Kashmir Tourism - Best Places to Visit in Kashmir

Kashmir is indeed a paradise on earth. It has been described in glowing terms by poets and even emperors. It is a wonderful tourist destination that is being explored by a large number of domestic and international tourists on a daily basis. Kashmir can be visited throughout the year. Every season, nature adds a certain charm and appeal to this destination. The autumn season is during the months of September to November. Winter is from December to March. Summer is from July to August and the spring season is from April to June. All seasons have something to offer to the tourists. There are several spots of tourist attraction in Kashmir as well as Jammu. Sonamarg, Khilanmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, as well as the lakes like Surinsar and Nubra valley, Shalimar Bagh, Amarnath Temple and Mughal Gardens are some of the attractions. These are only a few of the attractions in the state.

There are facilities in Kashmir for tourists like car rentals that enable them to travel across Kashmir as they wish. Travel Inn, Kashmir Car Rental etc are some of the operators that offer cars to tourists on a rental basis. These agencies have cars of all models and suitable for the requirements of all tourists. They also supply experienced drivers who know all the tourist destinations and routes. All destinations in Kashmir are well connected by road and rail. There are airports that are at a short distance from all major tourist destinations. There are packages which can take the tourists to every corner of this beautiful state. You could choose any of the myriad packages that are offered on our website. We have packages that take from 3 to 4 days to longer packages that last for a week. Honeymoon packages, family packages, luxury vacations etc are all covered here.

Since Kashmir is a wonderful tourist destination there are hotels which are suitable for all budgets and requirements.  The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism development corporation have hotels in various picturesque locations in Kashmir. These hotels are well appointed and serve excellent food. Srinagar, Katra, Pahalgam, Gulmarg etc all have very good hotels and when you are in Kashmir accommodation will never be a problem. There are several hotels in Katra like Durga Palace, White Orchid, Hotel Ambica, Hotel Varun, Hotel Asia Shripati and so on. These hotels are frequented by pilgrims bound for the Vaishno Devi Temple as well as by tourists. Srinagar also has quite a few hotels. Srinagar also has several houseboat operators that offer very good and unique accommodation in their houseboats. Houseboat Amina Group, Savoy Group of Houseboats etc are some operators.

There are also regular hotels like Vivanta by Taj, Hotel Vikram, Hotel Ahdoos, Paradise Gateway hotel, Heevan Resort, Zahgeer Continental and so on. There are also some tourist destinations that are near Kashmir and which can be visited from here. Amritsar is one such destination. It is possible to travel from Srinagar on a 7 day package and cover all important destinations like Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Katra and then from there to Amritsar. It is also possible to travel from Srinagar to Leh-Ladakh via Kargil. Ladakh is truly an amazing destination that is worth visiting. In addition to this there are packages to pilgrimage destinations like Vaishno Devi Temple. This temple is located in Katra and is visited by lakhs of devotees every year. Kashmir is therefore a complete destination that has everything to offer to the most discerning of travellers.

• Also Read: How to plan Your Kashmir Trip

Main Kashmir Tourism Destinations

Patnitop

Patnitop is a hill station in Jammu and Kashmir. This beautiful location offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountain scape of the Chenab basin. In the winter the resort is covered with snow and that makes it a wonderful destination for those who love indulging in winter sports. Patnitop is also a wonderful destination for adventure sports like paragliding. This is perhaps one of the very few places in India where tourists can indulge in winter sports and paragliding.

Leh-Ladakh

Ladakh is a very beautiful location and lies between the Kunlun Mountain range and the Great Himalayas. With its stark landscape and astounding vista, it is one of the most striking places in earth. Ladakh is also a place that is famous for the Buddhist monasteries that were built to aid the propagation and preservation of Buddhist philosophy. The Tibetan way of life is indeed fascinating and a visit to Ladakh will make it more than evident.

Nubra Valley

The Nubra valley is located at a place where the Shyok River meets the Siachen River. It is one of the must-see places in Ladakh.  The ultra-wide landscapes, humongous mountain faces, lovely trails, wide variety of colors and musical Shyok river flowing midst the valley are bound to take your breath away at first sight. The Khardung La pass is near the Nubra valley and is famous as the highest motorable roads in the world.

Amarnath Temple

The Amarnath temple is the destination of the very famous Amarnath Yathra which is undertaken by thousands of pilgrims every year. It is during the summer that the route to the temple is opened. The Amarnath Yatra culminates in a cave where there is a Swayambhu or self-formed Shivalinga made of ice. This is a manifestation of Lord Shiva and is worshipped by millions. The journey is an arduous one.

Mughal Gardens

This is a very popular destination in Srinagar and is situated along the Dal Lake. There are three gardens namely, Chashme Shahi, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. The obsession that the Mughals had with the symbols can be seen in the layout and design of these gardens. These gardens are all situated along the Dal Lake which only adds to the beauty of their location.

Khilanmarg

This is yet another amazing destination in Kashmir. It is near Gulmarg. Khilanmarg is a beautiful meadow from where one can see a panoramic view of snow-clad peaks and the crystal clear waters of the Wular Lake. The various viewpoints, the Ferozepur Nallah, Bahan River, Alpather Lake, the Shrine of Baba Reshi and the various places from where one can see panoramic vistas of the Himalayan range are all situated near Khilanmarg.

Verinag

Verinag is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir. In fact the Mughal Emperor even expressed the wish that he be buried here. It was Jehangir himself who did a lot of beautification work here during his reign. The great river in Kashmir, Jhelum is fed by the Verinag spring. Verinag is very popular because it is a place from where one can visit many places. Jammu, Patnitop and Anantnag are all close to Verinag.

Udhampur

Udhampur is located on the banks of four rivers namely Chenab, Ans, Tawi and Ujh. There are many sites of tourist interest in and around Udhampur. Some of them include are Sanasar, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Mansar Lake, Baba Dhansar, Sheesh Mahal, Bhimgarh Fort, Kalika Temple, Ramnagar Fort, Bhairav Ghati, Pingla Devi Shrine, Krimchi Temples and Deva Mayi Maa Temple.  Patnitop, which is a beautiful hill station is located near Udhampur.

Pulwama

Pulwama is perhaps the spot that people who are interested in knowing the history of Kashmir visit. There are many places of archaeological interest in Pulwama. There are also many shrines in Pulwama that belong to various faiths. Pulwama also has a great climate that is suitable for sightseeing. There are long rows of apple orchards and pine forests. Pulwama is also close to the astounding Aharbal waterfalls and the Tarsar Lake.

Hemis

Hemis is located to the south east of Leh. This is a place that one can visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and that gives this place the striking beauty and cool climes. Hemis is known as a Buddhist nerve centre and has a very famous monastery. The Hemis Gompa as it is known was built in the year 1630. It is a school of the Mahayoga Tantra School.

Anantnag

Anantnag is a district in Jammu and can be called the financial hub of the state. This is perhaps one of the most ancient cities in the world and there are records that show that it was in existence ever since 5000 BCE. It was an urban centre and also a trading centre even back then. It is also the rice bowl of the valley. There are many places of tourist interest in and around Anantnag.

Kathua

Kathua is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir. It is located at a distance of 88km from Jammu. It is a place that is quintessential Kashmir with rolling meadows, thick forests and numerous waterfalls. There are places of archaeological interests as well. There is a very old temple dedicated to Mahabilvakeshwar and to Lord Shiva. There is a town nearby called Basohli which is famous for the handicrafts that are made here. Basohli paintings and stone carved statues grace interiors the world over.

Poonch

This is a rather beautiful area that is bordered on three sides by the Line of Control. It was ruled by several rulers in the past and hence has a tremendous historical significance. There are also several places of religious interest in and around Poonch. The old monuments that are still preserved here give this place an old world charm. It is located away from the large cities and hence will ensure a secluded vacation experience.

Rajauri

Rajauri is famous for the various lakes and is referred to as the Vale of Lakes. Some of these lakes are located near the town itself and some make a wonderful picnic destination. Some of the lakes are Sukh Sar, Nandar Sar, Chandar Sar, Akal Darshini, Katori Sar Bhag Sar, Diya Sar, Gum Sar, Samot Sar and a few other lakes. One can reach these lakes by road.

Kupwara

This beautiful location is located between the Pir Panjal Mountains and Shamsbari Mountain. It is surrounded by snow clad mountains and dense green forests. Kupwara has a few health resorts which are much loved by tourists. One can see sheep and cattle grazing on the meadows. A vacation to Kupwara will rejuvenate your mind body and soul.

Main Kashmir Tour Packages

Kashmir holiday tour packages: Even though Kashmir can be explored without any assistance from anyone, it is better to use the services of professionals like Shikhar Travels. We not only help you plan your trip but also will ensure that you do not spend an exorbitant amount of money on your holiday.

Kashmir honeymoon tour packages: Kashmir has always been known as a romantic destination due to the sheer natural beauty. It is a very popular destination among honeymooners. The cool climes and astounding natural beauty will only enhance the honeymoon experience. Shikhar Travels offers very good honeymoon packages for all budgets.

Kashmir economy tour package: Shikhar Travels ensures that budgetary constraints will not stand in your way to enjoying the natural beauty that is Kashmir. We have short duration budget packages that will enable you to revel in the picturesque beauty of Kashmir without worrying about the cost incurred.

Kashmir group tours: Group tours are a wonderful way to explore Kashmir especially when travelling with friends and extended family. These trips will ensure that the entire groups can enjoy Kashmir at the same time. It is very rarely that a group can come together and Shikhar Travels will ensure that the experience will lead to wonderful memories.

Kashmir Vaishno Devi tour package: The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is bound for the temple dedicated to the Goddess. It begins at Katra town and is an arduous 13 km trek. Helicopters are also available to Vaishno Devi temple. Shikhar Travels has a Vaishno Devi package for those pilgrims who would like to visit the shrine.

Kashmir trekking tour: There are many destinations that can be reached only through trekking. These treks may be arduous but are very fulfilling as they take you to astounding locations. Doda, Tosa Maidan etc are some of the places that have trekking trips. Tourists will be accompanied by well experienced guides.

Kashmir tour by car: There are facilities in Kashmir for tourists like car rentals that enable them to travel across Kashmir as they wish. Travel Inn, Kashmir Car Rental etc are some of the operators that offer cars to tourists on a rental basis. These agencies have cars of all models and suitable for the requirements of all tourists.

Kashmir tour in August: Summer in August extends till August and hence it is a nice time to visit Kashmir. However, Kashmir can be visited during any season. The crystal blue skies combined with the beautiful snow clad peaks is a fantastic sight that has to be seen to be believed.

Kashmir tour in December: From December to The beginning of March it is winter time in Kashmir. You will be able to see snow covered landmarks and needless to say, the temperature will be very low. However the joy of seeing the snow covered landscape while sitting by a crackling fire is a wonderful experience indeed.

Kashmir tour in July: July is summer time in Kashmir. Even though the temperature may not be freezing, you may need a light woollen sweater. The locale will be an explosion of colour. From the azure blue of the sky to the green of the meadows and the blue of the lakes, Kashmir is paradise during summer.

Kashmir tour in June: The summer in Kashmir is from May till August. June is summer time in Kashmir and as described above the area is an explosion of colours. The day time temperature will vary between 25 to 35 degree Celsius It is such a relief to be here and beat the heat of the plains.

Kashmir tour in November: The time from September to December is Autumn. This is a wonderful time when the lush green colours of the region turn to golden colour. However it is also a period when the winter starts so the temperature may be very low. You will need to take heavy woollens with you while travelling to Kashmir during November.

Kashmir tour in October: October is a comfortable time to visit Kashmir. Autumn is on in full swing and if you stay long enough you may actually be able to see the transition from green to gold. It is an amazing experience. The weather will be pleasant but the nights may become very cold. So do carry some heavy woollens with you.

Kashmir tour in September: The month of September sees the onset of Autumn in Kashmir. In September the metamorphosis from green to gold starts. Later the gold will turn into russet and then to red. It is truly amazing. If you are a city dweller then you would not have seen this change in nature. Come to Kashmir and witness this amazing sight.

Reaching Kashmir from Different Places

Kashmir to Ahmadabad: the distance by road from Ahmadabad to Kashmir is 1349 km and by rail it is 1099 Km. These two locations are well connected by roads and there are several long distance trains that connect Ahmadabad and Kashmir. Flights are also available. A taxi ride from Ahmadabad to Kashmir will set you back by a minimum of Rs.13490/- and will take a very long time. It is better to opt for train travel or air travel

Kashmir to Jammu: The distance by road from Jammu to Srinagar is 258 km and will take you nearly 4 hours. By taxi the journey may cost you Rs 3200. Airfare for the same distance will be Rs 3287 and the travel time is 45 mins. Rail travel cost is subject to the class in which travelled as well as the train.

Kashmir to Nagpur: The distance by road from Kashmir to Nagpur is 1528 km. There are buses that ply to these destinations. It is recommended to take the trains like Navyug Express, Himsagar express etc. For air travel it is easier to reach Jammu airport. The travel time is 6 hours 20 mins and the trip will cost around Rs 8398.

Kashmir to Chennai: The distance by road is 3003 Kms. There is a train, Andaman Express that will take you from Chennai to Jammu Tawi. You may have to change flights to traverse the distance; Chennai to Hyderabad, Hyderabad to New Delhi and from New Delhi to Srinagar. The flight ticket from Air India will cost you 15022 INR.

Kashmir to Bangladesh: The distance from Bangladesh to Kashmir is 1845 Kms. Travel by road may take one day and three hours. Jet airways operates flights from Dhaka to Srinagar. The airfare will be 45,516 INR.

Kashmir to Hyderabad: The distance from Hyderabad to Kashmir is 1935 Km. It is better to cover the distance by either train or flight. You can get flights from Shamshabad to Srinagar. the price of the flight ticket will be 11,030 INR and it will take you via Delhi. The journey time depends on the stop over and could take 8 hours.

Kashmir to Kolkata: The distance between Kolkata and Kashmir, is 2683 km and it can take many days to reach Kashmir from Kolkata, by road. There are trains on some days of the week that will take you from Howrah to Jammu Tawi. The best way to reach Kashmir is by flight.  The flight ticket will cost you 9770 INR.

Kashmir tour from Mumbai: Distance from Mumbai to Kashmir is 1786 Km and the recommended mode of transport is train or by air. Trains like Swaraj express start from Bandra terminus and travel up to Jammu Tawi. Time taken is 31 hours. There are flights that will take you from Mumbai to Jammu with stopover at Delhi for 9292 INR. The journey time depends on the stopover at Delhi.

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