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5 Famous places in Jammu and Kashmir to Unwind

5 famous places in jammu and kashmir

The place famous all over the world, Jammu & Kashmir, located in the Northernmost part of India, is a land of unimaginable beauty. Ranging from amazing lakes, snow-clad peak top, lush green meadows, and hill stations, it has several exotic locations which are very suitable places to get some relief from the scorching heat of summer or enjoy the beauty of winters, J&K has it all. Here are 5 famous places in Jammu & Kashmir that you can unwind with your family.

1. JAMMU

jammu famous places to visit in jammu and kashmir

Surrounded by the backs of the Pir Panjal mountains, Jammu is a famous historical city and a land of great ancient temples. It is built on a series of hills and consists of many temples, hence it is known as ‘The City of Temples’. Other tourist’s attraction includes Bahu Fort, Raghunath Mandir, and Hari Niwas Palace. The place is also a focal point on the route to Mata Vaishno Devi. You can reach Jammu anywhere in India, thanks to the excellent road, railway network, and air connectivity.

2. PAHALGAM

pahalgam

Pahalgam lies at a distance of about 100 kilometers from Srinagar city. It is surrounded by the Lidder river on one side and Betaab Valley on the other. While you are here you can explore the market for traditional Kashmiri art, and enjoy other leisure activities. River rafting is a major adventure activity that often happens here every summer. Closed during the winter season, Pahalgam is the perfect summer destination.

3. PATNITOP

patnitop
Source: Wikivoyage

Patnitop is easily one of the best tourist places in North India. It is also a great place for people who want to have fun and who enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty. Located in the region of Jammu, Patnitop is one of the most beautiful and famous places in Jammu and Kashmir because of its impressive features and amazing landscapes. Skyview by Empyrean is located at Patnitop which offers many activities such as gondola, which is India’s highest in terms of ground clearance, a zipline ride, and mountain biking. You can also relish the mouth-watering dining options in its restaurant and café. There are many hotels for staying overnight which makes a trip to Patnitop a must-visit place.

4. SONAMARG

sonamarg

The word ‘Sonamarg’ translates into ‘Golden meadows’ and exhibits one of the most spectacular views in Kashmir. With lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains, Sonamarg is also one of the starting points of Amarnath Yatra. Horse riding and hiking are a variety of activities performed at this beautiful location. The best time to visit Sonamarg is in the summer season, as it receives heavy snowfall during winter.

5. KUPWARA

kupwara
Source: TripAdvisor

Rocky high mountains, flowing rivers, and amazingly beautiful meadows paint a beautiful picture of this place. Popularly known as the ‘Crown of Kashmir’, Kupwara is visited by many tourists and adventurers alike. It is one of those places is a place where one can live, relax, and enjoy the best that nature can offer. The Lolab valley, which is an unexplored gem, is a beautiful place with open lush green meadows and sky-blue rivers, depicting the raw beauty of the region.

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The Best 4 Days Itinerary for Jammu

the best 4 days itinerary for jammu

Jammu is increasingly getting popular as a tourist destination both for domestic and international travelers. Gone are the days when this place was only known for religious tourism. In the past few years, it is being favourably considered as a weekend getaway from Delhi. Not only the national capital but people from nearby states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are also visiting this less promoted place. The importance of Jammu on the tourism map can be gauged from the fact that in 2018, more than 15 million people visited this region. Earlier, the only place people would pay a visit was Vaishno Devi, which is one of the most important shrines in India. However, in recent times, Jammu’s leisure tourism sector is witnessing a huge surge as people have been thronging tourist hotspots like Patnitop, Sanasar, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Mansar, and many others. Jammu is a perfect mix of historical and natural wealth. One who would like to explore this place in-depth may need several weeks. But if someone has a limited time schedule say for example 4 days, then the below itinerary would come handy with all major places to visit in Jammu.

Day 1: Arrival in Jammu

Jammu, also known as the City of Temples, is well connected to all major cities of India through air, rail, and road. The airport here though a small one has daily flights from major metro cities of India.  The Indian Railways also runs trains from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, etc. Jammu is also connected with Delhi, Himachal, Chandigarh, Punjab, and the rest of the country through National Highway 1A. On arriving at Jammu, there might be a list of places to visit in Jammu that you might want to explore but, here are some that we would suggest. You can explore the Bahu Fort, one of the oldest forts in Jammu, built by Raja Jambu Lochan. It also has a huge terraced garden, housing the subcontinent’s biggest underground aquarium. History lovers can then visit The Amar Mahal Palace, built in the 19th century for the Dogra King Raja Amar Singh, by a French architect on the lines of a French Chateau. Nature enthusiasts can either spend some leisure time in the Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary or relax in the soothing waters of Mansar Lake. While you are in Jammu city, don’t forget to savour delectable local culinary delights like rajma chawal, ambal, and gul gule. Jammu has hotels for every budget, so choosing one online won’t be a difficult task.

amar mahal palace jammu
Amar Mahal Palace (Source: goibibo.com)

Day 2:  Visit Vaishno Devi, Katra

To reach Vaishno Devi Shrine, one has to either drive across the recently completed four-lane highway or take a train till Katra which is a 1-hour journey. Further, the trek to the shrine depends on the time of the day and fitness of the person. After an early morning breakfast either in Jammu or Katra, begin your journey by foot to the shrine, a trek of total 28 km. Like Jammu, there are hundreds of hotels and lodges in Katra too, who will be more than happy to welcome you for some much-needed rest and a warm meal.

vaishno devi katra
Vaishno Devi (Source: lonelyplanet.in)

Day 3/4: Patnitop and Sanasar

At a distance of 2 hours from Katra, is a less discovered but a place with immense tourism potential, called Patnitop. Bringing Patnitop even closer to Jammu and Katra is Patnitop Gondola, which is the highest ropeway in India, in terms of ground clearance. It takes between 12 – 20 minutes to reach the upper terminal at Patnitop. The breath-taking view of the lush green forests when you glide through the air in ropeway cabin is unimaginable. The gondola is part of the recently launched mountain adventure destination called Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean. There were hardly any adventure activities in Jammu previously. But now, with the development of this recreational site, Jammu/Patnitop will surely find a place in the best adventure destinations in India. This place boasts of India’s first magic-carpet which is a modern and rugged conveyor belt that takes you uphill. Adventure lovers can also experience Asia’s longest zipline and a dry tubing sledge to swirl down the mountain.

places to visit in north india
Source: Skyview Patnitop

Additionally, Skyview Patnitop offers a gamut of dining options. This includes a specialized Indian restaurant, an upcoming continental restaurant, an open roof Chinese restaurant, and one of the best cafés in Jammu and Kashmir. It is suggested that only after one has thoroughly explored this place, he should check into a nearby hotel. Evenings can be spent breathing fresh and cool air in a close-by meadow or sipping coffee/tea in the hotel balcony. On the 4th day, an hour should be spent in Nathatop which a hilltop surrounded by pine and deodar trees. It offers a great view of the snow-coated hills, especially during winters. Lastly, Sanasar, which is a meadow 20 km from Patnitop is worth visiting before returning to Jammu. This place is a hidden jewel known for its golf course, paragliding, and a lake. If you are traveling to Sanasar anywhere between March and April don’t forget to visit Sanasar’s tulip garden. Besides the Tulip Garden of Srinagar, this is the only other tulip garden in India in March/April. Patnitop has many other places of interest within one-hour distances like Sudhmahadev, Mantalai, and Madhatop; but to explore them more than two days are required.

So here it is. Your best 4 Day itinerary for places to visit in Jammu. Have fun on your next trip!

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5 Places to Visit Near Vaishno Devi

places to visit near vaishno devi

Located in Katra at the Trikuta Mountains, of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most popular pilgrim destinations of India. As the name suggests, the shrine is an ode to Mata Vaishno Devi. Devotees from across the country pay their homage to the Goddess, walking 12 km uphill and seeking her blessings. The popularity of the shrine has resulted in Katra developing into a leading tourist destination in north India. 2019 witnessed 79.4 lakh pilgrims coming for the darshan. A significant majority of these tourists visit here during the Navratris and their itineraries also include places to visit near Vaishno Devi.

The popularity of this destination has subsequently resulted in pilgrims not only coming for their pilgrimage but also as tourists to explore the places around Vaishno Devi. In this blog, we will look at 5 places to visit near Vaishno Devi, so that the next time you decide to come to Vaishno Devi, you can explore these destinations as well.

Read on!

Table of Content:

  1. Jammu City
  2. Katra
  3. Patnitop
  4. Bhaderwah
  5. Kashmir

1. Jammu City

Tourist places in Jammu & Kashmir

One of the 2 major divisions of the Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu city is the winter capital of the union territory and is home to several tourist destinations. The city has been home to the Dogra dynasty, who were the erstwhile rulers of J&K. Jammu city is only 45 minutes away from Katra and has several tourist spots that one can experience. To begin with, you can explore the Raghunath Mandir which has 300 icons of gods and goddesses. You can follow this up by visiting Bagh-e-Bahu located at Bahu Fort. The bagh or garden offers a scenic view of the Tawi river. Moving on, while in Jammu you must visit the Amar Mahal Palace which was built in the 19th century on the lines of a French Chateau. Now a museum, it exhibits miniature paintings, books, and a golden throne.

2. Katra

Famous for the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, you can also visit the ISKCON Temple while you are in Katra. Also,  do not forget to explore the Katra market, which has numerous shops that sell dry fruits, honey, herbs, and pashmina items. You can also visit the Nau Devi Cave Temple, which is located 10 km away from Katra and features a 200 years old cave and features nine naturally carved idols of goddesses. Additionally, Baba Dhansar temple is one of the popular places to visit in Katra.

3. Patnitop

Best Ropeways of India

One of the several pristine hill stations of Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the most popular places to visit near Vaishno Devi as it is located only an hour’s drive from the famous shrine. The destination is famous for its pleasant weather during summers and snowfall during winters. It also is home to Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean, an adventure tourism destination of north India. The destination features the highest gondola ride in India in terms of ground clearance, the first zig-zag zipline in India, the first magic carpet in India, and restaurants that are one of the best places to eat in Patnitop. While you are in Patnitop, you can explore the meadows and the nearby tourist places of Patnitop as well. These include Sanasar, Madhatop, and Nathatop.

4. Bhaderwah

Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Bhaderwah is an upcoming tourist destination of Jammu and Kashmir with serene views earning it the name of “mini Kashmir”. While in Bhadarwah, don’t forget to visit the Bhaderwah Fort which belonged to the erstwhile rulers of this picturesque destination. Additionally, you can also experience paragliding while you are here giving you a memorable aerial view of the valley. Other famous tourist destinations of Bhaderwah are Gupt Ganga, Jai Valley, Thanalla Village, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and Chinta Valley.

5. Kashmir

doodhpathir kashmir

Despite being at a distance of 240 km from Vaishno Devi, several tourists add Kashmir to the itinerary thanks to Kashmir’s popularity across the world. The best way to experience its beauty is to hire a cab or drive to Kashmir’s capital Srinagar. The famous destination is known for its water bodies such as Dal Lake, Wula Lake, Manesar Lake; hill stations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg. While you are in Kashmir, you can get your hands on the finest cashmere products made in the world along with saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world. Kashmir is also a delight for people who love exploring different cuisine, Kashmir’s much famous wazwaan is a must-try for every visitor to the pristine valley.

Vaishno Devi is one of the numerous places that make Jammu and Kashmir a traveler’s paradise. From the historic palaces, serene hill stations, and pristine lakes, Vaishno Devi is in the vicinity of all of these. We are sure whenever you decide to visit Vaishno Devi, you will visit these places as well.