Kashmir: Destination with Unmatched Beauty
The land of Kashmir is popularly called ‘heaven on earth by the tourists who have tasted the experience of being in Kashmir. Kashmir is full of natural beauty that brings out the authentic vibe of the Kashmir valley. The saffron farms, beautiful valleys, breathtaking view of the mountains, and uncorrupted rivers and forests bring out the best in Kashmir.
Kashmir as a tourist destination is one of the most popular additions to the Kashmir holiday package list offered by the tour operators. The travel agencies also include Kashmir in the Leh-Ladakh tour packages as well. Kashmir is one of the most sought-after destinations in India.
Kashmir is a great destination for couples who wish to spend their honeymoon or a family wishing to have a great time in a natural setting. Even as a solo traveler, Kashmir is a great choice for your solo adventure. There are plenty of places to see in Kashmir which can make your vacation a perfect one.
Kashmir is also popular among the religious pilgrims who visit the famous Amarnath cave dedicated to Lord shiva. Kashmir can be considered as a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers wishing for a perfect vacation. You can either make travel plans on your own or you can choose to purchase a Kashmir holiday package for yourself or your family. You can always consult a travel agent to customize your tour according to your travel needs and budget.
We have listed some of the best destinations you can visit in Kashmir to make your trip a memorable one. There are plenty of tourist activities to enjoy in Kashmir along with many tourist attractions to experience.
Top 10 Tourist Places To Visit In Kashmir
Following are some of the best places to visit in Kashmir that you can choose for your vacation. Your travel needs and choice will depend greatly on your budget and the kind of vacation you are looking for.
1. Pahalgam
If you have to choose one destination in Kashmir to summarize the beauty of the whole of Kashmir, then Pahalgam would be a great place to visit. Pahalgam is a great scenic place in Kashmir that will remain in your memories for the years to come. Pahalgam is a great family-friendly destination that will make your vacation memorable.
Pahalgam is located at an altitude of roughly around 2700 meters above sea level. It is 95 kilometers away from the main town of Srinagar. Pahalgam’s beauty comes from its lush green forests, freshwater lakes, and valleys full of flowers. Every visitor to Pahalgam experiences the tranquility and serenity of nature in its pure form.
Best Time To Visit: Mid-June to Mid-October and December-January
Tourist Attractions: Valleys of Aru and Betab, Canoeing, Hiking, and Horse Riding
Suggested Read: Beautiful Places to visit in Jammu
2. Gulmarg
Among the list of the best places to visit in Kashmir, Gulmarg is famous for its tranquil scenic beauty. Gulmarg is popularly known as the ‘meadow of flowers. The multi-colored flowers can be seen blooming during the spring season that adds to the beauty of the Gulmarg landscape. Social media posts made by the tourists have made Gulmarg even more popular than ever.
Gulmarg is also a great destination for people looking for adventure activities in Kashmir. One of the most popular adventure activities in Gulmarg is Skiing. One of the best times to visit Gulmarg is during the winter season when you can enjoy the snowfall and the beautiful scenes of the snow-capped mountains.
Best time to visit: Mid-June to Mid-October, December & January
Tourist attractions: Skiing, Mountain biking, Trekking, Photography
Suggested Read: Honeymoons Destinations in North India
3. Srinagar
Srinagar is a popular tourist destination which is also one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. Srinagar is the main city in Kashmir which is very well connected to all the other major cities of India. Srinagar is the largest city of Kashmir which is bustling with local Kashmiri culture and art.
If you are traveling with your family, then a Shikara ride over Dal Lake will make everyone in the family happy. You can even hire a houseboat with all the facilities available within the boat. This is a great activity for the couples on their honeymoon. Many people can be seen making videos and clicking photographs while riding Shikara boats.
Srinagar is also a great tourist destination with various tourist activities that you can enjoy. Activities such as Water-skiing, trekking, and sightseeing are usually the most common tourist activities. One of the most popular attractions of Srinagar is Dal Lake. Tourists can enjoy the local Kashmiri food, art, and crafts.
Best time to visit: June - October, December & January
Tourist attractions: Boathouses, Mughal Gardens, Shikara ride, Sightseeing
Suggested Read: Magnetic Hill in Ladakh
4. Leh
Leh is among the top places to see in Kashmir which is also one of the best destinations for motorcyclists. Every year, hundreds of bike riders ride from the cities to the rugged landscape of Leh. All the popular Leh-Ladakh tour packages include many adventure activities suited for the needs of travelers.
The majestic view of the landscape of Leh is one of its defining features. Tourists seeking adventure activities are attracted to Leh for great trekking trails and motorcycling expeditions. Leh is without a doubt one of the most visited places in Kashmir by Indian tourists.
Best Time To Visit: April-June, September-October
Tourist attractions: Mountain biking, Pangong Lake, Zanskar Valley, and Trekking
Suggested Read: Top Things to do in Ladakh
5. Sonamarg
Sonamarg is a great scenic place in Kashmir that is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. The scenic views of Sonamarg are some of the best scenes you will see in Kashmir. Sonamarg is roughly translated as ‘Path of Gold’ or ‘Meadow of Gold’. The name comes from the beautiful colors that come alive during the spring season.
If you can find a place to camp and have a picnic with your friend or family, then there is nothing more relaxing you can do in Sonamarg. The nature itself will bring a sense of calm within you and will help you get over the anxiety of the city life.
If you are traveling with your family, then the best activity that you can engage in is the picnic in the beautiful meadows of Sonamarg. Sonamarg is one of the most charming places to visit in Kashmir blessed with some of the most beautiful trekking trails in the entire Kashmir. The flower-laden paths lead you through the crystal clear waters to some of the best camping sites.
Best Time To Visit: June-October, December & January
Tourist attractions: Trekking, Camping, and Photography
Suggested Read: Famous Lakes in Ladakh
6. Amarnath
Amarnath is considered a very important place of pilgrimage among the people of the Hindu faith. Every year, hundreds of devotees visit the shrine of Amarnath in Kashmir and pay their respects to Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage is known as the ‘Amarnath Yatra’ and is considered one of the holiest journeys one can take.
If you are planning to travel through an organized tour package then you can avail the special Kashmir holiday package that makes arrangements for your pilgrimage. You can travel to Amarnath after reaching the Jammu railway station and then taking a taxi for Amarnath.
It is important to check for the weather conditions before you travel. Choosing the right time to travel to Amarnath will make your journey more comfortable. During the monsoons, the trekking trail will get slippery and the journey can be a little dangerous.
Best Time To Visit: May – September
Tourist attractions: Trekking, Pilgrimage
Suggested Read: Solang Valley
7. Hemis
Hemis is popularly known as the site for spotting the elusive Snow Leopard. Hemis is a largely unexplored destination popular among trekking and adventure enthusiasts. Hemis is a village situated around 50 kilometers away from Leh.
Visiting monasteries and spotting rare wildlife species is something that most of the tourists visiting Hemis National Park can enjoy. Taking a relaxing nature walk with your significant other or with your friends is a great way to enjoy the natural setting of Hemis Natiional Park.
Hemis is blessed with beautiful views of the majestic mountains in the background. One of the major attractions in Hemis is the Hemis National Park which is also one of the best places to see in Kashmir for photography and wildlife enthusiasts.
Best Time To Visit: May-July
Tourist attractions: Hemis Monastery, Hemis National Park, Photography, Trekking
Suggested Read: Things to do in India
8. Vaishno Devi
Situated in the beautiful hills of Trikuta, the temple of Vaishno Devi is among the top tourist places to visit in Kashmir. This temple is the place of pilgrimage for the people of the Hindu faith. The temple is dedicated to one of the forms of Goddess Durga.
Vaishno Devi is one of the 108 ‘Shakti Peeths’ which are important for the annual pilgrimage. Every year this temple attracts thousands of tourists from all over India. For tourists wishing to take a family trip to a religious site, Vaishno Devi is an ideal choice to consider.
Best Time To Visit: March-October
Tourist attractions: Trekking, Sightseeing, and shopping.
Suggested Read: Secret Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh
9. Patnitop
If you wish to include some adventure along with an ideal place to spend time with your family or your significant other, then Patnitop is a great destination for you. Patnitop is a destination with gorgeous views that makes it among the most charming places to visit in Kashmir.
Several adventure activities such as Paragliding and Skiing have made Patnitop one of the most visited destinations in Kashmir. In recent years, the number of adventure activities in Patnitop has increased and this has managed to attract a large number of tourists. Patnitop is an overall great destination for adventure seekers, families, and honeymoon couples alike.
Best Time To Visit: May–June, September–October
Tourist attractions: Skiing, Trekking, Picnic and Paragliding
Suggested Read: Chandra Tal Lake
10. Doda
Doda is a much-underrated destination in Kashmir but it is slowly gaining popularity due to social media posts made by the tourists who visit this beautiful place. Doda is popularly known as ‘Mini Kashmir’ as it encapsulates the beauty of the Kashmiri landscape. You can find some of the most colorful landscapes in Doda that makes it one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.
Doda is popular for the two Hindu shrines, Athra Devi and Chandi Mata temple which is popular among the religious pilgrims. Apart from that, Doda is a favorite destination for adventure lovers who can enjoy rock climbing and some amazing trekking trails.
Best Time To Visit: Summer season
Tourist attractions: Trekking, Camping, Rock climbing, and Temples.
Suggested Read: The Land of Lamas
Conclusion
With more and more tourist sites being developed in Kashmir there is no top tourist place to visit in Kashmir as such. It seems that every type of tourist will have needs that will vary from everyone else.
There are some times when you do need to check for the political situation in Kashmir before you travel. Although traveling to Indian-administered Kashmir is quite safe. But staying in touch with the current events will help you better understand the travel conditions in Kashmir. It is always better to stay informed of the latest happenings in Kashmir and how it affects tourism. Make sure you carry all your Identity proofs and other permission-related documents before travelling.
If you are traveling with family, then the places where you can shop, have a picnic and do some sightseeing could be your cup of tea. However, if you are a couple on your honeymoon then a secluded place with privacy and tranquil nature might fit your needs. If you are an adventure-seeking traveler then places with adventure activities are a great choice for you.
All in all, no matter what you choose, you will always find nature in its best form in Kashmir. It is truly heaven on earth when it comes to the beauty of the rich landscape of Kashmir. You will not be disappointed in terms of clicking great photographs on your vacation in Kashmir.
