in Kashmir. The architecture of the pre-Mughal era is intricate and very pleasant to watch. One can spend days together visiting every part of the mosque, offering prayers and checking out the beauty of each and every corner of the mosque.
#20. Yusmarg – Sit In Tranquility –
One of the lesser-known spots, Yusmarg offers you the tranquil views of the Nil Nag Lake in the garden of yonder. The lake is actually 4 kilometers downhill from this place and you can enjoy serene trekking and pony rides that will help you rejuvenate from the stress of busy lifestyles. The best part of being here is the natural calm and picturesqueness.
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#21. Vaishno Devi – Haven For Pilgrims-
The Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the holiest shrines of India. It has thousands of pilgrims visiting it in the months of worship of Goddess Durga. There are palanquins and pony rides that can be used to make easy the tough job of climbing up the hilly road to the temple. There are multiple steps and the pilgrims who want to offer their obeisances prefer to climb the steps up all the way to make their offerings more complete. The pilgrim centres are supported by helicopter for those who cannot take the physical strain. Darshan of the deity is considered auspicious.
#22. Patnitop – Picture-Perfect Paradise –
A place of poetry by nature, this has unending horizons lined by high Himalayan peaks and sprawling meadows. It has surreal beauty and the best part of it is that you can enjoy adventure sports even in these picture-perfect locales. Do visit Patnitop to explore some trekking, paragliding, skiing and rock climbing adventures and try and see if you can beat the chill.
#23. Aru Valley – Perfect Place To Unwind –
If you love horse-riding, then Aru Valley is the perfect place to indulge in some. If you love trekking to glaciers and lakes, this is the base point for many such journeys. In short, Aru Valley is just the beginning of your exploring worlds of Tarsar Lake and Kolhoi River. Hiking is also a favourite activity here and does not miss spending some tranquil moments near the Aru River, on the banks of which you can comfort your eyes to the view of snow-clad Himalayan peaks in far skies. July to September are the best months of the year to visit this place.
#24. Amarnath – Marvel At The Natural Occurrences –
The cave that houses the famous Shivaling, is known to have been the seat of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the time when He preached the secret of life to her. The Linga Darshan is considered highly auspicious for which pilgrims from all over the world undertake the Amarnath Yatra. It is darshan of this Ice Linga that is said to wash out your past sins.
#25. Sanasar – Ideal For Adventure Junkies –
This calm destination is not frequented by many tourists and is undoubtedly a hidden gem of Kashmir that is beautified by two lakes. You can indulge in paragliding, abseiling, trekking, camping, and rock-climbing. The best time to visit this place is April to June.
#26. Dachigam National Park -Flora & Fauna –
This is the place where Kashmir’s wide variety of flora and fauna can be found in one place. Usually, tourists who are put up at Srinagar make day trips to the national park to check out the species of plants and animals that are unique to this geography. The landscapes are photographic and make for everlasting memories.
#27. Khilanmarg – Paradise For Skiing –
This place is often missed out by many tourists but is one of the best tourist places of Kashmir. Breathtaking landscapes with dreamy panoramas are what welcome you and give you a trance-like experience. If you have lived here for even a single day, you will want to come back to it every single year of your life. Therefore, do not forget to visit this and enjoy all snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, and trekking.
#28. Baltal – For Picturesque Landscapes –
This is located near Amarnath caves and is the best stop for pilgrims who spend their nights there. It is located between Srinagar and Pahalgam and the beauty of this place is enchanting and soul-stirring. Many pilgrims spend more days here to revel in the peace and scenic beauty of the place.
#29. Bhaderwah – For Stunning Vistas –
This is a location where you must drive into at least once during our stay in Kashmir and is known for different types of snakes amidst the lush green surroundings and picturesque locales. You can indulge in trekking, skiing, and Mela Patt and make yourself a bunch of invigorating memories to take home.
#30. Kishtwar National Park – For Musk Deer & Himalayan Bear –
Known to house the rare Himalayan black and brown bear and musk deers, this National Park is located above the Chenab river and below the Nagin Sheer Glacier. Activities that you can undertake here are safaris, which are open from May to June and September to December. The National Park itself is spread over a whopping 400 sq km.
