The splendour of Kashmir is incomparable to any other place. Kashmir is home to some stunning natural landscapes and a wealth of picture-perfect tourist destinations, including snow-capped mountains, green meadows, beautiful lakes, and captivating waterfalls.
To ensure that your time spent in Kashmir is both enjoyable and enlightening, we have compiled a list of some of Kashmir’s most popular tourist places. But before you rush forward, it is important to learn about the many ways you might get to this paradise on earth.
By air: Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport Srinagar connects the city of Srinagar with other important cities in India such as Goa, Mumbai, Leh, Delhi, Karnataka, and Jammu.
By train: Jammu Tawi, the winter capital of the state, is the most heavily travelled station in all of Jammu and Kashmir. As the northernmost stop for the main trains that leave the city towards the rest of India, it plays a vital role in linking the city to the country.
By road: It is possible to go to Jammu and Kashmir by vehicle due to the region’s strong road connections. Kashmir is connected to the main cities of India by National Highway 1 and National Highway 44.
15 tourist places in Kashmir
Pahalgam
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Pahalgam is a wonderful spot to visit in Kashmir, and if you were hardpressed to choose just one location to represent the stunning natural scenery of the places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir, it would be a good choice.
The capital city of Srinagar is around 95 kilometres from this location. Pahalgam’s allure stems from the valley’s flower-filled meadows, surrounded by verdant woods and lakes filled with clear water. Every traveller who comes to Pahalgam can witness the peace and quiet of nature in the most untouched state.
The best way to reach Pahalgam is by hiring a private cab if you are coming from Srinagar. If you are commuting locally, you may use public transport from the Anantnag district to arrive at this beautiful location. But the safest option is to travel by private cab.
Gulmarg
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Gulmarg is referred to as the meadow of flowers. During the springtime, the scenery of Gulmarg is enhanced by the blossoming of multicoloured flowers, which contribute to the area’s stunning appearance, making it a popular Jammu Kashmir tourist place.
Gulmarg is an excellent place for travellers searching for exciting adventures in the Kashmir valley. Skiing is among the most well-liked and widely practised extreme sports in Gulmarg. During the winter months, Gulmarg is blanketed in snow and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
You may take the route from Srinagar to Tangmarg to Gulmarg, located around 51 kilometres from Srinagar. Local buses may take passengers as far as the Tangmarg market; mini-coaches and vehicles are available for rent to continue to Gulmarg. From Srinagar, getting to Gulmarg will take you roughly one hour of travel.
Srinagar
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Srinagar is one of the top tourist places in Kashmir, offering excellent connectivity to India’s other major urban centres. The most populous city in Kashmir, Srinagar, is a hub for Kashmiri cultural diversity and is known for its lively atmosphere.
A Shikara ride on Dal Lake will be a memorable experience for the whole family. You may even rent a houseboat furnished with a kitchen and other amenities on the water. Shikara boat riders are often observed filming and photographing the scenery.
The most frequent kinds of things tourists do include things like water skiing, hiking, and going on sightseeing tours. The Dal Lake is often ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in Srinagar. Cuisine, artwork, and artefacts made in Kashmir are all great experiences for visitors to the region.
Srinagar is the first location where you will land if you are coming by air. You can hire a private taxi from the Srinagar airport to the city centre. The rest of the locations can be easily accessed from this place. If you are arriving via train, you must board from the Banihal Railway station, and the train will drop you at the Nowgam Station, the nearest railway station to Srinagar.
Pulwama
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Pulwama is well-known for the extensive saffron fields that cover the area and the highest milk output and pristine landscapes. It is referred to as the Delight of Kashmir. It is a popular tourist place in Jammu and Kashmir that is also home to revered places of worship and significant historic landmarks. Be sure to stop by the Aharbal Waterfalls, Shikargarh, and Avantishwar Temple while you are in this area.
Pulwama is 320 km from Srinagar. There are two ways to get there, one is by road, and another is by train. If you are travelling by road, you have to hire a private taxi in Srinagar, or you can board a local bus. While travelling by train, the closest station to Pulwama is Kakapora Railway station, from there you can take a local bus that will drop you in the city centre of Pulwama district.
Sonamarg
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Kashmir’s Sonamarg is a stunning natural wonder that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. The name Sonamarg may be loosely translated as either “Path of Gold” or “Golden Meadow.” The term stems from the vibrant hues that appear during spring. Camping and having a picnic with friends or family is the most relaxing thing you can do when visiting Sonamarg.
In Sonamarg, the finest activity for a family vacation is a picnic in the meadows. Sonamarg is home to some of the region’s most stunning hiking routes. Some of the better camping spots may be found along the flower-strewn trails that meander along the crystal blue waterways.
If you want to get to Sonamarg by road, you must arrive in Srinagar and make arrangements to take a taxi or rent a vehicle to continue to Sonamarg. Additionally, there are a large number of state-operated buses as well as luxurious coaches that make frequent trips from Srinagar to Sonamarg. You have to choose an alternative that satisfies your requirements and is most convenient for you.
Doda
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Doda is one of Jammu and Kashmir’s lesser-known tourist places, but the town steadily rises to prominence as more visitors share their experiences on social media. It is nicknamed “Mini Kashmir” because it embodies the Kashmiri scenery in a small package. Doda has some of Kashmir’s most vibrant scenery, making it a must-see destination for nature lovers. Adventure-seeking travellers can find enough to do in Doda, such as rock climbing and hiking along some spectacular paths.
It is about 128 kilometres from Doda to Srinagar, and if you drive at an average pace of 50 kilometres per hour, you will be in Doda in around 2.58 hours. Taking the bus is an excellent alternative for getting from Srinagar to Doda.
Betab Valley
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One of the many stunning locations in Kashmir is the Betaab Valley, which is only five kilometres from Pahalgam. Bollywood movies like Kashmir Ki Kali, released in 1964, and more contemporary movies like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, have highlighted the beauty of Kashmir. If you are looking for a place where you may luxuriate in the spectacular mix of nature and tranquillity, this is it.
Pahalgam is the closest town to the Betaab valley, and getting there from Pahalgam should take around half an hour. From Srinagar to Pahalgam is a journey that would take around 2.5 to 3 hours. You can stay there for at least one night and explore the surrounding areas, such as Chandanwari, Aru Valley, the Lidder river, and Pahalgam’s other tourist attractions.
Dachigam National Park
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The Dachigam National Park is home to the almost extinct Hangul or Kashmir stag, one of the most well-preserved species in the world. Photographing a wide variety of animals in their natural environment has sparked the curiosity of many wildlife lovers. It is possible to go there quickly and conveniently by hiring a private cab since it is just 22 kilometres away from Srinagar. Because of its natural beauty, it is one of the tourist destinations in Kashmir that receives the most visitors.
Patnitop
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One of the most popular hill stations in the Jammu and Kashmir district of Udhampur is Patnitop, famed for its unending meadows and breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan mountains. Patnitop is well-known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, including skiing and hiking, and natural springs. Patnitop provides adventurous activities like paragliding, hiking, skiing, etc.
There are multiple ways to reach Patnitop. One way is to hire a cab from Srinagar, located at a distance of 187 km. Another way is to reach the Banihal Railway station and after that hire a cab from there to reach this location. You can also hire a cab from Udhampur city centre, which is 44 km away from the hilltop.
Aru Valley
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Aru Valley, a Kashmiri town nestled among the Himalayan hills near Pahalgam, is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. It serves as a starting point for treks to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar-Marsar Lake. A branch of the Lidder, the Aru River, flows through Aru, and the area is noted for its gorgeous meadows, horseback riding, camping, and trekking. The snow blankets Aru Valley from head to toe throughout the winter, creating a breathtaking sight. It is a great area to go skiing because of this.
To go to Aru Valley, you would need to begin your journey in Srinagar and then continue to Pahalgam. Pahalgam is around 12 kilometres away from Aru Valley. It is possible to take a taxi to Pahalgam if you depart from Srinagar.
Anantnag
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Anantnag is one of the most stunning towns in Kashmir, with rushing streams in addition to the other sounds of nature. Anantnag, situated 53 kilometres from Srinagar, is considered the business and financial centre of the Kashmir valley. Near Anantnag, three streams come together to form what is known as the Veth or Jhelum river. Historically, the Jhelum River served as the primary mode of transit connecting Anantnag with the settlements downstream.
There is both a railway line and a roadway that connects Anantnag to Srinagar. You will have to board the train from the Nowgam Station to Anantnag Station if you travel from Srinagar to Anantnag via train. You can board a local bus to reach the Anantnag city centre.
Amarnath
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One of the most prominent pilgrimage destinations in India for devotees of Lord Shiva is the cave temple of Amarnath in Kashmir. An encased Shivling naturally carved out of ice may be seen within the Amarnath cave. The difficult journey over the mountains to Amarnath is known as the “Amarnath Yatra,” which draws visitors from all over the globe yearly.
Getting there requires either taking a chopper from Srinagar and arriving in Panjtarni, which is only 2 kilometres from the cave or driving to Baltal, a distance of 13.5 kilometres that can only be covered on foot before reaching the cave.
Bhaderwah
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The tourist destination of Bhaderwah in Kashmir is 234.6 km from Srinagar. For an unforgettable Kashmir experience, a visit to this area is all you need. The area is also well-known for its large collection of snakes. It is undoubtedly a gorgeous site in Kashmir and a must-see for every nature enthusiast.
No route travels directly between Srinagar and Bhaderwah at this time. On the other hand, you may take a cab to Srinagar, then a rail to Banihal, and finally a taxi to Bhaderwah. It would be the most direct route. You also can take the coach to Jammu and then transfer to a cab to continue to Bhaderwah.
Tarsar Marsar Trek
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This journey is among the most interesting parts of the Tarsar Marsar Trek because it combines excitement with awe-inspiring views of the natural surroundings. Set in the Aru Valley in Kashmir, it is a magnificent path that passes through a wide range of panoramas.
Flowers in all their glory dotting the huge valleys are a sight to see, as are the flowing streams that descend to form little bathing ponds bordered by grassy slopes. Magnificent mountains, lush meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and picturesque valleys abound in this breathtaking environment. The location is ideal for people who like the outdoors.
Firstly, you should reach the Aru Valley from Srinagar via a private cab and then start the trek that will take around seven days to reach the Tarsar Marsar Lake.
Yusmarg
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Yusmarg is a popular tourist destination in Kashmir and one of the region’s least visited areas. After travelling four kilometres in the other direction, you will arrive at the breathtaking Nil Nag Lake, which is sure to be a visual feast for you. Yousmarg is 48.8 km from Srinagar. Road travel from Srinagar to Yusmarg is recommended since it is the most direct route. You may rent a taxi in Srinagar to transport you to Yusmarg on the Charar-e-Sharief Yusmarg Road, and taxis are available for hire.
FAQs
Why is Kashmir such a popular tourist destination?
Natural splendour and gorgeous settings have contributed to the region's popularity as a travel destination among people from all over the globe. The Kashmir Valley is well-known for its rivers and gardens. The agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir are ideal for the cultivation of horticulture and floriculture crops.
Is it still risky to go to Kashmir at the present time?
In Kashmir, travelling tourists should not be concerned about their safety. Among the states in India, Kashmir is one of the few places in the country where there is no record of any crimes committed against visitors. The residents of the area are kind and eager to assist travellers in any way possible.
Which product originates from Kashmir and is particularly well-known?
The region of Kashmir is famous for the production of Pashmina shawls and carpets. There are very few tourists who come to Kashmir and do not purchase a pashmina shawl or stole while they are there. These shawls are made of 100% pure sheep wool and are fashioned to perfection by Kashmiri artisans with years of expertise in the trade.
When would you say is the perfect time to go to Kashmir?
Due to the pleasant temperature range (between the extremes of summer and winter), spring is the best season to visit Kashmir. Daytime highs average between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. Early in the day is when the weather is at its best, making it perfect for going on hikes and other adventures.
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