Jammu and Kashmir, known as “Paradise on Earth” for its stunning valleys, snow-capped mountains, lakes, gardens and rich cultural heritage. This Union territory is India’s most important tourism and pilgrimage destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. Srinagar city is Summer Capital and Jammu city is Winter Capital of this Union Territory of two regions i.e. Kashmir Valley Region and Jammu Region. Major airports are Srinagar International Airport and Jammu Airport.

Tourist and Pilgrimage attractions in Kashmir Valley Region:

The Kashmir Valley is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking natural beauty, snow-capped mountains, lakes, gardens, and rich cultural heritage. It is the principal tourism region of Jammu and Kashmir, famous for destinations such as Srinagar, Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. The region experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons.

Tourist attractions in Srinagar District:

Srinagar city, summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir and district headquarter, is known as “Heaven on Earth” is located on the banks of river Jhelum at an elevation of 5300 feet in the Kashmir Valley. Srinagar is also called “Land of Gardens and Lakes.” the dream destination for honeymoon and family holidays. Tourist can purchage famous Kashmiri shawls, Kashmiri apples and dried fruits from Lal Chowk Market. Tourist attractions are:

Dal Lake: A globally famous lake known for houseboats and shikara rides.
Mughal Gardens: Historic Mughal-era gardens include Shalimar, Nishat, Chashme Shahi.
Hazratbal Shrine: Revered Muslim pilgrimage site on the bank of Dal Lake.
Shankaracharya Temple: Ancient hilltop Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on Gopari Hill, offering panoramic views of Srinagar city.
Other Attractions: Nageen Lake, Tulip garden, Lal Chowk Market, Dachigam National Park, Kahnqah Shah-i-Hamadan (Mosque in old Srinagar), Hari Parbat Fort, Pari Mahal etc.

Tourist and Pilgrimage attractions in Anantnag District:

Anantnag, the gateway to Kashmir Valley, is famous for natural springs, gardens and major pilgrimage sites. This beautiful city of Jammu and Kashmir located at a distance of 53 km from Srinagar is the commercial and financial capital of the Kashmir valley. Major Attractions:

Pahalgam: A popular & beautiful hill station hill station and base camp for the Amarnath Yatra. Key attractions:
Sightseeing Places: Aru Valley and Betab Valley.
Kolahoi Glaciers trek: A perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts via a beautiful village Aru.
Sheshnag Lake: Located near Pahalgam is a pilgrimage tourist attraction.
Baisaran : Called as “mini switzerland” is a beautiful hill station and the base camp for annual ‘Amarnath Yatra’ at 6 kms from Pahalgam.
Amarnath Cave: A most sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Amarnath Cave located has an enshrined Shivaling formed naturally with ice and is one of the most important pilgrimages for the worshippers of Lord Shiva. This place is visited by millions of tourists every year from all across the world by ‘Amarnath Yatra’ organized during the months of July-August. As per myth this place is the same cave where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati.
Kokernag Garden: Famous botanical garden and freshwater springs at about 23 Kms from Anantnag city and near Kokernag town.
Achabal Garden: A historic Mughal garden built during the Mughal era in Achabal town at 10 Kms from Anantnag.

Tourist attractions in Ganderbal District:

Ganderbal district is known for stunning Himalayan landscapes, alpine lakes and ancient heritage, key attractions are:

Sonamarg Town: A picturesque hill station located at 80 Kms from Srinagar, known as the “Meadow of Gold”, along the Sind River at height of 2730 meters. This place is also the starting point for “Amarnath Cave Yatra”, a most holy Hindu pilgrimage. Sonamarg is the base camp for the trekking routes leading to the mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Kishansar. Sonamarg remains inaccessible during winters due to heavy snowfall. Top tourist Attractions in Sonmarg are Amarnath Cave, Baltal Valley, Thajiwas Glacier, Kishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Naranag etc. and tourist can enjoy Camping, Trekking, Whitewater rafting, Trout fishing etc.
Thajiwas Glacier: Major tourist attraction near Sonamarg at 3 Kms.
Kheer Bhawani Temple: An ancient and scared Hindu pilgrimage site located in Tullamula at 27 Kms from Ganderbal town.
Naranag Temple Ruins: An archaeological site and base camp for trekking to Gangabal and Satsar lakes, located in Naranag village at 50 kms from Srinagar.

Tourist attractions in Baramulla District:

Baramulla district is famous for hill stations, rivers and scenic landscapes. Major Attractions:

Gulmarg Hill Station: Gulmarg located at an altitude of 2730 meter above sea level and at 30 Kms from Baramulla, is meadow destination in the Pir Panjal Range, having everything for tourist, snow dressed mountains, best skiing, highest green golf course ground, highest cable car project, lakes, pine & fir forests, different types of flowers. The sightseeing attractions are Maharani Temple/Shiva Temple, Baba Reshi Shrine & St. Mary’s Church. Tourist can also enjoy Skiing, playing golf, cable riding, horse riding and snow skiing.
Gulmarg Gondola: Gulmarg Gondola in Gulmarg hill station is the second longest and second highest cable car in the world.
Khilanmarg: A scenic alpine meadow and popular ski destination, located at 6 Kms from Gulmarg.
Baba Reshi Shrine: An important Muslim pilgrimage site at 13 kms before Gulmarg.

Tourist attractions in Kulgam District:

Known for waterfalls, meadows and natural springs. Major Attractions:

Aharbal Waterfall: Known as the “Niagara Falls of Kashmir” at 25 Kms from Kulgam town.
Kounsarnag Lake: High-altitude pilgrimage lake, can be reach by 3 days trek from Aharbal.
Tarsar-Marsar Region: Popular trekking destination.

Tourist attractions in Shopian District:

Known for apple orchards and scenic landscapes. Major Attractions:

Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary: Rich biodiversity.
Peer Ki Gali: Beautiful Mountain pass on ancient Mughal Route.
Mughal Road Viewpoints: Historic route and viewpoints.
Other Attractions: Jamia Masjit, Kapalmochan Mandir, Dibijan.

Tourist attractions in Budgam District:

Budgum district is an untouched alpine meadow, known for cultural heritage and mountain tourism. Major Attractions:

Charar-e-Sharif: Revered shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali, located in Charari Sharif town, located at 26 Kms from Budgum city.
Yusmarg: Beautiful meadow surrounded by forests near Charar-e-Sharif.
Doodhpathri: A scenic valley & hill station famous for lush meadows, located at 22 kms from Budgum and 45 Kms from Srinagar.

Tourist attractions in Pulwama District:

Pulwama is located at about 30 Kms from Srinagar and known for saffron cultivation and natural beauty. Major Attractions:

Avantipur Ruins: An archeological site of ancient Hindu temple ruins in Jawbrari village.
Aharbal Region: Scenic tourist area & waterfall.
Tarsar and Marsar Lakes: Popular trekking destinations.

Tourist and Pilgrimage attractions in Kupwara District:

Known for pristine valleys, forests and border tourism. Major Attractions:

Lolab Valley: Famous for natural beauty and housing ancient Sattbarran Kalaroos (rock-cut caves).
Seemab Valley: Scenic valley at the entrance of Seemab Valley.
Sri Sharada Temple: This temple dedicated to Goddess Maa Sharda is the replica of original temple, one of 51 Shakti Peethas, located at Teetwal near line of control in Karnah sector, as original temple is in Pak occupied Kashmir near it.
Bangus Valley: Untouched alpine valley.

Tourist attractions in Bandipora District:

Known for beautiful lakes, forests and mountain scenery. Major Attractions:

Wular Lake: One of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes at 12 Kms from Bandipora city.
Madhumati Valley: Scenic trekking destination at 6 Kms from Bandipora city.
Athwatoo: This village is tourist spot offering panoramic views at 11 Kms from Bandipora town.

Tourist and Pilgrimage attractions in Jammu Region:

Jammu city known as the “City of Temples”, serves as the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It has primarily subtropical climate of the plains and mountainous landscape. Jammu region is famous for pilgrimage tourism, especially the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi Temple, along with historical forts, lakes and scenic hill stations. District-wise tourist and pilgrimage destinations in Jammu region:

Tourist and Pilgrimage attractions in Samba District:

Samba district is known for temples and historical sites, Samba city is its headquarter, at 40 Kms from Jammu. Major Attractions:

Mansar Lake: A scenic lake surrounded by hills and featuring Hindu temples, hence a popular pilgrimage cum picnic destination.located at 62 Kms from Jammu city and 19 Kms from Samba town.
Purmandal Temple Complex: Ancient pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Parvati with several rock-cut temples, located on sacred Devika River at 35 Kms from Jammu city, often called “Chhota Kashi”.
Utterbehni: An ancientreligious town on sacred Devika River featuring many ancient temples and a prominent Godadhar Temple, located at 3 Kms from Purmandal Temple Complex site.
Other Attractions: Samba Fort, Mahorgarh Fort (Chani Mansar), Baba Chamliya (Sufi Sharine), Chichi Mata Temple, Surinsar Lake.

Tourist and Pilgrimage attractions in Jammu District:

Jammu city known as the City of Temples and the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Major Attractions in Jammu district:

Raghunath Temple: One of North India’s largest temple complexes located in Jammu city, known for its seven shrines and gold-plated inner walls.
Bahu Fort and Gardens: A historic fort overlooking the Tawi River and featuring Bawey Wali Mata Temple and Mughal style gardens, located in Gorkha nagar at 4 kms from Jammu city.
Ranbireshwar Temple: Famous Shiva temple in Jammu city.
Peer Kho cave Temple: An ancient cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva on the base of Trikuta Hills at 4 kms from Jammu city.
Amar Mahal Museum: A royal palace converted in museum, near Jammu city.
Mubarak Mandi Palace: A royal residence of Dogra dynasty, known for its architecture, located in old Jammu city.

Tourist and Pilgrimage attractions in Reasi District:

Reasi district is known worldwide for pilgrimage tourism as most visited “Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine” is located here. Major Attractions:

Vaishno Devi Shrine: One of India’s most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi. Vaishno Devi Mandir is a major Hindu pilgrimage destination in India located on Trikuta hills at about 14 kms from Katra town linked by train, which is about 45 kms from Jammu city. Devotees have to take a trek of nearly 14 kilometers from the Ban Ganga bridge or use other options of battery-operated cars, ponies, palkies and helicopter rides to reach the temple. Other temples dedicated to Ardhkuwari and Bhairo are also visited by devotees. The devotees need to make advance bookings by get registered through website of “Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board” to undertake the holy pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi temple. For more details you must visit https://www.maavaishnodevi.org

Shiv Khori Cave: A sacred naturally formed cave dedicated to Lord Shiva in Ransoo village near Reasi town and at 75 kms from Katra town.
Other Attractions: Salal Dam (scenic hydroelectric project area), Bhimgarh Fort (a historic hilltop fort), Dera Baba Banda Bahadur (Sikh pilgrimage site).

Tourist attractions in Ramban District:

Known for mountains, waterfalls and trekking routes. Major Attractions:

Sanasar: Adventure tourism destination, known for tulip garden, Sanasar Lake and adventure sports like paragliding & zorbing.
Other Attractions: Panthyal Waterfall (scenic roadside waterfall), Neel Top (a viewpoint), Patnitop (trekking & viewpoint), Baglihar Dam (on Chenab River) Tattapani (series of sulphur springs).

Tourist attractions in Doda District:

Known for mountains, forests and adventure tourism. Major Attractions:

Bhaderwah Valley: Often called “Mini Kashmir”, known for pine forests and snow-covered forests. Bhaderwah town in this valley is a hill station at 36 kms from Doda city,district headquarter, and 80 kms from Batote town.
Vasukinag Temple: An ancient religious site in Bhaderwah.
Jai Valley: Beautiful picnic and trekking destination near Bhaderwah.
Kailash Kund: A high-altitude mysterious lake, serves as sacred pilgrimage site, can be reach by 16-17 kms trek from Vasuki Nag temple and an annual yatra is organised.
Padri Pass: Scenic Mountain pass area on Bhaderwah-Chamba National Highway.
Other Attractions: Chinta Valley, Lal Draman & Dal Draman.

Tourist and Pilgrimage attractions in Udhampur District:

Known for military significance and pilgrimage destinations. Major Attractions:

Patnitop: A popular hill station between Ramban town and Udhampur town.
Mantalai (Suda Mahadev Temple): A spiritual and scenic destination associated with Hindu mythology, located at 26 kms from Udhampur town, an ancient ‘Sudh Mahadev Temple’ dedicated to Lord Shiva ( located at 8 Kms from Mantalai village) , mystical ‘’Gauri Kund (natural spring at 3 kms from Sudh Mahadev Temple) and ‘Mantalai Lake’ (a high altitude lake can be reach by trekking of many days) are also located in this region.
Other Attractions: Krimchi Temple (ancient temple complex at 12 Kms from Udhampur town), Ramnagar Fort (a preserved historical Fort), Devika Ghats (near Udhampur town on sacred Devika River).

Tourist attractions in Kathua District:

Known as the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir from Punjab. Major Attractions:

Sarthal Valley: Scenic hill destination between Bani and Bhadewah.
Jasrota Fort: A historic Dogra-era fort on hillock surrounded by Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary at 20 Kms from Kathua city.
Sukrala Mata Temple: A revered hilltop pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Durga in Sukrala village at 75 Kms from Kathua city.
Bani: A verdant valley of Pir Panjal range at 70 Kms from Dalhousie (Himachal Pardesh).
Basohil: A historic town at 32 kms from Kathua, known for Basohil paintings and ruins of Basohil Fort.
Airwan Temple: An ancient Shiva Temple in Airwan village at 15 Kms from Kathua.

Tourist attractions in Rajouri District:

Known for historical sites, mountains and religious tourism. Major Attractions:

Shahdara Sharif Shrine: An important Muslim pilgrimage site in Thanamandi.
Dhanidhar Fort: A Historical fort on hilltop near Rajouri town.
Dehra Ki Gali: A scenic Mountain pass on road from Poonch to Rajouri near historical Mughal route.
Other Attractions: Panj Pir (hilltop scenic shrine of five saints & their sisters), Kotranka Budhal (tourist spot on the bank of Ans river), Mangaladevi Fort (ancient ruins & scenic spot)

Tourist and Pilgrimage attractions in Kishtwar District:

Known for rugged mountains, national parks and pilgrimage sites. Major Attractions:

Kishtwar National Park: Rich biodiversity and wildlife in 2190 Sq. Kms, haven for nature lovers and trekkers, located at 40 Kms from Kishtwar city.
Sinthan Top: Scenic Mountain pass on road from Kishtwar to Anantnag, offering 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks.
Machail Mata Temple: An important Hindu pilgrimage destination dedicated to Maa Chandi Devi, annual yatra by thousands of devotees, through scenic Himalayan terron, is organised to reach temple, located at 35 kms from Gulabgarh town in Machail village.
Other Attractions: Saffron fields (saffron growing villages), Paddar Valley (ancient sapphire mines & natural hot springs), Shrine of Shah Asraruddin, Warwan & Marwah Valleys (untouched valleys).

Tourist attractions in Poonch District:

Known for historical forts and religious harmony. Major Attractions:

Noori Chamb Waterfall: A popular waterfall named after Mughal queen Noor Jahan, located near Behramgal on historic Mughal Route.
Poonch Fort: A historic Mughal-era fort.
Budha Amarnath Temple: An ancient pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mandi Tehsil, attracting thousands of devotees annually.
Other Attractions: Loran Village (ruins of ancient fort), Surakote Valley (known as Pahalgam of Poonch), Nangali Sahib Gurudawara (Sikh shrine at 5 kms from Poonch).

Tag: Wular Lake

Tourist destinations and Pilgrimage sites in Jammu and Kashmir, India