Jammu and Kashmir
Himalayan valley scenery, known for Dal Lake houseboats in Srinagar and the snowy slopes of Gulmarg.
Jammu and Kashmir lies in northern India and has been a Union Territory since 2019 (part of the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir, a region whose sovereignty is disputed). The Kashmir Valley is known for its beautiful landscapes: on Dal Lake in Srinagar you can stay on a houseboat and ride a shikara, and Mughal gardens line the lake; Gulmarg is a skiing and gondola destination, and Pahalgam and Sonamarg are alpine meadows and trekking bases. The Vaishno Devi shrine near Jammu is a major pilgrimage site. Spring, summer and autumn are all good, winter is for skiing, and you should check the security situation before traveling. Both Srinagar and Jammu have airports.