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Jammu

EXPLORE JAMMU

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Situated at an altitude of 305 meters, surrounded by Pirpanjal and Sivalik mountains, Jammu, the summer capital of J&K, has climate similar to northern India. It is the second largest city of Jammu and Kashmir. Bestowed with innumerable temples, this city has people of several races and mixed culture spreading from Chenab to Ravi. Jammuites are friendly in nature and born warriors. For decades, they have paved the way for the tourists into the State. It is Situated on the banks of Tawi River and on the foot of Shivaliks. Its history dates back to 9th century and was built by Raja Jambu Lochan. One day when he was hunting in the woods, he saw the most astonishing and the most inspiring sight of his life. He saw a tiger and a lamb drinking water from the same spot by the banks of river Tawi. At that moment, he decided that he would build a city where all kinds of people will live together with peace and harmony. The city was named Jambu, but later came to be known as Jammu. The city is the southernmost part of the state. The temperature in the city during the winters is quite pleasant, whereas the summer capital Srinagar becomes extremely cold, due to which the every winter the capital was shifted to Jammu , thus making it the winter Capital of the state. The city is famous for the numerous temples that dot the face of the land, specially the biggest temple complex in north India, Raghunath Temple and the holiest shrine of Vaishno Devi. Jammu City experiences a sub-tropical climate. The summer days are hot and dry whereas in winters, the temperature is quite pleasant. Jammu serves as a home to many communities like Dogras, Gujjars, Gaddis and Bakkarwals. The languages spoken here are Dagri, Hindi and Urdu. The city has grown leaps and bounds in terms of development. The once sedate land of Jammu is now one of the most bustling cities of the state. And as far as shopping is concerned, the city is a real treat. What you will get elsewhere in the state, here you will get it more and better. The markets here give you best feel of new and old together. The decade old shops here stand wall to wall with the trendiest of international showrooms. The Shahtoosh and Pashmina shawls with the exceptional embroidery work are the best buy. The most preferred shopping places in the city are Vir Marg, Hari Market and Raghunath Bazaar.

PLACES TO VISIT

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Katra

Katra, a small town in the foothills of Trikuta, serves as the base camp to the Vaishnodevi Yatris. The shrine is approachable on foot along a 12 km path from Katra. Every year, nearly 5 million pilgrims visit Mata Vaishnodevi. The shrine has been a beacon of faith and fulfillment to millions of devotees. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the trail to the goddess’ abode rarely goes back disappointed. The holy shrine contains the holiest of holy Pindis, manifesting the Mata in three forms – Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. It is believed that the Yatra is not complete unless the pilgrim visits Bhairon ka Mandir as well (2.6 km from the main shrine). Yatris on reaching Katra need to get a Parchi (registration slip) from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) counters near the Bus Stand. Counter No 1 for 1 to 9 persons & counter No 2 for 10 persons and above. Counters are open from 6 am to 11 pm. Pithus, palkiwalas and ponywalas registered with the authorities are available from Katra to Banganga. The rates from Katra to the shrine and back are fixed as per the weight of luggage and yatri. Yatris are advised to check the identities of hired pithu, palkiwala, ponywala and note their card numbers/names in case of any kind of eventuality. After darshan, one must not miss trying maalish (Body Massage) at Katra. The maalishwala will loosen your muscles using different massage methods and a variety of oils. For your food taste, Katra is no less than a metro city. The modern Fast Food restaurants fulfil the needs of every yatri – be it Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, NRI’s or foreigners. The food at Dhabas and Restaurants is equally tasteful and reasonable. In obeisance to Mata, the entire Katra town and nearby areas are declared vegetarian and alcohol free. Katra main bazaar is full of Kashmiri handicraft items, all types of dry fruits, bhaints, gift items and other specialities from the region. The helicopter service from Katra to the shrine and back can be availed at a fixed price. The chopper makes many sorties during the day subject to weather conditions. The helipad at Katra is just 1½ kms away from the main market on the Kashmir road.

Patnitop

If you're looking for a peaceful and quiet place to relax your life then Patnitop is the most suitable place for you. The tiny and beautiful hill station is located 112 kms from Jammu, the city of ancient temples. This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountain scape of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for snow games like skiing. Patnitop is the best developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. The occupancy of the huts and Dak Bungalow remains full in summer months which speak of volumes about its popularity. From Patnitop, you can visit Sanasar which resembles Patnitop a bit. The only difference is that Sanasar is situated on a higher location. While on your way to Sanasar, Mathatop is another place worth your visit. From Mathatop you can get a clear view of Patnitop and this place will offer you an excellent opportunity for trekking.

Vaishno Devi Temple

The Vaishnodevi temple in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers in India. Located inside a cave, the temple is dedicated to goddess Vaishnodevi. An estimated 8 million pilgrims visit the temple every year making it the second most visited religious place in India, after Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The sanctum is situated at a height of 5300 feet above sea level on the hills of Trikuta mountain range and is 48 km away from Jammu city. The idol of the main deity is found in the form of natural Pindies (stone structure), representing Goddess Saraswathi, Kali and Lakshmi. These three structures symbolize the creative, preservative and destructive characters of the Mother. While one takes a journey up the hill to the temple, one can enjoy natural beauty at its best.

Mansar Lake

Fringed by dense forest, small parks, temple and low lying hills, Lake Mansar, together with its twin lake surinsar, is a very popular picnic spot and Pilgrimage site. Over and mile in length and half a mile in width, it is situated 62 km from Jammu. Besides being a popular excursion site, it shares the legend and sanctity of Lake Mansarovar. One can also visit the surinsar lake and the Surinsar - Mansar wildlife sanctuary nearby. Mansar is a perfect destination to escape from the hectic schedule of life, immerse in nature and rediscover yourself. Mansar Lake is also home to two temples, Umapati Mahadev & Narasimha and temple of Durga apart from many others which are regularly visited by the devotees. The shrine encompasses a big boulder on which some iron chains symbolize the small serpents waiting on the deity of the Sheshnag. Most of the newlyweds consider it auspicious to perform three circumambulations (Parikarma) around the lake to seek the blessings of Sheshnag. Many Hindu communities perform the Mundan ceremony (First haircut) of their male children here. It is also a common belief that the waters of Mansar Lake can wash away the sins committed. Apart from all the religious and sacred activities, Lake Mansar is also famous for its flora & fauna and the perfect natural environment. Well-lit cemented path with projected view desks has been constructed for watching various species of fishes, tortoise and seasonal birds. The lake also houses around 207 species of algae, seven species of fish and 15 species of waterfowl. The beautiful lake is also a famous boating spot.

Shiv Khori

Shivkhori, a divine shrine of an avatar of Lord Shiva, is located in the lap of nature in the form of a cave on a hillock in Udhampur district in India's own Heaven on Earth, Jammu and Kashmir. The 4-foot lingam was formed naturally in a cave. This self-manifested lingam of Lord Shiva is also known as Swayambhu and is of great importance in Hindu religion. According to some, the cave is dedicated to one of the forms of Lord Shiva, which is believed to be unborn and invisible. As one explores the cave, they experience the divine aura of this form of Lord Shiva. Shivkhori is an enchanting destination famous for its religious belief. The route inside the cave is challenging for many, and the thrill is worth experiencing as devotees are sure to feel blessed at the sight of the idol. Devotees of Lord Shiva from all over the world visit the cave to offer their sincere prayers. The journey to the cave-shrine requires trekking over 3 kilometres of the route through the stunning mountains covered with lush greenery. The cave consists of naturally formed shapes or impressions that look like Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Nandi, Kartikeya, and Sheshnag. Many find these naturally formed impressions very intriguing and get drawn to this mystical location like bees to honey. The magical vibe of the cave is sure to mesmerize you, and you will want to keep coming back to Shivkhori again and again.

Raghunath Temple

The Raghunath Temple is a prominent temple and tourist spot that is located in Jammu, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is also one of the biggest complexes in entire northern India and is brimming with devotees all year round. The construction of the Raghunath Temple was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh around 130 years ago, during the period from 1822 to 1860; and was later on completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh. The regal temple has many gods and goddesses, but the presiding deity is Lord Rama, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple which is located in the old part of the Jammu city and to the north of Tawi river provides the onlooker with an idea of the influence of the Mughal style of architecture on the temple. However, the tower that can be found over the main shrine is said to be built in the Sikh architectural style. The Raghunath Temple comprises a complex of seven Hindu shrines. The magnificent temple also has seven Shikharas or spires, where each shrine has its separate shikhara. The inner walls of the main temple are plated with gold sheets on its three sides. The temple also has a gallery where different 'Lingams', which are considered to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva, and 'Saligrams' are placed.

Amar Mahal Palace

Constructed by King Raja Amar of Dogra in 1890s, this museum was planned by a French architect and looks like a French chateau with Indian artisans. It was home to the royal family for many years. Made of red sand stone, the palace was turned into a museum with rich collections of paintings, books, inscriptions and sculptures. The Durbar hall of the museum is adorned with family portraits of rulers of Jammu and Kashmir along with magnificent Pahari paintings. The exhibits like throne of Maharaja Hari Singh is made of 120 kg solid gold and a spectacular sight.

Peer Khoh

One of the famous temples in the city of Jammu is the Peer Kho Temple or the Shrine of Peer Kho. It is one of the oldest temples in the city and witnesses a huge turnover of pilgrims every year, during the time period of Puranmashi, Amavasya and Ekadashi, all of which are the different transit phases of the moon. In addition, the temple is thronged by numerous devotees during the time of some of the prime festivals of Jammu, namely, Shivratri, Raksha Bandhan, Shravan Puranmashi and Poornima. This temple is mainly a Shiva Temple, and the Shiva lingam is placed inside a moderately sized cave, and is a very peaceful place. It is etched in white marble on a rectangular platform. The black stone lingam is ornamented with a copper snake or Naga, as termed in Hindi, and a sheet of silver covers the Jallari or Yoni, with an overtop copper vessel, placed in a hanging position to be able to continuously pour water on the lingam. There is some evidence that this temple was built during the dominion of the Dogra rulers as the lower portion of the lingam and some of the other characteristics bear a close resemblance to the ones of Purmandal temple, which was also built during the Dogra regime. The Peer Mitha and the Peer Kho temple are the medieval period jewels of the city of Jammu. As per some of the historical records, the temple was built in 15th Century A.D., during the ruling regime of Raja Ajaib Dev, for the then Peer, Saint Siddha Ghareeb Nath. These caves are built underground and at a heart wrenching depth of twenty to thirty feet.

Peer Baba

Peer Baba Dargah is a holy shrine located in close distance to Tawi River and visited by people belonging to all religions and faiths, who come here to receive the divine blessings. This popular religious site in Jammu and Kashmir is dedicated to the famous Sufi saint, Peer Budhan Ali Shah. This highly respected Sufi saint, who was a great friend of Guru Gobind Singh, is believed to have lived his entire life by drinking only milk and lived 500 years. It is believed that the Dargah of Peer Baba protects the people of the city from any evil spirits or unfortunate incidents, while offering flowers or chaddar at this holy place is believed to bring about the fulfilment of any desires that a person may have.

Mubarak Mandi Palace

The Mubarak Mandi is a royal palace in Jammu that once served as the residence of the maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir from the Dogra dynasty. One of its most spectacular segments, The Shesh Mahal or The Pink Hall houses the Dogra Art Museum which has several miniature paintings and Emperor Shah Jahan's golden bow and arrow, among other interesting things. The architecture of the palace is an elaborate blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and European influences. The oldest building in this Palace complex date to 1824, having seen its own share of time and gathering specimens from all these ages, becoming one itself.

Bahu Forts & Gardens

The impeccable beauty and magnificence of the Bahu Fort surely stand to be a significant contributing factor to the popularity of Jammu. Located only 5 km from the central part of the city, the Bahu Fort stands tall and sturdy on the left bank of the Tawi River. Raja Bahucholan constructed this magnificent fort over 3000 years ago, making it one of the oldest monument in the city. The Dogra rulers then made some restorations and renovations to the fort and extended its reach. Legend says that the construction of the city of Jammu itself and that of the Bahu Fort are connected and are mutually inclusive events. This fort is also famous for its Goddess Kali temple. The people of Jammu worship Goddess Kali, a reincarnation of Goddess Parvati and a potent symbol of motherly love enhanced by insurmountable feminine energy. Inside the Bahu Fort is a temple dedicated to the great Goddess Kali. The locals often refer to this temple as Bave Wali Mata Temple.

Ranbireshwar Temple

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful northern city of Jammu is one of the most important Shiv temples, the Ranbireshwar temple. It is one of the oldest temples in Jammu and considered the largest temple of Lord Shiva in North India. A prime attraction of this region, the largest Shivlinga of the country, set at 8 feet and made of a single black marble stone may be found here, leaving spectators to marvel at the magnificence of its construction. The sheer colour and size of this temple have attracted hosts of tourists every year. Within the shrine, one can find a great brass idol of Nandi, said to weigh over 1000 kgs. The famous Raghunath temple complex, one of the largest temple complexes of India, is located a kilometre away from this temple. Ranbireshwar temple is situated on the busy street of Shalimar road in front of the Jammu-Kashmir civil secretariat in Jammu.This 200-year old temple was built by the Maharaja Ranbir Singh of the Dogra dynasty, reflecting the classic Nagara style of temple architecture, standing at the centre of a vast brick-covered double storey platform on the first floor, offering excellent panoramic views of the surroundings.

Mahamaya Temple

Situated behind the majestic Bahu Fort and overlooking the glorious Tawi River, the Mahamaya Temple is a unique construction with a rich backstory. Unlike most temples of India, this exquisite creation was built to honour Mahamaya, a local freedom fighter of the Dogra community, who sacrificed her life about 14 centuries ago to save her region from foreign invaders. This temple attracts scores of devotees throughout the year who come to pay their respects to the great heroine. The white-topped beauty surrounded by lush green forests lies in attractive contrast to the glamorous blue sky and the Trikuta mountain ranges in the background. From this spot, one gets a divine panoramic view of Jammu, located 5 km from this site. The imposing structure of the Bahu fort and the magnificence of the Tawi River add to the allure of the sight, making it onto the map of tourists visiting the region. This temple is a tribute to the power and bravery of Indian women, something that is often overlooked. The shrine houses ancient idols of the gallant warrior. The serene vibe of the location helps visitors receive an authentic experience of the tranquillity that this mountain state has to offer.

Purmandal

A little away from the city of temples, is a modest instance of religion and spirituality, a holy town, by the name of Purmandal. Also called 'Chhota Kashi' fondly, this town on the banks of River Devika, gathers a lot of its significance from the frescos found in its temple. The area is known for the Purmandal Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and a number of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva dotting its landscapes. The town is also known for being a hub of festivity and celebration during Shivatri.

Aquarium Bagh- I – Bahu

Situated by the iconic Bahu Fort, the Bagh-e-bahu is a beautiful and popular garden of Jammu. Atop a mountain facing the Tawi river, this garden is a sight to behold, combining the peaceful aura of the garden with sprawling lawns, grand fountains, charming stone sculptures, a beautiful lake and a large aquarium, all coming together in one magnificent place. Tourists and locals come here for the aura of peace, serenity and the romantic vibe it presents to spend a relaxed evening in this garden. Upon entering, one is greeted with a huge sign saying Bagh-e-bahu, made out of little plants trimmed to these shapes. Inside, one can find a range of trees and flowers decorating the sides of the walkway, giving the whole place a serene vibe. This terraced garden is home to multiple fountains present at various levels. These fountains bring with them add to the ambience of the place, especially at night when they are all lit up. The garden has its own lake situated at the topmost level. The setting for this lake is picturesque, surrounded by colourful flowers juxtaposed with contrasting stone walkways to provide an amazing contrast to the passerby's eyes. There are also waterfalls and a central water canal that runs through the garden, displaying a great eye for the aesthetic design. The stone sculptures found here blend in well with the surrounding greenery, making for a serene setting. Finally, this garden is home to the largest underground aquarium in India, shaped like a fish, with 24 aquarium caves and 13 small caves holding freshwater and marine water fishes. This is a well-maintained aquarium, with state-of-the-art equipment, a public gallery, laboratory, and a fascinating museum, home to over 400 species of freshwater and marine fish. All in all, the entire garden is a designer's treat, blending the elements of earth, water, and greenery, making it a prime attraction on a trip to Jammu.

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