Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir

Looking for things to do in Jammu and Kashmir? Look no further! Known as heaven on earth, Kashmir is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. The natural beauty of Jammu and Kashmir is the reason why it is one of the most visited tourist destinations for a family vacation in India.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is different from all others in India. Jammu is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, while Srinagar is the summer capital. Since 1947, when India got its independence, the state has been a topic of controversy between India and Pakistan, and many battles continue to be fought over the state.

The great poet, Amir Khusrao, described the beautiful Kashmir Valley in the following lines – “If there is paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here”. Indeed, the mesmerizing beauty of Jammu and Kashmir is unmatched. Stunning in every season, the state has something for everyone.

With a rich cultural heritage, mesmerizing views, captivating beauty, delicious cuisine, and warm people, Jammu and Kashmir has so much to offer to visitors. Read on to find out the best things to do in Jammu and Kashmir as you take a break from city life.

Enjoy a shikara ride

Who doesn’t love serene boat rides as you float around in serene lakes with nothing but scenic beauty all around? Kashmir’s Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake offer splendid shikara rides, with views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance and floating markets and gardens in the lake. You can also have a mini-picnic in the shikara with a cup of kahwa or some snacks that are sold on other boats passing you by. It is a fun experience, one of the must-do activities in Kashmir.

Go on a shikara ride in Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake

Stay in a luxurious houseboat

If a shikara ride doesn’t feel enough, how about staying in a boat? Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake have many luxurious houseboats you can choose to stay in. The houseboats come with all the amenities, from basic to luxury, depending on the type of houseboat you choose. You can sit in the balcony of the boat in the mornings, sipping on kahwa and watching local life pass by. Some boats also have floating gardens!

You can also go for a shikara ride from your houseboat to shop for local goods from the floating market in Dal Lake.

Luxurious houseboats in Dal Lake

Experience winter activities

If you want to experience snow in all its glory, Kashmir is the place to be in winter. Turning into a winter wonderland, Kashmir offers many winter sports and activities you can try, such as skiing, snowboarding, snow trekking, sleigh rides, heli-skiing, ice skating, and more.

Gulmarg is a world-famous destination for skiing. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Gulmarg has different altitudes you can ski in. You can rent winter jackets and snow boots from the rental shops in the town. Patnitop is another popular skiing destination in Jammu.

Skiing is one of the best winter activities to do in Kashmir

Try adventure activities

Jammu and Kashmir is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Adventure sports in Jammu and Kashmir come with mesmerizing views of nature.

Try a Gondola Ride in Gulmarg. With pristine white views of the Himalayan mountains in winter and snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys during the rest of the year, it is always a good time for a Gondola ride.

Indulge in a hot air balloon ride in Kashmir, with views of lakes, rivers, valleys and mountains you will never forget. April to October is a good time for a hot air balloon ride. If you want some more thrill, you can try paragliding! Glide over the hills and valleys of Nathatop and Sanasar, an experience like no other as you take in nature’s beauty.

River rafting in Kashmir is a popular adventure activity. The Zanskar and Lidder rivers see visitors from all over the world to enjoy this sport. Sonmarg is also a popular river rafting destination. Beginners can enjoy river rafting in Lidder River in Pahalgam, while Sindh river rafting is a good choice for experienced people.

Camp under the stars in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Camping in Kashmir includes lush meadows, crystal clear streams and rivers, majestic mountains, blue skies, and millions of stars. Pahalgam and Sonmarg are two amazing places for camping. March to October is the best time for camping in Kashmir.

River rafting in Kashmir

Stroll in the beautiful gardens

Kashmir has a few Mughal gardens so enchanting in their beauty that you may not feel like leaving. Some of the most well-known Mughal gardens in Kashmir are Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Pari Mahal. The architecture of these gardens is in Persian style, with beautiful fountains, walkways surrounded by lush greenery, and pretty flowers.

Another garden renowned in Kashmir is the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, a popular tourist attraction. Spread over 30 hectares, this garden is home to around 68 varieties of tulips and holds a world record. With rows and rows of over 15 lakh tulips and other flowers, strolling in the tranquil surroundings of the garden is a unique experience. The garden opens from March to April, which is the tulip blossom season.

Shalimar Bagh

Go golfing

The Kashmir Valley, or the Vale of Kashmir, is also well-known for golf tourism during the summers. With a range of world-class golf courses, it is one of the top destinations among golfers.

The picturesque surroundings and pleasant climate means that you can play for longer hours without getting tired. The golf courses are closed during winters, when it starts snowing.

The most popular golf course in Kashmir is the Gulmarg Golf Course, the highest green golf course in the world situated at a height of 2650 meters. Some of the other golf courses in Jammu and Kashmir are Royal Springs Golf Course, Sidhra Golf Course, and Lidder Valley Golf Course.

Gulmarg Golf Course (picture credits: 4moles.com)

Visit places of religious worship

Jammu city is most renowned for the Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the most visited cave temples in India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Vaishno Devi, and Indian devotees consider a trip to Jammu incomplete without visiting the temple. It is a 12 kilometers trek from the base camp at Katra to reach the temple at the top. You can also ride a horse or take a cable car for part of the way, or book a helicopter ride all the way to the top.

Another temple near Jammu is the Raghunath Temple, built in 1835 by Maharaja Gulab Singh. The temple complex houses seven distinct shrines dedicated to the different forms of Lord Vishnu.

The Amarnath yatra is a trek to the Amarnath Temple undertaken by millions of pilgrims every year during July and August. The yatra, or journey, starts from Baltal or Pahalgam.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Witness the wildlife

The Dachigam National Park in Kashmir is home to leopards, brown bear, Himalayan black bear, and Kashmiri stags, along with different types of birds, such as pygmy owls, Kashmiri flycatcher, and bulbuls.

Another national park in the state is Kishtwar High Altitude National Park in Jammu. You will find rare animal species like the Indian Muntjac, Himalayan Tahr, hangul, and the snow leopard.

The Manda Zoo in Jammu is a good place to visit if you want to check out the wildlife in Kashmir without a lot of hassle. The zoo is small, but houses many animals such as leopards, porcupines, barn owls, hog deer, pythons, and many birds.

Some other beautiful national parks in Jammu and Kashmir are Kazinag National Park, Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, and Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kishtwar High Altitude National Park

Visit scenic locations

The state of Jammu and Kashmir has many tourist attractions. Patnitop is a charming hill station near Jammu offering stunning landscapes throughout the year. The town also offers many adventure activities you can try.

The town of Poonch is a must-visit in Jammu. You can drive to the beautiful town or take a helicopter ride from Jammu. Some other beautiful places in Kashmir include the picturesque valley of Kashmir, Gurez Valley, Aru Valley, and Betaab Valley, all pristine and untouched locations, stunning in their beauty and great places to visit if you just want to be amidst nature.

Patnitop

Trekking

The state is home to some of the most scenic and difficult treks in India. The Kashmir Great Lakes trek, Kolahoi Glacier Trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, and Naranag Gangabal Trek are a few of the most popular trekking trails in Kashmir. Even though the road is long, the trails will make you forget how tired you are – imagine beautiful snow-capped peaks in the distance, verdant valleys, pristine lakes, ponds, and streams, and untouched natural beauty every stop of the way!

There are short treks and long treks you can choose according to your requirements. No matter which trek you choose, you will be rewarded with serene landscapes and gorgeous views.

Tarsar Marsar Trek (Picture credits: indiahikes.com)

Go shopping

Kashmir is a paradise for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs to take home. The state is known for its handicrafts, Kashmiri carpets, Pashmina shawls, and paper mache objects. Wooden items and furniture made from walnut wood, embroidered textiles and bags, and traditional Kashmiri dresses (pheren) are a few things to buy in Jammu and Kashmir.

You can also buy Kashmiri walnuts, dryfruits, and apples,a speciality of the land. Saffron from Kashmir is known to be some of the most fragrant and flavorful. Kahwa, the traditional tea of Kashmir, is also a unique product to take home.

Some of the famous markets in Jammu and Kashmir are Raghunath Bazaar, Gole Market, Sonamarg Market, Hari Market, and JDA Complex in Jammu, and Polo View Road, Lal Chowk, Kashmir Government Art Emporium, and Residency Road in Kashmir.

Shop from a range of items in Jammu and Kashmir

Visit heritage sites

Apart from the stunning sceneries, the tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir also include many historic sites that showcase its rich cultural heritage and take you back to a bygone era.

Amar Mahal Palace, a palace built for Raja Amar Singh in the 19th century, is now a renowned museum. Built in the French style of architecture, the palace has a rich collection of royal art, rare books, and unique paintings in the Dogra-Pahari style.

The historic Bahu fort in Jammu was built by Raja Bahu Lochan on the banks of the Tawi River. The massive fort includes beautiful gardens, a view of the river, and a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.

The Mubarak Mandi Palace was once the royal residence of the kings of Dogra. The grandeur of the place comes through through its vast halls, intricate carvings, and stunning paintings. Today, it is home to the Dogra Art Museum, inaugurated by Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1954.

Jammu and Kashmir has many ancient temples and structures with rich historical significance that should definitely be on your list during your trip.

Amar Mahal

Gorge on the local cuisine

The cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir offers delicious dishes. Don’t forget to try the local food and local flavours while in Jammu and Kashmir.

Visit Jammu for some delicious rajma chawal, which is red kidney beans with long-grained rice. The kebabs and tikkas in Jammu are also delicious. The Kalahri is a local cheese of Jammu, with a distinct flavor and texture similar to mozzarella.

Kashmir has a largely meat-based cuisine, with a few vegetarian options as well. The Kashmiri cuisine focuses on the local ingredients, showcasing the rich history and culture of the state beautifully. Some of the dishes you must try in Kashmir are lamb rogan josh, Kashmiri pulao, yakhni pulao, dum aloo, nadroo yakhni (a curry made from lotus stems), and gushtaba. Your taste buds will thank you for the amazing food and experience.

Rogan josh (Picture credits: Headbanger’s Kitchen)

So, what will you be doing during your Jammu and Kashmir tour first? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized itineraries to India for you, based on your interests and requirements. Contact us, and together, we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!