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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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All weather vacation places in India

7 All Weather vacation places in India

The year 2020 has still some months left and with the arrival of the winter season, eagerly awaiting travelers and backpackers are keen to travel to warm weather destinations that can make them escape the cold climate. The diverse geographical settings and varied culture of India provides an opportunity for travelers to explore the locations irrespective of the season. Additionally, India is home to several destinations that are can be termed as all-weather holiday destinations. Here are 7 all-weather vacation places in India that we recommend.

1. GOA

goa vacation places in india

Goa is a hard-to-miss vacation places in India for any beach enthusiast, famous for being a land of beautiful resorts, palm-fringed beaches, delightful culture, wonderful cuisines, and every other thing related to fun. Goa was a former Portuguese colony and that imperial influences can be best experienced in exotic Gothic churches, buildings, food, and culture. You can also make the most of activities such as water sports, para-sailing, and much more while you holiday with your loved ones or decide to travel solo.

2. GOKARNA

gokarna

Gokarna is quite the ‘hidden gem’ since few travelers come to this unexplored heaven. The beaches are quiet, serene and beautiful, plus the accommodation would be the old school ‘Thatched’ hut style. Gokarna is also one of the important Hindu pilgrimage centers and there are old temples nearby the shore that lit up during important festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Mahashivratri, hence making it the perfect holiday destination in India. Additionally, there are markets and bazaar which offer souvenirs and travel items.

3. PONDICHERRY

pondicherry

Pondicherry, which was recently named Puducherry, is a town of considerable appeal. During colonial times, it was under French rule and their influence is visible everywhere with streets, buildings, neighborhoods, and alleys. The town boasts of several elegant structures including churches, public buildings, townhouses, the most famous being the Aurobindo Ashram and its sister building in Auroville that draws several tourists from all over the world.

4. RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan

Palaces and castles here focus on the historical kings and empires that existed in the region. Be it the joy of Jodhpur, or the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, this place offers a unique experience for its visitors. You can also have a ride on camels. Visual beauty combined with historical significance makes Rajasthan one of the best, if not the best holiday destinations in India. Jaipur, India’s pink city, marvels at its architecture, revealing its entire city and its activities. City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Dera Amer Elephant Safari, and other attractions of Jaipur make the city a popular tourist destination. During the winter season, the weather is pleasant and tourists can enjoy the splendid night views of the desert while notwithstanding the scorching heat, making Rajasthan one of the perfect all-weather vacation places in India.

5. KERALA

kerala

As soon as the Monsoon ends, the natural splendor of Kerala reaches its peak. The Western Ghats and backwaters enhance the unique charm of Kerala and make it one of the best winter vacation places in India. Kovalam and Varkala Beaches, Alleppey Backwaters, Thekkady and Kumily Spice Gardens, Kalady Spas and Ayurveda, and Munnar Tea Gardens – there are many options in Kerala. The varied topography makes Kerala one of the wonderful winter destinations in India. The lion-tailed macaque at the Silent Valley National Park, the Tiger and Elephant   Sanctuary at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and the diverse bird sanctuary at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary make Kerala a prime destination for nature lovers.

6. KASHMIR

kashmir vacation places in india

Kashmir is famously known as the ‘Heaven on Earth’ and there is a very good reason for that, considering that Kashmir has its own charm during every season of the year. The temperature during summer is usually between 15 and 25 degrees, the place feels like heaven as soon as you arrive; so much to see and do in the region. The Winter season in Kashmir gives a totally different picture of the place which includes chilly weather along with occasional and sometimes heavy snowfall, especially in the upper reaches. Gulmarg is a hill resort which is often called ‘ski haven’ since it possesses perfect characteristics for skiing and adventure sports. Without a doubt, Kashmir is one of the best places to visit in North India.

7. PATNITOP

patnitop vacation places in india
Source: ixigo

Located in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, Patnitop is a quiet and scenic place offering many places to explore and is one of the best places to visit in Jammu. Patnitop features rich landscape views, pleasant weather, and lots of activities to do. On a Patnitop tour, you can do a lot more than just visit the tourist spots in Patnitop; a must-visit destination is Skyview Patnitop, which offers the highest ropeway in India in terms of ground clearance along with unique adventure activities, hiking trails, and dining options.

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5 Less Explored Holiday Destinations in India

5 less explored family destinations in india

There are no second opinions about the fact that the world is vast, serene, and amazing. Additionally, traveling is the best possible way to scout the endless possibilities of the same. Usually, people travel to famous and popular tourist destinations within their country or abroad. These ‘spots’ are often crowded and experience great rush during peak season. However, there are several destinations across the world that come up less frequently in the list of “must travel destinations”. Tourist destinations of India are no different. Travel and tour brand Thomas Cook lists Andaman Island, Auli, and Bikaner as one of the most loved tourism destinations of India. However, in this blog, we present to you 5 less explored holiday destinations in India.

These destinations are ideal for solo travelers and are some of the best family holiday destinations in India, which most of us are unaware of.

Let us begin!

  • Gurez Valley, Kashmir

Kashmir may be a world-famous tourist destination but there are certainly some untapped places and the best among them is the Gurez valley. Located in the remote district of Bandipora and almost 123 km from Srinagar, this place is as beautiful and charming as one can imagine. With some dazzling landscapes, beautiful mountains peaks and smooth flowing streams and rivers this place gives the visitor a great opportunity to spend some quality time. As most roads leading to Gurez are blocked due to heavy snow during winters the best time to visit is mid-summer.

 

  • Patnitop, Jammu

Patinitop View

Located in the Shivalik range of the great Himalayas, Patnitop is one of the most serene hill stations of Jammu. Summers here are pleasant, and winters witness a significant amount of snowfall. The main attraction of the serene destination is Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean. The most serene gondola ride, adventure activities, and dining options at Skyview Patnitop makes it one of the best family holiday destinations in India.

 

  • Gokarna, Karnataka

gokarna karnataka

Gokarna is a beautiful town located at the bank of the Arabian Sea in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. If you are looking to spend a memorable day at less crowded beaches with your family, then this is the ideal destination. Apart from being a magnificent remote sea town, Gokarna is also famous for its temples and is an important pilgrimage center for the devotees of Lord Shiva. In the recent past, foreign tourists have been taking a keen interest in the untapped beaches of Gokarna.

 

  • Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

ziro arunachal pradesh

Ziro is a mountain town located 115 Km from the state capital Itanagar. The town is covered with gentle hills, rice fields, and lush green valleys which makes it a perfect family getaway from the noise and pollution of big cities. Apart from being a naturally beautiful location, Ziro is one of the oldest towns of Arunachal Pradesh. Ziro is also included in the tentative list for UNESCO`s World Heritage Site and is home to the famous Apatani tribe.

 

  • Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

mawlynnong meghalaya

Mawlynnong also knows as “Gods Own Garden” is a beautiful village in the East Khasi Hills district of the northeastern state of India. Apart from its beautiful scenery, Mawlynnong is famous for its cleanliness and eco-friendly and organic ways of waste management and this village was declared as cleanest village of Asia in 2003. If you are from a big city and craving a clean and hygienic place with fresh air and beautiful surrounding, this border village is the place to be.

So here it is, the list of some of the less explored holiday destinations in India that you can explore solo or with your family.

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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.