Jammu
& Kashmir (J&K) is known as “Paradise on Earth” because of its snow-capped
mountains, lush valleys, beautiful lakes, and rich culture. It offers
everything—natural beauty, adventure, spiritual sites, and traditional crafts.
Famous Tourist Attractions
KASHMIR VALLEY
Srinagar
- Dal Lake – Famous for Shikara rides,
floating gardens, and staying in houseboats.
- Nigeen Lake – Quieter than Dal Lake, good for a
peaceful stay.
- Mughal Gardens –
- Shalimar Bagh (built by Emperor Jahangir)
- Nishat Bagh (garden of bliss)
- Chashme Shahi (spring garden)
- Pari Mahal (historic palace with beautiful
views)
- Hazratbal Shrine – A revered Muslim shrine near Dal
Lake.
- Shankaracharya Temple – On a hilltop, dedicated to Lord
Shiva, with panoramic views of Srinagar.
- Tulip Garden – Asia’s largest tulip garden, best
visited in April.
Gulmarg
- Gulmarg Gondola – One of the world’s highest cable
cars, reaching up to 4,000m.
- Skiing & Snowboarding – Popular in winter (Dec–Feb).
- Golf Course – One of the highest in the world.
- Khilanmarg – Valley with wildflowers
(spring/summer).
Pahalgam
- Betaab Valley – Scenic valley where many Bollywood
films were shot.
- Aru Valley – Famous for trekking routes, horse
rides, and meadows.
- Chandanwari – Starting point for the Amarnath
Yatra.
- Lidder River – White-water rafting and trout
fishing.
Sonmarg
- Thajiwas Glacier – Trekking or pony rides to the
glacier.
- Zoji La Pass – Gateway to Ladakh, with thrilling
mountain roads.
- Baltal – Base camp for Amarnath Yatra.
Other Spots in
Kashmir
- Kupwara – Bangus Valley, Lolab Valley (less
crowded, pure beauty).
- Gurez Valley – Near Line of Control, stunning
offbeat location with wooden houses.
🕌 JAMMU REGION
Jammu City
- Raghunath Temple – One of the largest temple complexes
in North India.
- Bahu Fort & Bagh-e-Bahu Garden – Historic fort with a famous
Mahakali temple.
- Amar Mahal Palace – Museum with royal artifacts.
Katra &
Around
- Vaishno Devi Temple – One of the most visited Hindu
shrines, trek of 12 km from Katra.
- Shiv Khori Cave – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, natural
cave with lingam.
- Patnitop – Hill station with adventure sports
like paragliding and trekking.
- Sanasar Lake – Scenic picnic spot near Patnitop.
Other Spots in
Jammu
- Mansar Lake & Surinsar Lake – Popular for boating and picnics.
- Akhnoor Fort – Ancient fort on the Chenab River.
🏜️ LADAKH (Now a separate Union Territory,
but often part of J&K tours)
Leh
- Leh Palace – 17th-century palace with views of
the town.
- Shanti Stupa – White-domed stupa built by Japanese
monks.
- Monasteries – Hemis, Thiksey, Alchi, Shey, Diskit
(with giant Buddha statue).
Lakes
- Pangong Tso – Iconic blue lake (part in India,
part in Tibet).
- Tso Moriri – Remote, high-altitude lake, great
for birdwatching.
Valleys
- Nubra Valley – Famous for Hunder sand dunes,
Bactrian camels, Diskit monastery.
- Zanskar Valley – Famous for trekking and the Chadar
Trek (frozen river trek).
Passes &
Adventure Spots
- Khardung La – One of the world’s highest
motorable passes.
- Magnetic Hill – Optical illusion spot where
vehicles appear to move uphill.
- Lamayuru – Known as “Moonland” for its unique
landscapes.
🌟 Special Experiences in J&K
- Stay in a Kashmiri houseboat.
- Enjoy Kahwa (saffron tea) and
Wazwan cuisine.
- Shop for Pashmina shawls,
saffron, Kashmiri carpets, and papier-mâché handicrafts.
- Witness snow in Gulmarg &
Sonmarg.
- Experience Ladakhi culture in
monasteries and festivals.
