Jamu and Kashmir is a state where you could discover a new aspect/place each time you go and if you really want to soak in everything there besides the colossal amounts of natural beauty it is best to take a big break. Don't be in a hurry…go at a steady enjoyable pace or at the end of it all you will be left with is a heady blur! So if you are ready to discover the serene valleys of Jammu and Kashmir scroll down to make the perfect itinerary.

Peer Khoh
A cave shrine located on Circular Road , Peer Khoh has a naturally formed Shiva lingam which is quite mysterious as its history is unknown. Of course, folklore abounds and there is one that says that the cave probably leads to an underground passage that joins many other cave shrines or probably is a way out of the country.

Ranbireshwar Temple
Located on Shalimar Road and dedicated to Lord Shiva the historic temple was built in the 19 th century by Maharaja Ranbir Singh. It has one central lingam that stands seven-and-a-half feet high; twelve crystal Shiva lingams measuring between 15 and 38 inches in height and thousands of others carved on stone slabs in the galleries.

Raghunath Temple
A temple dedicated to Lord Rama, whose foundation was laid by Maharaj Gulab Singh and which was completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh, the Raghunath Temple is located in the heart of Jammu . Now, what makes it so unique? Well, the inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides, and numerous saligrams are there in the many galleries surrounding it. The temples that surround this main temple are dedicated to the various Hindu deities from the epic Ramayana.

Ranbir Canal
Gardens located on the banks of a canal through which icy cold waters flow through the year makes for a cool picnic spot. Along the canal, which branches off from the river Chenab at Akhnoor, 32 kms away, there are many enjoyable walkways and viewpoints.

Bahu Fort
Situated on the upland of the Bahi river, the Bahu Fort is perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city and was constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago. What you see today is an improved and extended fort that was given a facelift by the Dogra rulers. Inside the precincts is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and around the fort is an extensive terraced garden known as Bagh-e-Bahu

Peer Baba ka Dargah
Located behind the Civil Airport of Jammu is the famous dargah of the Muslim saint, Peer Budhan Ali Shah. A focal point where devotees of all faith congregate, the dargah sees more Hindu and Sikh devotees than Muslim devotees on Thursdays.

Amar Singh Palace
Planned on the lines of a French chateau complete with sloping roofs and tall towers, the Amar Singh palace was at one time the royal residence. Converted into a museum now it houses interesting memorabilia of the erstwhile ruling family and has the city's finest library of antique books and paintings.

Mahamaya Temple
Surrounded by the city forests on the road behind the Bahu Fort, the ancient Mahamaya temple overlooks the river Tawi.

Mubarak Mandi Palace
Dating back to the early 19 th century, this palace has a unique blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and even Gothic styles. The most famous segments of the palace are the Sheesh Mahal and the pink hall which has been converted into the Dogra Art Museum and contains a treasure trove of miniature paintings from the various hill schools.

Akhnoor
This is the historic town on the banks of the Chenab River associated with the legendary lovers Soni and Mahiwal. Located 32 km to the west of Jammu , Akhnoor also has some ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization along the riverbank.

Mansar Lake
This lake is the venue of the crafts festival that is held during Baisakhi every year. It is about 60 km from Jammu and is surrounded by hills. Boating here is an experience as the view all around is very panoramic.

Baba Dhansar
A naturally formed Shivalinga, a natural mountain spring that forms a waterfall joining the holy Banganga river and thick green grove are what make Baba Dhansar the awesomely popular picnic spot that it is. Come Shivaratri and the place gets transformed into a hub of activity because of the annual Shivaratri fair.

Dera Baba Banda
Baba Banda Bairagi, one of Guru Gobind Singhji's favourite saint soldiers, spent his last days on the banks of the Chenab river about 75 km from Jammu and this gurudwara is attributed to him. This place is considered as a major pilgrimage center for Hindus and Sikhs.

Kud
Scenic beauty, soft trekking options, adventure sports all went to making Kud one of the more sought after tourist destinations in the state. A hill resort located about 106km form Jammu on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, Kud is second only to Srinagar in natural beauty.

Patnitop
At a height of 2024 m and located 112km away on the Jammu Srinagar highway, Patnitop is a famous hill resort. Sitting pretty amidst a plateau the resort is surrounded by pine forests, beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks, a range of trekking options and a spectacular view of the mountains. Come winters and Patnitop is covered with thick snow and becomes the hub of activity for all winter sport enthusiasts.

Sanasar
All golf enthusiasts head for this cup shaped meadow located 119 km from Jammu . Surrounded by gigantic conifers, this is the place far away from the madding crowds and also offers paragliding.

Pari Mahal
What started as a Buddhist monastry at one time was converted into the royal observatory by Shah Jahan's eldest son, Dara Shikoh, finally ended up as Pari Mahal in Srinagar . Overlooking the Dal lake this monument has a beautiful landscaped garden all of which is lit up at night. It is a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi.

Cheshmashai Garden
Cheshmashai in Srinagar was as originally laid out by Shah Jahan in the 17 th century. The terraced garden has the perfect view of the resplendent Dal Lake below and is surrounded by snow-clad mountain ranges…picture perfect. It is said that the cool water of the spring here is highly refreshing and aids digestion.

Nishat Garden
Nishat, or the “garden of bliss” as it is often called is on the banks of the Dal Lake , with the Zabarwan Mountains as its backdrop. Conceptualized and laid out by Nur Jahan's brother in the 17 th century it has a glorious view of the lake and the snow capped Pir Panjal mountain range.

Shalimar Garden
A garden dedicated to his wife Nur Jahan, Shalimar was built by Emperor Jehangir. A stunning garden is beautifully landscaped with canals, flowerbeds and four shallow terraces, rising one above the other. Wular Lake Amongst Asia's biggest fresh water lakes, the Wular Lake is mesmerizing in the fact that it changes character every few kilometers. The Manasbal Lake where the shikara will glide along the calm waters serves as a backdrop to a birdwatcher's paradise. Some kilometers ahead at Watlab, home to the shrine of a Muslim mystic Baba Shukudin, the Wular Lake is set amidst total countryside setting – typical hillside villages; paddy fields; and apple orchards.

Daksum
Hidden from view in a thickly forested area at a height of 2438 Daksum could belong to an era of the Lotus Eaters such is the leisurely calm and peace that pervades the air there but for the gushing of the Bringhi river that runs through it. Daksum is a place where you can revel in solitude and be one with nature. Pine trees; green meadows, clear gurgling brooks, fresh mountain air all promise to make your experience invigorating and long lasting.

Kokernag
A refreshing spring water bath that also promises to put the spring back in your step is the mantra of the seven natural springs at Kokernag in the heart of Bringhi valley. Set at a height of 2,020 m, the air in Kokernag is redolent with the multifarious flowering blooms around it. The water of the spring is famous for its medicinal and digestive properties.

Yusmarg
Another place that is worth a visit is Yusmarg, which is about a two hour drive from Srinagar . An idyllic picnic spot with a heady combination of verdant meadows, coniferous forests and the snowdraped mountains. A short walk leads you to a river christened Dudh Ganga, thanks to the white foam created by it crashing its way through the rocks. A little further is another water body the Nilnag lake. About 13 kms away from Yusmarg, is Charari- Sharief, the Shrine of Kashmir's patron saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi.

Verinag
The chief source of the Jhelum river, the spring of Verinag is about 80 kms from Srinagar at an altitude of 1,876 m. The Mughal emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan are credited with the construction of the base of the spring and the arcade around it.

Gulmarg
Originally christened Gaurimarg by shepherds, it was rechristened in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah who was absolutely smitten by the wild riot of flowers on green grassy slopes. It is said that Emperor Jehangir once collected over 20 varieties of flowers from Gulmarg, which was also his favourite hill station. Gulmarg has the distinction of not only being one of the most spectacularly beautiful hill resorts in the world but also houses the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is also India's country's premier ski resort.

Pahalgam
Where the streams from the Sheshnag Lake and the River Lidder meet is where Pahalgam is located. At an altitude of 2,130 m, Pahalgam is one of Kashmir 's best resort area's. What add to the charm of Pahalgam are some of the places worth visiting around it such as Balsaran, Hajan, Chandanwari, and Mamal. Incidentally, Mamal houses Kashmir 's oldest existing Shiva temple dating back to the 5th century.

Sonamarg
Christened the “meadow of gold”, Sonamarg is yet another place that is hard to give a miss. At an altitude of 2730 m and about 84 kms from Srinagar, Sonamarg is the base camp of the treks that go on to the mountain lakes -- Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal and the way to Zojila pass in the Great Himalayan range that leads to Ladakh. The Sindh river meanders through the valley and is an angler's delight as trout and mahaseer fill its waters. The Thajiwas glacier is a major attraction and can be visited during the summer months on ponies.