Kashmir is one of India’s most popular destinations for both international and domestic tourists. Kashmir is located among the Himalayan, Pir Panjal and Karakoram mountain ranges. It is famously known as the “PARADISE ON EARTH” because of its gorgeous valleys, mountains, lakes, forests and meadows.

March to August is the best time to visit Kashmir. Often called “The heaven on Earth”, due to its pristine beauty. Yet, not all seasons are best in terms of visiting, due to it being a cold region. Two best seasons to visit Kashmir: Spring (March-early May) and summer (early May-late August). November to February is the best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall.

Kashmir serves up a rich non-vegetarian platter of Seekh Kabab, Tabakh Maaz (fried lamb ribs), Methi Maaz, Rogan Josh, Kashmiri Pulao and Palak Nadir. Locals also have a weak spot for crisp bakery goods. Sheermal, Baqerkhani, and Kulcha found in shops in Srinagar are to die for, especially for those craving sweet treats.

Kashmir is a well-known place for Pashmina shawls and blankets, Kashmiri carpets, traditional jewelleries, dress material; Kashmir offers an extensive range of dry fruits out of which Almond, Walnut, Cashews, Hazelnuts are most popular ones.

The people living in Kashmir Valley speak Kashmiri. Thanks to Kashmir tourism, most of them understand Hindi, and it would not be a problem to communicate with people in Kashmir if you know Hindi.

1. Dal Lake
The Jewel of Srinagar, the Dal Lake is synonymous to a visit to Srinagar and is almost a visual definition of the town. Spread over 15 kms, it is the second-largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir.

2. Skiing In Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a hill town which is lately gaining a lot of popularity for its ski terrain. Ideal for both amateur and professional skiers, the place has several skiing operators and institutes that can tutor you on the same.

3. Gulmarg Gondola
Gulmarg Gondola is the second longest and second highest cable car in the world and the prime attraction Gulmarg is known for.

4. Tulip Garden In Srinagar
In Srinagar, there lies a huge 30 hectares Tulip Garden, which is Asia’s biggest garden till date. Located in the foothills of Zabarwan Range, this garden gives an overview of the famous Dal Lake too. Tourists can visit this place anytime in between last week of March to Mid April.

1. SRINAGAR
Located in the heart of the Kashmir valley and at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, Srinagar is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. From boating to trekking, water skiing to bird watching, Srinagar has it all. The canopied Shikara boats, snow-capped mountains and the sparkling water of Dal all honour the capital city with an appropriate title of Paradise on Earth.

Places to visit in Srinagar: Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Shankaracharya Temple, Tulip Garden, Nishat Bagh, Nigeen Lake, Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal, Hazratbal Shrine, Char Chinar Island

2. GULMARG
Originally called Gauri Marg, Gulmarg is a hill station and popular skiing in Kashmir. This small yet wonderful town is a paradise for nature lovers and haven for the adventure seekers.

Places to visit in Gulmarg: Alpather Lake, Apharwat Peak, Maharani Temple, Drung Waterfall, Strawberry Valley

3. SONMARG
Known as the Meadows of Gold, Sonmarg is the destination of sparkling lakes and glittering glaciers. Its two major landmarks; the Thajiwas Glacier and the Zojila Pass contribute largely to its popularity. The various options of camping, trekking makes Sonmarg one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.

4. THAJIWAS GLACIER
Thajiwas Glacier which lies at a distance of 3 km from Sonamarg in Kashmir is an exquisite beauty situated 3000 m above sea level covered in snow all through the year. The glacier is one of the most significant assets of Jammu and Kashmir and a must-visit for all the nature and trekking lovers. One gets to experience the beauty of the glacier by trekking all the way there from Sonamarg. There is also the option of hiring a pony to get to the glacier. On the way to the glacier, the tourists get to witness the beauty of the silver shining frozen lake along with all the greenery around. The contrast of both of them is what makes it enchanting to the eyes.

5. PAHALGAM
Pahalgam, also known as the “Valley of Shepherds”, located in the Anantnag District of Kashmir, is a nature lovers retreat, which makes us believe that paradise is not always far. Sitting on the banks of the foaming and gurgling Lidder River, this famous tourist place in Kashmir mesmerizes visitors with its lush meadows, verdant forests, sky-kissing mountains, apple orchards, and very peaceful environment.

6. ARU VALLEY
Aru Valley is a famous tourist place located in the Anantnag district around 12 kilometers from Pahalgam. Tourists are attracted towards it because of its lush meadows, pristine lakes & mountains, and it also serves as a base camp for trekking to the Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake.

7. BETAAB VALLEY
Betaab Valley in Pahalgam is one of the most serene spots to visit in Kashmir. The valley was earlier known as Hagan Valley. The valley is known for gorgeous and breathtaking views comprising mountains which are covered in pine forests and deodar trees and beautiful Lidder River flowing through the valley. The valley has been an iconic place for Bollywood movies to shooting many romantic numbers.

8. CHANDANWARI
Chandanwari, located 15 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra. It is also famous for the snow sledging on a snow bridge. Surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and the Lidder River flowing by, Chandanwari is perfect to enjoy a picnic with your family and enjoy the natural beauty.

Chandanwari remains covered in snow from November to May which makes it ideal for sledging. However, the best time to visit Chandanwari is April to June as the weather is perfect for sightseeing during this time.

9. ANANTNAG
Anantnag is one of the most beautiful cities in Kashmir, with gushing streams and sights and sounds that make Kashmir the heaven that it truly is. Located at a distance of 53 km from Srinagar, Anantnag is regarded as the commercial and financial capital of the Kashmir valley. It is a large business and trading centre of the valley.

10. MARTAND SUN TEMPLE
Martand Sun Temple, a spectacular shrine dedicated to Surya (the Sun), lies at a distance of over five miles from Anantnag. This structure is a Kashmiri Hindu Temple and is known as one of the most elegant structures ever built in India. Even in a wrecked state, the temple shares it’s story with the ones who genuinely want to listen. The architecture is breathtaking and the vibe somewhat nostalgic but so enticing that it makes travellers want to come here. A walk across the courtyard is a must for visitors to notice the brilliantly fused designs and carvings on the structure that still stand the tests of time and weather.

The Martand Sun Temple was constructed between the 7th and the 8th century. The temple complex was built by Lalitaditya who was the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty. The structure is constructed of limestone, and the entire complex has been built on top of a plateau near Anantnag. The Government of India has opened the ruined temple complex for tourists, and this site is considered to be of National, Historical and Architectural importance and hence comes under The Archaeological Survey of India.

11. SHREE KHEER BHAWANI DURGA TEMPLE
Kheer Bhawani Temple is a celebrated Hindu shrine, situated in the Tulla Mulla village, 23 kilometres north-east of Srinagar. The temple is constructed above a sacred spring, which is said to change its colours. Goddess Ragnya Devi – an incarnation of Goddess Durga – is the presiding deity of this temple. The temple attributes its unique name to the famous Indian dessert kheer, which is the main offering to the goddess.

12. DOODHPATHRI
Not many people would have heard of the name DOODHPATHRI (translation; Valley of Milk). It is one of those lesser-known destinations of Kashmir that hardly receives any tourism but is now slowly gaining popularity as a tourist destination. Located at a distance of about 42 kilometers from Srinagar, it is a quiet little sleepy place with immense natural beauty and plenty of peace.

13. YUSMARG
Considered by some as the best place in Kashmir, mostly because of its undisturbed landscape, a less frequented but extremely beautiful hill station, Yusmarg has forests with maple trees in them. Overall, Yusmarg is a beautiful place and can actually be called a mini hill station is a one of the most romantic places in the state. At a distance of 47 kms from Srinagar, it can also be called Switzerland or at least something close to it. It’s the quietest place out of all tourist destinations in Kashmir and is also an amazing trek spot. Trek enthusiasts would definitely love it here!

14. KOKERNAG
The name of this place itself explains the reason behind it. The word, “Kokernag” is derived from the Kashmiri and the Sanskrit words “KOKER” and “NAG” respectively, where the Koker means hen and the Nag means spring. The spring sprouts out from a dense and thick forest and gets divided into various streams and hence resembles with the claw of a hen. This place is known as the Golden Crown of Kashmir, as it has deposits of fresh stream water, trout fish farms, and green and alluring gardens. The botanical garden of Kokernag is so beautiful that a person can’t help without giving their heart to this place.

15. SINTHAN TOP
This beautiful mountain pass is located in between south Kashmir’s Breng valley and Kishtawar district. Sinthan Top is situated at a distance of 132 km from Srinagar and 80 km south of Anantnag. Most of its part lies in the Kishtawar district. Sinthan Top is one of the underrated tourist destinations of the Kashmir valley. At the top of this mountain pass, you will get a view of the whole valley that is covered by the green lush woods and meadows. This place is just perfect for the day’s trip as the green lush sloping meadows, snow peak hills, and thickly wooded pine forests make this place perfect for picnics and day outs.

16. MARGAN TOP
At a distance of 130 km from the capital Srinagar, this beautiful mountain pass is situated in south Kashmir. Behind this mountain pass, there is a hidden valley known as the Warwan valley. At the top of this mountain peak, a beautiful and breathtaking view of the green lush meadows and thickly dense forests is visible.The Margan mountain pass connects the Warwan valley to the rest of the valley. At a distance of 4 km from the main road, the high altitudes of this peak provide soul-soothing views. This place has another attraction namely Choharnag, for it consists of four lakes. The pure water bodies of the Margan Top catch the eye of many tourists. Many visitors use this place for trekking. To reach up to the Margan Top, Daksum is used as the base camp for trekking.

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