Jammu & Kashmir: Paradise on earth

Srinagar is the heart of the Kashmir Valley, famously known for the iconic Dal Lake and its unique lifestyle centered around the water. You can spend your days gliding through the lake in a traditional shikara, visiting floating vegetable markets, or staying in intricately carved wooden houseboats. The city is also home to the magnificent Mughal Gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, which showcase the height of Persian-inspired landscaping and architecture. For a bird's-eye view of the city and the Zabarwan Range, a visit to the ancient Shankaracharya Temple atop the hill is essential. It remains a premier destination for those seeking a mix of cultural heritage, spiritual peace, and natural splendor.

Gulmarg is a world-class hill station located at an altitude of 2,650 meters, renowned for its sprawling meadows that bloom with wildflowers in spring. It is home to the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, which transports visitors to the snow-clad Apharwat Peak for panoramic Himalayan views. During winter, Gulmarg transforms into India’s top skiing destination, attracting adventure enthusiasts from across the globe to its pristine slopes. Other highlights include the world's highest green golf course and the serene, high-altitude Alpather Lake, which remains frozen well into the summer. Its combination of luxury resorts and adrenaline-pumping activities makes it a favorite for both honeymooners and thrill-seekers.

Situated at the confluence of the Lidder River and Sheshnag Lake, Pahalgam is a picturesque town that serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra. The region is famous for its lush green meadows and dense pine forests, particularly in the stunning Betaab Valley and Aru Valley. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including trout fishing in the crystal-clear Lidder River, white-water rafting, and pony rides to the "Mini Switzerland" of Baisaran. The town’s tranquil atmosphere and cinematic landscapes have made it a staple location for numerous Bollywood films over the decades. It is the perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience the slow-paced charm of mountain life.

Sonamarg is a breathtaking alpine valley that acts as a gateway to the high-altitude passes leading to Ladakh. It is best known for the Thajiwas Glacier, where tourists can enjoy sledding on snow even during the peak of summer, just a short trek or pony ride from the main town. The region is a paradise for trekkers, serving as the starting point for the famous Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, which covers stunning turquoise waters like Vishansar and Krishansar. The Sind River meanders through the valley, offering excellent opportunities for angling and organized river rafting tournaments. With its rugged mountains and flower-strewn meadows, Sonamarg provides some of the most dramatic and untouched scenery in the entire union territory.

Located in the Reasi district of Jammu, Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world, attracting millions of devotees annually. The journey begins at the base camp in Katra, followed by a 13-kilometer uphill trek through the Trikuta Mountains to reach the holy cave shrine. Pilgrims can choose to walk, hire ponies, or take a helicopter to the Bhawan, where the Goddess is worshipped in the form of three natural rock formations called Pindies. The path is well-maintained and filled with a sense of deep devotion, marked by the constant chants of "Jai Mata Di" echoing through the hills. A visit is considered incomplete without the final 1.5-kilometer climb to the Bhairon Nath Temple, reachable by a steep trek or a modern ropeway.

Patnitop is a charming hill station in the Jammu region, perched on a beautiful plateau surrounded by dense deodar and blue pine forests. It offers a refreshing escape from the heat of the plains, with attractions like the Naag Mandir, a 600-year-old wooden temple dedicated to the Serpent God. For adventure lovers, the nearby Nathatop and Sanasar (often called "Mini Gulmarg") provide excellent facilities for paragliding, zorbing, and camping under the stars. Visitors can also explore "Billo Ki Powri," a unique staircase of 270 steps carved directly into the mountain rock by a former king. Patnitop is ideal for families and travelers seeking a peaceful, less-crowded alternative to the busier hubs in the Kashmir Valley.