Jammu and Kashmir is an enthralling combination of pristine valleys, snow-clad peaks, crystal-clear lakes, high mountain passes, and perennial glaciers. Some of the most beautiful natural places to see in Kashmir attract tourists from around the world. Moreover, the tranquility at places near Kashmir is unmatched, allowing tourists to enjoy a holiday away from the bustle of busy city life.
The breathtaking scenery and the places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir have always been the muses of several writers, and much has been written about them. So whether you are looking for a weekend away from the scorching summer heat of the plains, wish to spend time with family, want a romantic honeymoon, or partake in adventure activities with friends, Kashmir popular places will leave you delighted.
Dal Lake in Srinagar, Shri Amarnath Cave Temple in Anantnag, Betaab Valley in Pahalgam, etc., are some of the most visited places in Kashmir that will leave every tourist in awe.
Here Are The Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Jammu and Kashmir
Take a look at the most popular tourist attractions in Kashmir before planning a tour -
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Dal Lake
You might have seen a lot of images floating on the internet of the beautiful Dal Lake in Srinagar. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best tourist places to visit in Kashmir, which is also the pride of Kashmir tourism. Pir Panjal mountains and Mughal Gardens encompass the lake, making it look like a blissful spectacle. Riding on a Shikara on Dal Lake is one of the best things in Kashmir. Relaxing on the boat while enjoying lofty mountain views is a memorable experience. Couples and families visit Srinagar especially to enjoy this ride and see the floating vegetable market. Also fishing is another favorite activity as Dal Lake has many fishes along with Carp.
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Shankaracharya Hill
The noted Shankaracharya Temple is located on Shankaracharya Hill. Many ardent devotees of Lord Shiva visit this temple on their Kashmir tour. The temple is also one of the oldest shrines in Kashmir. It is also called Jyeshteshwara Temple and is named after the renowned philosopher Shankaracharya who visited Srinagar ten centuries ago. People say that Adi Shankaracharya attained spiritual enlightenment here, and after that, he went out and formed the four Hindu schools of Advaita (the philosophy of non-dualism). The temple sits on a rock on a high octagonal platform. Climb 243 steps to reach the temple and seek blessings. Plus, the views are breathtaking from Shankaracharya Hill.
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Betaab Valley
This valley was initially called Hajan Valley or Hagan Valley. But it was after the Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ was filmed here, starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh, the name was changed to Betaab Valley. Many tourists visit here to enjoy the breathtaking combo of picturesque landscapes of deodar trees and pine forests. Lidder River flows through the valley, making it a photographer’s paradise. Betaab Valley is around 15 km from Pahalgam in Kashmir’s Anantnag district, so reaching here will be easy. Also, many pilgrims visit this place on their journey to Amarnath Temple. Apart from this, this valley is an excellent trekking base and camping site for those interested in enjoying places near Kashmir on their tour.
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Gulmarg Gondola
The highest and longest cable car in Asia, Gulmarg Gondola, is one of the most fun things to do in Jammu Kashmir. Also, the Kongdori Gulmarg is the 2nd highest cable car line in the world, located at an altitude of 10,000 feet. This ride is divided into three phases. Phase 1 is from Gulmarg to Kongori Station, Phase 2 is from Kongdori Station to Kongdori Top, and Phase 3 is the Chair Lift phase from Kongdori Top to Mary Shoulder. They offer the most spellbinding views of Gulmarg as well as Khilanmarg. Family vacationers, romantic couples, and adventurous souls who want to visit the top of the mountain for the best skiing in winter can take the Gulmarg Gondola in Kashmir.
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Vaishno Devi
Among the most visited pilgrimage sites for Hindus in India is Vaishno Devi. The temple is located in Trikuta Hills, around 13 km from Katra in Jammu. The shrine allures millions of pilgrims from around the world annually who wish to seek the blessings of goddesses. Famously called Mata Rani, Vaishnavi, and Trikuta, Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of Goddess Durga. People believe that during the aarti and pooja rituals at Vaishno Devi Temple, the Goddess visits the holy cave to pay respects to Mata Rani. The sacred cave is in the form of three naturally formed rocks called ‘pindis’ that depict three forms of the goddess: Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi.
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Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
Asia’s largest tulip garden, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, is mainly famous for its Tulip Garden Festival. The flowers come to life in spring, which is why the Tulip Festival is held every year in April. The show displays different types of tulips, and there are stalls to buy souvenirs and savor Kashmiri cuisine. Apart from that, this garden is picturesque with rows of well-laid out different colored tulips. It is a seven-terraced garden with 48 varieties of tulip flowers that piques the interest of tourists of all ages. Other than these, daffodils, roses, hyacinths and other flowers are present.
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Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden
Built after taking inspiration from the Persian’ Char Bagh’, Shalimar Bagh is one of the best Jammu Kashmir tourist attractions in Srinagar. A fun fact - it is the largest Mughal Garden in Kashmir Valley and was once the summer destination of Emperor Jahangir and his court. Come to this garden if you want to see colorful flowers and tall Chinar trees and enjoy a serene environment. An elegantly designed canal runs through the garden’s center, enhancing the garden’s appeal. This beautiful Mughal Garden is also called the ‘house of love’ and was initially named ‘Farah Baksh’, meaning ‘delightful’. ‘Chini Khanas’ are the prime attractions here, oil lamps that used to be lit at night. Today, they are decorated with flowers.
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Shri Amarnath Cave Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shri Amarnath Cave Temple is one of the most popular religious places in Jammu and Kashmir. This cave temple has enshrined Shivling, created naturally with ice and resembles Lord Shiva. As per a legend, Lord Shiva told Goddess Parvati the secret of life in this cave. A million devotees take the Amarnath Yatra every year, crossing a challenging terrain. You can also access the Amarnath Cave in July and August. There are two routes for Amarnath Yatra - via Baltal or Pahalgam. The Baltal route is shorter but more challenging, whereas the Pahalgam route is longer, and most pilgrims prefer this route. The entire yatra takes 3 to 5 days from the base. You can also opt for Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter, but bookings must be made in advance.
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Chashma Shahi Garden
Kashmir has many lovely gardens, and among them is Chashma Shahi. It is a part of the Mughal Gardens and is one of the must-visit places to see in Kashmir. Visit here to see the natural spring where you can drink the water, which is believed to have medicinal properties. Also, it is noted that the water of this spring always remains cold. A legend says that Rupa Bhawani, a great female saint of Kashmir, found the natural spring, and the garden was named ‘Chashme Sahibi' after her clan. Shah Jahan commissioned this garden for Dara Shikho, his elder son, and his governor Ali Mardan built it in 1632. Besides, it is a three-terraced garden with Persian/Iranian architecture that is hard to miss.
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Pari Mahal
Now in ruins, Pari Mahal used to be the residence and a library for Shah Jahan’s elder son, Dara Shikoh. Built in the 1600s, people say Dara Shikho lived here in 1640, 1645, and 1654. Pari Mahal meaning the ‘Abode of Fairies,’ is a seven-terraced garden with flowering plants, trees, and shrubs. Whether it is a ruin, the views of the surrounding Zabarwan Mountain leave tourists spellbound. At night, the palace glows with light, and its reflection can be seen on Dal Lake. If you are a history buff or have an interest in astrology, then you will be surprised to know that the Pari Mahal was used as an observatory to conduct astronomy and astrology lessons.
Now that you know the best tourist destinations in Kashmir, it’s time to book a Kashmir tour package with Indian Holiday. We offer tailor-made tours to Jammu Kashmir catered to your liking. So why wait? Drop a query and connect with our travel experts.