“If there is heaven on earth,
It is here… it is here…it is here.”
This quote by Jahangir interprets Kashmir as heaven on earth and rightly so. This beautiful state is as close to heaven as it can get. With beautiful valleys, ancient architecture, delicious cuisine and rich culture, visiting Kashmir is no less than living in a fairytale. If there is one place that should be on everyone’s bucket list, it is Kashmir and once you visit it, you can never get enough of it.
Since there are a lot of places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir, you might wonder what to cover and what to miss while planning your trip. To make it easier for you, we have compiled the ultimate itinerary with the best places to visit in Kashmir.
5 Best Places To Visit In Kashmir
1. Srinagar
The winter capital of Kashmir is conveniently connected with major cities of India and it is only suitable that you start your trip from here by staying in a comfortable and luxurious hotel. Kashmir is a land of beautiful simplicity and pristine natural beauty. It is painted with a unique culture, and is home to the renowned Dal Lake, also known as the Jewel in the crown – a top tourist destination in Srinagar and the largest lake in the state. If you actually want to experience the beauty of Dal Lake, visit The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar, which was built in the year 1910 by Maharaja Pratap Singh. The property overlooks the main highlight of the city – Dal Lake and is surrounded by Himalayan ranges making it one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for honeymoon. The regal architecture, stunning views and unmatched hospitality will make you kickstart your vacation to Kashmir with a whole lot of peace and excitement at the same time.
While in Srinagar make sure to visit the Mughal gardens especially Chashme Shahi, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has beautiful flowerbeds and stunning fountains that are sure to leave you mesmerized. Your trip will be incomplete without a tour of Dal Lake in the traditional Shikara and a visit to the island of Char Chinar. While in Srinagar, you can also drive to Sonmarg which houses the most scenic meadows, Kheer Bhawani Temple and Gadsar Lake. If you want to taste authentic Kashmiri cuisine, visit The Chinar Garden at The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar, which is one of the best restaurants in Srinagar. This multi-cuisine restaurant offers a serene view of the Dal Lake and Srinagar Valley while you enjoy scrumptious food.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Srinagar
2. Gulmarg
Located 55kms away from Srinagar, Gulmarg is India’s most famous ski destination. It is a must-visit for all travellers and is a literal paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and Bollywood buffs. While you are there, make sure to take the famous gondola ride and enjoy mountain biking in the valley.
3. Pahalgam
Scenic vistas are not uncommon in Kashmir, however one has to visit Pahalgam to uncover all its beauty. Located amidst the Lidder Valley at 2700 meters above sea level, Pahalgam is renowned for its stunning views, clear blue water flowing as the Lidder River, lush green forests, Kolahoi Glacier and the very famous Betaab Valley. During your drive to Pahalgam make sure to explore the saffron fields at Pampore, Awantipura Ruins and Anantnag Sulphur Springs. If you plan to travel by flight, you will be required to head back to Srinagar after exploring these stunning destinations.
4. Patnitop
Patnitop is a hilltop tourist destination situated in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. 112 away from Jammu, this location offers the most scenic views of the valley. You can go to Nathatop where you can enjoy lush-greenery and snow-capped mountains and try paragliding and skiing. Patnitop also has Kud Park, which is located in Kud and makes for a great place to enjoy the greenery of Patnitop. Surrounded by beautiful flowers, this park is a relaxing space for families to unwind.
5. Sonmarg
From the most scenic valleys to breathtaking lakes, the Sonmarg features destinations that mentioned below take travelers closer to the heart of Himalayas. Make sure to visit Satsar lake, which translates to seven lakes. Seven clustered alpine lakes come together to form an incredible conflux worth watching. Besides this, there are many lakes like Gadsar lake, Gangabal lake, Krishnasar lake and Vishansar lake that will leave you spellbound. If you go 15 ahead from Sonmarg you can spot snowclad mountains that are extremely picturesque.
Now that you have the ultimate guide on how to travel through Kashmir, get started on booking your flights for the most memorable vacation.
Happy Travelling!
