Snow-capped peaks, soul-stirring valleys, and the warmest hospitality—Jammu & Kashmir is every family’s dream weekend getaway. Short on time? Our hand-crafted 3-day itinerary squeezes the best of Jammu, Katra, Srinagar, and Patnitop into a seamless, kid-friendly holiday. Pack your bags—adventure and spirituality await!
Day 1 – Land in Jammu | Katra & Vaishno Devi Darshan
Morning: Touchdown at Jammu Airport/Tawi Station
Greet the crisp Himalayan air and hop into a pre-paid cab (1.5 hrs, ₹1,400) to Katra—the base camp for Mata Vaishno Devi.
Mid-Morning: Check-in & Refresh
Family-friendly stays:
• The White Hotels Katra – kids’ play area & heated pool
• Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Guest Houses – economical & clean
Afternoon: Helicopter or Pony Ride to the Shrine
Pre-book Maa Vaishno Devi helicopter tickets (₹1,735 pp) for 8-minute flight to Sanjichhat; save energy for the 2.5 km downhill walk to the holy cave.
Pro-tip: Carry biometric Yatra Parchi from the railway station counter to skip long queues.
Evening: Ardh Kuwari & Bhairon Temple
Older kids love the Ardh Kuwari cave story; Bhairon Temple offers panoramic views of the Trikuta Hills.
Dinner: Katra Main Bazaar
Try the famous kulchas at Pahalwan Di Hatti and pack Rajma Chawal for elders.
Day 2 – Srinagar: Shikaras, Mughal Gardens & Houseboats
Early Morning: Katra → Srinagar
Board the Jammu–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express (6:45 AM) or hire a cab (7 hrs, ₹4,000). Stop at Pitstop Patnitop for breakfast and selfies amid pine forests.
Noon: Check-in on a Floating Palace
Book Butt’s Clermont Houseboats on Nigeen Lake—safer, quieter, and child-friendly. Kids love feeding the kingfishers from the deck!
Afternoon: Mughal Gardens Marathon
• Shalimar Bagh – fountains & Persian terraces
• Nishat Bagh – longest garden with Dal Lake backdrop
• Chashme Shahi – spring water that stays icy even in July
Evening: Shikara Ride on Dal Lake
Glide past floating markets, lotus gardens, and the Hazratbal Shrine. Negotiate ₹600 for a 1-hour ride; ask for life-jackets for toddlers.
Dinner: Ahdoos, Residency Road
Savor Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and Kashmiri Pulao. End with Kahwa for the elders and Kulfi for the kids.
Day 3 – Patnitop Adventure & Departure from Jammu
Morning: Srinagar → Patnitop (4 hrs)
Leave at 6 AM to beat traffic. Stretch legs at Nathatop for 270° Himalayan views.
Adrenaline Hour
• Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline (333 m) – age 5+ allowed with tandem harness
• Ski-slopes turned meadows – perfect for family frisbee or pony rides
Lunch: Café Coffee Day Patnitop
Grab sandwiches & hot chocolate before the 3-hour descent to Jammu.
Evening: Souvenir Shopping & Departure
• Raghunath Bazaar – Pashmina stoles, dry fruits, and walnut wood toys
• Wave Mall – last-minute Kashmiri saffron and Wazwan spice kits
Catch your 8 PM flight/train with hearts full and cameras fuller!
Budget Snapshot (Family of 4)
• Transport: ₹12,000 (cab + train)
• Stay: ₹9,000 (2 nights)
• Food & Activities: ₹8,000
• Helicopter tickets: ₹6,940
Total: ~₹36,000 (mid-range)
Family Travel Hacks
- Permits & e-Passes: None required for Jammu, Katra, Srinagar, or Patnitop.
- Weather Packing List
• March–May: Light woollens + sunscreen
• October–February: Heavy jackets & thermals - Health: Carry ORS sachets & motion-sickness tabs for the hilly drives.
- Cash: ATMs in Katra & Srinagar; carry ₹500 notes for pony & shikara vendors.
Ready to Book?
Visit gojammu.com for instant helicopter bookings, verified homestays, and exclusive family packages. Use code GOFAM3 to save ₹1,500 on your 3-day Jammu & Kashmir trip!
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