Jammu & Kashmir

Kashmir’s blissful aura can never be expressed in words. Snowy glaciers, pristine lakes, expansive grassland, and stunning orchards await visitors in this paradise. The unbelievably beautiful places to visit in Kashmir have fascinated tourists from worldwide, and now it is your turn to discover this ‘Paradise on Earth’. If you are planning a trip here in 2021, we have compiled a list of 12 tourist places in Kashmir to include in your itinerary for a memorable vacation.

1. Srinagar – Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), is split into two by the river Jhelum. The star attraction here is the idyllic Dal Lake, having been ranked TripAdvisor’s top travellers’ choice for 2020. You can take a shikara ride in the daytime or a midnight cruise for a romantic evening. You will also spot Asia’s most extensive Tulip Garden and India’s only floating market here. Hotels in Kashmir cater to all kinds of travellers, so you can book your accommodation accordingly.

2. Gulmarg – Gulmarg is a beautiful place in Kashmir that is an absolute delight for adventure seekers. This is the state’s crowning glory, offering the world’s second-highest gondola ride to Apharwat Peak (14,403 ft.) and the third-highest ski resort. Skiing, snowboarding, trekking and other activities will add more excitement to your holiday. For a culturally rich experience, visit this place during the three-day Winter Festival organised by the Indian Army and Tourism Ministry every year.

3. Sonmarg – Literally meaning the ‘meadow of gold’, Sonmarg observes a widespread bloom of yellow crocuses during spring. Sonmarg or Sonamarg is a high-altitude tourist attraction in Srinagar’s northeast region. It is home to the famous three sisters – a group of rivers (the Lidder, Sind and the Neelum). It is also a popular base point for trekking excursions to the Thajiwas Glacier. While its surreal beauty will leave you stunned, a river rafting experience on the gushing Indus River will get your heart racing.

Sonmarg is truly one of Kashmir’s marvellous attractions that you will want to visit more than once.

4. Pahalgam is a visual treat with its breath-taking vistas of lush greenery, vast Himalayan ranges and pristine mountain rivers. Stretched along the Lidder River, it is a popular spot for adventure junkies to try trout fishing, trekking and angling among others. It serves as the base camp for popular trekking getaways to Amarnath, Aru Valley, Kohaloi Glacier, and other high-altitude destinations.

Pahalgam is a wonderland that is dotted with prominent attractions like the Aru valley and Betaab valleys. You can either explore Pahalgam on foot or opt for a pony ride. Don’t forget to bargain!

5. Aru Valley – Aru Valley’s scenic beauty is like a Windows wallpaper image. You can explore the stunning sights of this valley on a pony ride or foot. The drive to this gem of Kashmir is an experience in itself. Book a cosy, local homestay, and savour traditional delicacies at roadside cafes.

The Aru Valley presents unparalleled views of the Kashmir Valley, so if nature and tranquillity are what you seek, you know where to go. You won’t be able to get enough of the natural scenic views here, so don’t miss this gem!

6. Betaab Valley – Located just 5 km from Pahalgam, Betaab Valley is yet another attraction among the beautiful places in Kashmir. You can take in the scenery while sipping tea, coffee, or Kashmiri Kahwa at a roadside café. It is a common stopover en-route Chandanwari.

Bollywood has an undeniable affection for the Betaab Valley, with blockbusters as old as Kashmir Ki Kali in 1964 and more recent movies like Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) showcasing the best of Kashmir. If you want to soak in the breath-taking combination of nature and peace, it’s right here.