Known as ‘Paradise On Earth’, Lying in the northernmost part of the country between the snow-capped mountains of the Pir Panjal range and Zanskar range is one of the prettiest valleys in the world the Kashmir Valley. You will experience different things in Kashmir from cultural experiences to adventure activities, from a variety of food options to peaceful places where you can spend some time with yourself or your family. Kashmir is the perfect place for some laid-back romantic evenings on the beautiful Dal Lake or spends some time with family. Witness the valleys which will keep you awestruck throughout your journey and everything in one place which is Kashmir. Keeping Srinagar as the base destination, you can travel around in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and experience the snow rides on one of the highest Gondola in the world, enjoy long and mesmerizing sunsets on the Shikara rides in Dal lake, etc. One can visit Vaishno Devi Mandir in Jammu which attracts many tourists.

This place has its essence of culture and tradition blended perfectly with nature in its most beautiful form. Kashmir is more than just a destination it is a place that will give you vibes that will make you feel like you are actually in paradise.

Kashmir Geography

Jammu and Kashmir have an area of about 101387 sq. Km. The Latitude 32°17’ and 37°05’ North and longitude 72°31’ and 80°20’ East. Jammu and Kashmir are divided into three geographic regions  Ladakh is one of the well-known tourist places now a union territory. Jammu and Kashmir are further divided into 20 districts. Kashmir Valley is known as Paradise On Earth, and Jammu. The higher regions are covered by Pir Panjal, The Inner Himalayan ranges, and The Karakoram. Some of the important river systems of the State are the Chenab, the Tawi, and the Jhelum.

Jammu and Kashmir touch the border of China in the North and Eastside by Ladakh, to the northwest side, it touches Afghanistan the Wakhan Corridor, in the west by Pakistan, and to the south by Himachal Pradesh and Punjab state of India. Mostly the terrane in Jammu and Kashmir has Mountains, beautiful valleys, glaciers, and some magnificent waterfalls.

In Kashmir, there are many valleys including,  Kashmir Valley,  Lidder Valley, Punch ValleyChenab Valley, Sind Valley, and Tawi Valley.

Plan My Package Recommendation: Places To Visit In Jammu & Kashmir 

Srinagar

Srinagar is the capital of one of the most beautiful states in India, Jammu & Kashmir. A newly made Union Territory of India. It is regarded as an alluring place which has many beautiful places to visit. Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg are the places you can visit from Srinagar. Srinagar has many different attractions where all the tourists can enjoy like Shalimar and Nishat Garden along with the panoramic view of Dal Lake. One more lake is there which is known as Nagin Lake, this lake attracts a large number of tourist to enjoy in houseboats and Shikara ride. A Tulip Garden is also a  major attraction of Srinagar where one can visit to enjoy the landscape with family or with your beloved partner. We recommend you to watch the sunset at Dal lake with local delicacies and enjoy the Shikara ride. There are several Outlets of Jammu and Kashmir Handicraft from where you may buy authentic Kashmiri products.

Sonmarg

Sonmarg lies 80 km away from the capital city Srinagar. The meaning of Sonmarg is "Meadow of Gold", which is a serene hill station located in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to spend an amazing vacation. At an altitude of 2800 meters, Sonmarg is located with a view of snow-capped mountains, majestic glaciers, and dense forests, which makes Sonmarg an ideal destination to visit in Kashmir. Sonmarg is one of the best destinations in Jammu and Kashmir which can offer a chance to experience heaven on earth. For nature lovers and for adventure enthusiasts this place is perfect.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is also known as the town of valleys in the "Paradise on Earth" Jammu & Kashmir. Pahalgam is extremely beautiful in pril or May, it is also beautiful in winters to enjoy snowfall. The Aru Valley, Betab Valley, Deno Valley are some of the main places where tourist visits in Pahalgam. There is also a cave of Amarnath, a place of Lord Shiva, for which tourists can start a trek whenever it’s open. Pahalgam is also known as the Health resorts of Jammu and Kashmir. Lidder Nallah attracts many tourists from different parts of the world. On the way to Amarnath cave, Pahalgam is an important place as it is the transit camp for people going to Amarnath Cave.

Gulmarg

A cup-shaped valley nested in Pir Panjal Range. This beautiful tourist place is perfect for family as well as for people who love snow adventure. It has one of the highest 18 pole golf courses. Gulmarg offers adventure to the tourists. The most popular adventure activity in Gulmarg is skiing, both amateur & experienced skiers enjoy skiing here. Most liked activities by tourists Gondola cable car ride, trekking & trout fishing. Gulmarg in winters is one of the most liked tourist places in Kashmir as snowfall makes it heaven on Earth with a mesmerizing view. We recommend you to do Skiing and try other snow activities in Gulmarg enjoy the Golconda ride.

Patnitop

PatnitopIn lies in Udhampur district, a hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, on a plateau in the Shivalik belt. The Chenab River is at a height of 2024 meters which flows nearby and has a backdrop of dense forests. Freshwater springs with medicinal properties and ice-cold water can be found on this thriving hilltop. Heavy snowfall in winters is a popular tourist attraction. Patnitop is a perfect place for outdoor activities and has various treks into the surrounding mountains for adventurer enthusiasts. One can witness the breathtaking view of the Pir Panjal range.

Jammu

Jammu is a land of magnificent valleys, snow-capped mountains, and the city is surrounded by the Himalayas and some beautiful lakes. Jammu city is situated on the banks of River Tawi, Rivers like RaviTawi, and Chenab flow from this region. The amazing beauty of Jammu attracts many tourists around the year, it is also known as the Gateway to Heaven. Jammu is also home to a religious spot called Vaishno Devi. Katra is famous for the trek to Vaishno Devi, the way is beautiful enough hence attracts lots of tourists in a year.

In Destination

Dal Lake

Dal Lake in Srinagar is a major tourist attraction in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake is around 15km. And is an important source of commercial activities. People come from different parts of the world to stay in houseboats. The temperature drops below 0°C in winters the lake freezes in winters.

Enjoy the shikhara ride and witness the scenic views of Dal lake which touches the Mughal Garden, Nishat Bagh, and Shalimar Bagh. Experience the amazing sunset from Dal lake. Lotus flowers in the lake can be seen during July and August month. Houseboats provide accommodation to tourists in Srinagar. The best time to visit Dal lake is between May to November as the climate is pleasant at this time.

Shalimar Garden

Shalimar garden is also known as the ‘Crown of Srinagar’.It lies on the north-eastern side of Dal Lake situated on the outskirts of Srinagar city. The garden covers an area of around 12.5 hectares. During the autumn and spring season, the garden looks very beautiful because of the color change in the leaves. Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-a-Aam and the water channel that flows through the Zenana garden is a major tourist attraction. The best time to visit Shalimar Garden is Spring or Autumn from mid-February to mid-April and September to October.

Thajiwas Glacier

Thajiwas Glacier is also known as the Hidden Jewel of Kashmir. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Sonmarg. This place is mostly covered with snow and is famous among adventure lovers and trekkers. The altitude of Thajiwas Glacier is around 3000m. Thajiwas glacier has beautiful waterfalls and glaciers surrounded by meadows. The best time to visit Thajiwas Glacier is between April to August at this time the flowers are blooming. You will get an amazing view of the surroundings as well.

Aru Valley

Aru valley has some breathtaking view as the mountains in the valley is covered by snow and lush green grassland. Aru village is perfect for the people who love natural landscape and the Aru village is also the starting point of the Kolahoi glacier trek. In summers this place gives an amazing panoramic view of the valley and one can relax here in a cool and pleasant breeze. In winters this place freezes and becomes a paradise for skiing. Adventure lovers can also trek to Sonmarg which takes around three days.

Betab Valley

Betab valley has a thick forest of Deodar and Pine trees along with the lush green grass and flowers which makes this valley picture-perfect for tourists. This valley gets its name from a Bollywood movie named Betab. This valley comes on the way to Amarnath cave and is among the most beautiful valley in India. This valley gives a panoramic view of the Himalayas. If you are visiting Amarnath Cave then Betab valley is a must-visit place, it is also a place which is liked by many tourists.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is around 60 km away from the capital Srinagar. Gulmarg means ‘Meadows Of Flowers’.

It has the highest Golconda cable car ride in the world. Gulmarg in winters has a white blanket of snow which attracts many tourists for skiing. The natural slopes in Gulmarg make it the Paradise for people who love snow adventure activities like skiing and snowboarding. Both amateurs and professional skiers come here in winter, it also has a skiing school named the Indian Institute Of Skiing And Mountaineering.

Yusmarg

Yusmarg lies in the Badgam district which is around 47 km away from the capital Srinagar.

Yusmarg has lush green pastures, pine trees, and snow-capped mountains which gives a panoramic view and leaves the tourist with lifetime memories. Near Yusmarg, there is a lake named Nilang.

Tourists get a view of the Pir Panjal range. This place is famous for its green pastures and grassland and attracts many tourists.

Sanasar

Sanasar is just 20 km away from Patnitop. Sanasar gets its name from Sana and Sar villages. This place is perfect for adventure lovers as it has Paragliding and other adventure sports. Sanasar is also famous because of its lush green deodar trees and round golf course which attracts many tourists. You can also enjoy the horse ride which will give you an experience of a lifetime.

Batote

Batote is famous for its health resort as it has spring water which is known as Amrit Chashma. People come for a picnic to nearby places like Patnitop, Sanasar, and Kud

It is located at an altitude of 1560 mt with lush green pine trees and spring water which makes it worth a visit to Batote. This place is known for its natural beauty and for health care.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine

Vaishno Devi Temple is located at an altitude of 5200ft. Trek of 12 km from Katra is taken by the people to reach Vaishno Devi temple it is in the laps of Trikuta hills.

The shrine attracts many Devotees from different parts of the country and abroad. There are no statues inside the cave the darshan is done in the shape of three natural rock formations known as pindies. Due to the faith and belief of the pilgrims every year the number of pilgrims increases. One can take a ropeway and enjoy the panoramic view of the valley.

Bahu Fort

Bahu Fort is just 5 Km away from the center of the city, situated on the left bank of the Tawi river. It is known to be the oldest fort in the city. This fort was constructed by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago. There is a temple inside the fort named Bave Wali Mata Mandir, this temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali, people come and visit the fort as well a the temple. On Tuesday and Sunday, people specially come to visit the temple as these days are auspicious.

Best Time To Visit Kashmir

You can visit Kashmir in any season and you will find beauty round the year. In the summer season, Kashmir has a different landscape and in winters you will find it different.

Kashmir in summers after the snow melts the flowers bloom in the valley and the view is just breathtaking wherever you may see you will find the lush green pastures and Pine or Deodar trees. You will experience the breeze and flowers which decorate the area naturally is so soothing to the eye.

Kashmir in winters you will find the white blanket of snow almost everywhere in the Himalayas, this season is just perfect for people who love snow activities like skiing or snowboarding as the natural slopes call the adventure seekers here. Both amateur and professional skiers come here to learn and spend some quality time enjoying different activities.

Kashmir Weather

Kashmir in Summers

March to May  20°C to 30°C. In summers days are little warn and nights are cold.

Kashmir in monsoon 

June to September 16°C to 30°C rain in Kashmir reduces the heat and temperature comes down not every part receives an equal amount of rainfall.

Kashmir in winters

October to March 2°C to 15°C In winters due to snowfall the temperature drops even below 0°C and in day maximum temperature touches 15°C. The temperature in Gulmarg touches -4°C in winters.

How To Reach Kashmir

Kashmir by Air Srinagar International Airport also known as Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport and Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh are the major airports in Jammu and Kashmir. The airport is well connected from all the major cities direct and connecting flights like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. 

Kashmir by Train Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station in Jammu And Kashmir. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra is well connected to all the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Kanyakumari.

Kashmir By Road Jammu and Kashmir is well connected via road from all major cities. The NH1 and NH1(A)

Which passes through Jammu And Kashmir. Taxis and busses run frequently in Jammu and Kashmir the roads are well connected.

Places To Stay In Kashmir

Vivanta Dal View

Just 20 km away from Srinagar International Airport while entering the Hotel you will get a birds-eye view of Tulip Garden and get an amazing  Zabarwan range in winter. Enjoy the Kashmiri herbal tea known as Kahawa. Witness the finest panoramic view of Dal Lake.

The Infinity restaurant has an amazing range of local Kashmiri dishes, Pan Indian, Italian and Continental cuisine. It offers an outdoor interactive kitchen and a special Wazwan meal.

Tea Lounge offers a wide variety of chocolate, fresh fruit souffles, wholesome sandwiches, and desserts. Local delicacies like Sheermal, Bakar Khani, and kulcha.

Jade Dragon serves Chinese Sichuan cuisine, they use local vegetables and herbs which come from the valley.

The Lalit

Just 18 Km away from the Srinagar International Airport. The chinar Garden restaurant offers North Indian cuisine and The Chinar is an all-day coffee shop. This property provides luxurious rooms and a view of Dal Lake, it also has 24*7 room service.

The Chinar this restaurant offers traditional Indian dining with Kashmiri spices and flavors.

The Chinar Garden is a multi-cuisine restaurant that gives an amazing view of Dal Lake and Srinagar valley. 

Welcome hotel by ITC Hotels, Pine N Peak

This is the only luxury retreat in Pahalgam. This property is inspired by local traditional art like wood carving and intricate tapestry. A clear view of the snow-capped mountains and Valley of Shephard.

Gulistan Enjoy the alfresco meal under the sky, grill vegetables, and barbeque meat is the specialty of this restaurant.

Welcome Cafe Lolaab this restaurant is famous for Kashmiri dishes prepared with local spices. It also offers pan Indian and continental food. Lolab cafe is a multi-cuisine restaurant.

Saahil Tea Lounge It offers the special tea made from the Kashmiri hers called Kahawa and also offers snacks.

The Khyber Himalyan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg 

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is situated at an altitude of about 8825ft. In the Pir Panjal range. You can ski on the natural slopes of Gulmarg in winter. Take a view of the landscape with green pastures, take a tour of India’s highest golf course.

CLOVES - ALL DAY DINING This restaurant serves food from across the globe. It serves from pasta, dim sum to wazwan a Kashmiri delicacy. Nouf This restaurant is for casual dining. It specializes in Barbeque and grilled meat you can also do stargazing here. CALABASH is a sheesha lounge where you can relax and share your stories about trekking and skiing.

Fourpoint By Sheraton

This property is just a few kilometers away from Dal Lake. From this place you can visit Dal lake, Shankracharya hills, Lal chowk, Floating market, and Kashmiri Government Art Emporium where you will find authentic Kashmiri items. This property is surrounded by the Himalayas.

The Eatery It offers all-day dining of local and international dishes.

Places To Eat In Kashmir

Mughal Darbar:- The Mughal Darbar restaurant is famous for its Mughalai dishes with Kashmiri cuisine. This restaurant attracts many tourists here as it is pocket-friendly and has an authentic taste of Kashmir. Kashmiri Wazwan and mutton are a must-try if you are visiting Mughal Darbar.

Ahdoos

Ahdoos:- Ahdoos is situated at residency road. This restaurant is known for its authentic Kashmiri delicacies like Rogan Josh, Kashmiri Naan, and Rista. This restaurant is famous amongst the locals as well as the tourist. You can have Lamb and Chinese vegetarian dishes. Do visit the Bakery in Ahdood which is very popular. Perfect place to eat with family or friends.

Arabian Barbecue

This restaurant is one of the best places where one can have a barbeque. It offers Vegetarian as well as Non-Vegetarian food and has many varieties which are perfect for travelers and the family. This restaurant offers Paneer Tikka, Kebabs and Butter Chiken. If you are a barbeque lover then this place is just perfect for you. Do visit Arabian Barbecue if you are in Srinagar.

Cafe Log Inn

This place is a must-visit when you are in Pahalgam. Cafe Log Inn offers a variety of Cakes, Muffins, pizza, coffee, and pasta. It also offers flavored tea and Kashmiri Kehwa.

Coffee and Cookies are a must-try if you visit Pahalgam do visit this place, It is next to Pahalgam Hotel. Spend some quality time here with your family and friends.

Dana Pani

Dana Pani is a restaurant in Pahalgam that offers pure vegetarian food. This place is liked by the locals as well as the tourist who come to Pahalgam. In terms of food quality and price, Dana Pani is the most preferred place in Pahalgam. The items prepared here have a unique touch of Kashmiri flavor. North Indian cuisine is served here, Paneer butter masala, Baingan, and Veg pulao are a must-try.

Bakshi

Bakshi restaurant provides pure vegetarian and Jain food. The sitting environment will give a homely feel. If you are visiting Gulmarg and you are a Vegetarian then Bakshi Restaurant is a must to eat place. They serve masala chai which is amazing and one should definitely try it. This restaurant is located in the main market area of Gulmarg. Veg Thali, Palak paneer, and Paneer Manchurian are a must-try.

Nedou’s Dining room

Nedou’s restaurant is located in the Nedou’s Hotel Gulmarg. This restaurant serves delicious and tasty food. If you are in Gulmarg then you must visit Nedou’s restaurant and try Gustawa and Mutton Yakhini. The hotel continues its legacy of serving  130 years. The environment overall of the hotel is good. This property has hosted many celebrities, politicians, and other people.

Pahalwaan Di Hatti

Pahalwaan Di Hatti is a very famous restaurant and sweet shop. This restaurant has several branches in Jammu city. If you are visiting Jammu then you must eat at Pahalwaan’s, Puri chana and Paw Bhaji is most liked by the people who come here and eat. They also have many combo options for lunch and dinner. Pahalwaan Di Hatti specializes in Fast food, North Indian food, Desert, and Chinese.

Panjabi Haveli

Panjabi haveli offers North Indian food which is very famous in Katra. It is situated on the Jammu-Katra highway. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes with puri and parathas. Dal makhani, Lacha paratha, and Dahi chat are must-try food items if you are in Katra. This restaurant offers  Vegetarian food and has a comfortable sitting for the family as well as for the tourist.

Do’s And Don’t

Do’s

• Do carry the Government ID proofs.
• Be a responsible Tourist.
• Obey the rules and regulations of the local body.
• Do keep some warm clothes.

Don’t

• Do not throw garbage in Dal Lake.
• Do not disrespect the local authority and do not spoil their heritage.