Kashmir, apart from its Natural Beauty and mesmerizing landscapes, is known for its spiritual and religious tourism. Some major shrines of all the religions of subcontinent are located here and are part of a more vibrant and diverse historical, cultural and religious heritage. The Amarnath Temple of Hindus, the Hazratbal Shrine of Muslims, the Chhatipadshahi of Sikhs and Holy Family Catholic church of Christians hold important positions in the valley. You can enjoy your trip to Kashmir and visit such places as well
Amarnath Yatra is an annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath temple, located in the Himalayan glaciers at an elevation of 12756 feet above the sea level. This Yatra is made to the Lingum of Shiva which is covered in the snow most of the year and opens only during a couple of months in summer in which the pilgrimage is made.
The cave is said to be the place where Shiva taught Parvati the secrets of life and eternity. Pilgrims throng this place in huge numbers from two ways
Amarnath Yatra is accessible through Sonamarg and Pahalgam. The path through Sonamarg is small but steep. Not many pilgrims prefer to take this way. There is no taxi service to Sonamarg. You can book taxi in Srinagar with Tripmore.
Pahalgam is a more frequented way of reaching Amarnath. There is no direct transport service to Pahalgam. You can book a cab here for yourself, and enjoy the trip along with exceptional sightseeing.
Shankaracharaya temple, popularly known as Jyateshwara temple, is one of the major sites of Hindu pilgrimage in KashmirThe temple is located on Shankaracharaya hill, on an elevation of almost 1000 feet from the valley floor. On a distance of 3 kilometers from Lal Chowk, this temple is believed to be visited by Adi Shankaracharaya.
One of the major Hindu festivals Maha Shivratri – or known as Herath in Kashmiri – is celebrated here. This festival is celebrated in the honor of Lord Shiva in the month of February and March.
Add ShankarAcharaya in your Kashmir Tour Package now.
Kheer Bhawani temple is located in the Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. This temple is the second most import Hindu pilgrimage site after the Amarnath Yatra. Dedicated to the Kashmiri goddess Kheer Bhawani, this temple is built with a spring that is said to be changing colors.
One of the important events that happen here is the Mela Kheer Bhawani. This mela is celebrated during Jyeshta Ashtami during which the pilgrims all over India frequent the place.
Mamaleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple located on the banks of Lidder River in the famous hill station of Pahalgam. This temple is believed to be the place where Shiva cut the head of Ganesha and gave him an Elephant head.
The temple has the idol of Shiva Linga and a small two face idol of Nandi on the right corner.
This placed is located at a distance of almost 90 kilometers from Srinagar, and a couple of kilometers from Pahalgam town
Situated in the midst of vast meadows of Gulmarg, this Shiva temple was developed by the wife of Hari Singh in 1915. This was considered as the royal temple of Dogra Dynasty in Kashmir.
Maharani Temple is located at a distance of 2 kilometers from Gulmarg main town, and almost 60 kilometers from Srinagar.
Also See, 7 Days Kashmir Tour Package.
Zaeshta Devi Shrine is a Shakti Shrine, highly regarded in high reverence by the Hindus of Kashmir since ancient times. Located at the distance of 6 kilometers from Lal Chowk, this Shrine is located at a small distance from Dal Lake towards Harwan.
The shrine is located off route and you need a more personal mode of transportation. You can book Srinagar Airport Taxi to Zaeshta Devi Shrine.
Martand Sun Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kashmir. It is located in Mattan town of Anantnag, almost 60 kilometers from Srinagar. This temple was dedicated to the Martand – The Solar Deity – in Hindu Religion.
This temple is a traditional site of Hindu Worship. Hindus on their way to Srinagar or Pahalgam pay a visit to this temple as well.
You can easily book a cab and enjoy your trip to this temple and other associated places
One of the oldest recorded temples in Kashmir, Naranag is said to be the abode of Nagas. Nagas were known for their reverence of serpents and did their Sadhana here.
This temple is said to be the temple of Shiva and is said to be made by Lalitadatiya, with visit by Avantivarman, some 1200 years ago.
This Temple complex is located at a hilly distance of 16 kilometers from Kangan town of Ganderbal district, on the way to Sonamarg.
The Temple complex is located at a off road location and can be accessed via a proper rented cab. Rent Scorpio in Kashmir with Tripmore
One of the holiest shrines in Kashmir, Dargah Hazratbal is located on the northern banks of Dal Lake almost 09 kilometers from Lal Chowk, Srinagar. The place is the abode of the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad, with care being taken by the Banday Family.
The Shrine sees the most tourist footfall during the Milad (birthday of Prophet) along with the birth of four righteous caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali) when the holy relic of the Prophet is displayed for the public.
Apart from the shrine, this place is also visited for Dal Lake on one side as well as the Campus of University of Kashmir on the other.
One of the old Architectural Structures of Kashmir, Jamia Masjid is the most famous mosque of Kashmir. Located in the Nowhatta area of Old City and accessible easily via Auto and Shared Cab, the mosque is a major religious and cultural centre of Muslims.
The mosque is known for its pristine architecture and beautiful lawn in the middle. This mosque is managed by the Mirwaiz family with Mirwaiz Dr Umar Farooq being its head as of now.
Khanqah is one of the most visited Mosques of Kashmir. Built in the memory of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani – or Shahi Hamdan – this place is located on the banks of River Jhelum almost 3 kilometers from Lal Chowk.
Apart from its religious importance, the Mosque also offers a view of traditional Kashmiri architecture, and paper machie works.
On 6th Dhul Hijja (Last month of Islamic Calendar), on the Death Anniversary of Shahi Hamdan, an Urs is celebrated here when pilgrims throng the Mosque
Located in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, Dastgeer Sahib’s Shrine is a Muslim shrine and mosque with the relics of famous Sufi saint Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani. This Shrine also has the relics and a Quran related to the 4th righteous caliph Ali bin Abi Talib.
On the death Anniversary of Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, a daylong procession is celebrated here while the relics are also shown.
Shaikh Hamza Makhdoom also known as Mokhdoom Sahib was one of the major Sufi Saints of Kashmir. His shrine is located on the mount of Hari Parbat just below the Hari Parbat Fort. This shrine was built by Akbar in the honor of this saint.
You can book a cab from Lal Chowk that can take you to this marvelous shrine with a stunning aerial view of the city.
The shrine of one of the major of saints of Kashmir, Shaikh ul Alam, is located in the Charar town of Budgam in central Kashmir. The shrine was established in early 15th century in honor of the demise of Shaikh Ul Alam.
This shrine is a major centre of worship and tourism in Kashmir. Travelers all across the country throng this place especially during the time of Urs, on the death anniversary of Shaikh ul Alam.
The shrine is located at a distance of 30 kilometers from Lal Chowk. You can travel the shrine in a cab that can be booked via calling 7051909192.
Charar e Sharif is also a major gateway to the tourist destination Yousmarg
Located in the Lidder Valley of Anantnag, the Shrine of Zain Ud Din Wali is located at a distance of 68 kilometers from Srinagar and kilometers 20 from Pahalgam. This shrine is the cavern which is said to be the abode of the famous Sufi saint and the disciple of Shaikh Ul Alam, Shaikh Zain Ud Din Wali.
This shrine also contains some of the relics of this saint.
One of the major festivals that are celebrated here is the festival of Zool. In this festival, every participant brings a burning fire and engages in saying prayers. The festival ends with food.
This place has also featured in some movies of Bollywood. The famous qawwali from Bajrangi Bhaijaan was shot here.
The Shrine of Baba Payam Ud Din Reshi is a major shrine in Kashmir. This is the shrine of Baba Payam Ud Din, a major disciple of Shaikh Ul Alam. Located in the northern district of Baramulla at a distance of almost kilometers 45 from Srinagar, and 25 kilometers from Gulmarg, Baba Reshi is a famous shrine as well as a major tourist destination.
The major festivals celebrated here are the annual Urs of Baba Reshi as well as the Langar Daan.
Baba Reshi is a major tourist destination and is also next to the famous tourist destination, Gulmarg. Read more about Gulmarg here
Located on the Kathi-Darwaza, Gurdwara Chhatipadshahi is a major place in Sikh religion. This Gurdwara is said to be visited by the Sixth Guru of Sikh Religion Hargobind Singh Ji.
The Gurdwara hosts a Lunger (Free community food and accommodation) for the whole year and is known to be a major Sikh place. This is at a minimal distance of 5 kilometers from Srinagar and can easily be covered in your trip to Srinagar. Read more about Srinagar trip here
Gurdwara Sri Shadimarg Sahib is situated near village Pulwama in the Srinagar district. In 1616, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji arrived here from Goindwal, Wazirbad and Hamirpur during a tour of Kashmir. Guru Hargobind sat under a Chinaar tree which still exists at the Gurdwara.
It is said that when the group became thirsty (near the Gurdwara Sahib) Guru Hargobind hit the ground with his barcha (spear) and a water spring appeared
This church was built during early 1900s, in the centre of Srinagar city. This because a visiting church for most of the Brits who came to Kashmir escaping the heat of the plains. A few of them permanently stayed here.
This church – Protestant – is associated with the Church of North India
This Catholic Church was established in 1896 by a Christian missionary in Srinagar. Located on the Maulana Azad road, this church is one of the most important churches in the valley.
Lit with bright lights and vivid sculpting, the church also has a very beautiful sculpture of “The Last Supper”.
One of the oldest structures in Kashmir’s Spiritual tourism is the Buddhist Monastery located in the outskirts of Srinagar. Located uphill the Harwan village, almost 7 kilometers from Lal Chowk, this Monastery is said to be the abode of famous Buddhist Scholar Nagarjuna.
The 4th and last major Buddhist Council is said to have happened here. This is the place that holds the most importance in Buddhist Philosophy
