Bounded by Himalayan ranges in the northern part of India, Jammu & Kashmir is a union territory. The region of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the best tourist destinations in India that attracts a large number of tourists all over the globe.
Surrounded by mountain peaks, gorgeous landscapes, lush green valleys, charming lakes, temples, and monasteries, Jammu Kashmir is often called Paradise on earth. Simplicity, pristine beauty, spirituality, unique culture, and tradition is the specialty of this region.
The city of Jammu is blessed with hundreds of temples while Kashmir is famous for its scenic visuals of the greater Himalayas, Pir Panjal range, wildlife, unique monuments, and local handicrafts. Jammu & Kashmir is an ideal destination for a vacation with the family, romantic honeymoon, thrilling adventure with friends, solo trip, sacred pilgrimage tour, wildlife holiday, and trekking.
Jammu and Kashmir has numerous places to visit, so we are happy to suggest 6 best destinations for your next ideal getaway.
1. Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi temple is located on the Trikuta Hills in Katra, Jammu- Kashmir. Set at an elevation of 5200 Ft above sea level, it is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in India. Mata Vaishno Devi temple is a cave temple which is one of 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Maa Durga.
The cave of Mata Vaishno Devi is three naturally formed rocks (known as Pindies) of Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. You have to go on a trek from Katra nearly 14 KM to reach the holy temple of Mata. You can also hire cars, buses, taxies, ponies, Palkies, and helicopter rides. It is believed that Vaishno Devi fulfills the wishes of devotees (known as Moon Man Ki Muradei Poori Karne wali Mata). Every year millions of visitors and Hindu devotees visit the temple. The holy temple of Mata Vaishno is open throughout the year, the best time to visit is in the months of Navratri and Diwali festivals.
2. Srinagar
At an elevation of above 5000 Ft, Srinagar is the largest city of Indian union territory Jammu & Kashmir. Nestled amidst the grandeur of mighty mountains, Srinagar lies on the banks of the Jhelum river. Srinagar is known as Kashmiri Venice featuring snow-capped mountain ranges, historical monuments, and Mughal architecture. The city is famous for exquisite lakes, rivers, Mughal-era gardens, tasty Kashmiri cuisine, houseboats, waterfronts, and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Wular lake, Nishat Bagh, Dachigam national park, Nigeen Lake, Chashme Shahi, Char Chinar, Tulip Garden, and Pari Mahal are places to visit in Srinagar. Houseboats and Shikara rides in Dal Lake are must-do activities when in Srinagar.
3. Patnitop
Patnitop ( also known as Patni Top) is a hill station at an elevation of 6,640 Ft in the Ramban district of Jammu Kashmir. Surrounded by beautiful meadows, stunning landscapes, and fascinating Himalayan peaks, You will experience the exceptional beauty of nature in Patnitop. A trip to Patnitop is an ideal winter getaway in Kashmir packages. This place also offers some of the best adventurous activities to pump the adrenaline like skiing, paragliding, and trekking. The hilltop also features three freshwater springs to relax in the lap of nature. Some places to visit in Patnitop are Nathatop, Kud park, Madhatop, Naag Mandir, Billo ki Powri, Shivagarh, Sudh Mahadev, Patnitop circular road, and sky view Patnitop.
4. Doda
Doda is a district in the eastern part of Jammu & Kashmir situated at an elevation of 3631 Ft above sea level. Set amidst surreal nature and blessed with diverse landscapes, Doda is the least known and unexplored destination among tourists.
Bounded by a dense forest area, majestic mountains, and beautiful Chenab river, Doda offers some best adventurous opportunities for trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, snow skiing, mountaineering, and rock climbing. Surrounded by plum, apple, and peach orchards, Bhaderwah is known as Mini Kashmir and a major tourist attraction in Doda. Gupt Ganga Temple, Chinta valley, Chandi Mata temple, Padri, and Baglihar are some other attractions in Doda. The best time to visit Doda is March to October though this place goes through a cool and pleasant climate all around the year.
5. Kishtwar
Enclosed by captivating mountains, pristine rivers, and lush grasslands, Kishtwar is a district located 213 KM from Jammu. Kishtwar is also known as Land of Saffron and Sapphire as it is one of the largest saffron producers in J&K. Nestled at an elevation of 5374 Ft, Kishtwar is home to dense forests and rich wildlife. Kishtwar national park attracts lots of tourists and wildlife lovers with rich flora & fauna.
Sinthan top, Chowgan, Machail Mata temple, Kishtwar national park, Qilla Kishtwar, Saffron safari, Bharnoin, Padyarna, and Mughal Maidan are sightseeing locations of Kishtwar. During the months of winter is
the best to enjoy the magnificent beauty of Kishtwar at its peak.
Also Read: 5 Top Destinations in North India for your Vacation in 2021
6. Sanasar
Perched at an altitude of 6730 Ft above sea level, Sanasar’s name is derived from the name of two villages Sana and Sar located near Patnitop in the Ramban district. Renowned as aero adventure sports capital, Sanasar is a hidden gem in Jammu and Kashmir. Sanasar is a paradise for adventure junkies as it is famous as a hub of adventurous activities like paragliding, trekking, camping, golfing, rock climbing, wilderness adventure camping, abseiling, and rappelling. Sanasar lake, Naag Temple, Shankar Pal temple, Suri Kund, and Golf course are tourists attractions to visit in Sanasar. Months of April to June are the best time to try adventurous activities in Sanasar.
