Kashmir has always been a distant dream for tourists. The Valley known for possessing the paradisiacal beauty is enchanting, to say the least. The more you step into the sylvan charms of the Vale, the less you feel like knowing about it. It is as if travelling to Kashmir is never enough. The sundry vegetation, verdant grasslands, gentle breezes, snow-covered mountains, and romantic sunsets – all create a symphony of sublime experience. And so it is no wonder that visiting the Valley is among the top tourist destinations to mark off in any season. 

However, enjoying the bliss of Nature’s will, the Valley is reachable only via a limited mode of transportation. There is no train connecting Kashmir to the major cities of India. The only stop there is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, approximately 260 km from Srinagar. Otherwise, one has to board a flight taking them directly to Srinagar International Airport. But in all its entirety, reaching the Valley is an activity in itself. 

To truly explore the Vale, one must take the famous route through Jammu & Kashmir National Highway. The Kashmir Highway connects the main tourist points, which is how one reaches the innermost regions of Kashmir. Lal Chowk in Srinagar is the beginning point of the Highway, which passes through the districts of Pulwama, Kulgam, Ramban, Anantnag, and Udhampur before finally reaching Jammu. While planning a journey chart to the Valley, make your road trip the best by knowing the popular points to relax on the Kashmir highway.

1. Patnitop

Patnitop is more than just a place to halt at the Kashmir highway. The hill station, located 112 km from Jammu, offers surreal views and is a must to visit for tourists on their way to Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. As a major tourist attraction, there are many activities worth exploring here, such as Paragliding, Skiing, Camping and Trekking to its mini-wonders such as Nathantop, Madhatop, etc.

2. Zamindara Vaishno Dhaba

Zamindara Dhaba is the most popular Dhaba on the NH 44A highway. The Dhaba is at a distance of approximately 19.3 km, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach Jammu. The food point has been famous for serving delicacies since 1981. Specialities include vegetarian foods such as Kadi pakora, Rice Pudding, Tandoori Roti, Black Dal, Onion Chutney, etc. 

3. Qazigund

On your way to Srinagar from Jammu, you will pass through Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel. Famously known as the Gateway of Kashmir, the tunnel, with a length of 8.45 km, reduces the distance between Srinagar and Jammu by 16 km. The market on this Highway is known for dry fruits, cricket bats and Mount View Dhaba to eat Kashmiri cuisines.

4. Jawahar Tunnel

Jawahar Tunnel lies approximately 18 km from Qazigund Road Tunnel and is known as Heaven’s entrance point. One can stop by here to fix any technical issues the vehicle might face, such as lighting fixtures, emergency phones, etc. Moreover, there is a parking space in case there is a puncture or breakdown of any kind. 

5. Banihal

Banihal, situated at a distance of 35 km, is a famous gateway connecting Jammu & Srinagar on NH 44. The town lies in the Ramban district of Jammu & Kashmir. The spot is swarmed with tourists on their way to Kashmir. They halt at this place to enjoy a brief tea and lunch break with a view of the hills surrounding them. 

6. Sarmuli

Pull your brakes to the hustle and bustle of the cafeteria in Sarmuli, located on NH 44 route. Passengers stop by this place to enjoy tea breaks before continuing their journey to reach their destination. 

7. Domel

Domel, situated at a distance of approximately 28 km from Jammu on NH 44, has a famous Punjabi restaurant where you can satiate your North Indian taste buds and cravings before embarking on your journey.

8. Nandni

You can find your favourite appetiser – Pakora, at this prominent location, lying 20 km from Jammu. This spot is famous mainly for Pakora lovers. The varieties on their menu include pakoras such as Paneer, Palak, Aloo, Pyaaz, etc.