Jammu and Kashmir is in the north of the country, it is a paradise for visitors and travelers and it is well-known for its fascinating landscapes of the Great Himalayas. This is the reason, why traveling to this territory is constantly on the top list of any vacationer planning to visit the country. The greater part of this state is situated in the of mountains range of the Himalayas and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab act as its borders.
With picturesque views to be adored at every place and nook, the state is full of all-natural magnificence, ideal for all those who want to discover the authentic form of nature. Aside from the panoramic beauty, there are various vulnerable animals in this location and some of them are founded in his region only, those animals are musk deer, brown bear, snow leopard, and the Kashmir stag and many more. Later on, many wildlife sanctuaries were authorized to secure and preserve these rare species of animals.
The Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is an example of this. This place is absolutely a heaven for the wildlife enthusiasts as well as for the bird watchers. Jammu is the summer capital while Srinagar is the winter capital of the state. Read the article to get the amazing destinations to spend your vacations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is located in the Trikuta hills which is just 13 km from Katra and situated at 1560 m above sea level and entrapped with vibrant clouds, this town is the holiest and sacred cave temple of Mata Vaishnodevi, with vibrancy and spirituality lurking in the ambiance. Highly regarded and extremely believed in, countless numbers of Pilgrims visit each year to get the blessings and show their faith in this temple. Vaishno Devi is a spiritual trekking location where pilgrims walk about 13 km on the steep elevation to the uphill to get to the small caves which are amongst one of the 108 Shakti Peetha. This goddess is also known as Mata Rani which is an indication of Durga. The trek on its own is very pleasant, but it is some time difficult for elder persons and little children. However, palanquins and ponies are accessible by numerous vendors to get you to the top. The pilgrims show their commitment and excitement by screaming slogans and performing songs and dances in the memories and respect of Maa Vaishnavi. Antilog Vacations provides amazing offers for making your trip to Jammu and Kashmir.
Patnitop
Located on a hilltop at an elevation of 2024m from the sea level, Patnitop provides a tremendous view of the Shivalik Range. It is one desired destination in Jammu region that is extensively praised for its astounding beauty and the plentiful fun activities attract thousands of tourists. If you are visiting Patnitop you should also visit Gourikund, which retains excellent spiritual value and you can also observe holy Kailash Parvat. A pleasurable walk to the lush green Pine forest is suitable for the nature lovers. Enjoy hiking and trekking with your friends at Shivgarh and experience paragliding which is an amazing thing to so when you are with your friends, camping at Sanasar and spend a night under the stars, abseiling (rappelling), rock climbing are some of the amazing things you can do at Patnitop. At a minimal distance from Patnitop, there is Kud named village that is popular for vibrant types of desserts, make sure to stop and try some of its popular sweets and take it back to home as a memoir of Patnitop.
Kathua
Owing to the lifestyle of a huge number of Sufi shrines, Kathua is referred to as the City of Sufis. The city is magnificently the best places to check out with your friends and family in Jammu & Kashmir. Legitimate to its name, Kathua is home of numbers of sacred religious places such as Airwan temple, Sapt Sarober, Mata Bala Sundri, Mata Sundrikote, and Jasrota temple which is just inside Jasrota fort. It is an ideal way to pay your homage to these holy places. An adventure park called Dream is developed in the locality of this place which will give you an amazing adrenal rush while doing river rafting. The Ujh Barrage which is located just 20kms apart from Kathua center is a perfect spot to arrange a picnic with the family. Kathua also encourages the history and art lovers to witness the Jasrota Fort which was built beautifully by Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Maha Kali temple in the Jasrota town has emerged as a favorite spiritual hub in the region. Kathua is an ideal combination of tradition and culture and it offers a legitimate picture of Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar
The summer capital city Srinagar is the precious territory of Kashmir. Assimilating many shades of the state, it displays the traditional Jammu & Kashmir. The city rests silently on the shore of Jhelum. Dal lake's Shikara boats are the main highlights of the place and they are the great attraction among the married couple. The sparkling water of Dal, snow-capped mountains, and plush houseboats, pictures an amazing potentate of the beauty of Kashmir. The blessing of Shankaracharya temple, Jama Masjid and Hazratbal Shrine, the sacredness of glance of the floating boat vegetable market and the plentiful of different flora and fauna is the reason for the title of Paradice on Earth. Srinagar also offers great options for friends and family to get indulge themselves in numerous activities like trekking and hiking (towards Pir Panjal, which is 89 km from Srinagar), golfing (Kashmir Golf Course), water skiing (Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, and Bod-dal), bird watching (Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary), and boating (Shikara ride on Nagin Lake and Dal Lake).
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a place which is untouched and sparkling with the stunning natural beauty. Pahalgam is really a feast for the eyes and all other body senses. Absorbed in lush greenery surrounding and fascinating Great Himalayan ranges, it invites for some instances of quiescence at home of nature.
You will be amazed by the elegance of Pahalgam the very first moment you appear at this breathtaking land. Saffron farms, green fields and little houses, the valleys are lush green and very wonderful. You can go on fishing trips with your friends. The 18 hole golf course is established to encourage more and more tourism, among the snow-covered natural environment of Pahalgam. This is the place which can be observed in the way of Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari, which is situated just 16 kilometers away from Pahalgam is the foundation and the base camp for pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra, a trekking path of roughly 30 kilometers lead straight up to the sacred shrine of holy Amarnath from here.
Khardung La
Khardung La is the motorable pass on the greatest height in the whole world and it is the highest and most amazing pass in the world. Khardung La attracts large number of tourists every year,. It is the place for adventure lovers and bikers. Situated among the most spectacular surrounding at an elevation of 17582 feet from the sea level. It is also known as the Pass of Lower Castle. Near to the pass, the variety of amazing valleys will entice you and furthermore with the natural spectaculars, the Tibetan benediction flags are an additional charm which enhances the beauty of the place. In 1976 it was constructed and in 1988 it was open to the public use. Border roads Organization built and maintain this road. May to October is the best time to visit Khardung La.
The most desired vacationer location is Pangong Tso in Ladakh region. It is situated at 4250 meters above the sea level. Though it is saturated with saline water but offers some breathtaking moments to the traveler with the incredible occurrence of transforming colors many times a day. The insights of the massive Himalayan peaks in the water create more elegance to the lake. Presently, Pangong Tso is the most desired location for tourists who wants to take amazing pictures. It is the favorite place for honeymooners for pre and post wedding photo shoots. Its lake is so picturesque and offers magnificent picture perfect locations. It is the lake which is used as the location for the shooting of the film 3 idiots. This place is classified under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international value. May to September is the ideal time to pay a visit to the lake. The marshy area in the neighborhood of the lake is a protection for many migratory and indigenous birds, thus it is an ideal place for a nature lover.
Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill continues to be a mystery still famed appeal that draws the adventure enthusiasts on a significant scale toward it. An unknown mystifying phenomenon which tricks the fiction and science together and prevails as a magic trick for the normal people traveling to Jammu and Kashmir. Magnetic Hill is an Ace card of the Ladakh region where many tourists pay their visit just to watch this amazing phenomenon each and every single day. It is an ideal place to explore such an amazing phenomenon with your friends and family. There is a signboard placed at the starting of the road that this hill contradicts gravity absolutely and welcoming everyone to encounter the magical phenomenon. If you hold your automobile in the neutral position and wait, you will be shocked to see the automobile begins moving uphill at a constant speed. And this is the mystical character of Magnetic Hill that befuddles the entire world of science. So have a nice and pleasant journey but don’t forget your handbrake.
Kargil
Kargil is situated in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir and it is a usual stopover for tourists approaching towards Padum or Leh. The town is merely 11 Km away from the original line of control. Located drastically in close proximity to the Line of Control, Kargil, separated from being a vacationer hotspot, is also an unpredictable region, due to the terrorism frequent from the other side of the LOC. This was due to the fact of that it is the place where India in 1999, had fought its ultimate war with their neighbor Pakistan, furthermore the initial war in India to acquired large coverage, both on television and in newspapers. Apart from the glorious War Memorial, this district has various Buddhist monasteries attracting many tourists who are looking for a peace, some of those monasteries are Cave Monastery, Phuktal Monastery, Sani Monastery, and Lamayuru Monastery. To sum up, Kargil is the desired destination that fits the expectations of the bold tourists, who want a piece of adrenaline and exciting rushing up every instant in their veins.
Anantnag
Anantnag is one of the most wonderful locations of the Kashmir Valley, with lush greenery and eye-catching sight that make Kashmir the paradise that it actually is. Anantnag is an area known as the paradise in Kashmir paradise and considered as the financial and commercial capital of the Kashmir valley. Anantnag is the biggest trading and business center of the valley. Near Anantnag prevails the convergence of three channels, Sandra, Brengi, and Arapath. In ancient times Jhelum river was the major source of transportation among Anantnag and other towns of the downstream. Tourists get attracted by its beauty and in winter everything is covered with snow represent this place as the gem of Kashmir and it gives rise to many adventure sports activities such as jet skiing, snow sliding etc.
Art lover comes here with only one motive, and that is to discover and experience the actual natural beauty that this wonderful National Park beholds inside itself. The beautiful flora and fauna, lush green environments are to observed here in this park. This park is an ideal place recognized for owning some of the rarest of species such as Kashmir Stag and hangul. It is the most elevated woodlands reserve with the height ranging from 1,700 meters to 4,300 meters above sea level and it is 141 sq km wide. Right from the rare Himalayan brown bear to the Himalayan grey langur and the predators, the snow leopards to Pygmy Owlets. You will not be disappointed on every single bit of this national park. It is a must visit place for adventure lover and nature lover. Explore some of the amazing and rare native species of birds and animals. Moreover, this place is just 22 km away from the main city of Srinagar.
Gulmarg
Located at a height of 2730 m above sea level. This is one of the best places for snow lovers. Gulmarg is enclosed by snow-covered mountain ranges, evergreen forested hills, deep ravines, and lush green meadows. Well-known for its picturesque beauty, Gulmarg has always been a preferred destination.
For capturing the precious moments of your holidays this is the best place to visit. It is always among the top honeymoon locations in Kashmir, Gulmarg features the most beautiful region with very less crowd as compared to Shimla and Manali. Gulmarg is also developed as an ultimate adventure hub. There are lots of courses in Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering on skiing, mountaineering, trekking etc. They provide you with all the necessary equipment for all these activities and after completing the course you will be certified mountaineer. However, if you are planning to take a course of your choice then it is advisable for you to book your course in advance. Snowboarding, skiing, hiking, and trekking are the main highlights of the place.
Sonamarg
Sonamarg is an area covered with flower-laden fields and snow-covered mountains, it is also surrounded by spectacular glaciers and peaceful lakes which portrays mental details on the travelers.
Sonamarg is called as the land of gold. Sonamarg is an idyllic picture-perfect town located at the height of 2800 kilometer in Kashmir valley. Surrounded by serene lakes, breathtaking glaciers, and magnificent natural beauty, this place is the most preferred vacationer destination of Jammu & Kashmir. Nilagrad is at the top of the checklist of the tourists for getting the picturesque location for perfect selfies. Sonamarg is the land of many wonderful and peaceful lakes. Numerous mountain lakes at which you can spend some alone time with your partner such as Kishansar, Satsar, Gadsar, Vishansar, and Gangabal.
Pulwama
Pulwama is just a small town in Srinagar district. It is popular for its scenic valleys, natural springs, waterfalls, and apple orchards. With the rich culture and scenic beauty, Pulwama is also prominent for numerous temples situated in and around the town. It is also an amazing place for the adventurous group. There are lots of opportunities for trekking, hiking, and mountaineering in summers and in winters you can go for snowboarding and skiing. Just 35km away from the Jama Masjid Shopian in the Pulwama, Vishav river create one of the most spectacular waterfalls of all the time named Aharbal Waterfall. Tarsar and Marsar Lake are just 3 and 5 kilometers away from Pulwama. Avantishwar Temple is also the great attraction for tourists to make their visit to this place.
Amarnath
Amarnath is the most significant pilgrimage in The Indian subcontinent for the Lord Shiva's worshipers. The Amarnath cave is a paradise to a cherished image of ice called the Shivaling which is naturally formed on a particular time every year which resembles Lord Shiva. The location is visited by large numbers of tourists every year from not only from India but also from all across the world. This festival is known as the Amarnath Yatra. The holy Amarnath cave positioned in this town is regarded as the location of the most sacred place for the pilgrims. According to some ancient epic, this place is considered to be the same cave exactly where Lord Shiva exposed the mystery of eternity to his wife Goddess Parvati.
Jammu and Kashmir is a very easily approachable place. It has a direct road, train and flight connectivity. Best way from Delhi is to choose Delhi to Jammu overnight Train. Jammu Tavi and Sampark Kranti Express Departure Delhi at night and reach Jammu Arrival at early morning. It will cost you around 2400 rupees for first class AC and 365 for sleeper class train. After that it just 50 km from Jammu to Katra and it took around 90 minutes journey to reach the base of Mata Vaishno Devi. All the other places are also within the reachable distance. You need to book online tickets for Amarnath yatra and all the remaining places are really easy going. If you want to explore the whole Jammu and Kashmir in one journey then it is advisable for you to make a list or place according to the region. If you are planning to start from Ladakh region then visit Kargil, Khardung La, Magnetic hill and nearby places first. It will save your time and money.
