Kashmir is one of the best tourist destinations in India. Here, we are listing the top 5 locations to visit while being in Kashmir.
Heaven On Earth as it sounds, the glories and beauty of Kashmir are no secret to either national or international tourists. Kashmir is the crown of India, nestled in the north part enveloped by peaks and pinnacles of the great Himalayas, the place is exquisite in terms of natural beauty, handicrafts, delicacies, culture, prestige, royalty, and most importantly, friendly human behavior. On my 20-day-long vacation to Kashmir, I had the ample amount to scratch and dive into the place entirely. The best thing about this region is that whether you choose to visit here in winters or summers, this Eden welcomes you with splendid weather, equally contrasting, yet tempting. Today, based on my personal experiences, I am listing out the best spots where visiting while being in Kashmir will serve you best.
1. Gulmarg
Do you like to start your day with a filling, crispy, and delicious breakfast? This location has it all, from fast food to street food, and from South Indian to North Indian cuisine. It has gathered a lot of traction and is currently on the top of the student’s wish list. They serve mouth-watering food and exquisite desserts.
How To Reach:
- The nearest airport to Gulmarg is in Srinagar which is 56 kilometers away. It is a domestic airport and is well connected to major cities in India by regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Amritsar. Outside the airport, you can hire a prepaid cab which will cost you around Rs. 1500 one-way. You can also hire a shared taxi which will cost less.
- Gulmarg is 57 kilometers from Srinagar and although it can be reached in 1-2 hours, it takes more time due to the winding high altitude roads. It is recommended that you update your car with specially equipped tires to drive in this region.
Best Time To Visit:
- From December-end to mid-February, there is enough snowfall for you to create your snowman! Make sure you pack heavy woolens as the temperature can drop down to -4 degrees Celsius.
- March to June: Not only do these months constitute the summer season in Gulmarg but this is also the peak tourist season here. While you might come across very little snow on the ground and high altitudes in March, you would find the surroundings in their natural colors. No wonder you can witness the true Gulmarg which is popularly known as the Meadow of flowers during this season.
Location - 40, Guru Kripa Building, Road 24, Near SIES College, Sion, Mumbai
2. Pahalgam
Also known as Village Of Shephards, the place is living heaven amidst dense Pine, Fir, and Chinar trees, gigantic Himalayan stretches, rippling Lidder, and many other freshwater rivers, rows, and bushes of scented flowers, misty weather, and all the elements of paradise right at one spot. With all the natural beauties in the fists of Pahalgam, the localities have tried their best to make this location a heavenly one. Trout fishing, pony rides, farms, and the selling of fresh dry fruits are just the starters in the package. Situated in the Anantnag district, the place is surrounded by beautiful spots. Aru Valley, Baisaran, and Betaab valley are the prime locations in the area. Once chosen and projected on the silver screens of Bollywood and named after Betaab movie is famous for its beautiful green environment enveloped by huge mountains, chilli weather, costume photography, and a never-ending list.
The tourism department of Kashmir offers cute cottages to tourists ranging from 3,000 rupees per night with self-cooking options and a 2 BHK hut. The purpose of visiting Kashmir only gets fulfilled after visiting Pehelgam or else your journey is incomplete.
How to Reach:
- This marvelous hill station does not have an airport. However, the closest is the Sheikh-Ul-Alam airport in Srinagar, about 90 km away, which is connected to all the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, etc. From the airport, you can get yourself a cab to get to Pahalgam. It won’t take you more than 2 hours to reach your destination from Srinagar.
- Pahalgam is connected to the alluring Indian cities of Srinagar and Jammu by the state-owned Road Transport Corporation Buses. Private buses are also available, where you have the option of Deluxe Luxury Buses as well. The added advantage of a bus ride is that the visitors get to see the delightful and enticing beauty of the neighboring locales like Sonamarg, Panchtarni, and others.
Here is a distance chart:
- Srinagar to Pahalgam – 95 km
- Delhi to Pahalgam – 826 km
- Sonamarg to Pahalgam – 163 km
- Katra to Pahalgam – 253 km
- Leh to Pahalgam – 603 km
Best Time To Visit:
- March to June: While March is still cool, April onwards marks the onset of the summer season in Pahalgam. During this season, the weather is pleasant and favorable for a day of sightseeing. Temperature generally ranges between 25 degrees Celsius and 11 degrees. This is Pahalgam’s peak tourist season and also happens to be an ideal month for the most revered Amarnath Yatra.
- October to February: October marks the onset of the winter season in Pahalgam and there is a sudden dip in the overall temperature followed by chilly winds. If you love playing in the snow, you must visit Pahalgam in the peak winter season. during the months of December and January. The temperature drops down to sub-zero levels and the entire mountain range, as well as the rough terrain, is perfectly layered snowmaking it a beautiful scenery altogether.
Location - 40, Guru Kripa Building, Road 24, Near SIES College, Sion, Mumbai
3. Srinagar
Who is a queen without her crown? Srinagar in a similar way is the crown of Kashmir. Without Srinagar, there is no biggy to praise the place with such high admirations. Srinagar being the hub of all-natural gorgeousness blended stands out from every other place in the world. The Mughals did a bit extra good by building treat eyes gardens and that too in quite a number. With Dal lake being the major boon for the place, the Eden is yet more beautified by the soft and calm Nageen lake pouring in every extra bit of beauty. Srinagar is also home to Asia’s largest tulip garden. You can see the dazzling rainbow colors of the Tulip Festival in Srinagar during the first two weeks of April. Shikara rides, living in houseboats, soul tempting Kahwas and Saffron Chaais, lush and what not.
The brilliant walnut wood architecture and furniture with Pashmina, silk, and modest carpets add the royalty to every household. Srinagar is the center and the hub of all the unimaginable goodness so Bold the entry in your notebook and mark Srinagar as a MUST TO VISIT.
How to Reach:
- This marvelous hill station does not have an airport. However, the closest is the Sheikh-Ul-Alam airport in Srinagar, about 90 km away, which is connected to all the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, etc. From the airport, you can get yourself a cab to get to Pahalgam. It won’t take you more than 2 hours to reach your destination from Srinagar.
- Pahalgam is connected to the alluring Indian cities of Srinagar and Jammu by the state-owned Road Transport Corporation Buses. Private buses are also available, where you have the option of Deluxe Luxury Buses as well. The added advantage of a bus ride is that the visitors get to see the delightful and enticing beauty of the neighboring locales like Sonamarg, Panchtarni, and others.
Here is a distance chart:
- Srinagar to Pahalgam – 95 km
- Delhi to Pahalgam – 826 km
- Sonamarg to Pahalgam – 163 km
- Katra to Pahalgam – 253 km
- Leh to Pahalgam – 603 km
Best Time To Visit:
- The uniqueness of Srinagar lies in the fact that every season has its charm. That said, April to June is the most popular time for tourists to visit as the weather is cool and temperatures range between 10 degrees Celcius and 30 degrees Celcius.
- Srinagar transforms into a winter wonderland starting from October and continues till March when temperatures drop to minus 10 degrees Celcius. While the frozen waters of Dal Lake become the playground for cricket matches, the slopes of Gulmarg see an ambush of skiers.
Location - 40, Guru Kripa Building, Road 24, Near SIES College, Sion, Mumbai
4. Sonmarg
Often called the Meadow Of Gold, Sonmarg is one of the most popular destinations among tourists. The beautiful region is covered by Fir and Chinar trees, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and everything that one has in mind. The triple treat of Kishansar, Vishansar, and Gadsar lakes makes it more divine and aesthetic. Adventure activities like trout fishing and camping act as the cherry on top of this place. The place is also the starting point for Amarnath treks so the hustle-bustle in the region is slightly higher compared to other Kashmir locations.
I had a great time visiting here and the best thing was it is close to many tourist attraction points like Thajiwas glacier, Baltal Valley, Amarnath cave, Naranag and many many more. The place has it all combined so a stay for a day or two is sufficient to cheer your exhausted soul up.
How to Reach:
- The nearest International Airport is Srinagar International Airport, roughly 80 km from Sonmarg. This airport is well connected to other important cities like Jammu, New Delhi, Mumbai, Leh, Amritsar, and Bangalore.
- Sonamarg is 80 km from Srinagar, 120 km from Gulmarg, 144 Kms from Achabal, 150 Kms from Kokernag, 174 Kms from Pahalgam and is very well connected through Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation.
Best Time To Visit:
Sonmarg is a year-round destination, but April to June is the ideal time to visit. You’re most likely to find an explosion of wildflowers carpeting the valley. The months of July and August see heavy pilgrim traffic for the Amarnath Yatra. Baltal, 15 kilometers north of Sonmarg is the camping ground for those making the journey.
Location - 40, Guru Kripa Building, Road 24, Near SIES College, Sion, Mumbai
5. Patnitop
Yet another eye treat that Kashmir has to offer is Patnitop, a beautiful sport carpeted with lush green grasses, surrounded by ice-capped mountains, guarded by tall and coniferous trees, and beautified by poppling lakes and its proximity to the Chenab river.
Madhatop, just at a distance of 5 Kms is a major tourist destination with all the fun snow activities, from skiing to paragliding to tempt the enthusiasts. Enjoy a calm picnic with family in the lap of the hills at Kud park or go for a city sightseeing tour to Patnitop, Jammu, the place has it all pulled together. I had a great time visiting Bilo Ki Powri and Shiva Ghar while being there. Yet another boon for religious travelers, Vaishno Devi is situated at a minor distance of around 2.5 hours on a four-wheeler. My recommendation (although I have many) is… Try your tongue at the local delicacy ‘Patisa’. I loved it. The place is small yet full of colors and therefore, visiting Patnitop is a win-win deal.
How to Reach:
- At a distance of 110 km from Jammu, Patnitop can be reached by a local bus or taxi. The journey can take around 3-4 hours. The nearest railway station from
- Patnitop is in Udhampur and the other one is in Jammu. The nearest airport is also located in Jammu. Buses and taxis ply regularly from the airport and the railway station to Patnitop.
Best Time To Visit:
- Summer Season (April to June) With temperatures not rising above 18°C, this is the best time to visit this place. During summers, Patnitop becomes a hub for adventure activities like trekking, paragliding, and camping, making it the ideal travel destination for adventurers and thrill-seekers.
- Monsoon Season (July to September)Monsoons in Patnitop are not very harsh, making it one of the best travel destinations in northern India during this time. The temperature remains between 21°C and 32°C. It is the best time to visit Patnitop to witness its beautiful greenery and enjoy a relaxing vacation.
- Winter Season (October to March) Winters in Patnitop are magical. With the temperature ranging between subzero and 18°C, this place becomes the perfect travel destination for honeymooners and couples during winters. Visit Patnitop during winters to witness its jaw-dropping splendor.
Final Words!
Kashmir is called heaven on earth and is true in any and every sense. From natural beauty to rich heritage, from beautiful shopping spots and commercial glitters to relaxing amidst nature and mountains, this place is simply a paradise. Visit Kashmir at least once in a lifetime is mandatory for every soul out there. The lifestyle is home-like, the expenses are budget-friendly and it has every minor to major thing one looks for while planning a trip. So why wait when you know the best route? Hit It ON!
Location - 40, Guru Kripa Building, Road 24, Near SIES College, Sion, Mumbai
