Srinagar
Srinagar: adorned with the beautiful Mughal gardens and the tranquil Dal & Nigeen lakes, Srinagar is rightly referred to as the ‘Land of Lakes and Gardens’. This beautiful place is one of the dream travel destinations in India for honeymooners and family vacationers.
Srinagar’s top tourist attractions for sightseeing tours include the beautiful Mughal Gardens which include Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Garden and Chashme Shahi Garden, each spectacular in its own way. If you are on a family tour, you can enjoy a day picnic at these beautiful gardens. Srinagar is also home to Asia’s largest Tulip gardens. If you visit during the months of March and April, you can enjoy witnessing over 40 species of Tulips.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam, popular as the valley of shepherds is not less than a heaven on earth. The place attracts tourists to explore its scenic beauty and the picturesque Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. An ideal destination for hiking, trekking, and fishing, Pahalgam receives heavy snowfall from December to February. Its thick pine and cedar forests provide a natural habitat for the brown bear. During your vacations in Pahalgam, you may visit Hajan, a picnic spot, which lies on the way to Chandanwari. Pahalgam is also a treat for adventure junkies and is a popular adventure destination, the highlight of the activities available for tourists is the white water rafting facility winding down the Lidder River through the forests and down the rapids.
Gulmarg
Every winter, Gulmarg is overrun with skiers hoping to catch some of the best powder in India. But it’s more than just a winter destination—spring and summer transform the slopes into lush flower-dotted meadows with clear views of the Himalayas all around. You can hit the links at one of the highest golf courses in the world, make a wish at the sacred Baba Reshi Shrine. Drung waterfall is also a nearby tourist attraction visited by thousands of tourists.
Gulmarg has attracted millions of tourists throughout its existence with the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains in the back drop. One of the main attractions in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, the Highest Cable Car in the world.
Sonmarg
Known as the Meadow of Gold, Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh and is known for its verdant and picturesque valleys and snow-clad peaks. River Sindh winds its way through the valley and takes care of the flora of the region that include silver birch, fir, pine and alpine flowers.
During the months from late April to early June, the Sonmarg weather remains pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. Similarly, months like September and October are also the best time to visit Sonmarg.
Situated at an altitude of 3,490 m, Zeropoint is the point where the snow never melts.
Manasbal Lake
Manasbal Lake is located in Ganderbal District in the State of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The name Manasbal is said to be a derivative of the Lake Manasarovar. Lake is encircled by three villages viz., Jarokbal, Kondabal (also called Kiln place, is situated on the north-eastern side of the lake) and Ganderbal and is stated to be the deepest lake (at 13 m or 43 ft depth) in India.] The large growth of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) at the periphery of the lake (blooms during July and August) adds to the beauty of the clear waters of the lake. The Mughal garden, called the Jaroka, (meaning bay window) built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake.
Doodhpathri
The name “doodpathri” means Valley of Milk. It is said that the famous saint of Kashmir Sheikh ul Aalam Sheikh Noor din Noorani has prayed here and once when he was in search of water in the meadows, to offer prayers, he pricked the ground with his stick to search for water and milk came out.
Doodhpathri is much less crowded. And is a wider meadow. Doodhpathri is an amazingly beautiful place. It is miles of verdant meadows and the Shaliganga river on one side flanked by mountains. The Rocky river turns the flowing water white white as milk, hence the name. It is a place to walk and wander and absorb the splendour of nature.
Sinthan Top
One of the offbeat tourist destinations in Kashmir, Sinthan Top is a high mountain pass that is located between the Breng valley in Anantnag district and Kishtwar. However, most of its part lies on the Kishtwar side. If you have been to this heavenly destination then you are probably aware of its magnificent beauty. And if you haven’t but are planning a trip to Kashmir then this mountain pass should definitely be on your must-visit list. Daksum is a beautiful picnic spot, on the way from Anantnag Side. It is a trekker’s paradise covered with coniferous forests, gurgling streams and hidden grassy meadows with the melodious sound of the gushing Bringi River forming the backdrop. Daksum is also famous for its trout.
Aharbal
Aharbal is known for its waterfall, Aharbal Falls, where the Veshu falls noisily 25 metres and 7 metres through a narrow gorge of granite boulders. Aharbal Falls are also referred to as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir, owing to the volume of the water that falls.
Aharbal is a base for adventure tourism. The Veshu River is stocked with trout. The fishing permit can be obtained from the Fisheries department stationed at Aharbal. The alpine meadow of Kungwatan lies at the halfway point of the two-day trek to the high-altitude Konsernag Lake, which is the source of the Veshu. Other activities include horse riding, photography, and skiing during winter.
Warwan Valley
The Valley of Warwan- Just three hours drive from the renowned tourist place of Kokernag in South Kashmir’s (Anantnag) district. A 50 kilometer drive is full of pine forests and a mountain pass which leads us to an unseen virgin beauty.
The towering lush green buttes are astounding. The breathtaking waterfalls, clear sky and cool breeze are stunning. But what may be the greatest wonder of a visit to Warwan Valley is its clam, making this place a complete beauty, hidden from the world.