Does your holiday to Jammu and Kashmir include spending time just in Srinagar? When the entire world visits the summer capital of J&K this season, you play the smart traveller and draw up an itinerary that will let you explore the hidden gems of India’s crown.
Photo credit: Umar Majid
Patnitop
Perched on a hilltop at an altitude of 2024m, Patnitop offers the best possible view of the Shivalik Range. Run amok with the goats or go for a horse ride or better still, just lie down and relax because everything will seem fine in the world at this cute, little hill station. You can visit Gaurikund, a pilgrimage spot from where you can see the holy Kailash Parbat. Enjoy trekking at Shivgarh and paragliding, rappelling, rock climbing and camping at Sanasar, an hour’s drive from there. You can also visit the village of Kud that is famous for various kinds of sweets.
Bhaderwah
Perhaps one of the most beautiful and untouched places in J&K, Bhaderwah will make you feel like you are in a YRF song sequence. Meadows like Soej, Padri, Roushara, Jantron and Valleys like Jai, Chinta, Kelar , Churala, Blaisa are perfect to indulge in activities like paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, camping, rope courses, etc. Try ‘Comfort tourism’, a new trend in the town where almost 85 households have opened their doors to welcome the devotees on their way to the three-day pilgrimage to the Kailash Kund.
Poonch
Situated on India-Pakistan border, Poonch is popularly known as mini Kashmir. Surrounded by the Pir Panjal range, Poonch is perhaps one of the most scenic places in J&K—verdant green meadows, stunning natural lakes—this place has it all. Experience the waterfalls at Behram Galla (Noori Chhamb); the seven lakes (Sukhsar, Neelsar, Bhagsar, Katorasar, Kaldachnisar and Nandansar) at Girgan Dhok; the 18th century Poonch Fort, Gurudwara Nangali Sahib, Gurudwara Deri Sahib, and many other attractions here.
Hemis
Located about 45kms away from Leh, Hemis is a small village known for its prestigious monastery and a national park. You may have heard of the Hemis National Park that is home to various rare species like the snow leopards. If you are a nature lover, this is the perfect place for you. The spectacular Hemis Monastery is the largest monastery in Ladakh. Visit during the Hemis festival (June or July) and enjoy the beautiful colours of the place.
Udhampur
Are you a history lover? Do you want to know what a beautiful train ride looks like in India? Udhampur is the place for you then. The Krimachi group of temples, perhaps the oldest structures in the city, have been built over the elevated terrace of Biru Nala. Udhampur is also famous for the underground river Devika. Some of the structures in the town are said to date back to the times of the Mahabharata.