How to reach Jammu & Kashmir

By air – The closest airport to Jammu & Kashmir is the Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar. It is situated approximately 15 kilometers away from the city centre. Direct flights to Srinagar are available from India’s major cities. If you are travelling from Mumbai or Delhi, note that flying to Jammu is another option. Kushok Bakula Rimpocche Airport at Leh has connectivity with Mumbai, Delhi & Chandigarh. Once you reach the Srinagar airport, you could hire a taxi or cab to your desired destination. You can also avail state and private buses to Jammu & Kashmir and other frequented tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Leh, Jammu and Ladakh. This airport which is also a military airbase that serves Srinagar is well-equipped with various amenities and services. It comprises luggage facilities such as baggage services that can be availed by the passengers at the Srinagar terminal. Snacks and refreshments are also available to make sure you don’t remain hungry as you wait for your flight to arrive. It would be advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you are travelling in the peak season. The airlines that operate to and from Srinagar are Air Asia, Air India, Go Air, Indigo, SpiceJet and Vistara. 

By train – The nearest railhead to Jammu & Kashmir is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, situated 305 kilometres from the main city centre. This railway station also enjoys good connectivity with cities such as New Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai.  New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express, Jammu Mail and Jammu Tawi Express are some of the trains that run to and from Jammu and New Delhi. Reach Jammu and you will find several options to travel to Jammu & Kashmir and Srinagar plied outside the station. Some of them are shared cabs, taxis, buses that will take you to the city.

By road –   If you are looking for a road trip and wish to enjoy the journey as much as the destination; Jammu & Kashmir is the perfect travel destination for you. You are in for a treat if you are travelling from Jammu, with Jammu & Kashmir being only a seven to eight-hour drive along with a few halts en route. You could also hire a private taxi or cab with a local driver who would be able to get you through the uphill climb and narrow roads as you make your way to Jammu and Kashmir. Daily state and private buses are available from Jammu to Jammu & Kashmir. This also gives you a list of options to choose from such as air-conditioned, non-air-conditioned, Volvo and sleeper buses. Keeping your budget, comfort and safety in mind, weigh your options carefully before you choose your mode of transport. The most preferred and convenient way to reach Jammu & Kashmir is to board an overnight bus, however you could also hop on to buses that operate during the daytime as well. State and private buses run to and from Chandigarh and Amritsar as well. The route from Amritsar takes you via Gurdaspur & Pathankot in Punjab and Patnitop and Anantnag in Jammu & Jammu & Kashmir. If you are travelling from Chandigarh, you will pass Pathankot, Udhampur, Anantnag, Hoshiarpur.

Places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir tour spurs up images of plush, cosy shikaras that float along serene languid Dal lake, blankets of snow and jaded green villages painted in highland deserts. Perennial monasteries that spell tranquility, dashing down the snowy slopes of Gulmarg valley and finally digging into Jammu & Kashmir’s sinful Roghan Josh. This hamlet rewards all kinds of adventures. Jammu & Kashmir tourism pivots around cities and towns such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Leh. To let you contemplate a little further, here are a few places to visit as a part of your Jammu & Kashmir tourism package that spell magic.

Jammu and Kashmir is indeed heaven on earth with hidden valleys, tucked away cottages and opulent lakes that reflect the beauty of their surroundings. Get ready to feel like a child again as you open your eyes wide in wonderment, awestruck by this wonderland’s sheer beauty.

Srinagar

Wooded balconies of vibrant houseboats, colourful shikaras and floating flowers dot the opulent waters of Dal Lake. Loiter around the bustling markets of Raghunath Bazaar and Lal Chowk and take home some old-world souvenirs such as embroidered scarves, pashminas and Jammu and Kashmiri carpets. Stroll through a bed of popping tulips at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden amidst the backdrop of mighty mountains and open, blue skies. 

Gulmarg

In Gulmarg, life is a bed of roses. Ranging from bubbling brooks, dense coniferous forests and blankets of snow, Gulmarg satiates travelers from all walks of life. The adventure seeker in you will be thrilled with picturesque skiing, trekking and ice-skating points. If you are religiously inclined make your way to the Shiva temple, St Mary’s Church and Baba Reshi shrine.

Sonmarg

A quiet contemplation by the lake or a raging rafting expedition at Shutkari Bridge, Sonamarg has a wide range of activities for you to indulge in. Pick your favourite picnic spot by the Krishnasar Lake and spend some quality time with your family. Or glide through the royal and vast snow cover on an ice scooter at the Thajiwas Glacier.

Pahalgam

This tourist town is home to the spectacular Lidder and Seshnag Rivers that frolic down spectacular deep cut mountain valleys enveloped in firs and yews. Endless alpine meadows and the nippy air drive you to hike extensive trails. Make your way to Aru, a quaint mountain village that is a major base for all the hikers out there.

Jama Masjid, Srinagar

This mighty mosque stands tall with the support of 350 deodar tree trunks serving as pillars. Unlike other mosques, which usually have domes and minarets, this one is ornamented with spires. Identified as one of the most religious places in Srinagar, this monument is surrounded by a giant and green courtyard with monumental spires acting as gatehouses at all four directions.

Shankaracharya Hill

This endearing timbered hill is a must visit for those who are religiously inclined. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, a climb of 250 steps will take you to this age-old temple dating back to the ninth century. This ancient temple is carved out of grey stones and is certainly an antique. The extensive climb will reward you with breathtaking views of Srinagar.

Parihaspora

This town is dotted with quiet Buddhist monasteries and ancient ruins that are certain to intrigue you. Resting on the banks of the Jhelum river, this hamlet is located 22 kilometers northwest of Srinagar in the beautiful valley of Jammu & Kashmir. What makes this town a must visit are the age-old archaeological monuments at Pattan Bazaar and Parihaspora Pattan.

What to eat in Jammu and Kashmir

Food in Jammu & Kashmir is blessed with a rich culinary heritage. Its cuisine is flavourful and wholesome, with an abundance of desi ghee, Jammu & Kashmiri red chilli and garam masala. Here are a few splurge worthy dishes to dig into when you are in Jammu & Kashmir.

Rogan Josh – All the meat lovers out there are in for a treat. Chunky lamb is marinated in yogurt, garnished with grounded spices and brown onions. This is usually served with some steamed rice or the essential Indian flat bread – roti.

Modur Pulav – Looking for a sweet treat? This Jammu & Kashmiri dessert comprises sweetened rice cooked in ghee, milk, sugar and garnished with saffron and dry fruits.  Served in an adorable little clay pot, you wouldn’t want to stop at just one serving!

Lyodur Tschaman – Jammu & Kashmir’s cuisine also comprises a wide range of lip-smacking vegetarian dishes. Fluffy cottage cheese is cooked in a sinful creamy turmeric paste. Enjoy this dish with bread, roti or some steamed rice.

Dum Olav – This heartwarming dish is prepared with potatoes dipped in yogurt, ginger powder, fennel and garnished with fiery spices. This dish tastes best when had with roti or naan.

Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir spells timeless beauty and is brimming with culture and interesting activities. Our Jammu and Kashmir packages make sure they capture each and every experience. Here are some things to do while you are in Jammu & Kashmir. Make sure you add them to your shortlisted Jammu & Kashmir tour packages.

Ski through sheets of snow
It is no secret that Jammu & Kashmir is a white nirvana, and paradise for all the adventure seekers out there. Winter is the best time to embark on a skiing adventure with your family. Make your way to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Thajiwas glacier in Sonamarg that are world-famous skiing destinations. Dash through the snow..not on a one-horse open sleigh but a ski!

Go apple-picking
Meander through the endless green orchards of Jammu & Kashmir and pluck plump and cherry red apples that bend mossed cottage trees. Srinagar is dotted with flourishing green trees that are covered with juicy, shiny apples. Note that the best time to visit these orchards are during the months of September and October. 

Gulmarg Gondola
The highest cable car- ride in Asia hurtles you up over 400 metres to give you staggering views of drifting peaks from Kongdori Mountain. This is certainly the most rewarding activity to undertake in Gulmarg. Whiz up through the towering stands of pines towards the Mt Affarwat ridge on the two-stage Gulmarg Gondola.

It is now no secret that there are a range of activities and things to do in Jammu and Kashmir. This combination of pristine lakes, overwhelming culinary experiences, flamboyantly painted shikaras and hidden villages is what entices you to opt for our Jammu & Kashmir tour packages. What are you waiting for? Head to our Thomas Cook India website and book your Jammu & Kashmir family tour package or Jammu & Kashmir honeymoon package right away!