Top 8 Beautiful Places to Visit in Jammu & Kashmir

Are you planning a family vacation? You might be browsing through the internet to get good ideas about some places to visit and let me guess, traveling to alluring hill stations of Northern India might somewhere be on the top of your list.

If that’s the plan, then take a look at the most amazing places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir and some unexplored destinations that might surprise you with their astonishing atmosphere. Let’s have a look at the top 8 beautiful places.

1.Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi, also known as the Vaishno Mata shrine, is located in the lap of Trikuta hills 13 km from base camp Katra, one of the prominent towns of District Reasi 63 km from the Jammu city.

The holy place is a famous pilgrimage center in Jammu and Kashmir state. It is managed by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board control and manages the working of the Vaishno Devi since 1986. A million devotees from within and outside the country visit this holy place every year.

A ubiquitous question that pops up in people’s minds after completing the pilgrimage is what other places to visit in Katra besides the Vaishno Devi temple are? Well, there might not be a lot to do in Katra, but you can visit the mall road, which is the perfect place for devotees and tourists to buy a few souvenirs.

2.Bahu Fort

Believed to be one of the oldest structures in Jammu, Bahu Fort was built around 3000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan of the Dogra dynasty. The bahu fort was refurbished by Raja Gulab Singh in the 19th century.

There is a lush and well-manicured beautiful garden stretched out right in front of the fort called Bagh-e-Bahu. The fort provides historians, photographers, and nature lovers with amazing opportunities to spend their valuable time with nature and appreciates it. The Maha kali temple built within the fort makes it a holy place for the devotees.

The popular Bahu Mela held during the Navratri, in the fort, twice a year, attracts thousands of tourists and worshippers of Bawe vali mata.

3.Mubarak Mandi Palace

Situated in the heart of the old walled city of Jammu and famed for its archaeological significance and astounding narratives, this grand abode was the main seat for maharajas of the Dogra dynasty till 1925 is now one of the main tourist attractions of Jammu.

Various buildings and complexes such as Darbar Hall, the Pink, Royal Courts, the Toshakhana palace, and the Sheesh Mahal, which is made entirely of glass, are encompassed within the walls of this palace.

4.Peer Kho Cave

Peer Kho cave is the oldest site in the Shivalik region and attracts thousands of devotees during Shivratri and other Hindu festivals. It is situated along the banks of the Tawi river; the Peer Kho cave temples are remnants linked with the instances from the Ramayana.

The history states that the King of bears, Jambavan, meditated in this cave which is why this place is alternatively known as Jambavan Cave.

5.Mansar lake

Mansar is a beautiful place in the Samba district of Jammu and is situated 64 km from the Jammu city, located off the Jammu-Pathankot Highway. It’s a wonderful site with pine-forested hills surrounding it.

There is a beautiful lake with a breathtaking view and crystal clear water. Boating facilities are also available for the people. A peculiar feature of the lake is the presence of many fishes and huge turtles in the lake.

The TheSheshnag shrine on the eastern bank of the lake makes it a sacred place for the newly married couples who perform three Parikramas (circum-ambulations) around the lake to seek the blessings of Sheshnag, the lord of serpents. The temples on the shore of Mansar Lake make it a popular spot among tourists and devotees.

6.Srinagar

Srinagar, the Summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is situated on the banks of the Jhelum river. It is a captivating land covered by the snow-capped mountains of Pir Panjal Range, the largest range of mountains in the Lower Himalayas.

The city of Srinagar is a mesmerizing blend of history, religion, and culture, resulting in a leisure destination that calls out to many tourists throughout the year.

Apart from being a tourist attraction, there are some glittering lakes (The Dal Lake) that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras that really are a lifetime experience for tourists and pure enjoyment.

7.Gulmarg

Gulmarg literally means “Meadow of flowers.” Gulmarg is located 60 KMs away from Srinagar city, which is a half-hour journey by car. Gulmarg has attracted millions of tourists throughout its presence, with the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains in the backdrop.

Gulmarg Gondola, the Highest Cable Car in the world, is one of the major attractions in the Gulmarg. Tourists can enjoy horse Riding and can take a ride to the magnificent “Strawberry Valley,”

Leopards Valley and ride up to “Kongdori” to see the frozen lake of “Al- Pathar.” Gulmarg in winter is a whole different experience, fully covered in a white blanket of Snow which turns it into a beautiful snow paradise.

8.Patnitop

Patnitop is a beautiful hill station situated in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. Patnitop was originally known as ‘Patan Da Talab,’ which literally translates to ‘The Pond of the Princess.’

  It is located on a scenic plateau of the Shiwalik Range of the Himalayas. Along with the widespread abundance of sceneries, Patnitop is also known for activities like skiing and trekking and water springs, making it a popular tourist destination. 

Sanasar, located 17 km away, is also popular for a paragliding base, beautiful lake, and sceneries. These together are sure to give one the most splendid and eye-catching views and make the experience all the more enjoyable with a host of adventure activities.