Jammu & Kashmir Tourism

Known as “Heaven on the Earth”, Jammu & Kashmir is where mother nature has bestowed all her love, it would seem. Enclosed by the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, and adorned with verdant meadows, lush valleys, dense forests, and splendid temples, this union territory of India is a holiday destination that you will instantly fall in love with.

A newly formed union territory, Jammu & Kashmir offers plenty of tour options for travelers of all kinds and forms an ideal destination for family tours, honeymoon tours and is also the perfect place for adventure enthusiasts with the majestic valleys of Kashmir also offer adventure opportunities like trekking and skiing. The picturesque Jammu & Kashmir is even home to the popular Hindu cave temples like Mata Vaishno Devi and the Amarnath Cave, this place is always on the radar of pilgrimage tourists from all over the world.

Stay in a houseboat or cruise through the Dal and the Nigeen Lakes with a Shikara ride, and experience the serene destination of this union territory unlike any other. Explore the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir on a visit and witness it for yourself.

In our Jammu & Kashmir Travel Guide, we offer the best information that ensures an unmatched travel experience and includes details on the best places to visit, things to do, and the best time to visit. Read along to find out more about the best of Jammu and Kashmir.

Explore In-Depth Insights into Jammu and Kashmir Tourism

Jammu and Kashmir and its tourism are not something unheard of and rightly so. Being abundant with numerous hill stations, wide, green meadows and high altitude lakes, the region makes the perfect escapade during the harsh summer months for many. With plenty of activities and places to choose from, Jammu and Kashmir makes an ideal destination for different types of travelers. Whether you are looking for the perfect place to spend your next family vacation or searching for the picture-perfect honeymoon destination, this union territory wrapped up in the snow-covered hills has it all.

Jammu and Kashmir - Legendary Cave Temples

Cruising Through the Enchanting Lakes of Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir- The Grandeur of its Gardens

• Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: Located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is considered to be the largest tulip garden in Asia! Spread over an area of 30 hectares, the tulip garden sits along the foothills of Zabarwan Range, overlooking the mesmerizing Dal Lake. Growing more than a million tulips flowers from 68 different varieties, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is a beauty that cannot be expressed in words. Along with a great variety of tulips, the garden also has flowers such as hyacinths, daffodils, muscari and cyclamens and was opened in 2007 in an attempt to boost floriculture and tourism by the Srinagar Tourism Department.

• Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden: Built by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir for his wife, Noor Jahan, the Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden is a popular tourist attraction in Jammu and Kashmir. Sitting along the banks of Dal Lake, the garden is adorned with Persian lilacs, Cherry trees, and the Chinar trees. Take a stroll through the Mughal Garden and experience the regal beauty of it. Offering a calming and soothing atmosphere, the Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden is visited by numerous tourists throughout the year who get struck by its fascinating beauty. A mix of nature and architecture, the Mughal Garden is among the popular tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Snow Ranges of Kashmir- Rising to New Heights

• Apharwat Peak: At a height of more than 14,000 ft. Apharwat Peak is a magical destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Situated in Srinagar, Apharwat Peak is a popular site for those who enjoy skiing, sleighing, and snowboarding since it receives an ample amount of snowfall and remains covered in snow throughout the year. Located close to the LOC, or Line of Control, Apharwat Peak is a popular destination for tourists due to its pearly white surroundings. A paradise for enthusiasts of winter sports, Apharwat Peak in Jammu and Kashmir is a must visit place.

• Gulmarg Gondola: Among the world’s tallest cable car rides, Gulmarg Gondola is a popular activity to explore while in Jammu and Kashmir. The ride is divided into two phases with Phase I being the ride between Gulmarg Resort to Kongdoori Station and Phase II connecting Kongdoori Mountain with Apharwat Peak. Offering majestic views of the surrounding vistas such as the Pir Panjal Ranges, Mount Nanda Devi, as well as the Line of Control, riding the Gulmarg Gondola is something you must experience on your visit to the union territory. Promising mesmerizing views of Gulmarg, this cable car ride in Gulmarg is unlike any other.

Hill Stations of Jammu and Kashmir- A Summer Escapade

• Srinagar: The summer capital of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is one of the destinations that make people refer to this part of India as “Paradise on Earth”. With mesmerizing lakes, serene houseboats, luscious gardens, and scenic, mountain landscapes, Srinagar is among the most popular hill stations in India. While in Srinagar, it is recommended to explore the majestic Dal Lake, and Nigeen Lake, along with the captivating gardens such as the Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, as well as the Chashma Shahi Garden. Also known for its shawls, apples, and dried fruits, Srinagar is one of the best places to explore in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Gulmarg: Another popular hill station visited by tourists from across the country, Gulmarg is a cherished destination of Jammu and Kashmir. Literally translating to mean “Meadow of Flowers, Gulmarg is a favored place for families and those on a honeymoon, Gulmarg is majorly known for being a winter sports paradise. Offering a plethora of sports such as skiing, sleighing, and snowboarding among others, the town is a snow lover’s haven. Explore the many snow sports at the hill station or ride in the Gulmarg Gondola, among the tallest cable car rides in the world, Gulmarg is hard to be disappointed by.

• Sonamarg: A land abundant with hill stations, Sonamarg is one such treasure lying in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. A serene paradise for visitors, the charm of Sonamarg lies in its glaciers, lakes, and vast, green meadows. Surrounded by the beautiful Kolahoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier, Sonamarg is decorated with a landscape that also offers charming views of the mountain peaks of Kolahoi, Amarnath, Machoi, and Sirbal. With its name meaning “Meadow of Gold”, Sonamarg is among popular tourist places to explore in Jammu and Kashmir that offers ample opportunity for trekking enthusiasts who wish to trek through this region of the country.

• Pahalgam: Enveloped by the Lidder River, Pahalgam is among the many scenic villages of Jammu and Kashmir and is a popular hill station frequented by many tourists. A calm and quaint village, Pahalgam is known for its vast, green meadows, snow capped mountains and gushing water bodies. Resembling something straight out of a painting, Pahalgam is also known for the holy Sheshnag Lake, which also forms a fun trekking destination for many. An interesting place to explore in Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam is a place you must visit to experience a moment of peace and calm from the bustling cities.

Fairs and Festivals- A Time for Celebrations

Being a part of festivities and celebrations is the best way to get to know about a region. Thankfully, Jammu and Kashmir has an abundance of festivals and fairs for you to explore during your visit.

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