Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Jammu, Kashmir, Srinagar, Vaishno Devi

Day 1: Explore Jammu

Jammu, India

8:00AM

Visit Bahu Fort

Start your day by exploring the historic Bahu Fort, offering panoramic views of the Tawi River. The fort also houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Bahu Fort is a short drive from the city centre, taking approximately 20 minutes by car.
Free entry, 2 hours

11:00AM

Raghunath Temple

Visit the Raghunath Temple complex, one of the largest temple complexes of North India. Admire the intricate carvings and architecture.
Raghunath Temple is a 10-minute drive from Bahu Fort.
Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pooja Vaishno Dhaba

Enjoy a traditional North Indian vegetarian meal at Pooja Vaishno Dhaba known for its delicious local cuisine.
Pooja Vaishno Dhaba is a short drive from Raghunath Temple.
£10 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bagh-e-Bahu

Relax at Bagh-e-Bahu garden, a beautiful garden located near Bahu Fort. Take a leisurely stroll amidst lush greenery.
Bagh-e-Bahu is within walking distance from Raghunath Temple.
Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Raghunath Bazaar

Explore Raghunath Bazaar for souvenirs, traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, and local spices to take back home.
Raghunath Bazaar is a short walk from Bagh-e-Bahu.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Falak Restaurant

End your day with a delicious dinner at Falak Restaurant, offering a blend of Kashmiri and Indian cuisine.
Falak Restaurant is located in the city centre.
£20 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Religious Exploration in Jammu

Jammu, India

8:00AM

Vaishno Devi Yatra

Embark on a spiritual journey to Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi.
Take a private car or a pre-booked shuttle from Jammu to Katra, the base camp of Vaishno Devi. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
Varies based on mode of transport, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Katra

After the temple visit, enjoy a simple lunch at one of the local eateries in Katra, offering traditional North Indian cuisine.
There are several restaurants in Katra serving vegetarian meals.
£10 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Banganga Temple

Visit Banganga Temple, a sacred site where Goddess Durga is believed to have bathed during her journey to the cave shrine of Vaishno Devi.
Banganga Temple is a short walk from the main market in Katra.
Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Leisure Time

Spend the evening at leisure, exploring the local markets or relaxing at your accommodation in Katra.
You can explore the markets on foot from Banganga Temple.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Bali Palace

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Hotel Bali Palace, known for its authentic Indian flavours and hospitality.
Hotel Bali Palace is located in the heart of Katra.
£15 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Beauty of Kashmir

Kashmir, India

8:00AM

Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Start your day with a serene Shikara ride on Dal Lake, surrounded by beautiful mountains and floating gardens.
Dal Lake is a short drive from Srinagar city centre.
£20 per person, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Shankaracharya Temple

Explore Shankaracharya Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and offering panoramic views of Srinagar city and Dal Lake.
Shankaracharya Temple is located atop a hill, accessible by a short drive followed by a short hike.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mughal Darbar

Indulge in a traditional Kashmiri Wazwan lunch at Mughal Darbar, famous for its authentic Kashmiri cuisine.
Mughal Darbar is located in the city centre of Srinagar.
£25 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Mughal Gardens

Visit the famous Mughal Gardens – Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, known for their terraced lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and cascading fountains.
Mughal Gardens are a short drive from the city centre.
£5 entry fee per person, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Lal Chowk

Shop for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, Pashmina shawls, and local spices at Lal Chowk, the main shopping hub in Srinagar.
Lal Chowk can be reached by a short drive from Mughal Gardens.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Houseboat

Experience a stay on a traditional Kashmiri houseboat on Dal Lake, offering a unique overnight experience amidst serene surroundings.
Houseboats on Dal Lake can be reached by a Shikara ride from Lal Chowk.
£100 per night, Overnight
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Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Visit Jama Masjid

Begin your day with a visit to Jama Masjid, a stunning mosque with intricate woodwork and a serene ambiance, showcasing Srinagar's architectural beauty.
Jama Masjid is located in the heart of Srinagar city.
Free entry, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Hazratbal Shrine

Head to Hazratbal Shrine, a revered Muslim shrine located on the northern banks of Dal Lake, known for its peaceful atmosphere.
Hazratbal Shrine is a short drive from Jama Masjid.
Free entry, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shopping at Residency Road

Shop for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts, carpets, and dry fruits at Residency Road, a popular shopping destination in Srinagar.
Residency Road is easily accessible from Hazratbal Shrine by car.
Variable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Kashmiri meal at Ahdoos Restaurant, known for its delectable Wazwan dishes and warm hospitality.
Ahdoos Restaurant is located on Residency Road.
£30 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Pari Mahal

Explore Pari Mahal, a historic monument with terraced gardens offering panoramic views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Pari Mahal is a short drive from Residency Road.
£5 entry fee per person, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Char Chinar

Spend a peaceful evening at Char Chinar, an island in Dal Lake with beautiful Chinar trees, perfect for a leisurely stroll or boat ride.
Char Chinar can be reached by a Shikara ride from Pari Mahal.
Free entry, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Shamyana Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at Shamyana Restaurant, offering a mix of Indian, Mughlai, and Kashmiri dishes in a cosy setting.
Shamyana Restaurant is located near Dal Lake.
£25 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage

Vaishno Devi, India

6:00AM

Vaishno Devi Trek

Embark on the trek to Vaishno Devi Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site nestled in the Trikuta Mountains. The 12 km trek offers stunning views.
Start the trek from Katra, which takes around 6-8 hours depending on your pace and stops along the way.
Varies based on mode of transport, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Bhawan

Enjoy a simple vegetarian meal at one of the eateries near the Vaishno Devi Temple complex.
There are several eateries offering meals at Bhawan.
£10 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Exploration around Bhairon Temple

After visiting the main temple, explore the nearby Bhairon Temple, another significant shrine on the pilgrimage route.
Bhairon Temple is a short walk from the main temple complex.
Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Katra

Begin your descent back to Katra from the temple complex, enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Start your descent trek from Vaishno Devi Temple to Katra, which takes around 3-4 hours.
Varies based on mode of transport, Evening

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel The Atrium on the Greens

Relax and unwind with a delicious dinner at Hotel The Atrium on the Greens in Katra, offering a range of cuisines to suit your palate.
Hotel The Atrium on the Greens is located in the heart of Katra.
£20 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Return to Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Return to Srinagar

Travel back to Srinagar from Katra, enjoying the scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir.
You can hire a private car or take a public bus from Katra to Srinagar, with the journey taking approximately 5-6 hours.
Varies based on mode of transport, Morning

2:00PM

Lunch at Stream Restaurant

Stop for lunch at Stream Restaurant en route to Srinagar, offering a variety of cuisines and a pleasant dining experience.
Stream Restaurant is located along the highway between Katra and Srinagar.
£15 per person, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check-in at Houseboat

Upon reaching Srinagar, check-in at a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake for a relaxing and unique accommodation experience.
Houseboats on Dal Lake can be reached by a Shikara ride from the main jetty.
£80 per night, Afternoon

6:00PM

Evening Shikara Ride

Embark on a peaceful evening Shikara ride on Dal Lake, witnessing the sunset hues reflecting on the calm waters surrounded by mountains.
Your houseboat owner can arrange a Shikara ride for you from the houseboat itself.
£15 per person, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner on Houseboat

Enjoy a delectable dinner prepared on the houseboat, savouring the flavours of traditional Kashmiri cuisine under the starlit sky.
Dinner will be served on the houseboat itself.
£30 per person, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Departure from Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00AM

Visit Mughal Emperor Gardens

Explore the enchanting Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, Mughal Emperor Gardens known for their terraced lawns, vibrant flowers, and historical significance.
The Mughal Gardens are a short drive from the city centre of Srinagar.
£5 entry fee per person, 2 hours

10:00AM

Shopping at Lal Chowk

Spend your morning shopping for souvenirs, handicrafts, and Kashmiri specialties at Lal Chowk before departing from Srinagar.
Lal Chowk is easily accessible by a short drive from the Mughal Gardens.
Variable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Stream Restaurant

Enjoy a final meal at Stream Restaurant, savouring the local flavours before heading to the airport for your departure.
Stream Restaurant is located along the highway towards the airport.
£15 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Departure

Bid farewell to the beautiful Kashmir Valley as you head to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of your family trip.
Transfer to Srinagar Airport for your departure.
Varies based on mode of transport, Afternoon
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