Important Tourist Destinations of J and K | Important for FAA and other JKSSB Exams
Popularly known as the “Paradise on Earth”, Jammu and Kashmir is world famous for its Important Tourist Destinations, scenic splendour, snow-capped mountains, plentiful wildlife, exquisite monuments, hospitable people and local handicrafts
The state is surrounded by the Himalayan, Pir Panjal and Karakoram mountain ranges. Jammu and Kashmir is dotted with the most beautiful mountain peaks, massive glaciers, splendid monasteries, blue lakes, rivers, forests, meadows and tall pine trees.
Important Tourist Destinations of J&K
NISHAT GARDEN:- Asif Khan , brother-in-law of Jahangir, laid the foundation of this garden in 1633 A.D.
- Nishat Bagh means garden of joy. It is the second largest Mughal garden in Kashmir. Built on the eastern side of the Dal Lake and has 12 terraces. {now only 9 terraces} .
Each of its terraces represents one Zodaic sign. Known for Chinar trees, imported from Persia by Mughals.
- Shalimar Garden:- This garden was built by Jahangir in 1619 A.D. for his beloved wife Nur jahan. Largest mughal garden in J and K.
It is also known as Farah Baksh and Faiz Baksh. It is a 4 terraced garden . The fourth terrace is very beautiful and was once reserved for royal ladies. The word Shalimar means ‘’Abode or Hall of Love’’. It gets its supply of water from Harwan.
- Chashma Shahi:- Shah Jahan laid the foundation of this garden in 1632 A. D. It literally means ‘’Royal Spring’’. All the above three gardens are in the foot of Zabarwan Hills near Raj Bhawan [Governors office].
This garden was actually built by Ali Mardan Khan, a governor of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to gift his elder son Dara Shikoh.
- Sonamarg:– Located at the banks of river Sindh about 2800m above sea level. Also known as Golden Meadow and Gateway of Ladakh. It receives highest rainfall in J&K.
In its vicinity lie the great Himalayan glaciers viz, Kolhoi glacier and Machoi glacier and the thajiuwas glacier. It lies 87 kms North- East from Srinagar and NH1D passes through it.
- Gadsar and Satsar lakes are on its periphery and it lies in Ganderbal District.
- Gulmarg:- Also know as ‘’Meadow of flowers’’, Gulmarg lies about 57 kms towards north- west from Srinagar and at altitude of 2730 m above sea level in district Baramulla.
Known for its highest golf course (2650m) in the world and its winter games like skiing. Originally known as Gaurimarg and renamed as Gulmarg by Sultan Yousuf Shah Chak. Also known as ‘’Jewel of Paradise on earth’’.
Lies within the Pir Panjal Rnge of Himalayas. Skiing and other winter sports in Gulmarg are carried out on the slopes of Apharwat peak.
Skiing ckub was established here in 1927. The Poma Ski-Gondola designed by Polamgalski of France is from Gulmarg to Apharwat. It is Asias only Heli-Skiing resort introduced by Sylran Sudan.
- Pahalgam:-Located on the banks of river Lider, 45 km away from Anantnag. It lies at an elevation of 2740 m above sea level and serves as a base camp of Amarnath Yatra.
Also called village of Shepherds. Famous for Golf course, the place is an angler’s delight.
- Verinag:-Original source of river Jehlum and is about 26 km away from Anantnag. A major tourist attraction of this place is Verinag spring, after which this place is named.
There is an octagonal structure at Verinag spring which was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1620 A. D. Later, a beautiful garden next to this spring was laid out by his son Shah Jahan.
Officially recognised by Archeological survey of India as a monument of National Importance.
- Kokernag:- Located in ‘’Breng valley’’ , called “Golden crown of Kashmir’’ . The real name of Kokernag is Bindoo Zalangam as recorded in revenue records. It is situated at a distance of about 17 km from Anantnag.
Largest fresh water spring in Kashmir.
- Daksum:– Located on the banks of river Bringi in the Green Forests of J and at Anantnag-Sintham-Kishtiwar road [NH-1B] above an altitude of 2438m.
- Noori Chamb:-It is a beautiful waterfall in Poonch located at a distance of 45 km from Poonch district headquarters.
Named after Mughal Queen Noor Jahan, it is believed that the Queen used to bath in drizzling water during her visit to the state.
Situated between Behramgala and Chandimarh on Mughal Road. Kishtiwar is known for mining or precious stones’’. It is 5 km from Patni Top. Ranbir Canal:- Situated 2 km away from Jammu , Ranbir canal is a famous tourist spot. Completed in 1905, the main canal is 60 km long. The canal passes through four taluks of Jammu dostrict viz., jammu R. S. Pura, Bishnah and Samba and was re[1]modelled during 1968-75.
- Aharbal Waterfalls:- A hill station in the south western part of Kashmir valley . Lies in the Kulgam district at an elevation of 2266 m.
Located on Vaishav river, a tributary of Jehlum river. It lies 18 km south of the town of Shopian and 28 km west of Kulgam. Aharbal is known for its waterfalls, falling noisily from a height of 25 meters.
Aharbal falls are also called as Niagara falls of Kashmir, owing to the volume water that falls, According to a report, the water volume would be enough to generate 100 mw of hydro-electricity. Aharbal waterfall is the largest in J and K.
- Shikar Gah:- About 3 kms from Tral, this place was visited by Maharaja Hari Singh for game purposes.
- Akhnoor:– It is an archaeological site and Municipal committee in Jammu District. It is located at a distance of 28 km from Jammu in the foot hills of the Himalayas. The place is believed to be the ancient city of Virat Nagar, mentioned in Mahabharata. Excavations by the ASI have estd. the fact that Akhnoor was one of the last bastion of the Harrappan civilisation. Ø A tale goes that the town was named Akhnoor by Jahangir. Akhnoor is located on the bank of river Chenab. The town is associated with Soni Mahiwal. Ø Patnitop:- A hill tourist location in the Udhampur district in J and K on NH-1A (Now NH44)situated on the Shiwalik belt of the Himalaya. Ø Origin of the name is a distortion of the original name of ‘’Patan Da Talab’’ meaning ‘’Pond of Princess’’. Ø Tulip Garden:- Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, commonly known as Siraj Bagh in Srinagar, Kashmir is the Asia’s largest Tulip Garden. Ø Situated on the foot hills of Zabarwan range, it was previously a model Floricultural centre. Ø It is spread over an area of 30 hectares. It is a 7 terraced garden opened in 2007 by the then CM. Gh. Nabi Azad. Ø The garden is laid open during the month of April every year for tourists. Ø Yusmarg Budgam:- It is an open vale in Pir Panjal and Nilnag can be visited from here. Yusmarg in Kashmiri means the ‘’Meadow of Jesus’’ situated at the Bank of Doodganga river, a tributary of Jhelum. Ø Achabal:- It was laid by Nur Jahan and was later extended by Jahanara Begum, daughter of Shah Jahan. The Grden is famous due to an ancient spring. Ø The upper portion of the garden is popularly known as Bag-e- Begum Abad, was developed by Noor Jahan in 1620, later became renowned as Sahib Abad Ø Bahu Fort:- The Bahu Fort is a historic fort in the city of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. Constructed on the banks on Tawi River, the ancient fort is believed to be constructed by Raja Bahulochan around 3,000 years ago. Ø It is believed that the first renovation of this fort was undertaken by Maharaja Ranjit Singh during Sikh Rule in 18th century. The fort is a religious place, and within its premises has a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. The temple is known locally as the “Bawe Wali Mata temple”. Ø A popular Hindu festival known as “Bahu Mela” is held during the Navaratras in the fort area, twice a year, during March-April and September-October. Ø The forest area that surrounds the fort has been developed into a well laid out park called the “Bagh-e-Bahu”, from where a commanding view of the city of Jammu could be seen. The garden attracts a large number of visitors. Ø The fort, the temple, and the Bagh-e-Bahu garden are located 5 kilometres from the Jammu city centre
