Srinagar or Jammu? Which Kashmir Trip to Plan in March

Update: Due to the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, tourism has temporarily ceased, and the international airport in Srinagar is closed. This blog aims to help readers plan their itineraries when tourism resumes in the future.

Kashmir is a dream destination for many travellers, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. When planning a Kashmir trip in March, the biggest question is whether to go to Srinagar or Jammu. Both cities serve as gateways to this paradise, yet they offer very different experiences.

Srinagar is known for its serene lakes, gardens, and snow-covered peaks, while Jammu is famous for its temples, historical sites, and pleasant weather. So, which one should you choose? This blog compares both destinations based on beauty, activities, food, cultural experiences, shopping, and accessibility and one of the best resorts in Kashmir, Club Mahindra Kashmir House Boat resort, to help you plan the perfect trip.

Key Highlights

1. Beauty and Ambience of both cities
2. Things to Do & Places to See: The Best Experiences in Srinagar and Jammu
3. Food to Eat: Culinary Delights
4. Cultural Immersions: Traditions & Experiences
5. Shopping: Where to Buy What?
6. Ease of Accessibility: Which One is Easier to Reach?
7. Mobile and Internet Connectivity: Stay Connected
8. Best Resorts in Kashmir: The Club Mahindra Edge
9. Final Verdict: Srinagar vs. Jammu for Your March Kashmir Trip

Beauty and Ambience: A Tale of Two Cities

Kashmir is known for its breathtaking scenery, and both Srinagar and Jammu offer stunning landscapes, but their charm is quite different.

Srinagar

If you’re looking for postcard-perfect views, Srinagar is the place to be. In March, the city is a mix of snow-capped mountains and blooming gardens, creating a magical contrast. The Dal Lake, partially frozen in early March, reflects the sky like a giant mirror, while the Mughal Gardens start coming back to life. The air is crisp, and the remnants of winter give the entire region a dreamlike quality. It’s a destination for nature lovers, photographers, and peace seekers.

The backdrop of Himalayan peaks, the charm of houseboats, and the serenity of shikara rides make Srinagar a paradise on Earth. If you love waking up to misty mornings and sipping Kahwa while watching the snow melt into spring, Srinagar is your perfect pick.

Jammu

In contrast, Jammu welcomes you with rolling hills, lush green plains, and a more temperate climate in March. Unlike Srinagar, where snow still lingers, Jammu enjoys clear skies and warm sunshine, making it ideal for exploring ancient temples, forts, and lakes. The Tawi River, flowing through the city, adds to its scenic charm.

Jammu is vibrant, historic, and spiritual, offering a more grounded experience of Kashmir. If you prefer pleasant weather, cultural richness, and easy access to attractions without extreme cold, Jammu is the place to be.

Things to Do & Places to See: The Best Experiences in Srinagar and Jammu

A Kashmir trip in March is not just about admiring the scenery—it’s about experiencing the region’s beauty, culture, and adventure. Whether you are drawn to Srinagar’s lakes and snowy peaks or Jammu’s spiritual sites and historical landmarks, both cities offer unique attractions and activities.

Srinagar

Srinagar is a scenic wonderland where nature and adventure come together beautifully. In March, winter starts fading, and spring begins, offering a mix of snow-covered mountains and blooming gardens.

• Shikara Ride on Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake – Enjoy a peaceful boat ride with breathtaking views of floating gardens and snow-capped peaks.
• Stay in a Houseboat – Experience elegance and tradition at Club Mahindra’s Kashmir Houseboats.
• Visit the Tulip Garden – If you’re travelling in late March, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest, is a must-visit.
• Explore Mughal Gardens – Walk through Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, which start blooming with vibrant flowers.
• Hike to Shankaracharya Temple – A short trek rewards you with stunning panoramic views of Srinagar.
• Visit Hazratbal Shrine – A peaceful and sacred site on the banks of Dal Lake, known for its spiritual significance.
• Gulmarg (50 km, 2-hour drive) – Take the Gondola ride, one of the world’s highest cable cars, or enjoy skiing and snowboarding in early March.
• Sonamarg (80 km, 2.5-hour drive) – A picturesque valley with glaciers, golden meadows, and trekking trails.
• Pahalgam (90 km, 3-hour drive) – Famous for Betaab Valley, Lidder River, and breathtaking views.

Jammu

Jammu, known as the "City of Temples," is the cultural and spiritual heart of Jammu & Kashmir. With its rich Dogra heritage, ancient temples, and scenic landscapes, Jammu is ideal for travellers who seek history, spirituality, and adventure.

• Vaishno Devi Temple (42 km, 1.5-hour drive + 14 km trek) – One of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, attracting millions of devotees.
• Raghunath Temple – A grand 19th-century temple dedicated to Lord Rama, known for its stunning architecture and religious significance.
• Bahu Fort and Bagh-e-Bahu – A historic Dogra-era fort offering panoramic views of the Tawi River, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
• Mubarak Mandi Palace – A royal palace showcasing Dogra history, Mughal influences, and Rajput architecture.
• Mansar Lake and Surinsar Lake (60 km, 2-hour drive) – Ideal for boating, picnics, and nature walks.
• Patnitop (110 km, 3-hour drive) – A serene hill station offering paragliding, trekking, and adventure sports.
• Sanasar (130 km, 4-hour drive) – A hidden gem for camping, rock climbing, and scenic nature walks.

Food to Eat: Culinary Delights

Food is an essential part of any Kashmir trip, with Srinagar and Jammu offering distinct culinary experiences. 

Srinagar

Srinagar is known for Wazwan cuisine, featuring rich, slow-cooked dishes like Rogan Josh (spicy lamb curry), Gushtaba (minced mutton in yoghurt gravy), Yakhni (mildly spiced mutton), Modur Pulao (saffron rice with nuts), and Harissa (a winter delicacy). Traditional Sheermal and Bakarkhani breads pair perfectly with Kahwa, the famous saffron-infused Kashmiri tea. A meal at Club Mahindra’s Kashmir Houseboats offers an authentic experience.

Jammu

Jammu’s Dogra cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with specialities like Rajma Chawal (kidney beans with rice), Kalari Cheese (fried local cheese), Khatta Meat (tangy mutton with pomegranate seeds), Ambal (sweet-sour pumpkin dish), and Aloo Dum (spiced potatoes). Popular sweets include Patisa, Chocolate Barfi, and Sund Panjeeri, best found at Pahalwan’s Sweet Shop. Whether you crave rich Kashmiri feasts or homely Dogra flavours, both cities offer unforgettable food experiences.

Cultural Immersions: Traditions & Experiences

Persian, Mughal, and Dogra traditions influence Kashmir's rich culture, offering immersive experiences in both Srinagar and Jammu.

Srinagar

Srinagar is renowned for its art and heritage. Visitors can explore artisan workshops to witness the making of Pashmina shawls, papier-mâché art, carpets, and walnut wood carvings. Heritage walks through Jamia Masjid, Shah-e-Hamdan Shrine, and Khanqah-e-Moula reveal the city’s Sufi influence. A houseboat stay on Dal Lake with Club Mahindra offers an authentic cultural experience. Travellers can also try on a Phiran, experience traditional Kashmiri weddings, and enjoy the flavours of Wazwan cuisine.

Jammu

Jammu, the City of Temples, showcases Dogra heritage through performances of Geetru, Kud, and Bhakh folk music. Spiritual landmarks like Raghunath Temple and Bahu Fort Temple highlight the region’s religious significance. The Mubarak Mandi Palace blends Dogra, Mughal, and Rajput architecture. Visitors can witness cultural festivals like Empyrean and explore traditional Dogra attire, including Dussa, Pagrī, and Pheran.

Shopping: Where to Buy What?

Shopping in Kashmir is a delightful experience, with Srinagar and Jammu offering unique treasures. 

Srinagar

Srinagar is renowned for exquisite handicrafts, including Pashmina shawls, handwoven carpets, papier-mâché art, walnut wood carvings, and traditional Kashmiri jewellery. The city is also famous for dry fruits and saffron from Pampore. The best places to shop include Lal Chowk, Polo View Market, Zaina Kadal, and the Floating Market on Dal Lake.

Jammu

Jammu, known for affordable shopping, offers Dogra handicrafts, Basohli paintings, and brassware. It is also famous for Chocolate Barfi, Patisa, pickles, premium rajma, and authentic spices. Visitors often buy Vaishno Devi prasad, rudraksha beads, and religious souvenirs from Raghunath Bazaar, Hari Market, and Residency Road. Whether you’re looking for luxury Kashmiri crafts or traditional Dogra specialities, both cities offer incredible shopping experiences, making your Kashmir trip truly memorable.

Ease of Accessibility: Which One is Easier to Reach?

When planning a Kashmir trip in March, ease of travel is an important factor. While both Srinagar and Jammu are well-connected, there are differences in how easily you can reach each destination.

Srinagar

Srinagar is primarily accessible by air since it has limited rail and road connectivity compared to Jammu.

• By Air: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chandigarh. Flights can sometimes be affected by weather conditions in early March due to snowfall.
• By Road: The Jammu-Srinagar Highway (NH44) connects Srinagar to Jammu. The 290 km journey takes 7–9 hours, but in March, snowfall may lead to temporary road closures.
• By Train: There is no direct railway station in Srinagar. The closest station is in Banihal, connected to Jammu via the Banihal–Baramulla railway line. From Banihal, you need a cab or shared taxi to Srinagar (a 2-hour drive).

Jammu

Jammu is easier to reach by air, rail, and road, making it the preferred choice for travellers who want a smooth journey.

• By Air: Jammu Airport (IXJ) operates multiple daily flights from major cities across India. Weather-related delays are rare in March.
• By Train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is one of North India’s major railway hubs. Direct trains are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.
• By Road: Well-connected by highways, you can drive to Jammu from Delhi (590 km, 10–11 hours) or take luxury buses. The roads remain open throughout March with no major disruptions.

Mobile and Internet Connectivity: Stay Connected

Staying connected while travelling is important, but mobile and internet services differ in Srinagar and Jammu. 

Srinagar

Srinagar has decent network coverage for postpaid users, but prepaid SIM cards from outside J&K do not work. Wi-Fi is available in hotels and houseboats, but mobile data speeds can be slow, and occasional internet restrictions may occur. 

Jammu

Jammu, on the other hand, offers more reliable connectivity, with both prepaid and postpaid SIMs working without issues. The city has stable 4G services, easily accessible Wi-Fi, and minimal network disruptions, making it a better choice for travellers needing uninterrupted internet access.

Best Resorts in Kashmir: The Club Mahindra Edge

When it comes to resorts in Kashmir, Srinagar holds a distinct advantage over Jammu, thanks to the presence of Club Mahindra Kashmir Houseboats. Nestled on the serene Dal Lake, this resort in Srinagar offers a unique blend of elegance and Kashmiri heritage. Staying in a houseboat is an experience like no other, allowing guests to wake up to breathtaking lake views and enjoy the peaceful charm of floating accommodations.

The Club Mahindra Kashmir Houseboats provide world-class amenities, including cosy Kashmiri-style interiors, warm hospitality, and curated cultural experiences. Guests can savour authentic Wazwan cuisine, sip traditional Kahwa, and even enjoy Shikara rides right from their doorstep. This exclusive stay option makes Srinagar the superior choice for travellers looking for both comfort and cultural immersion.

In contrast, Jammu does not yet have a Club Mahindra resort, making Srinagar the preferred destination for those seeking a premium stay experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure retreat, Club Mahindra’s resort in Srinagar ensures an unforgettable stay in the heart of Kashmir.

Final Verdict: Srinagar vs. Jammu for Your March Kashmir Trip

Choosing between Srinagar and Jammu for a March Kashmir trip depends on your travel preferences. Srinagar offers breathtaking snow-capped mountains, blooming gardens, and scenic Dal Lake, where Shikara rides and Club Mahindra’s Kashmir Houseboats provide a unique experience. Jammu, with its milder climate and better accessibility, is ideal for a hassle-free trip.

Srinagar is best for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with Gulmarg’s skiing and Sonamarg’s alpine beauty nearby. Jammu offers spiritual and cultural experiences, featuring Vaishno Devi Temple, Raghunath Temple, and Dogra heritage sites. Food enthusiasts can enjoy Srinagar’s Wazwan cuisine or Jammu’s Rajma Chawal and Kalari Cheese.

While Jammu has better connectivity, Srinagar offers exquisite handicrafts, making both cities worth exploring for different experiences.

Verdict: Choose Srinagar for stunning landscapes, adventure, and the dreamy Club Mahindra Kashmir House Boat resort. Opt for Jammu if you prefer spirituality, cultural richness, and hassle-free travel. Both destinations promise a memorable Kashmir trip in March.

Conclusion

The blog presents a detailed comparison between Srinagar and Jammu, emphasising their unique offerings for travellers. Srinagar is notable for its stunning landscapes and the exclusive experience provided by Club Mahindra Kashmir Houseboats, making it a perfect choice for those seeking natural beauty and unique accommodation. On the other hand, Jammu offers easier accessibility and a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual experiences, appealing to history buffs and spiritual seekers. Choosing between the two depends on the traveller’s preferences for scenic tranquillity with elegant houseboat stays or cultural richness with convenient travel. Both cities promise a memorable journey into the heart of Kashmir in March.