Often called “Paradise or Heaven on Earth,” Jammu and Kashmir offers a wide range of things to do. Located in the Himalayan ranges, this state is full of natural beauty, places to visit, adventure activities, and more. A trip to this beautiful northern part of India can be life-changing.
Jammu and Kashmir is home to many stunning places and landmarks, such as the famous Vaishno Devi Temple and the Patnitop ropeway. You can also enjoy adventure activities like river rafting in Pahalgam, paragliding in Sonamarg, trekking, and skiing in the snow-capped mountains of Gulmarg. These activities will surely satisfy your thirst for adventure.
Apart from adventure sports, you can also try camping and wildlife tours in Jammu and Kashmir. You can visit the many temples in the region, shop for fresh fruits, local handicrafts, and dry fruits, or simply relax in a houseboat during your trip. This serene destination has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your Jammu and Kashmir trip and explore the many amazing things to see and do in Jammu and Kashmir for your next holiday.
Best things to do in Jammu and Kashmir
Here are some of the top 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
2. Stay in a houseboat
Among the most famous things to do in Kashmir is enjoying a unique stay in a Dal Lake houseboat. The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar is dotted with numerous houseboats docked at the jetty, where you can spend a night surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and the tranquil ambiance of Kashmir.
These Dal Lake houseboats are fully equipped with modern amenities like heaters, Wi-Fi, and even sightseeing and airport transfer facilities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable holiday experience during your Kashmir trip. Some houseboats also offer complimentary local Kashmiri meals, allowing you to savor the region's authentic flavors. A stay in a houseboat on Dal Lake is a must for anyone visiting Jammu and Kashmir, offering a perfect blend of serenity and luxury.
Location: Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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
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
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 include 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
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 Vaishno Devi tour and trek to this important religious spot. Dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, the 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
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 among the oldest structures in the region and served as the residence of the royals up until 1925.
As of today, this palace is one of the historical sites in Jammu and Kashmir and a popular tourist attraction, where you can witness the unique blend of Mughal, Rajasthani, and European architectural styles. During your visit to the palace, you can also explore other attractions within its complex, including the Pink Palace, Gol Ghar Complex, Rani Charak Palace, Nawa Mahal, and more.
Location: Panjtirthi, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001, India
8. Take a relaxing stroll In Bagh-e-Bahu
Among the top places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir, Bagh-e-Bahu stands out as a must-visit destination for a peaceful 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
9. Go Boating in Mansar Lake
Tucked amidst snowy hills and dense forests, Mansar Lake is one of the stunning lakes in Jammu and Kashmir and a perfect spot for boating during your trip to the state. Considered to be of religious importance, in addition to being a popular adventure tourism destination in the country, the vicinity of the lake is home to various temples, including the ancient temples of Lord Narasimha and Umapati Mahadev. The tranquil waters of the lake are great for indulging 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
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 is 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
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. If you are on a 6-day Kashmir trip, don’t forget to include the Amar Mahal Palace in your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
Location: Palace Road, Karan Nagar, Jammu Tawi, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001, India
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.
The 2.8 km ropeway in Patnitop offers stunning views of pine forests and vibrant meadows, with the magical experience of passing through clouds. Other must-visit spots in Patnitop include Nathatop for trekking, Sanasar for paragliding, and Madhatop for its serene greenery.
Location: Udhampur District, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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. You can also book a customized Srinagar Old City Tour to explore this historic charm, including 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
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
15. Enjoy Pony Ride at Pahalgam
When visiting Pahalgam during your holiday in Pahalgam, 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
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
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
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. As a historical place in Jammu and Kashmir, this fort was built by Raja Gulab Singh of the Dogra empire and is located opposite the Old Town of Jammu, 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
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, cashews, 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
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 respects 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.
As part of a 7 days in Kashmir itinerary, this sacred site is a must-visit. 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
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