Kashmir is not only one of the best tourist destinations of Jammu and Kashmir, it is also one of the top hill stations in India. Resting in the lap of Himalayas, Kashmir is a heavenly destination with its deep valley, high peaks and stunning views.
A visit to Kashmir can take you to some of the best places in India that are known for their beautiful surroundings. Whether you are travelling solo, with your peer group or out for a holiday trip with your family, Kashmir has a lot to offer to any age group. Though Jammu and Kashmir is visited by tourists throughout the year, the best time to visit the state is from March to October.
Kashmir is also popular for its typical cuisine. Meat, especially mutton, is the main ingredient of Kashmiri cuisine. Wazwan cuisine, a typically Kashmiri multi-course cuisine is rich in dishes made of chicken and lamb. Kashmiris being tea lovers, you will find varieties of tea served in stalls like noon chai, sheer chai and kahwah.
The state is well connected to the major cities of the country. The airport closest to Kashmir is the Srinagar Airport in Srinagar (14km from Kashmir). The Jammu Tawi Railway station is the main railhead of the state, which is connect to all the major cities in India.
Let's see what are the best places to visit here.
Dal Lake in Srinagar
Witness the hypnotising beauty of Dal Lake in Srinagar. The lake is fondly called Srinagar's Jewel. With the backdrop of the Himalayas, Dal Lake never fails to grab the attention of the tourists who visit the place.
Photo Courtesy: Basharat Alam Shah
Activities in Dal Lake
Travellers can engage themselves in various watersport activities like kayaking, watersurfing, canoeing, angling and swimming.
Photo Courtesy: Basharat Alam Shah
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden in Srinagar
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is one of the prominent attractions of Srinagar. The garden is just 4km from Dal Lake.
Photo Courtesy: Nikhil S
The Tulip Festival in Srinagar
The Tulip Garden is popular for the Tulip Festival that takes place here annually. The festival is hosted in March and April every year and this is the best time to visit the gardens to see the 90acres of land in full bloom.
Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia
Gulmarg – The Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg is a charming destination in Kashmir. Apart from being a popular skiing destination, it is also known for some attractions worth visiting. Gulmarg is located around 48 km from Srinagar.
Photo Courtesy: Soumyadeep Paul
Places to Visit in Gulmarg
Some of the places you could visit in Gulmarg are Ningle Nallah, Alpather Lake and Acchabal. Outer Circle Walk, a 11km trek route is also worth a try.
Photo Courtesy: Peter
Kargil – A Haven To Explore
More famous as the theater of the Indo-Pak war in 1999, Kargil is the second largest town in Ladakh. The spectacular views of the place makes it a must visit destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Kargil also has roads leading to Srinagar, Padum and Leh.
Photo Courtesy: Aayush Iyer
What to See in Kargil
Some of the attractions to visit in Kargil include the Karsha Monastery, Padum and Shargole Monastery among other attractions. Kargil is also an ideal place for trekking and mountaineering.
Photo Courtesy: Hamon JP
Alchi – Towards Tranquillity
Alchi is a destination for those who seek inner peace. The temples and monasteries here are known for the quiet atmosphere and calm surroundings. The place is also popular for the spectacular views offered.
Photo Courtesy: Vyacheslav Argenberg
What to See in Alchi
The tourist attractions of Alchi include the Alchi Monastery, Sum-Tsek and Temple of Manjushri.
Photo Courtesy: Fulvio Spada
Amarnath – The Epitome of Sanctity
Located about 145 km from Srinagar, Amarnath is a popular pilgrimage centre. The Amarnath Cave Temple and the holy Amarnath Yatra are what makes the site popular among devotees.
Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia
Places to Visit in Amarnath
Apart from the pilgrimage sites, the Sheshnag Lake is a place of tourist interest. The lake is also considered holy. Pahalgam is also a beautiful destination close to Amarnath. If time permits, a visit to Sonamarg (13km from Amarnath) is also suggested.
Photo Courtesy: Nitin Badhwar