KASHMIR Blog

If you’re traveling to this part of the country for the first time, then you cannot dare to miss these picturesque places in Kashmir and enjoy the scenic beauty of the state at its best. Check out this list of the top places to visit in Kashmir and pick the best ones for your next vacation. They all are picture-worthy places so make sure that you are carrying a camera with you!

 

Srinagar – Heaven On Earth

Gulmarg – Ski Your Way

Sonamarg – The Land Of Gold

Pahalgam – Get Allured By Picturesque Views

Yusmarg – Sit In Tranquility

Nishat Garden – Perfect For A Laid-Back Day

Shalimar Garden – Photographer’s Paradise

Chashmashahi – One Of The Mughal Gardens

Aru Valley – Perfect Place To Unwind

Dachigam National Park -Flora & Fauna

Khilanmarg – Paradise For Skiing

SRINAGAR (HEAVEN ON EARTH)

Srinagar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and famous places to visit in Kashmir as well as in India. From boating to trekking, bird watching to water skiing, Srinagar place has it all. Locally this place is known as the mirror to the mountains, Srinagar is a first stopover for every traveler and there are a long list of places to visit in Srinagar, Kashmir. The largest city of Kashmir, this place is enclosed by the green mountains and the main highlight being the Dal Lake which is the gem of the city. This place gives a close outlook to the Kashmiri cuisine and the state’s culture.

Best Time To Visit: June to October, and for snow you must visit Srinagar in December or January.
Things To Do In Srinagar: Stay in the boat house, Visit the Mughal gardens, Take the shikara ride.
How To Reach:

  • By Air: Srinagar Domestic Airport is well-connected to all the major cities in India and you can easily board a flight and read Srinagar.
  • By Bus: Board a government or private bus to Srinagar.
  • By Train: Jammu is the nearest railway station.

Places To Visit: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh

GULMARG (SKI YOUR WAY)

Famously known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg is a treat to the eyes with its spread of vibrant flowers against snow-capped mountains as backgrounds. Gulmarg is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for all right reasons. This region of Kashmir is also known as the adventurer’s paradise because of its vast options of skiing in the snow while enjoying the views around. The best time to visit Kashmir for snowfall is in winter season i.e., December-January.

Best Time To Visit: June to October, and for snow December & January would be the best.

Things to do in Gulmarg:
Mountain Biking, trekking, Skiing if you visit in winters and Gondola rides for a panoramic view of the valley.
How To Reach:

  • By Air: You can board a flight till Srinagar Airport and then hire a cab till Gulmarg and reach in 3 hours.
  • By Bus: Take a bus till Srinagar and then you can take a connecting bus till Gulmarg.
  • By Train: Jammu is the nearest railway station.


Places To Visit: Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Strawberry Field, Apharwat Peak

SONAMARG (THE LAND OF GOLD)

Sonamarg, as the name suggests, is famous as the ‘Meadow of Gold’. An endless stream of stunning flowers and undulated trekking routes are its attractions. Sonamarg has to be in every visitor’s list of places to visit in Kashmir for its mesmerizing aura and breathtaking views. The best season to visit Kashmir would be in summer i.e., May-June when the valley is blooming with variegated flowers.

Best Time To Visit: June through October, December & January for snow

Things to do in Sonamarg:
Trekking, Camping and nature walks
How To Reach:

  • By Air: Srinagar airport is located at a distance of 70 km from Sonmarg and you can taxi from the airport and reach easily.
  • By Bus: Take a bus till Srinagar and then you can take a connecting bus till Sonamarg.

By Train: Jammu is the nearest railway station.

                        PAHALGAM                                  (GET ALLURED BY PICTURESQUE VIEWS)

Pahalgam is considered as an illustration of the heaven on earth which is situated at an altitude of 2740 m. It is situated at distance of 95 Kms from Srinagar and surrounded by dense forests, beautiful lakes and meadows of flowers. Tranquillity and serenity are the other names of Pahalgam. This tiny town is known to suck out all the stress of every visitor and is therefore counted amongst the best places to visit in Kashmir.

Best Time To Visit: June to October, December & January for snow
Things to do in Pahalgam:  Visit to Betab and Aru Valleys, Horseback riding, canoeing

How To Reach:

  • By Air: Take a flight till Srinagar Airport and then hire a cab till Pahalgam.
  • By Bus: Take a bus till Srinagar and then you can take a connecting bus till Pahalgam.
  • By Train: Jammu is the nearest railway station.

Places To Visit: Betab Valley, Mamal Temple, Sheshnag Lake

YUSMARG (SIT IN TRANQUILITY)

This is considered to be the best place when it comes to observing the natural aspects of Kashmir. This is one of the top tourist places in Kashmir that is not much explored. If you’ll 4 kilometres downhill from this place, you’ll see the beautiful Nil Nag Lake that will be a treat to your eyes. You’ll find the true tranquillity as well as picturesqueness of Kashmir here.

Best Time To Visit: October to December
Things To Do: Trekking, pony-riding

How To Reach:

  • By Air: Take a flight till Srinagar airport and then hire a cab till Yusmarg.
  • By Bus: Take a bus from Srinagar to Yusmarg.
  • By Train: Take a train till Jammu railway station and then take a cab till Yusmarg.

Nishat Garden

(Perfect For A Laid-Back Day)

This one is considered to be amongst the largest Mughal Gardens located on the banks of Dal Lake. Nishat Garden is also known by the name the Garden of Bliss and rightly so, as there are breathtaking Zabarwan Mountains in the backdrop. This garden is historically famous and Asaf Khan, who was the brother of Nur Jahan designed it. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Kashmir, India.

Best Time To Visit: October to December
Things To Do: Walk in nature, watching the flowers

Chashmashahi

(One Of The Mughal Gardens)

This garden was established in 1632 AD and is considered the smallest amongst the 3 Mughal Gardens in Kashmir. It was constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. From here, you’ll get to see a really picturesque view of Dal Lake as well as many mountains in the neighbouring regions.

Best Time To Visit: October to December
Things To Do: the place is ideal for picnicking

Shalimar Garden 

(Photographer’s Paradise)

This garden was established in the year 1616 by the well-known Emperor Jehangir especially for his wife, Nur Jahan. After some time, another garden named Faiz Baksh was added to this one. You’ll find a canal inside the garden that has been embellished with polished stones at the boundaries. This canal at the center of the garden is considered to be the focal point here.

Best Time To Visit: October to December
Things To Do: birdwatching, picnic

Aru Valley

(Perfect Place To Unwind)

Located 12 kilometers from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is juxtaposed against the snow-clad peaks of Himalayas. It serves as a base camp for several treks and lakes including Tarsar Lake and Kolhoi glacier. The valley is also home to the Aru river which is a tributary of the Lidder River. Nature lovers resort to this place for peace and to unwind in the lap of nature. Apart from this, Aru Valley offers some of the most enthralling activities like horse riding and hiking. During the winter months, the view of the whole valley covered with snow is a comfort to the eyes. A visit to this place in Kashmir will leave you in awe of nature.

Best Time To Visit: July – September
Things to do: Horse riding and trekking

Dachigam National Park 

(Flora & Fauna)

Kashmir not only has an abundance of beauty but also has abundant flora and fauna. Dachigam national Park is where you will find indigneous species of plants and animals. Even the landscapes of this place are truly mesmerizing. It is only 22 km from Srinagar and can be reached easily by taking a private taxi. Its natural beauty makes it one of the most-visited Kashmir tourist places

Best Time To Visit: May-June and September-October is the Best Time To Visit: the park.
Things To Do: Wildlife tour

Khilanmarg

(Paradise For Skiing)

Only those who have visited Khilandmarg will agree that it is the most beautiful place in kashmir. The valley put you in a trance because of its alluring landscapes and breathtaking panoramas. It is 6 km ahead of Gulmarg and only a few people dare to visit this place. There may not be much to do here but those who enjoy nature will love visiting this place. In summers, the aromatic flowers are the major attraction while skiing in winters lures tourists to this place.

Best Time To Visit: Spring and winter season
Things To Do: Skiing in winter, hiking, nature walk