The beauty and the alluring charm of Jammu and Kashmir beauty is irresistible to the travelers, hence exploring these places would be etched in your memory for lifelong. India is the land of plethora of tourists destinations where some of them are traveled, some are lived, some are explored and but Jammu and Kashmir happen to be the place that is lived. To add more fun and excitement one mustn’t visit and stay but also indulge in exciting things to do in Jammu and Kashmir.
We have segregated the fun experiences in 3 sub-sections- top adventure activities to do in Jammu and Kashmir, top things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, and the religious activities to do in Jammu and Kashmir. Those who prefer to offer their journey a unique feel then you must indulge yourself in the varied activities in the state.
There are ample opportunities for leisure for family travelers including heritage sightseeing and other fun and relaxing activities like photography, boating, exploring the museums, hill stations, and the beautiful scented gardens. Mountaineering, Mountain Biking, Skiing, River Rafting, Trekking, and Paragliding take Kashmir Tourism to a notch higher.
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Top Things to Do In Jammu and Kashmir Beauty
- Shikara Ride
Admiring the kashmir beauty of the distant mountains when you lay back and your boatman takes you through a ride across the glimmering lake. Enjoying Shikara ride happens to be one of the best places to escape away from the hustle and bustle of the polluted city life. This ride tops the list of exciting activities and the things to do in Kashmir.
The touch of the cold water when you trail your hand and feet on the surface of this glimmering lake and the soft sound of the boatman’s oar add extra plus to your trip to Kashmir beauty.
Where to Try: Manasbal Lake in Sonmarg and Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Timings: Throughout the week and between 6 am and 5 pm.
Cost: INR 150-250 Per Person
- Houseboat Stay
One of the most exciting and offbeat things to do in Srinagar is not only the Shikara ride but also the cozy and comfy houseboat stay. Opting for a night stay at these houseboats that are docked at Dal Lake Jetty is also among the top activities to do in Kashmir. The best thing about these houseboats is that these are nicely equipped with WIFI facility and airport transfer facilities.
No matter whether it be honeymooners, solo travelers, families, a night stay at cozy and comfy houseboat in Srinagar is something that one must not miss out on their Jammu and Kashmir tour. You are also provided with lip-smacking meals that you can savor on your holiday in Kashmir beauty.
- Gondola Cable Car Ride
Indulging yourself in the exciting cable car ride is one of the most exciting and fun activities to do in Kashmir for tourists of all ages. Jammu and Kashmir, the northernmost state of India is bestowed with stunning surrounding, panoramic landscapes, snow clad mountains, lush green valleys, and beautiful gardens and witnessing these beauties from a height is one of the best things to do here.
May is considered to be the best time to take a Gondola ride as in this month the weather is quite pleasing and favorable and also offers you a really great view. The ride takes place in three different phases.
- Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdori
- Phase 2: Kongdori to Apharwat Peak
- Phase 3: Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder
Timings: Throughout the week between 10 am and 5 pm
Cost Per Person: INR 600 for Phase 1, INR 800 for Phase 2, and INR 300 for Chair lift
- Gulmarg Golf Club
One of the most exciting and offbeat things to do in Kashmir is Gulmarg Golf Club. This golf club happens to be the largest and highest golf courses in the world that has a total of 18 hole golf courses. Enjoying golf in the “Meadow of Flowers” is one of the must try and fun-filled activities in Jammu and Kashmir and enjoying this game in the lap of nature offers you a unique travel experience.
Timings: 8:30 to 10 pm
Entry Fee: INR 1200 for foreigners and INR 800 for Indians
- Kashmiri Cuisine
Trying out the local cuisines is one of the most important things to do on your travel. Every country, state and even city has its own menu to serve its guests like Kolkata is famous for Rice and Fish, Rosogulla. Similarly, Kashmiri Kahwa (the tea), The Lamb Mutton Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Paneer Chaman, etc. are few of the most scrumptious dishes served in Jammu and Kashmir beauty.
The best thing is that no matter you are a vegan or non-vegetarian, the cities never leave you disappointed or disheartened. Locals use different spices to prepare the food items and these spices add a different flavor attracting foodies towards them.
Best Restaurant: The Habit- Café and Grill, Stream Restaurant, and Alchi Kitchen.
- Trekking in Kashmir
Popularly called as “heaven” or “paradise” on the earth, Kashmir beauty is one of the most preferred holiday destinations in the country where travelers with different themes of holiday flock. Besides being famous for its impeccable scenic site and serene ambiance, Kashmir beauty tourism is also reckoned for adventure activities and trekking is one of the most liked activities here.
What makes trekking so popular in Kashmir?
Trekking in Kashmir is little exciting and unique from other trekking sites in the country as here you can find moderate to challenging trekking trails. For an instance, if you are an intermediate and have never tried your trekking skill then Kashmir beauty is one of the best places to haunt your skill. Also, if you are an expert trekker then get your trekking gears ready and you are all set to rock.
Skiing and Other Snow Activities
Skiing in Kashmir is something that doesn’t require any sort of explanation or introduction as it happens to be one of the most enthralling winter sports activities that you must enjoy on your winter vacation. Skiing in Gulmarg is an activity where you can feel adrenaline rush and thrill that almost every adventure enthusiast looks for.
If you are excited to indulge and enjoy skiing in Gulmarg then plan your holiday between January to late February as this is the time when snowfall is at its peak in Kashmir beauty. Patnitop is another ideal skiing destination especially for those who are novice and have no prior experience.
Tourist Destinations
Jammu and Kashmir are known for their panoramic landscapes and scenic vistas hence, the destinations see a huge influx of tourists every year. Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Gulmarg are few of the most popular star attractions of these two cities. Exploring these captivating tourist places is one of the most famous things to do in Kashmir.
Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Hill Temple, Nehru Park, Jama Masjid, Shalimar Bagh, etc. are few of the most popular places to visit in Srinagar. Manasbal Lake, Thajiwas Glacier, Naranag Temple, and Kheer Bhawani Temple are few of the most popular places in Gulmarg.
Shopping
One of the most common things to do in Jammu and Kashmir is shopping and it doesn’t only mean souvenirs and antiques. Tourists coming to these northern states shop for Pashmina shawls, exquisite Kashmiri handlooms, hand-woven carpets, expensive Dada Sapphire, local garments called Ferins, and antique copperwares.
Additionally on your Shikara ride in Dal Lake, you get to see and shop for some colorful and scented flowers, vegetables, and fruits.
Old Srinagar Heritage Walk
On your trip to Jammu and Kashmir you must follow the fact “walk more and know more” and going on a nature walk is one of the most exciting and mood refreshing activities to do here. Taking a stroll in the city lets you witness some centuries old structures and the beautiful gardens and orchids that are undoubtedly not less than a paradise.
The structures designed in Srinagar are inspired by 3 different religions and are constructed in 3 varied styles and this makes very unique and must visit sites. Those who are tired of following the same hectic schedule of their city life and want to enjoy some peaceful moments shall definitely go for a heritage walk in this old city. Do not forget to stroll down the lanes boasting shops selling fresh fruits, threads, and dry fruits.
Jammu and Kashmir is one of those travel destinations in the country where there is no dearth of wonderful travel sites, fun-filled activities, and many more exciting things to enjoy your holiday to the utmost level. We have tried compiling each and every relevant and authentic information needed to make your journey hassle free and very exciting as well as lifelong memorable. If you find this post relatable and helpful for your upcoming holiday plans then do show your love and appreciation by liking the post and sharing it with your family, friends, and other known ones. If you want to share some suggestion or feedback then do write it down in the comment box below.