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.
Quick Important Facts & Information About Jammu and Kashmir
Region
North India
Summer Capital of Jammu & Kashmir
Srinagar
Winter Capital of Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu
Total Area
42,241 km2
Establishment
26 Oct, 1947
Declared UT (Union Territory)
31 October 2019
Official Language
Urdu
Other Spoken Language
Kashmiri, Dogri, Pahari, Balti, Ladakhi, Punjabi, Gurji, Dadri
Dal Lake, Vaishno Devi Temple, Apharwat Peak, Shankaracharya Temple, Gulmarg Gondola, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Nigeen Lake, Mughal Gardens, Amarnath Cave, Zojila Pass...etc
Best Time to Visit
Winter Season
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
Vaishno Devi Temple: A cave temple located in the Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishno Devi Temple is an important pilgrimage destination for many. Worshiping the Goddess Vaishno, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the temple sees thousands of pilgrims every year from across the country. Inside the temple there are three pindis, or stone structures that represent the three forms of the goddess, namely Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. About the existence of the temple and the goddess herself, there are many stories and legends around it, with some of them going as far back as the time of the Mahabharata.
Shri Shankaracharya Temple: Nestled in the beautiful city of Srinagar, Shri Shankaracharya Temple is also known as the Jyesteshwara Temple. Dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, the temple is among the oldest shrines that exist in Kashmir. Since the temple is an older temple, it has seen vandalism by invaders and subsequent restorations by rulers. Elevated at a height of more than 1,000 ft. the temple is surrounded by a picturesque landscape. Even though the temple sees devotees throughout the year, Shri Shankaracharya Temple gets the most crowd during the occasion of Mahashivratri.
Amarnath Temple: Forming one of the important pilgrimage sites in the country, Amarnath Temple in Jammu and Kashmir is visited by pilgrims from all over the world. Worshiping Lord Shiva, the temple is a cave temple that worships the lord in the form of a naturally formed Shivaling made of ice. According to the legend surrounding Amarnath Temple, it is believed that it is here that Lord Shiva told the secret of life and creation to Goddess Parvati. A popular Shiva temple of the country, devotees take up the annual Amarnath Yatra to visit this holy temple of Jammu and Kashmir.
Cruising Through the Enchanting Lakes of Kashmir
Dal Lake: Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar is a popular destination that attracts numerous tourists throughout the year. With a backdrop of the Pir Panjal Hills, the lake offers a serene and romantic ambiance. One of the best things to do while here is to go for a houseboat ride through the lake and witness the beauty of the floating gardens of Dal that are especially vibrant during the blooming months of July and August. Located amidst the beautiful hills of Jammu and Kashmir, offering some of the most scenic views, viewing the sunset at Dal Lake is something you should not miss out on.
Nigeen Lake: Forming a part of the Dal Lake, Nigeen or Nageen Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is a true beauty to behold. Surrounded by willow and poplar trees, the lake offers spectacular views of the setting and rising sun. Explore the lake on a houseboat or take the local Shikara and witness the picturesque landscape of Srinagar as you drift away along the waters of Nigeen Lake. The lake also offers activities like water skiing, and water sailing for the visitors to experience as well and is also considered an ideal spot for swimming. A popular lake of Jammu and Kashmir, you must add Nigeen Lake to your itinerary for a memorable trip to the union territory.
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.
Lohri: Lohri is a popular festival that falls at the beginning of the year. Celebrating the harvest of winter crops, Lohri in Jammu and Kashmir includes traditional performances called “Chajja”, followed by a procession to the sound of drums. In the evening of Lohri, people gather around a ritual bonfire and offer prayers to the gods and share popcorn and peanuts with each other on the occasion.
Baisakhi: The festival of Baisakhi is another occasion of celebration for the people that marks the new season of harvest. During the festival, devotees can be seen taking a ritualistic holy dip in the rivers, lakes, and ponds of the union territory. Also marking the advent of the New Year for the Sikh community, Baisakhi sees much enthusiasm and fervor from them in the form of traditional dances, prayers, and feasts.
Tulip Festival: An annual festival held in the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Tulip Festival is a colorful festival of Jammu and Kashmir. Displaying the varieties of flowers that grow in its garden, the festival is a popular event for the tourists as well as residents of the union territory, organized during the beginning of the season of spring each year.
Shikara Festival: Shikara Festival of Jammu and Kashmir is a unique celebration that involves the use of the local, traditional boat of the region known as Shikara. Held in Dal Lake during the months of July and August, Shikara Race is one of the best things to witness at the festival. Although the festival began in recent years, it has risen to become one of the popular events to attend in the union territory.
Kashmir, which has been called the Paradise on Earth, is also home to numerous treks on its alpine meadows and lakes making it a favourite destination in India for trekkers
Both Jammu & Kashmir have their own airports connecting with the major cities of India.
By Train
Jammu Tawi and Udhampur railway stations connect the union territory to major cities of India.
By Bus
NH 1 and NH 44 connect Jammu & Kashmir to the major cities of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the best time to visit Jammu & Kashmir?
Jammu & Kashmir is a year-round destination, and every season has something to reveal to the tourists. Whether it is to witness the lush greenery in the summer season, or spend time amidst white snow beauty during the winter season, the apple picking activity in the monsoon, or Kashmir painted in hues of yellow, gold and orange in the autumn, the best time to visit Kashmir depends on what you want to experience.
Q. Is it safe to travel to Jammu & Kashmir?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to Jammu and Kashmir for a vacation.
Q. When do Kashmir and Gulmarg receive snowfall?
Kashmir and Gulmarg receive snowfall from November to February.
Q. Do I need a separate visa/permit to travel to Kashmir?
Foreigners have to fill out a form once they land at the airport in Kashmir.
Q. What is the best way to travel to Kashmir?
The best way to travel to Kashmir by air. GoAir, Air India and Jet Airways operate regular flights from Srinagar Airport to all the major cities in India. National Highway 1 connects Srinagar with Jammu, which is itself connected to all the major cities of India. The nearest railhead to Kashmir is Jammu Tawi.
Q. Can I tour Kashmir with my kids?
Yes, you can travel to Kashmir with your kids. The best time to do so is between the months of April to October.
Q. Have internet services been restored in Kashmir?
Yes. Broadband services and 2g services to whitelisted sites have been restored in Kashmir.
Q. Does Tour My India have a local office in Kashmir?
Yes, Tour My India has a local office in Kashmir which caters to its clients there.
Q. Do your family tours have something for children also?
Yes, our family tours include several activities like horse riding, cable car ride, Shikara ride, Skiing, snowboarding etc.
Q. At what time one can take the Amarnath Pilgrimage tour in Kashmir?
The Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir can be taken between July and August when the iced Shivalingam reaches its peak.
Q. Why to book Kashmir tour packages with TMI?
We are a certified travel company with over 18 years of experience and have local office in Kashmir enable us to give 24x7 personalised and cost-effective tour services for Kashmir.
TMI is an 18-year-old tour company who specializes in offering personalized and well-designed tour packages.
Certified
We are certified by major tour and travel associations in India and world like IATA, IATO, TAAI, IMF, MOT (Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India), and TOFT.
Happy Customers
TMI has received numerous accolades from its customers for its excellent services and best tour packages.
When it comes to tourism, accommodation remains an important concern for every traveller planning his vacation. As far as where to stay in Jammu & Kashmir is concerned, there is a wide range of accommodations available at every popular tourist destination in the union territory. In fact, hospitality is the quintessential of J & K tourism; soaked in rich culture and traditions, the state offers warm hospitality along with professionalism.
From budget to the luxury to heritage hotels to houseboats, camps and homestay, Jammu & Kashmir will exhaust you with staying options.
Tour My India has association with the top most hotels and resorts of Jammu & Kashmir and offers best deals & discounts on every hotel booking made with us. Best prices and excellent services are also guaranteed with us!
Top Things to Do
Attracting millions of tourists every year from India as well abroad, Jammu & Kashmir has a lot of activities for its visitors to choose from. The fun & adventure never ends in the union territory that invites tourists to enjoy the finest skiing adventure in Gulmarg, horse riding along the countryside, trekking to its alpine lakes, and camping on its lush meadows.
J&K also offers an opportunity to enjoy the best in class trout fishing, mountain biking on its rugged terrains, and of course the much anticipated shikara ride in Srinagar.
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