Things to Do in Jammu and Kashmir

1. Enjoy a Shikara Ride in Dal Lake: One of the best things to do in Jammu and Kashmir is to indulge in a shikara ride in the serene Dal Lake. Tucked in the picturesque Kashmir Valley, the Dal Lake is the perfect place to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Whilst on the shikara, you can soak in the verdant views of the natural landscapes, with the sounds of the oar on the still waters of the lake, pleasant and idyllic weather, and serenity all around. 
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. 

2. Stay in a houseboat: Amongst the most famous things in Jammu and Kashmir that you can do here during your trip is to enjoy a unique stay in a houseboat. The popular Dal Lake in Srinagar has many houseboats docked at the jetty, wherein you can spend a night, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes, ice-capped mountains and the tranquil Kashmir ambience. 
Furthermore, these houseboats are all fully equipped with amenities like heater, wifi, as well as sightseeing and airport transfer facilities, to give you a complete holiday experience. Some of these houseboats even offer complimentary local Kashmiri meals to guests. 
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: Available 24 hours 

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3. Go skiing in Gulmarg: Skiing in Gulmarg is quite possibly one of the best adventure activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Home to snow-covered peaks and icy slopes of the Himalayan Mountain ranges, Jammu and Kashmir have several spots and places wherein you can enjoy skiing. And Gulmarg is the best place out of all these with an elevation of 3950 metres above sea level. Gulmarg is the third highest ski resort in the world, and is famous for its powdery snow, making it perfect for skiing in different phases. Perfect for beginner, amateur as well as professional skiers, Gulmarg also offers expert training facilities to tourists before they set out to explore the snowy slopes. 
Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403, India
Timings: Open 24 hours 

4. Take a Gondola Cable Car Ride in Gulmarg: Another popular thing to do in Jammu and Kashmir is to take a ride in the famous gondola cable car in Gulmarg. Perfect for people and tourists of all age groups, a gondola ride in Gulmarg offers unparalleled views of the Kashmir Valley and its snow-capped mountains, serene lakes and verdant meadows.
This activity offers the best views of the valley, something that you won’t find anywhere else. In addition to a bird’s eye view of the Gulmarg Valley, you can also see various attractions of the region from high up above, including spots like Kongdoori, the pristine Apharwat Peak as well as Mary Shoulder. 
Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. 

5. Try the Local cuisine of Kashmir: When visiting Jammu and Kashmir for a holiday, don’t forget to try out the local cuisine here. Kashmir is known all around the world for its varied use of spice, dry fruits and other local produce. And you must definitely try their local cuisine, which typically includes a lot of meat and is cooked traditionally in “chulhas.”
Some of the best things that you can try here included the famous Kashmiri kahwa tea, lamb/ mutton Rogan josh, nardoo yakhni (a yoghurt-based curry with lotus stems), paneer Chaman (fried cottage cheese in tomato-based gravy), Dum aloo, gushtaba (minced mutton cooked in yoghurt gravy) and other dishes. 
Location: Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: Available throughout the day

6. Trek To Vaishno Devi Temple: The famous Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the best things to see in Jammu and Kashmir. And when you are here for a holiday, you must take a trek to this important religious spot. Dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the Vaishno Devi Temple is located in the Trikuta mountains, which has one base and three different peaks.
A trek to the temple lasts for 6 to 9 hours, and will take you through scenic caves, and you will also pass by food and other stalls on the way, while enjoying the beautiful natural views of the valley. Upon reaching the temple, you can see the shrine inside a cave. 
Location: PVG4+JRR, Resham Ghar Colony, Jammu 18001, India

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7. Pay a visit to the Mubarak Mandi Palace: The Mubarak Mandi Palace used to be the grand residence of the then king of Jammu and Kashmir. Dating back to as early as 1824, the palace is amongst the oldest structures in the region, and served as the residence of the royals up until 1925.
As of today, this palace is a popular tourist attraction, where you can witness the unique blend of the Mughal, Rajasthani as well as the European styles of architecture. Upon your visit to the palace, you can also see other attractions within, including the Pink Palace, Gol Ghar Complex, Rani Charak Palace, Nawa Mahal and more. 
Location: Panjtirthi, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001, India
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. 

8. Take a relaxing stroll In Bagh-e-Bahu: Amongst the top things to do in Jammu and Kashmir is to visit the Bagh-e-Bahu for a stroll. Situated near the famous Bahu Fort, the Bagh-e-Bahu is a beautiful garden on a hilltop, where you can catch amazing sights of the Tawi river. A sight to behold, the garden is home to many different species of plants and colourful flowers.
There are several walkways inside the garden, where you can soak in peace and serenity, as you take a stroll and connect with nature. In addition to that, you can also enjoy nature photography and picnics here, along with visiting the public gallery and fish-shaped aquarium present here. 
Location: Gorkha Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180006, India
Timings: 08:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m. 

9. Go Boating in Mansar Lake: Tucked amidst the snowy hills and dense forests, the Mansar Lake in Jammu and Kashmir is an amazing place to go boating during your trip to the state. Considered to be of religious importance, in addition to a popular adventure tourism destination in the country, the vicinity of the lake is home to various temples, including the ancient temples of Lord Narsimha and Umapati Mahadev. The tranquil waters of the lake are great to indulge in a boating activity, wherein you can not only see several temples, but also the famous Sheshnag Shrine and other attractions. 
Location: Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: 07:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. 

10. Seek Blessings at Raghunath Temple: Amongst the most popular temples in the region, the Raghunath Temple is a temple complex that is home to seven different Hindu shrines. Dating back to the early 19th century, the temple was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Each of the seven shrines within the temple complex has a similar spire, but are of different heights.
Blending the Sikh and Mughal styles of architecture, the temple also has many paintings that depict the stories of the Ramayana, Mahabharat and the Bhagavad Geeta. And on your visit to Jammu, you must definitely come to the temple to seek blessings for your well-being. 
Location: Raghunath Mandir Chowk, Jammu City, Jammu and Kashmir 180001, India
Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m. 

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11. Explore the Amar Mahal Palace: The Amar Mahal Palace is another one of the things to see in Jammu and Kashmir. Said to be an iconic landmark of the city of Jammu, this palace has a rich history associated with it. Built in the 19th century by a French architect, the Amar Mahal Palace was the residence of the Dogra ruler Raja Amar Singh.
As of today, the palace serves as a museum, where you can see several exhibits and displays. In addition to an extensive book and art collection, the museum also has miniature paintings and a golden throne, along with elegant interiors and stunning views of the Tawi River. 
Location: Palace Road, Karan Nagar, Jammu Tawi, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001, India
Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m., 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. 

12. Take the Ropeway at Patnitop: One of the best adventure activities in Jammu and Kashmir is to take the Patnitop ropeway. With scintillating views of the treetops, the scenic natural landscapes, verdant meadows and snow-capped mountains, this ropeway offers you the experience of a lifetime, as it is the highest ropeway in all of Asia.
Stretching across 2.8 kilometres, the ropeway is also perfect to catch sights of the dense pine forests, and the vibrant blooming flowers in the meadows beneath you. What’s even better is that you get the feeling of passing through clouds, an experience nothing less than extraordinary. 
Location: Udhampur District, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. 

13. Explore the streets of Old Srinagar: Amongst the popular things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, exploring Old Srinagar is possibly one of the very best. A walk through the serene and quaint streets of Old Srinagar is sure to take you back in time in history.
Filled with brick roads, age-old structures and gardens, you can find some buildings that date back to four centuries, making this region a haven. Some structures here are also remnants of a blend of three different religions and styles of architecture. The old Srinagar region is also home to the Jamia Masjid, which has 370 pillars made of maple trees, along with spice, dry fruits and thread markets. 
Location: Old Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: Open 24 hours 

14. Pay a visit to Kheer Bhawani Temple: Also known as Shree Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple, the Kheer Bhawani Temple is one of the most famous temples to visit in the Srinagar district. Dedicated to Goddess Kheer Bhawani, the temple has been built over a sacred spring.
You can also find a small marble temple within the spring, wherein devotees offer milk and kheer during the eight days of full moon, when the spring temporarily changes its colour. It is said that the goddess is the protective patron deity of Kashmir. 
Location: Tulmulla – Dangerpora Link Road, Tulmulla, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191201, India
Timings: 06:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m. 

15. Enjoy Pony Ride at Pahalgam: When visiting Pahalgam during your holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, and indulge in a fun-filled pony ride here. Unspoilt, magical and pristine, Pahalgam is home to stunning valleys, natural vistas as well as a glacier, the sights of which you can enjoy whilst riding a pony, which is the common mode of transport here. In addition to that, you can also experience the real lifestyle of locals of Jammu and Kashmir during the pony ride, while also interacting with these locals. 
Location: Pahalgam, Anantnag District, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: Available throughout the day

16. Stroll at Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden: Your trip to Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without a visit to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, which is the largest tulip garden in all of Asia. Situated on the foothills of the Zabarwan mountains and offering beautiful views of the Dal Lake, this garden also has many other species of flora within it, including daffodils, ranunculus, hyacinths and others. It is here where you can see almost 1.25 million tulip flowers of different colours while taking a rejuvenating stroll in the walkways in the garden. 
Location: Cheshma Shahi Road, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001, India 
Timings: 07:00 a.m. to 07:30 p.m. 

17. Visit the Shalimar Bagh: Paying a visit to the beautiful and historical Shalimar Bagh is one of the top things to do in Jammu and Kashmir. This Mughal Garden, which is linked to the northern Dal Lake through a channel, dates back to 1616. It was established by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan.
In addition to being the high point of Mughal horticulture in the country, Shalimar Bagh is also often referred to as the Crown of Srinagar. From picnics and birdwatching, to relaxing walks by the canal and nature photography, you can do it all here. 
Location: Chinar Chowk, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191121, India
Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 06:30 p.m. 

18. Learn about the region’s history at Bahu Fort: Built in the early 18th century, the historic Bahu Fort is an important landmark of a trip to Jammu and Kashmir. Built by Raja Gulab Singh of the Dogra empire, the fort is located opposite to the Old Town of Jammu, and is situated at an elevation of 325 metres. Surrounded by thick walls of lime and black mortar, the fort offers scintillating views of the Tawi river, and is home to a majestic Mahakali Temple from the 8th century. 
Location: Jammu City, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: 05:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

19. Do some Shopping at Raghunath Bazaar: Located close to the ancient Raghunath Temple in Jammu, the Raghunath Bazaar is an old tourist market in the city. It is here in Raghunath Bazaar where you can get our hands on local produce, handicrafts and other things to make your holiday more memorable.
In addition to having numerous shops and stalls selling fresh as well as dry fruits like apples, peaches, saffron, cashew, walnuts and more, you can also buy traditional embroidered clothes, pashmina shawls as well as spices here. When you are tired, simply head over to one of the vendors to try the famous Kashmiri kahwa to relieve  your stress. 
Location: Jammu City, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m. 

20. Explore the shrine of Peer Kho at Peer Kho Cave: Amongst the top things to do in Jammu and Kashmir is to visit the Peer Kho Caves to pay your respect to the shrine of Peer Kho. Said to be one of the most famous and oldest temples in the city of Jammu, the Peer Kho Caves witness thousands of pilgrims from all over the country during Puranmashi, Amavasya and Ekadashi every year. Dedicated to lord Shiva, the caves are home to a black stone Shiva linga which is ornamented with a copper snake. Some people are of the belief that the caves date back to as early as the 15th century.
Location: Tawi River, Jammu City, Jammu and Kashmir, India 
Timings: 05:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

1. River Rafting: River rafting is one of the top adventure activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lidder River in Pahalgam is one of the best places in the state to indulge in an exciting river rafting experience, where you sit inside in a raft and try to cruise through the gushing rapids of the river. 

2. Paragliding: Amongst the most famous things in Jammu and Kashmir that you can try here is paragliding. Simply head over to one of the popular spots like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Harwan or others to take the plunge as you fly in the sky and catch sights of the beautiful mountains and green valleys here. 

3. Skiing: Skiing is undoubtedly amongst the best adventure activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The snow-capped Himalayas and regions like Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg are some of the perfect places to ski in the snowy slopes, amid the icy landscapes, and freezing rivers and streams. It is also an activity that is sure to awaken the adrenaline in you. 

4. Mountain Biking: When in Jammu and Kashmir, a mountain biking adventure is something you must definitely try, at least once. Simply explore the different terrains, green valleys, snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes of the state on a mountain bike. For a more adventurous experience, go off the road and explore the forested hills and challenging trails on your bike. 

5. Horse Riding: Jammu and Kashmir is home to amazing places, with beautiful sights and more. And some of the places here are inaccessible by buses or cars. Therefore, horse riding became the preferred mode of transport during this time, in addition to being an adventure activity as well. When visiting the state, you can indulge in a horse-riding activity and explore the rolling hills and verdant meadows at your own pace. 

6. Trekking: Of all the things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, trekking is probably the most famous. The lush forests, icy mountains and valleys of the region are perfect to indulge in a trekking activity. From high-altitude alpine lakes like the Tarsar Lake, Alpather Lake and others, to the valleys in Jammu, you can trek them all. 

7. Jeep Safari: A jeep safari is one of the more fun-filled adventure activities that you can do in Jammu and Kashmir. The rivers, meadows, waterfalls as well as the snowy regions of the state can be accessed and explored on a jeep, making it an experience to remember. You can also come across various historical landmarks, villages and fort ruins on a jeep safari. 

8. Hot air Ballooning: Go on a hot air balloon ride to see some of the most famous things in Jammu and Kashmir. The valleys of Zanskar and Suru are two of the most popular spots to enjoy a ride in a hot air balloon, which takes you to 3000 feet in the air for two hours and offers you a chance to see mesmerising sights of the landscapes below. 

9. Camel Safari: Another popular adventure activity that you can do during your trip to Jammu and Kashmir is a camel safari. All you have to do is head to the Nubra Valley and enjoy a ride on a double hump Bactrian camel as it takes you from Hundar Village, Diskit to the Panamic Village. 

10. Hike to Devi Pindi waterfall: One of the best adventure activities to do in Jammu and Kashmir is taking a hike to the Devi Pindi waterfall, which also houses the ancient Hindu temple of the same name. With smooth terrain, you are sure to face no problems in reaching the waterfall, which is surrounded by green mountains and small streams.

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1. Take A Boat Ride on Dal Lake: Enjoying a boat or shikara ride on the Dal Lake is one of the most romantic things to do in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition to being very relaxing, this boat ride also offers tourists a chance to shop for food, flowers and other things on a lake, enjoy the serene natural views and simply soak in the quaint ambience. 

2. Go sightseeing: When visiting Jammu and Kashmir, don’t forget to go sightseeing of some of the most romantic places in the state with your significant other. From Gulmarg and Pahalgam, to Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Strawberry Valley, Manasbal Lake and more, you can explore all of these with your partner in Jammu and Kashmir. 

3. Try camping: For a one-of-a-kind romantic activity in Jammu and Kashmir, try camping in the lap of nature here. There are many remote places, valleys and other places in the state where you and your partner can camp for the night, including places like Pahalgam, Karnah, etc. 

4. Enjoy birdwatching in Kashmir: Kashmir is a bird-watcher’s paradise, and when you visit this place with your loved one, don’t forget to catch sights of the migratory birds here. Simply head over to the famous Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary and witness bird species like Magpie, Golden Eagle, Cheer Pheasant and more. 

5. Explore Nishat Bagh: Situated near the Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh is amongst the most romantic places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. These twelve terraced gardens are home to many plants, trees, flowers and fountains. You can also take a stroll in the garden with your partner, which is amongst the popular romantic things to do in Jammu and Kashmir.

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The best time to visit Kashmir is between the months of March to October. It is during these months that you can enjoy pleasant and cool weather here, with flowers blooming, snowfall in the higher terrains, shikaras operating in full swing on the Dal Lake and the entire region being extremely beautiful and full of life. 

In addition to being home to many shrines and temples, Jammu is also very famous for its palaces and forts, gardens, lush forests as well as gardens and orchards where you can find fresh apples, peaches and other fruits. Jammu is also known all over the world for being the abode of the Vaishno Devi Temple.

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Some of the famous food of Jammu and Kashmir includes traditional Dogra dishes such as Dum aloo, Rajma chawal, Ambak, Khatta meat (sour mutton), Shasha or raw mango chutney, Shiri pulav and Mitha bhat. Additionally, other famous dishes here include the Sund panjeeri, Aab gosht, yakhni, Kulthi dal, Auriya, Murek palov, and Oria (potato or pumpkin in mustard sauce). 

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Anywhere between 5 to 15 days are enough to explore Jammu and Kashmir. Around 15 days gives the tourist ample time to explore the two cities and its famous sightseeing attractions, iconic landmarks and also indulge in different adventure activities and experiences. 

When in Jammu, some of the famous things that you can buy include Dry fruits like almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, figs, apricots, dried apples, etc., along with spices like cardamom and saffron. You can also buy Pashmina shawls and blankets, Carpets, Woollen and silk clothes and fabrics as well as Fruits like apples, kiwi, peach, plum, cherry, etc. here. Furthermore, Jammu also has many places that sell Traditional Dogra jewellery, Paper Mache products, Wooden handicrafts and objects as well as silverware. 

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Srinagar
                              Tourist Attractions near Jammu
                               Places to See in Kashmir

By Air: You can take a flight to the Srinagar airport which is located around 15 kilometres away from the centre of the city. Some of the major airlines that connect Kashmir to other Indian cities include Air India, Go Air, IndiGo, etc. 

By Train: You can avail a train to the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is located around 330 kilometres from Kashmir. Some of the common trains that operate to this station include the Jammu Tawi Express, New Delhi- Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express and Jammu Mail.

In addition to famous temples and attractions like the Vaishno Devi Temple, Raghunath Temple and Bazaar, Bagh-e-Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi Palace and more, other things that are special in Jammu include its verdant orchards and gardens, local markets as well as delicious local food like Kaladi Kulcha, Kud ka Patisa, etc.  

A trip to Jammu and Kashmir ranges from INR 20,000 for one person for a week, to around INR 60,000 for two people for up to 15 days. This cost includes accommodation, local transportation, sightseeing, food as well as other activities. 

1. Dachigam National Park: Dachigam National Park is one of the best places for a wildlife tour in Jammu and Kashmir. Located a few kilometres from Srinagar, a wildlife tour here will offer you a glimpse into the lush coniferous forests, in addition to sightings of animals like musk deer, Himalayan serow, leopards, hill fox and many species of birds. 

2. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary: When taking a wildlife tour in the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, you can enjoy glimpses of animals that are known to live in cold regions. Located around 48 kilometres from Srinagar, it is here where you can be at one with nature, and experience the varied variety of flora and fauna, with views of rare animals like the musk deer, brown bear and more. 

3. Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in Shopian district of Kashmir, a wildlife tour in Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary will take you through the natural habitats of exotic animals like the Tibetan wolf, Himalayan woodpecker, leopards, etc. 

4. Hokersar Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is one of the best places to enjoy a wildlife tour to see birds of different species. In addition to opulent natural beauty, the sanctuary also has wetlands for migratory birds like white-eyed pochard, and other wild animals. 

5. Jasrota National Park: Another place to enjoy a wildlife tour in Jammu and Kashmir is the Jasrota National Park. Complete with lush green plains, the park is the home of axis deer, cheetal, wild boar, rhesus monkeys and other animals and bird species that you can catch sights of.

1. Tarsar Marsar Trek: This is one of the easiest treks to do in Jammu and Kashmir, and takes around 7 days to complete. The trek takes you through the Kolahi mountains towards the twin Tarsar Marsar lakes in Kashmir. 

2. Gangabal Lake Trek: This famous trek in Jammu and Kashmir trails from Srinagar to Naranag via Ganderbal, towards the Gangabal Lake, which is located at a height of over 3,000 metres above the sea level. Whilst doing the trek, you can also cross the Vishansar Lake, Nichnai Pass and other popular attractions. 

3. Frozen Alpather Lake Trek: This is amongst the most famous treks to do in Jammu and Kashmir. The Alpather Lake is a triangular lake located at the base of the Apharwat peak, around 13 kilometres from Gulmarg. It also remains frozen for a major part of the year. During this moderate trek, you can also witness glimpses of the beautiful Nanga Parbat, along with flower meadows and other scenic landscapes. 

4. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: This is a relatively difficult trek, which begins from Sonamarg valley and takes you all the way to the Naranag Valley, while crossing Nichnai Pass, Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, Gadsar Lake as well as Satsar lakes, among others.