Places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir: tourist attractions
When to go: April to October for the Kashmir valley; December to February for snow and skiing at Gulmarg; October to March for Jammu.
Getting there: Srinagar and Jammu airports; trains to Jammu Tawi and Katra, and on through the mountains to Srinagar.
Tourist spots in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is known as heaven on earth. Blue valleys, alpine passes - this state is full of scenic beauty. The tropical climate also adds to the fascination of the state.
The Shankaracharya Temple offers a terrific view of Kashmir. The Mughal Garden of Shalimar along with beautiful flowers, fountains and streams, also has the magnificent mosque of Hazrathal.
The major tourist attractions of Jammu are the Raghunath temple and the Vaishno Devi temple that attract pilgrims from all over the country.
In Ladakh, the palaces that are of great interest and attract tourists are the Leh Palace and the Thiksey Monastery. The Stok Palace and the Museum houses relics of the last ruling family.
Other places to visit include the Bahu Fort that is built on a rock facing the Tawi River. A temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali is also found inside this fort. Beautifully laid gardens surround the fort adding to its beauty. The Mubarak Mandi Palace has a unique blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and gothic style. Katra acts as a base camp for tourists and pilgrims going to the Vaishno Devi temple. The Dal Lake comprising of a series of other lakes is where modern boats are mostly anchored.
Peer Baba, Patnitop, Pahalgam, Hemis Gompa, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa and the Shanti Stupa are other tourists’ attractions of the state, each having unique characteristics and something different to offer.
Plan your visit
The best time to visit each place, where to book on official sites, and more about it on this site. For hotels and tours across Jammu and Kashmir: JKTDC hotels, IRCTC Tourism.
| Place | Best time to visit | Book (official sites) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Srinagar and Dal Lake | April to October; tulips in late March and April | JKTDC hotels | About Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Cuisine |
| Gulmarg | December to March for skiing; May to September for meadows and the gondola | JKTDC hotels | Jammu and Kashmir Adventure |
| Pahalgam | April to October; the Amarnath yatra starts here in July and August | JKTDC hotels | Jammu and Kashmir Adventure, About Pahalgam |
| Sonamarg | May to September; the road is closed by snow in winter | – | Jammu and Kashmir Adventure |
| Vaishno Devi (Katra) | March to October; Navratri in spring and autumn is busiest | Vaishno Devi yatra and rooms | Jammu and Kashmir Festivals |
| Patnitop | March to June; December to February for snow | JKTDC hotels | – |
Seasons, opening days and booking rules change; check the official site before you travel. Every booking link goes to a government or official site.