Jammu & Kashmir

Enveloped by the Great Himalayas, Jammu & Kashmir has been blessed with plenty of natural beauty. Fondly called as “Paradise on Earth”, J&K is a treasure trove of serenity that attracts every human soul seeking escape. The state is a perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of city life and chaos. Let’s take you on a beautiful virtual voyage of the state.

Srinagar The most prized possession of Jammu & Kashmir is Srinagar. The beautiful place remains popular among tourists and travelers from all around the world visit Srinagar to experience the natural magnificence. The visual treat of Shikara boats and houseboats beautifully adorned with flowers and sailing on the pristine waters of Dal Lake and Nageen Lake is something which shouldn’t be missed. You can also visit the Hazratbal Shrine, Jama Masjid and Shankarcharya temple to rekindle you religious side.

Leh A place that is totally different from the rest of Jammu & Kashmir, Leh, adds unmatched splendour to the horizons of northern periphery. Known for its jaw-dropping beauty, Leh is blessed with soaring mountains, beautiful lakes, and far stretched landscapes. This place is the best choice for fun and adventure seekers. No traveller visiting here can ever miss a chance to participate in Trekking and Mountain Biking. Leh also houses magnificent spiritual places like Alchi Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Matho Monastery, Spituk Monastery and Thiksey Monastery, which surprise the viewers with their charismatic architecture.

Jammu The mention of Jammu immediately takes you to heavenly Mata Vaishno Devi. Every year the city is flooded with travelers coming from all over India to seek spirituality. Temples like Raghunath temple, Ranbireshwar temple, Mahamaya temple, Peer Baba and Peer Khoh remain flooded with devotees all year long. Apart from temples, Jammu is also known for its architectural grandeur echoing in Bahu Fort and Mubarak Mandi Palace.

Gulmarg One of the most visited destinations of J&K is Gulmarg. Gulmarg offers a range of activities for adventure lovers including skiing, trekking, snowboarding, golfing, mount biking and fishing. Kongdori, Shark Fin and Apparwath Peak are among the best locations to indulge in skiing while viewing the majestic facades of nature. Other popular destinations in Gulmarg that let you soak in the powers of nature are Nagin Valley, Khilanmarg, Frozen Lake and Bota Pathri.

Kargil Situated at the India-Pakistan border, Kargil echoes the stories of bravery buried under the soil. It is also known for providing great adventure opportunities to trekkers, campers, rafters and mountaineers. Mulbek Gompa, Shergol, Urgyan Dzong and Wakha Rgyal are other beautiful gems of Kargil.

Patnitop Beautifully residing at an altitude of 2024m, Patnitop gives unexplored views of the Shivalik Range. A perfect melange of nature and adventure, Patnitop is a retreat for nirvana seeker. For those who wish to experience the power of leisure walk in a picturesque location, Pine forest is perfect. Trekking lovers can visit Shivgarh, whereas those looking for paragliding, rock climbing or camping can visit Sanasar.

Shopping Attractions Travelling all the way to J&K and not buying Pashmina shawls is a sin one should avoid committing. From hand woven carpets to pashmina and shahtoosh shawls, wooden souvenirs, traditional Dogra jewellery, Buddhist masks, prayer wheels etc there are numerous options for travelers visiting this state. Most of the destinations here house handicraft shops and bazaars selling colourful local items.

Fairs & Festivals A rich heritage that the state holds is reflected in its fairs and festivals. You can enjoy the famous Jhiti Mela (October-November) and witness the real fervor and zeal of the locals. Another festival that remains close to the hearts of the locals is the festival of Lohri. Bahu Mela is also a well known fair celebrated in Bahu Fort of Jammu twice a year (March or April and September or October).

Food Jammu & Kashmir offers some mouth watering options when it comes to cuisines. The food culture here is influenced by Mughals. Rogan Josh (lamb cooked in rich spices) is a must try Kashmiri dish. The locals also have a special liking for Yoghurt Lamb Curry (lamb cooked in yoghurt). Other must try dishes in Jammu and Kashmir includes Thenthuk (noodle soup), Matschgand (minced meatballs), Aab Gosht (mutton cooked with milk and several spices) and Goshtaba (mutton cooked in flavorful yogurt gravy and spices).

Best Time to Visit The beauty of this state is such that it can be visited throughout the year. But the period when the splendour of this place reaches zenith is between March and October. December to March marks winters here and the state is covered with pearl white snow. Months between September and March are also ideal for flocking at Jammu to enjoy the cool breeze.

How to Reach By Air - Travellers can fly down to Jammu & Kashmir by taking flight to Jammu Airport in Jammu City, Aerodome Airport in Srinagar or Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.

By Train - Those visiting by rail can land at the Jammu-Tawi Station, well connected with all the major cities in India.

By Road - The National Highway 1A links Jammu & Kashmir to the rest of the country and offers great road trips.