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.

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.