Jammu

Fast Facts
Location : Jammu and Kashmir
Known As : Winter Capital of Jammu and Kashmir
Attractions : Raghunath Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, Mahamaya Temple, Mubarak Mandi Palace, Peer Khoh, Peer Baba Dargah, Ranbir Canal etc.
Best Time To Visit : October to April

Introducing Jammu
Jammu, the winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is perched on the first sloping ridge rising from the plains of Punjab. The city of Jammu forms part of the transition between Himalayan range in the north and plains of Punjab in the south. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the snow-capped Pir Panjal Mountains, the Jammu regions constitutes the southernmost unit of the Jammu and Kashmir state. The meandering Tawi river flows in the foothills of Jammu, while the Trikuta range makes an imposing backdrop. Often referred to as 'the Duggar land', Jammu is the city where the past still have a living presence. Jammu is worth a visit for grand ancient temples, massive beautiful palaces and being the cradle of Dogra culture. Besides, a series of snow-covered hills, thick forested mountain ranges and verdant river valleys, add more to the beauty of the Jammu region.

How to Reach Jammu
By Air : Jammu Airport is 7 kms from the downtown and takes about 35 mnts to reach the Tourist Reception Centre at Veer Marg. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate flights to and fro from Jammu to Delhi, Chandigarh, Leh and Srinagar. From the airport taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for the city.

Helicopter Services : Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd operate helicopter service between Jammu and Sanjhichhat (en-route Katra-Viashnodevi Shrine).

By Train : Jammu is a major rail terminus and connected to Delhi through a number of convenient overnight trains. Jammu railway station has good rail connections with other parts of the country as well. Several fast and super-fast trains ply to Jammu from Guwahati, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. By Road : Jammu is situated on National Highway 1 A and is well-linked to Delhi on NH 1 via Jalandhar, and other parts of the country. Jammu is also connected by road with Srinagar and Ladakh. Some important road distances are Katra (42 km), Patnitop (112 km), Srinagar (293 km), Chandigarh (363 km), Delhi (586 km) and Leh (727 km). J & K State Tranport and private operators have bus services from Jammu to most of the places within the state including outside places like Delhi, Amritsar, Shimla and Chandigarh.

Local Transport : Tourist taxis are best mode of local transport in Jammu and the best place for making enquiries is the Tourist Reception Centre on Veer Marg. Buses and auto-rickshaws are other modes of local transport in Jammu.

Places Where You Can Stay
Plenty of accommodation options are available in the city of Jammu ranging from heritage hotels to standard hotels. Equipped with all the contemporary amenities the hotels of Jammu provide a comfortable stay to guests. Some of the famous hotels of Jammu include Hari Niwas Palace (Heritage Hotel), Hotel Asia Jammu Tawi, Hotel Jammu Ashok, K.C. Residency, Tourist Reception Centre etc.

Tourist Attractions in Jammu
Raghunath Temple : Situated in the heart of the city, Raghunath Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Raghunath Temple is surrounded by a group of other temples and is also considered the largest temple complex in northern India. Maharaja Gulab Singh started the construction of this temple in 1835 AD and was completed by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860 AD. Inside the temple you will see massive statues of deities, many lingams and a rich collection of ancient texts and manuscripts.

Ranbireshwar Temple : Ranbireshwar Temple lies on Shalimar Road near the New Secretariat. Built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883 AD, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ranbireshwar temple has a 7.5 ft high central lingam, twelve crystal Shiva lingams and galleries with a number of others carved on stone slabs.

Mahamaya Temple : Located on the bypass road, behind Bahu Fort, the Mahamaya temple is surrounded by the city forests overlooking the Tawi river.

Mubarak Mandi Palace : Mubarak Mandi Palace is one of the major attractions of Jammu. The palace complex dates back to 1824 AD, presents a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Sheesh Mahal is the most stunning segment of the palace. Pink Hall is another highlight of the palace complex and houses the Dogra Art Museum which has miniature paintings of the various schools.

Peer Khoh : Peer Khoh, a cave shrine is situated on the circular road, just 3.5 kms from the town centre. Inside the cave there is a naturally formed Shiva lingam which is mysterious too, as nobody is known about its antiquity or its cause of formation.

Peer Baba Dargah : The famous dargah of the Muslim saint, Peer Budhan Ali Shah is located behind the civil airport. In addition to Muslims, Hindus and Sikh devotees also visit the dargah in large number.

Ranbir Canal : Ranbir Canal runs through the outskirts of the city. A small garden is located along the canal which makes a cool picnic spot during the summer. Ranbir Canal branches off from the Chenab river, 32 kms away at Akhnoor and its water remains cold throughout the year. The banks of the canal serve as fine viewpoints and walkways.

Tourist Attractions Around Jammu
Bahu Fort : Bahu Fort stands 5 kms away from the city centre on a rock face on the left bank of Tawi river. Believed to be the oldest fort in the city, Bahu Fort was originally built by Raja Bahulocan over 3,000 years ago. Most recently the existing fort was imporved by the Dogra rulers. Inside the fort there is temple of goddess Kali, while a garden known as Bagh-e-Bahu has been developed around the fort. Akhnoor : The historic town of Akhnoor is situated 32 kms west of Jammu on the banks of mighty Chenab river. During the Mughal period Akhnoor used to be the route Srinagar. You can see the ruins of the Indus Valley civilization along the river bank which provide a commanding view to the surroundings.

Permandal : Actually a temple complex, Permandel is 40 kms from Jammu, just off the National highway leading towards Pathankot. Permandel temple complex lies on the banks of the sacred river Decak. Chhotal Kashi is the main temple of the complex which is dedicated to 'umapati', while the other temples have connections with Shaivites of the Kashmir Valley.

Katra : Located 50 kms from Jammu, Katra serves as the base camp for visiting the Vaishno Devi cave in the Trikuta hills. Vaishno Devi cave houses temple dedicated to the three mother goddesses of Hindus. Thousands of pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi cave every year after making a steep 12 kms climb from Katra.

Mansar Lake : Situated 62 kms away from Jammu, Mansar Lake is a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Here you can enjoy boating as good boating facilities are available. J & K Tourism organizes a food and crafts festival close to Manasar Lake, every year around Baisakhi.

Kud : Situated at a distance of 103 kms from Jammu, Kud is a famous lunch stop on the Jammu - Srinagar route. Set at an altitude of 1,738 mts above sea level, Kud is also popular as a hill resort.

Patnitop : Situated 112 kms from Jammu, Patnitop is the most famous hill resort of Jammu region. Perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2,024 mts above sea level, Patnitop is an ideal place for peaceful walks, picnics and breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. During the winters, Patnitop remains snow covered and its slopes become ideal for skiing. In the months of January and February, skiing courses are conducted at Patnitop. You can hire skiing equipments and wooden sledges at Patnitop in winter months.

Sudh Mahadev : Sudh Mahadev is situated about 120 kms from Jammu at an altitude of 1,225 mts. Every year during the annual Asad Purnima Festival (July-August), a large number of pilgrims visit the Shiva Temple. Asad Purnima Festival features three days of music, singing and dancing.

Batote : Batote is located 125 km from Jammu and 12 km from Kud on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. This hill resort at 1,560 mts is connected to Patnitop and Kud by a number of footpaths. From Batote you will find the spectacular views of the Patnitop mountain range overlooking the Chenab river.

Sanasar : Sanasar is 129 kms away from Jammu and only 18 km from Patnitop. Set at a height of 2,079 mts above sea level, Sanasar is a satellite resort of Patnitop. Sanasar is a perfect place for a quiet holiday and there are several walks in the surrounding hill. Sanasar has a cup-shaped meadow, which has been developed as a golf course by J & K Tourism. Paragliding is the best adventure option available at Sanasar which is being promoted by the Tourism Department as well.

Shopping in Jammu
Shopping in Jammu is a delighting experience. Jammu is a major market for dry fruits. Walnuts, almonds, dried apples, dried mushrooms and dried apricots are good buys of Jammu. Walnut wood artifacts, utility articles and papier mache items are specialties of markets of Jammu. You may also buy Kashmiri handicrafts, gold and silver jewellery of traditional Dogri design, elaborate Kashmiri goods or designs worn by the nomadic Bakarwals. Jammu is famous for the silks, carpets, pashmina shawls and wollen readymades with traditional designs. You will also find designer boutiques in Jammu that display the very latest in fashion and fashion accessories. Authentic Kashmiri handicrafts are available at Kashmir Government Art Emporium near the Tourist Reception Centre on Residency Road . Here you can buy a wide variety of handicrafts, including Pashmina shawls and beautiful hand-knotted carpets of silk and wool. Other famous market are Raghunath Bazaar and Hari Market, where you find shops of dry fruits, shawls, garments ect. Silverline is an exclusive showroom of silverware at K.C. Plaza.