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How to Spend a Week in Jammu and Kashmir

places to visit in jammu and kashmir

Whenever a discussion takes place related to the most scenic places of India, the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir always find a place for itself. Here, we will talk about the places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir and how you can spend a week here with your loved ones. Jammu & Kashmir is home to several picturesque valleys, water bodies, and snow-covered mountains peaks. Given the natural beauty, pleasant weather, and hospitality of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, this place has been a preferred tourist destination for tourists across India and worldwide for several decades. Apart from being naturally gifted, Jammu and Kashmir is home to several rich and vibrant cultures.  These consist of famous handicrafts and much-loved dining options. Jammu & Kashmir is also known for its religious and spiritual offerings, transforming it into an epicenter of religious tourism in the county. In this blog, we will be talking in detail the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir and will help you to plan your whole week trip to this amazing place in such a way that you experience the best of what Jammu & Kashmir has to offer.

Day 1: Jammu City

Coming from Delhi or any other Indian state, we would suggest that you start with Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Given the location of this place, it has always been a preferred destination for tourists and is always considered an option for a weekend getaway from Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and other states of India. Jammu, also known as ‘City of Temples’ offers several ancient temples. You can start the trip by visiting the famous Raghunath temple located in the city center. Also, do not miss out on several historically significant places like Bahu Fort and Amar Mahal Palace which will give you a glimpse of the erstwhile Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir.

amar mahal palace jammu
Source: Goibibo

While in Jammu, relish several north Indian delicacies at the famous Pahelwan’s. We strongly recommend their rajma chawal and lassi.

Day 2: Katra and Patnitop

The second day of your trip, head to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, just 49 km from Jammu city. We are sure you will love the buzz of the city infused with the divinity present in the atmosphere. Post this visit, we recommend you drive towards the beautiful hill station of Patnitop. To make the most out of your visit to this scenic location, we recommend you to experience India’s highest ropeway at Skyview Patnitop. Additionally, you can also make the most out of a gamut of adventure activities like zipline, tubing sledge, and India`s first magic carpet.

indias highest ropeway adventure activity

The adventure destination also offers several mouth-watering dining options. In Patnitop, don’t forget to ride a horse through the beautiful meadows and parks and visit the 600-year-old Nag temple. Your day full of fun and adventure at Patnitop may have come to end but evenings in Patnitop are more beautiful given to its misty weather and over-night stay at this pleasing destination.

Day 3: Road Trip from Patnitop to Srinagar

This 200 km can be the best part of your trip given the view the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway offers. However, before leaving Patnitop don’t forget to taste the mouth-watering sweets such as patisa, kaju barfi at Kud market. This road trip is full of excitement and fun and will allow you to explore the famous 9 km long Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel and various streams and rivers all the way till Srinagar.

Chenani-Nashri_Highway_Tunnel
Source: Wikimedia

Day 4: Srinagar City

Srinagar is one of the most beautiful places to visit in jammu and kashmir and has a lot to offer to every visitor given the number of Mughal Gardens located at the bank of Dal lake such as Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Garden, Chashma Shahi, Pari Mahal etc. Also, visit to several shrines of different Sufi saints in the old town of Srinagar that can be interesting and provide you with a spiritual experience like no other. While in Srinagar, don’t forget to try the Kashmiri Wazwan at the famous Mughal Darbar restaurant and spend your night in a beautifully crafted houseboat on Dal lake.

dal lake srinagar

Day 5: Gulmarg

Gulmarg is one of the most famous hill stations in India. Located 55 km from Srinagar, it is a destination for every season and one of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.

gulmarg places to visit in jammu and kashmir

During the summers, the meadows are a delight while winters here offer a view from a postcard as this extremely popular destination receives a significant amount of snowfall. Gulmarg is also known as the best winter sports destination in India.

Day 6: Pahalgam

Pahalgam is another beautiful places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir located at an altitude of 2740 meters above sea level. This beautiful town features pristine valleys such as Betaab valley, Chandan Wari, etc. This place is also an important religious tourist destination and is associated with the Amarnath Yatra. Pahalgam is home to several glaciers which ensure the roaring Lidder river is full of water during the entire year.

Day 7: Return

On the 7th day, you can return to your origin with the lasting memories of your trip to paradise on earth.

So here it is, your one-week itinerary for Jammu and Kashmir. We hope you enjoy your trip.

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8 Best Places to Visit in Jammu & Kashmir

Best Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir

Are you planning a family vacation? or maybe a weekend getaways from Delhi or Punjab with your friends? You might be browsing through the internet to get good ideas about some places to visit and let me guess traveling to alluring hill stations of Northern India might somewhere be on the top of your list. Well, if that’s the case, then have a look at some of these amazing places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir and an unexplored destination which might surprise you with its adventuresome atmosphere. Let’s get into it.

Vaishno Devi

Located at about 5200 ft. above the sea level, Vaishno Devi is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. The cave-styled sanctorium is devoted to goddess Mahalakshmi and is visited by millions of devotees every year with a belief that whatever they wish for will come true if they visit there with a pure heart.

Reaching the Bhawan from the foothills is an experience in itself. There are a few options available, you can either trek from base camp to the temple, book the helicopter service which starts from Katra on the foothills and the flight will drop you at Sanjichhat, or hire the Pony, Porter, and Palanquin services to ease your journey.

One of the most common questions that pop up in people’s minds after completing the pilgrimage is what are some other places to visit in Katra besides Vaishno Devi temple or what are some other places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir other than Vaishno Devi? Well, there might be not a lot to do in Katra but you can visit the mall road which is the perfect place for devotees and tourists to buy a few souvenirs.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – If one is preferring to travel by air, then the Jammu airport, located at 50 kms is the nearest airport. Alternatively, Udhampur railway station is the closest railway station from which cabs can take directly to Vaishno Devi. Also, deluxe buses and cabs are available from Jammu city.

Bahu Fort

Believed to be one of the oldest structures in the city of Jammu, Bahu Fort was built around 3000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan of the Dogra dynasty. This magnificent Fort stands tall on the banks of river Tawi and is a major tourist attraction.

This fort provides history enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers with amazing opportunities to spend their share of time with nature and appreciate it.

The Mahakali temple built within the fort makes it a holy place for the devotees. The popular Bahu Mela held during the Navratri, in the fort, twice a year, attracts thousands of tourists and worshipers of Kali.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – Bahu Fort can be easily accessed by taxi as the fort is within the city range.

Mubarak Mandi Palace

Situated in the heart of the old walled city of Jammu and famed for its archaeological significance and astounding narratives, this grand abode was the main seat for maharajas of the Dogra dynasty till 1925 and is now one of the main tourist attractions of Jammu.

Various buildings and complexes such as Darbar Hall, the Pink Palace, Royal Courts, Gol Ghar, Hawa Mahal, the Toshakhana palace, and the Sheesh Mahal, which is made entirely of glass, are encompassed within the walls of this palace.

The oldest complex in this palace dates back to the early 18th century and has seen its share of time and accumulated specimens from the past making Mubarak Mandi Palace one of the best places to visit in Jammu for history buffs.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – Mubarak Mandi Palace is located within the heart of Jammu city and can be easily travelled by taking a taxi in Jammu city.

Peer Kho Cave

Peer Kho cave is the oldest site in the Shivalik region and attracts thousands of devotees during Shivratri and other Hindu festivals.

Situated along the banks of river Tawi, the Peer Kho cave temples are remnants linked with the instances from the Ramayana. The legend has it that the King of bears, Jambavan, meditated in this cave which is why the place is alternatively known as Jambavan Cave.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – The best way to reach the Peer Kho Cave is by taking a taxi from Jammu city which is located not more than 4 kms.

Mansar lake

Encompassed by the dense forest cover of the deodar forests and archaic temples, Mansar Lake is a popular excursion site in Jammu and is one of the popular places to visit near Vaishno Devi.

The Sheshnag shrine on the eastern bank of the lake makes it a sacred place for the newlyweds who perform three Parikrama (circum-ambulations) around the lake to seek the blessings of Sheshnag, the lord of serpents. The temples on the shore of Mansar Lake makes it a popular spot among the devotees.

During the summer season, the lake is swarming with lotus flowers blooming on its surface. Tourists also engage in bird watching around the lake during this season. The lake also offers breathtaking views for capturing amazing pictures of the changing hues of the sky at dawn and dusk.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – Best way to reach Mansar Lake is to take NH1A bypass road to Surinsar road and continue 2-hour drive through wildlife sanctuary to reach Mansar Lake.

Srinagar

The Summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is situated on the banks of the Jhelum river. The stationary houseboats and colourful Shikaras in Dal Lake along with some of the most admirable Mughal-age gardens in India make Srinagar the perfect place to be.

Apart from being a tourist attraction, the many mosques and temples in this city attract lots of pilgrims every year as well.

The carpet and silk mills, silverware and copperware manufacture, leatherworking, and wood carving make Srinagar an ideal place for shoppers.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – Srinagar Airport is located around the city which is the easiest mode of travel. One can also travel to Udhampur railway station, from which taxis can be hired or if one is a travel enthusiast, an approx. 6 hour drive from Jammu city can be covered through beautiful hills and mountains.

Gulmarg

Located at an altitude of about 2700 meters above the sea level, Gulmarg is an adventure hub of India popular for skiing and mountaineering.

Popularly known as the “Heartland of winter sports in India”, Gulmarg is voted as Asia’s seventh best ski destination. Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing take place on the slopes of Mount Apharwat and are reachable by a Gondola lift.

Apart from being the destination for winter sports, the famous Maharani temple and St. Mary’s church attracts pilgrims to Gulmarg.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – The beautiful meadow of Gulmarg can only be reached by roadways which is well connected to Srinagar at almost 50 kms, though Srinagar can be reached by multiple ways including airways, roadways and even railways.

Patnitop

Located at about 6600 ft. above the sea level, Patnitop is a hilltop tourist attraction place in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the most popular places to visit near Vaishno Devi.

The dense woods, lush greenery of Pines, and tracks that lead to pockets of scenic views make it a perfect destination for adventure activities.

Skyview Patnitop is one such unexplored destination for adventure activities including a gondola ride, zipline, magic carpet, tubing sledge, and ropeway making it one of the best adventure places in India.

The ropeway at Skyview Patnitop is one of the highest ropeways in India with over 65 meters. of ground clearance and the longest span of 849 meters between 8 towers and is quickly becoming popular among the tourists and adventure buffs.

This ropeway is set in a scenic countryside view where you can see the beautiful mountains. Starting from Sanget, the lower terminal, this ropeway makes you reach the beautiful Patnitop in about 10-12 minutes.

The ropeway adheres to CEN (European) standard certification making it one of the safest ropeway in the world.

In addition to adventure activities, Skyview Patnitop offers a variety of cuisine representing Asian, Indian, and Continental, through multiple outlets.

There is a Kids Zone also which is equipped with slides, swings, trampolines, etc. giving something to enjoy for everyone visiting.

The perfect blend of adventure, food, and mesmerizing scenic views makes Skyview Patnitop one of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir with your family.

BEST WAY TO TRAVEL – Patnitop can be reached by a local bus or taxi from Jammu city which would take an approx. 3-4 hours. The nearest railway station to Patnitop is Udhampur Railway station, from where buses and taxi regularly ply to Patnitop.

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Planning a Long Weekend Escape in Jammu?

Tourist places in Jammu & Kashmir

When you are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city trying your best to prove yourself on every front, a small vacation escape to the hills is what you need to revive yourself. Though there are a lot of holiday destinations in India worth-visiting, a trip to Jammu is most recommended owing to its immaculate beauty. The city of Jammu offers great tourist attractions, from religious sites to grand palaces, with a lush topography of spectacular glacier-laden hills, mesmerising valleys, picturesque towns, and much more. A perfect retreat for leisure travellers, honeymooners, and wildlife enthusiasts, Jammu attracts visitors from across the country. Let’s get straight to how you can make the most of your weekend vacation and which places to visit in Jammu. We have curated a list of tourist places in Jammu & Kashmir:

Day 1 – Arrival at Jammu and Local Sightseeing:

Early arrival at Jammu will give you enough time to visit some of the major hotspots of the city. A quick trip to Amar Mahal, Bahu Fort, Raghunath Temple, Mandi Palace will give you a brief idea on the historic facets of this ‘City of Temples’. Your stay at Jammu will enhance with some delicious top-ups of local dishes like Ambal, Khatta Meat, Aloo Dum, Pulao, and Maa da Madra, all complimented with famous sweets like Sund Panjeeri, Patisa, and Chocolate Barfi.

Day 2 – Jammu to Katra:

An easy 1-hour drive from Jammu will get you to Katra. There are various places to visit in Katra, each having its religious significance. Being home to one of the most important temples in India, Mata Vaishno Devi, you will find various cultural and religious sites here. It is also filled with undulating hillsides offering breathtaking views of great Himalayas.

For shopping freaks, a wide variety of dry fruits, leather articles, and tapestries are available on the main street to be bought as souvenirs for friends and family.

Day 3 – Katra to Patnitop:

A total distance of 70 km covered with a 2.5-hour drive from Katra, you will arrive at Patnitop. Located at an altitude of 6640 ft. above the sea level, it is nestled amidst the lush and luxuriant forest cover. Offering panoramic views of the Shivalik Range, Patnitop offers a number of places that you can visit. When it comes to the tourist places in Patnitop, you can visit Madhatop, Nathatop, Sanasar Lake, and Naag Temple among others. Each destination offers unique experiences for you to take part in. You can trek through some uncharted terrains at Madhatop, paraglide through the skies at Nathatop, or take a serene stroll at Sanasar Lake.

Day 4 – Adventure Time at Skyview

Skyview Patnitop is a one-stop destination for endless experiences. Be it indulging in the adrenaline-pumping activities or relishing lip-smacking delights from around the globe or simply getting up close to nature, you are going to find it all. There is a reason why we have suggested a full day at Skyview!

Adventure Activities:

Gondola Ride: Designed with the latest French technology in collaboration with POMA, Gondola at Skyview covers a total span of 2.8 km and adheres to CEN (European) standard of safety norms. It is the highest ropeway in India (highest ground clearance) with the longest span of 849 m between two of its eight towers. With a total of 18 cabins, each capable to accommodate up to 8 adults, you are bound to have a great time, no matter how large is your group. All in all, a great experience for everyone!

Zipline: Participate or compete with your friends along with a series of 9 zip wires. Built-in collaboration with Flying Fox, this activity offers a zigzag ziplining experience. Test your skills and set new records for everyone to break. You surely are going to love it.

Tubing: India’s first grass tubing sledge offering all-season fun; jump in for pure pleasure with your friends. Indulge in an exhilarating experience as you slide down the descending terrain!

Sumptuous Delights 

Referred to as a ‘Paradise for Foodies’, Skyview offers numerous options for your tummy cravings, each offering delicious and finger-licking cuisine from around the globe, never before in Jammu. You can dine at The Wok – An Oriental Restaurant; Banana Leaf – offering flavours from North & South India; Pine View Café, or Skyview Café by Empyrean as per your taste and choice.

After a day full of adventure and fun, you can shop for some souvenirs at the Skyview Patnitop.

Next-Day – Drive Back To Home!

And that’s how your long weekend escape to Jammu will come to an end.