Silk sunset, certain shades of white, tar on the roads, the gloom beyond the oil lamp floating over the lake, ripples in the water, fog on the mirror, garden of the spring, the palace of the fairies, subject of the poems, emptiness in the eyes, absence of words, forever in ordinary things and the old roses on a breeze, where love arrives in memories of forever to liberate everyone into life – Srinagar! The tourist places in Srinagar offer breathtaking views and mesmerizing locations to die for.

When the moon is still palely hanging over the serene Dal Lake, which is ornamented with a variety of seductive houseboats where the lovers find a home while witnessing a promise of the snow filling up the forests, the city takes on the dawn light reflecting the mountains. The Mughal gardens line the eastern coast of the lake, which is less developed, and they span several kilometers, speaking of history. In this period of remembering everything that previously existed, the quiet fortress and the well-known wooden mosques of the past leave an imprint in the heart of the city.

Location: Kashmir Valley

The nearest India can make to being a ski resort is via its pine-fringed Gulmarg. Situated at an elevation of 2730 meters above sea level, it well justifies the Meadow of Flowers tag that it has received. The meadow is given a visual highlight by the 1890s Anglican Church of St Mary’s which sits on a lonely hillock that can be accessed off the dead-end road that links the 1965 neo-colonial style Hotel Highlands Park to the historic Gulmarg Golf Club.

However, the key reason to visit Gulmarg is just not the same. You must visit Gulmarg to explore the backing stands of the splendid mature pines traversing you to the elevation of bald Mt Afarwat. To make it to the mountain, you can either trek on foot or take help from ponies at a meager amount of INR 300 per hour. However, the easiest way out is using the two-stage gondola cable car that flutters you to 3747m. The impressive clear day views from the top are worth the ride. During this ride, you’ll encompass Nanga Parbat which is the world’s ninth-highest mountain peak located across Pakistan.

Location: Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir

Sonmarg is a tiny town of Kashmir situated 9,000 km above sea level at the bank of the gushing Sindh river. This picturesque town is located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir and is just 70 km away from the Srinagar International Airport. The valley is the connecting point of a number of Himalayan peaks like Kolhoi peak, Amarnath peak, Sirbal Peak, and so on.

This beautiful Himalayan town is full of mountain ranges and valleys to explore through trekking. It is a base camp for trekkers going to Ladakh and for many trekking routes to different lakes of Kashmir, such as Krishnasar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Vishansar Lake, and so on. During winter the valley covered with snow offers an opportunity for the tourist to enjoy sledding or skiing or snow fighting.

Location: Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir

Amidst the Liddar Valley sits a picturesque destination in Kashmir – Pahalgam. It is located in the Anantnag district in Jammu at an elevation of 2740 meters above sea level. Popularly it is called the Valley of Shepherds. Also, it is one of the most sumptuous destinations in India and it must be on your bucket list when you chalk down the places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. Your breath will be taken away by some of the breathtaking lakes, such as Sheshnag Lake, and beautiful pine trees will follow you everywhere.

You will also have one of the most incredible skiing experiences if you go here during the appropriate season. In addition, Pahalgam is the best domestic location if you want to vacation with your family and spend some quality time together. It has something to offer everyone, especially children who like exploring this lovely location a lot. You might choose to engage in a variety of activities with them, such as zorbing, going on rides at well-known amusement parks, and more!

Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir

Known to be “The Jewel of Srinagar”, Dal Lake spreads across an area of around 26 square kilometers. Popular as one of the most spellbinding places to see in Srinagar, this hillside lake flaunts colorful Shikaras, traditional wooden houseboats, and floating markets. Tourists visiting Dal Lake love to take a ride in the beautiful Shikaras, which are basically wooden boats decorated beautifully with canopies overhead.

The houseboats on Dal Lake feature floral motifs and intricate carvings and offer breathtaking sights of the majestic lake. These boats are equipped with single rooms and luxury suites and offer comfortable accommodations to visitors. During the winter season, the visitors also enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake.

Location: Srinagar, ‎Jammu and Kashmir

Perched at an altitude of around 1,577 meters above sea level, Kupwara boasts dense trees, rugged mountains, rolling meadows, deep valleys, gushing streams, and shimmering lakes. Spread across an area of around 2,379 square kilometers, the town of Kupwara is also known for its bountiful wildlife.

Lying at an approximate distance of around 90 kilometers from the capital of Srinagar, Kupwara offers astounding views of nearby mountain ranges including Dajalongun, Bulbeer, and Feshiltong. Offering a number of amazing trekking routes, this place lets you enjoy excellent trekking opportunities. Famous primarily for its valleys, Kupwara attracts tourists with its Bangus Valley, Lolab Valley, and Seemab Valley. Other top attractions of Kupwara town include Kheer Bhawani Temple, Badra Kali Temple, Jamia Masjid Handwara, and Gazi Masjid.

Location: Kashmir Valley

One of the most priceless Kashmir tourist places, the Amarnath Shrine is among the most popular Hindu shrines across the world. Perched at an altitude of over 3,800 feet above the ground, reaching Amarnath requires a fair bit of trekking. On the way, one can witness the confluence of the river Amaravati with Pantjarni, and can also take a quick dip in the former.

Owing to its height, the cave remains sealed shut with snow through a major part of the year and is open to devotees only for a few short months. The biggest highlight of the Amarnath Cave shrine is the naturally occurring Shiva Lingam housed within its womb, formed out of water drops that collect and freeze inside the cave.

Location: Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Among its many attractions, the city’s Mughal Gardens stand out as some of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir. And the Chashma Shahi Gardens are only one of them. Dating back to the early 17th century, this historic garden was built under the command of Emperor Shah Jahan for his elder son, Prince Dara Shikoh. At the center of the garden is a freshwater spring that flows in terraces.

The garden also has a number of little springs discovered by the saint Rupa Bahini, who was also known as Sahibi, thus giving the garden its name. The lush flowering lawns exhibit a striking display of Iranian designs, and stand testament to the architectural brilliance of the erstwhile Kashmir, making it one of the most sought-after historical Kashmir places.

Location: Srinagar, ‎Jammu and Kashmir

One of the most underrated places to visit in Kashmir, Aru Valley stands out in its quiet beauty. Riddled with pristine lakes and scenic meadows, the untrodden valley can be a great place for a weekend escapade or a day picnic. The many lakes here offer several scenic picnic spots, although one can spend a happening time trout fishing in their waters as well.

Horse riding and trekking are also popular tourist spots in Aru, with several hiking trails making their way through the hills here. Aru Valley is a popular Kashmir tourist place for snow sports as well, with Heli skiing and skiing being some of the most sought-after winter adventures here.

Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir

A short drive outside Srinagar Main, the ethereal beauty of Yusmarg has earned it the title of the ‘Meadow of Jesus’. With its long stretches of vast green pastures stretched across the horizon, Yusmarg is a little paradise of its own and is one of the most sought-after Kashmir places for weekend getaways.

The Meadow is home to some of Pir Panjal’s highest peaks, such as Tattakutti and Sunset Point, which command unparalleled views of the valleys below. A few Hindu shrines and temples can be found scattered across the meadow as well. During winters, Yusmarg remains covered in unbroken blankets of snow and can be a great place for snow sports like skiing.

Location: Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir