Best Places to Visit in Kupwara

Kupwara is a picture perfect destination that has all the characteristics of Kashmir that has been described above. It is located between the Pir Panjal and Shambari Mountain ranges. It is surrounded by snow clad mountains and dense green forests. It is an amazing tourist destination that will take your breath away. There are several tourist destination in and around Kupwara. Kheer Bawani, Asthapan, Hazrat Mehmood Shah Shrine, Shaloora Shrine, Kashat Baba Shrine, Qamar Reshi sahib Shrine, Lolab Valley, Baba Fateh Ullah Shrine, Baba Abdullah Gazi Shrine, Prakash, Hazrat Mohammad Joo Jandal Shrine, Syed Mohammad Gabi Shrine, Malcha Khan Badshah, Mir Azhar Sahib Shrine and Sheikh Baba Behram.

How to Reach Kupwara:

By Air: The Srinagar airport is the nearest airport.  Srinagar is very well connected to the rest of the India by various airline services. The nearest international airport to Srinagar is the Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi. This airport is also very well connected to other airports in the world.

By Rail: The nearest railway station Jammu Tawi. Jammu Tawi is well connected to the rest of the country with the help of several long distance trains. You could get down at Jammu tawi and travel the rest of the distance by road.

By Road: Kupwara is well connected to all the major cities in the state by a good network of roads.

Best Time to Visit Kupwara

Kupwara is a beautiful destination at during all seasons. However it is recommended that the region be visited during April to June.

Sightseeing spots in Kupwara

There are several sightseeing spots in Kupwara like  Kheer Bhawani, Asthapan, Hazrat Mehmood Shah Shrine, Shaloora Shrine, Kashat Baba Shrine, Qamar Reshi sahib Shrine, Lolab Valley, Baba Fateh Ullah Shrine, Baba Abdullah Gazi Shrine, Prakash, Hazrat Mohammad Joo Jandal Shrine, Syed Mohammad Gabi Shrine, Malcha Khan Badshah, Mir Azhar Sahib Shrine and Sheikh Baba Behram. Patnitop is a hill station near Kupwara and is around 270 Km from Kupwara.

Kheer Bhawani

Kheer Bhawani is a temple that is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. It is a famous spot that is thronged by locals as well as devotees of the goddess from all parts of the country. It is 14 miles away from Srinagar. The name of the temple comes from the offering to the Goddess which is ‘kheer’ or sweet rice porridge. It is a beautiful temple that exudes a positive vibration within devotees.

Baba Abdullah Gazi Shrine

The Baba Abdullah Gazi Shrine is situated in Gazriyal in Kupwara district. It is dedicated to the memory of Baba Abdullah Gazi who was a foremost caliph of Sultan-Ul-Arifeen. He was responsible for building 360 mosques, 360 springs, 360 gardens and 360 inns in the area.

Lolab Valley

This is a fantastic tourist destination that showcases what Kashmir is all about. It is a place where one can see beautiful meadows, babbling brooks and dense forests of pine and fir. There are also several orchards and unbelievable vistas of snow capped Himalayan peaks in the distance. The valley is also called the ‘fruit bowl of Kashmir’. Several of the fruits that Kashmir is famous for come from here.

Paragliding in Patnitop

Paragliding is a very popular sport in Patnitop. The terrain of the area is very helpful for the sport. Enthusiasts often visit the place to take off from the place known as Billoo Di Powri point. Tourists can also enjoy this fantastic experience when they are accompanied by a pilot. This is one of the very few places in Indiawhere paragliding can be enjoyed by tourists.

Skiing in Patnitop

During the months of January and February when there is snowfall, the slopes are coved with snow. This makes Patnitop a skiing destination. Since the slopes are not very steep or sharp, they are ideal for beginners. For sharp and vertical slopes professionals can go to Madhotop. This region is seen as ideal place for skiing and serves as a base for tourist who treks to the nearby mountains.

Bahu Fort and Temple, Patnitop

The Bahu Fort and temple complex is considered to be one of the oldest forts in India, around 3000 years old. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Yet another destination is the Mughal gardens that surround the Bahu Fort. This provides a great panoramic view of Jammu.

Hotels and Accommodation in and around Kupwara

There are several hotels in and around Kupwara. These are some of them. City Park Hotel, Royal Park Hotel, Raj Palace Hotel, Hotel Heevan Retreat, The Pine Palace Resort, Hotel New Zam Zam and Hotel Hilltop.

Hotel Heevan Retreat: The Hotel Heevan Retreat is located right where the Gondola ride to Khilanmarg begins. So this is probably a very good option for those who love Khilanmarg. The hotel has well appointed rooms with all modern amenities.

Hotel Green Top: Hotel Green Top is located at Patnitop close to the Jammu-Srinagar highway. It is set amidst thick forests and offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the valley of the Chenab basin and the Pir Panjal range beyond. It is a great destination for lovers of winter sports.

Hotel Zamzam: Hotel Zam Zam is located in Gulmarg and offers excellent accommodation and food options. The staff is very courteous and will make your stay comfortable.

The Pine Palace Resort: The Pine Palace Resort is in Gulmarg and is one of the best resorts in Kashmir. The resort is located at a wonderful location and has well appointed rooms with sumptuous dining options.