Kashmir is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in India and one of the most beautiful places on earth. The beautiful landscapes, glaciers, lakes, the mountains and the tranquillity make Kashmir visit a memory of lifetime. The tourism in Kashmir has increased many folds in recent years. Kashmir has many beautiful lakes, temples, mountains and gardens that are suitable and perfect for all kinds of people.This beautiful place has been ruled by many Hindu dynasties over the years and that has produced many poets, philosophers, artists who contributed immensely to Sanskrit literature and Hindu religion. Here you can check some most beautiful and best places to visit in Kashmir.
If someone wants to know deeply about the history of Kashmir, they can refer the book called Rajtarangani written by Kalhana, a twelfth century Sanskrit scholar. The name Kashmir is said to have been derived from the name of vedic sage Rishi Kashyap who settled these people in this land. This region had people from all kinds of religion such as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains and others. However, presently the population is dominated by Muslims and very few thousands people are left of other religions.
So if you’re planning on visiting Kashmir, here is the list of famous tourist places that, must include in your bucket list.
Famous Tourist Places to visit in Kashmir
1. Srinagar
| Climate | Winters are cool, snowy, summer is pleasant |
| Best time to visit | March to June |
| Elevation | 1585m |
| Major attractions | Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Manasbal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Chashme Shahi, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, Shankaracharya Temple, Kheer Bhawani Temple, Dachigam National Park |
| Activities to do | Trek, Shop, Birdwatching At Manasabal Lake, Shikara ride, stay in houseboat, visit tulip garden, etc |
| How to reach | Srinagar Airport, Bus, Rail (till Banihal) |
Srinagar is said to be the Soul of Kashmir and it is one of the most popular tourist places in Kashmir, India. Srinagar is known for its lakes, lush green Himalayan mountains, and the beautiful Mughal era gardens. As you drive past in the valley, you’ll come across the Chinar trees besides the roads, many local markets, ancient foods and many temples too.
2. Gulmarg
| Climate | freezing |
| Best time to visit | July to September |
| Elevation | 2650m |
| Major attractions | Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak, Alpather Lake, Rani Temple, Strawberry Valley, Ningle Nallah, Maharani Temple, etc. |
| Activities to do | Gondola ride, Skiing, Golfing, Trekking, Bird Watching, Photography, Pony Ride, etc |
| How to reach | Srinagar Airport, Bus, Rail (till Banihal), 56km from Srinagar |
This particular landscape is mostly covered with snow during the winters and this it offers lots of adventurous opportunities such as skiing, snowboarding, etc. But in summer, the view of the landscape changes and one can witness beautiful Meadows, splendid mountains, and streams running through the mountains that look just like a dream. The gondola ride to the top of the mountain is one experience that you will remember throughout your life which makes it one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.
3. Sonamarg
| Climate | freezing in winters, pleasant in summers |
| Best time to visit | April to June |
| Elevation | 2,730m |
| Major attractions | Vishansar Lake, Nilagrad River, Zoji La Pass, Thajiwas Glacier, Shutkari Bridge, Krishnasar Lake, Baltal Valley |
| Activities to do | Trekking, trout fishing, rafting, camping, skiing, hiking, etc |
| How to reach | Srinagar Airport, Bus, Rail (till Banihal), 80 Kms from Srinagar |
This place is a beautiful countryside and one of the most popular destinations to visit while you are in Kashmir. Sonamarg has beautiful glaciers, countryside views, splendid meadows, lakes, and streams running through the mountains.
The place also has an ancient importance because it was used as a gateway to connect the Silk Road from Kashmir to China. The place also provides a base camp for Ladakh and militarily, it is also very important for India.
Suggested Read: Famous Temples in Jammu and Kashmir
4. Pahalgam
| Climate | freezing in winters, pleasant in summers |
| Best time to visit | July to October |
| Elevation | 2200m |
| Major attractions | Betab Valley, Sheshnag Lake, Aru Village, Avantipur Temple, Tulian Lake, Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar Lake, etc |
| Activities to do | sightseeing, camping, rafting, trout fishing, golfing, sledding, etc |
| How to reach | Srinagar Airport, Bus, Rail (till Banihal), 95 Kms from Srinagar |
This place is known for its beautiful lakes, thrilling trekking routes, lush green forests, Alpine Meadows, and many other beautiful picnic spots. Earlier, it used to be a shepherds village but in recent times, it is one of the most preferred places to visit in Kashmir.
5. Kupwara
| Climate | freezing in winters, pleasant in summers |
| Best time to visit | April to October |
| Elevation | 1,615 m |
| Major attractions | Bangus Valley. Lolab Valley. Seemab Valley. Sattbarran Kalaroos. Chandigham. |
| Activities to do | sightseeing, camping, photography, etc |
| How to reach | Srinagar Airport, Bus, Rail (till Banihal), 90 Kms from Srinagar |
Though this place witnesses many encounters with terrorists and militants, it is a beautiful place with lush green vegetation, splendid Meadows and breathtaking mountains. The tourist are generally safe from the disturbances in this place and one should visit Kupwara to explore the natural view of one of the finest places to visit in Kashmir.
6. Kathua
| Climate | Summers are short, humid and clear; winters are short and cool |
| Best time to visit | April to early June, mid September to mid October |
| Elevation | 393 m |
| Major attractions | Sukrala mata, Sarthal meadow, Airwan Temple, Chanchalo Mata Temple, Atal Setu, Bani Valley, etc |
| Activities to do | sightseeing, camping, photography, etc |
| How to reach | Jammu Airport, Bus, Kathua Railway Station |
This place shares its borders with Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and it has many temples and shrines. The place has many historical significance and one should visit Jasrota Fort for the historical knowledge, this can be the one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.
7. Gurez
| Climate | Extremely cold, rainfall in summer, pleasant during day |
| Best time to visit | May and October |
| Elevation | 2580m |
| Major attractions | Mount Harmukh, Tulail Valley, Razdan Pass, Habba Khatoon, The Kishanganga River |
| Activities to do | River Rafting, Kayaking, Trekking, Photography, Star Gazing, etc. |
| How to reach | Srinagar Airport, Bus, 131km from Srinagar |
Gurez valley remains of the most unexplored places to visit in Kashmir. The place remains cut off in winter from mid December to March and therefore the perfect time to visit is from May to October. It usually takes 6 to 7 hours from Srinagar and 4 to 5 hours from Bandipora.
8. Anantnag
| Climate | summers are long, warm, and clear and the winters are short, very cold, and partly cloudy |
| Best time to visit | May to October. |
| Elevation | 1601m |
| Major attractions | Martand Sun Temple, Amarnath Cave, Kishtwar National Park, Jhelum river, Manasbal Lake, Wular Lake, etc. |
| Activities to do | camping, trekking, golfing, shopping, etc. |
| How to reach | Srinagar Airport, Bus |
Anantnag has many beautiful gardens and freshwater springs. The place offers many adventurous games and sports such as water sports, mountainous sports, ice sports, etc. Tourists can also take cycle rides on the pathways and others can go for skiing. Snow motor biking and paragliding are also available options here which makes it the wonderful places to visit in Kashmir.
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