Last Updated on 27/12/2024
The state of Jammu and Kashmir offers one of the best holiday destinations due to its geographic beauty and serene landscape. This land is filled with natural treasures that attract tourists to the region repeatedly. The following list highlights the 10 best places in this destination.
Jammu and Kashmir has been designated as ‘Paradise on Earth’ because of the astonishing views of its landscape and the pleasant weather the place offers. The state is also famous for the various important religious shrines it houses. Here are the key tourist spots you should include in your itinerary while visiting Jammu and Kashmir.
List of Tourist Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir
01. Nigeen Lake
- Located near Dal Lake in Srinagar.
- Known as the “Jewel in the Ring.”
- Famous for houseboats and serene views.
- Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and flower gardens.
- Low pollution, making it a peaceful destination.
The lake is named after the trees surrounding it and is deep blue in color, earning it the nickname ‘Jewel in a Ring.’ It is a part of the famous Dal Lake and offers houseboat facilities. The lake provides an intoxicating ambiance with snow-covered mountains on one side and beautiful flower gardens on the other. Its pollution rate is very low, which makes it a popular tourist attraction.
02. Mubarak Mandi Palace
- Built by the Maharaja of the Dogra Dynasty.
- Located in Jammu city, overlooking the Tawi River.
- Combines Gothic, Mughal, and Rajasthani architectural styles.
- Famous for the Sheesha Mahal (Glass Palace) and Dogra art.
This palace was constructed by the Maharaja of the Dogra Dynasty. Located centrally in Jammu city, it faces the Tawi River. Its architecture is influenced by Gothic, Mughal, and Rajasthani styles and is famous for the ‘Sheesha Mahal’ located within its premises. This glass palace is adorned with Dogra paintings from the Kangra, Basholi, and Jammu schools of art.
03. Shankaracharya Temple
- Situated 1,100 feet above Srinagar on Takht-e-Sulaiman hill.
- Offers panoramic views of the Pir Panjal ranges.
- Known for its spiritual significance and stunning surroundings.
Situated 1,100 feet above Srinagar on a hill called Takht-e-Sulaiman, the Shankaracharya Temple is a religious shrine with a renovated ceiling, popular among both locals and tourists. Apart from its spiritual significance, the temple also offers a breathtaking view of the Pir Panjal ranges and the valleys below.
04. Nishat Bagh
- A Mughal garden on the eastern side of Dal Lake.
- Built in 1633 by Asif Khan, the “Garden of Delight.”
- Second-largest Mughal garden in Kashmir after Shalimar Bagh.
This famous Mughal garden is located on the eastern side of Dal Lake. It is close to the state capital, Srinagar, and is considered the second-largest garden after the popular Shalimar Bagh, also situated on the Dal Lake. Nishat Bagh means the ‘Garden of Delight’ or ‘Joy Garden’ and was built by Asif Khan in 1633.
05. Bahu Fort
- Built by Raja Bahulochan to protect Jammu.
- Houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.
- Located on an elevated plateau, with 8 interconnected towers.
- Surrounded by the Bhave-ki-Bahu park, once a dense forest.
Raja Bahulochan built this fort to protect the city limits. It has religious significance, with Goddess Kali’s temple within the fort’s premises. Located on an elevated plateau, the fort is guarded by a park called ‘Bhave-ki-Bahu,’ which was once a dense forest. The fort has a total of 8 interconnected towers, and the image of Goddess Mahakali was brought here from Ayodhya.
06. Pari Mahal
- Situated on Zebanwan mountaintop near Srinagar.
- Known as the “Palace of Fairies.”
- Features 7 terraces with Islamic-style architecture.
- Built by Dara Shikoh in the 17th century.
The Pari Mahal is situated on the Zebanwan mountaintop. The garden has 7 terraces, and the architecture is based on Islamic style. This garden, located in Cheshmashahi, was constructed by Prince Dara Shikoh in the 17th century. The maintenance of the garden is now the responsibility of the government.
07. Srinagar
- Capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, located on the Jhelum River.
- Famous for Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Shalimar Bagh, and more.
- Known for handicrafts like carpets and wooden artistry.
- Recently opened Tulip Garden.
The state capital looks its best in summer, situated on the banks of the Jhelum River. It is home to famous tourist attractions like Nigeen Lake, Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Pari Mahal, and Cheshmashahi. The city also offers exclusive handicrafts, including carpets and wooden artistry. The Tulip Garden was recently opened to the public for viewing.
08. Gulmarg
- Located in the Baramulla district, at 2,690 meters above sea level.
- Famous for adventure sports like skiing and golfing.
- Known for its world-class ski resort.
- Offers cable car rides with scenic views.
Located in the Baramulla district, Gulmarg is famous for the various adventure sports it offers to tourists in both summer and winter. It lies at 2,690 meters above sea level, and its ski resort is world-famous. You can also opt for cable car rides to enjoy scenic views if you’re not interested in skiing or golfing in the region.
09. Vaishno Devi Temple
- One of India’s top Hindu pilgrimage sites.
- Dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi (Mata Rani).
- Located on Trikuta Mountain, requires a trek.
- Attracts over 8 million pilgrims annually.
This religious shrine is one of the prime Hindu pilgrimage centers in India. It is dedicated to Mata Rani, or Vaishno Devi. More than 8 million pilgrims visit this temple every year, despite the fact that its location on the hills of Vaishno Devi makes it a difficult trek. It is the second most visited religious site in India.
10. Dal Lake
- One of the largest lakes in the world, located in Srinagar.
- Known for houseboats, Shikara rides, and scenic beauty.
- Surrounded by Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh gardens.
- Freezes in winter, offering a unique experience.
This popular lake is located in Srinagar and is one of the largest lakes in the world. It lies 1,775 meters above sea level, next to Tota Rani, and offers several recreational activities, including houseboats and Shikharas. The two famous gardens, Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, bordering the lake make it even more popular among tourists. The lake freezes completely in winter, giving it a completely different look.
The above-mentioned places are the famous tourist attractions of Jammu and Kashmir, making it popular among both domestic and international visitors.