Places to Visit near Jammu for the Best Weekend Getaway

Known For : Nathatop Skiing in Patnitop Paragliding in Patnitop

With endless meadows and panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature at its picturesque best and widest.

Distance from Jammu: 111 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

12 Patnitop Attractions

Known For : Bhagsu Falls Namgyal Monastery Bhagsunag Temple

Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.

Distance from Jammu: 197 km

Best Time: October to June

42 Mcleodganj Attractions

Known For : Vaishno Devi Mandir Katra Ardhkuwari

Located in Trikuta hills, 13 km from Katra at the height of 1560 m above sea level with bright clouds and thinning air, this town is the holy cave temple of Mata Vaishnodevi, with spirituality and vibrancy lingering in the atmosphere.

Distance from Jammu: 58 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

9 Vaishno Devi Attractions

Known For : Gulmarg Gondola Alpather Lake Gulmarg Golf Course

Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is surrounded by snow covered mountains, lush green meadows, deep ravines, evergreen forested hills and valleys.

Distance from Jammu: 314 km

Best Time: October to June

21 Gulmarg Attractions

Known For : Paragliding Wilderness Adventure Camps(WAC) Naag Mandir

One of the lesser-known hill stations in Jammu-Kashmir region, Sanasar is an adventure enthusiasts' haven offering various activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, abseiling and trekking.

Distance from Jammu: 128 km

Best Time: April to June

10 Sanasar Attractions

Known For : Dal Lake Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Tulip Festival in Srinagar

Famously known as ‘Heaven on Earth’, Srinagar is every bit the epitome of paradise on earth. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies on the banks of the Jhelum river, and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round, contributing to the perpetual influx of tourists visiting this city which offers a plethora of gorgeous scenic vistas.

Distance from Jammu: 266 km

Best Time: April to October

41 Srinagar Attractions

Known For : Adventure Activities in Khajjiar Khajjiar lake Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures.

Distance from Jammu: 192 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

13 Khajjiar Attractions

Known For : Panchpula Khajjiar Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old-world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower-bedecked meadows, fast-flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world. The air smells of the Scottish and Victorian architecture and the ambience reminds you of the pristine British flavours.

Distance from Jammu: 172 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

28 Dalhousie Attractions

Known For : Old Manali Solang Valley Jogini Waterfall

Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness -  Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has ever a reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.

Distance from Jammu: 396 km

Best Time: October to June

50 Manali Attractions

Known For : Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Namgyal Monastery, Mcleodganj Triund

Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km fro Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.

Distance from Jammu: 192 km

Best Time: October to June

36 Dharamsala Attractions

Known For : Golden Temple Wagah Border Jallianwala Bagh

Home of the glorious Golden Temple, the iconic city of Amritsar, portrays the heroic character of the Punjab. A day in this peaceful city starts with the spiritual prayers from Gurudwaras. The original name of first the ancient lake, then of the temple complex, and later the surrounding city, meaning "pool of ambrosial nectar."

Distance from Jammu: 212 km

Best Time: October to March

34 Amritsar Attractions

Known For : The Ridge Mall Road, Shimla Jakhu Temple

Probably the most popular hill station in northern India, Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh famous for its Mall road, the Ridge, toy train etc. among honeymooners and families alike.

Distance from Jammu: 408 km

Best Time: October to June

63 Shimla Attractions

You have come here with one motive, and that is to explore and experience the sheer beauty that this splendid National Park beholds within itself. The lush green environs, beautiful flora and some of the rarest fauna species are to found here in this park.

Best Time: April to October

Known For : Alpather Lake Gondola Cable Car, Gulmarg Gulmarg

Khilanmarg is miniature valley set at a 6 km walk and 2000 feet above one of the most sought after tourist destinations in J&K - Gulmarg.

Distance from Jammu: 318 km

Best Time: May to September, November to February

12 Khilanmarg Attractions

Known For : Aharbal Waterfall Tarsar and Marsar Lake Kungwattan

Pulwama, a small town in Srinagar district, is famous for its apple orchards, waterfalls, natural springs and scenic valleys.

Distance from Jammu: 242 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

10 Pulwama Attractions

The shrine of Vaishno Devi, one of the most important places of worship in India calls the little town of Katra its home. Located in the Uddhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, Katra is mostly visited by devotees of Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage route is only complete when Shiv Khori, 1.6 km away from Vaishno Devi is also visited. Katra has a large collection of water bodies which can be easily accessed. Growing as a tourist attraction, people now have access to helicopters and eco friendly vehicles. Katra is worth visiting, even if you are not on a pilgrimage, because attractions like the Banganga, the Chenab river, and a large amount of peaks around offer great places for mountain climbing and family outings.

Known For : Kangra Fort Baijnath Temple Brajeshwari Temple

Kangra is a district in Himachal Pradesh with Dharamshala as the administrative headquarters. With might Beas River flowing through the Valley, Kangra is also known for the backdrop of Dhauladar range, ancient temples and endless tea plantations. Repeated mention of the Valley in the holy Hindu texts, present Kangra as 'Devbhumi' or Land of the Gods.

Best Time: September to June

22 Kangra Attractions

Known For : Tashi Jong Monastery Tea gardens in Palampur Saurabh Van Vihar

With pine and deodar forests and tea gardens encircling the town and numerous streams pouring in, Palampur is a popular town of Himachal Pradesh located in the Kangra district.

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Palampur Attractions

Only 6km from the Gulmarg bus station, Khilanmarg is a little paradise carpeted with flowers of varied colors in spring which changes into a skier's dream destination in the winters.