Known as ‘The City of Temples’, the city of Jammu is filled with ancient, antique, and novel architecture that attracts people from all sorts of cultures. Due to the abundance of old and new temples that dot the landscape, the city also has a number of shrines of other religions. The city is a shining example of interreligious cooperation and secularism because of its shrines. The city also offers you several options for exploration and sightseeing along with some adventure and good food. Here’s a list of things you can do on your visit to Jammu.
1. Visit Bahu Fort
The Bahu Fort overlooks the historic city of Jammu. The Bahu Temple that honours Hindu Goddess Kali resides inside the fort providing an opportunity to gain insight into its rich history. Built by King Bahu Lochan in the 8th or 9th century, the fort is an extremely popular destination. Bahu Fort is a stronghold that symbolizes the opulence of the Dogra rulers and the royal family once residing there. Pilgrims throng to the temple on Sundays and Tuesdays. It’s a highly revered sight offering a sweeping view of the city of Jammu.
2. Amble Through Bagh-e-Bahu Garden
A gorgeous and well-known garden in Jammu is located by the eminent Bahu Fort. The garden faces the Tawi River. It combines the serene atmosphere of the garden with expansive lawns, impressive fountains, endearing stone sculptures, a lovely lake and a sizeable aquarium. Because of its tranquillity and romantic atmosphere, both visitors and residents flock to this garden to unwind on a balmy evening. The garden contains numerous fountains at various levels enhancing the overall atmosphere, especially at night when they’re all illuminated. It’s truly a kind of wonderland park in Jammu.
3. Go Skiing In Patnitop
One of the best places to visit in Jammu. A number of skiing installations and courses pop up in the Patnitop area during winter months. It tends to be a great place for beginners to learn skiing because of its modest and moderate slopes. Summertime turns Patnitop into a centre for adventure sports like Paragliding, camping, and trekking, making it a perfect vacation spot for adrenaline seekers. Patnitop also provides its visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and lovely hiking trails.
4. Visit Amar Mahal Palace
Amar Palace, formerly the Maharajas’ home, is a large palace with a stunning appearance and is one of the well-known tourist places in Jammu city. You can visit the Amar Mahal to gain a glimpse of Jammu and Kashmir’s regal past. The palace is now a museum with a number of significant artefacts, the most eye-catching of which is the 120kg golden throne. Kangra tiny paintings, a library with 25,000 old books, and a priceless collection of art are among the other artefacts on show. You’ll require tickets for admittance and the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
5. Go Boating In Mansar Lake
Resting at a distance of 64km from Jammu is Mansar Lake. With hills covered in pine forests on all sides, the lake looks incredibly lovely. The waterways are very pure and about a mile long and half a mile wide, making boating quite popular there. In addition to being a popular Jammu tourist spot, it’s a sacred location that shares the myth and reverence of Lake Mansarovar. Around the Lake’s perimeter, there are several temples that are visited by newlyweds for receiving auspicious blessings.
6. Extol The Architecture Of Bhimgarh Fort
Even though it’s hidden on a hilltop away from tourists, the Bhimgarh Fort is one the best-keep historical sites in the country and one of the best places in Jammu and Kashmir. It leaves people spellbound by the strength it emits. Also known as Reasi Fort, it’s one of the numerous forts built by Dogra kings to defend their territory from foreign invaders. The fort was originally built out of clay and then rebuilt out of stone by one of Maharaja Rishipal Rana’s descendants, thus significantly helping the Dogra Kings to detect and repel attacks because of its strength and commanding position.
7. Relish The Delicious Dogra Cuisine
The Dogra culture is famous for its distinct identity which is apparent in their cuisine as well. With the majority of the population being Hindus, Jammu cuisine has a myriad of options for vegetarians. The fragrant rajma chawal, sweet Madhra, and Kiyur along with an array of tangy and sour dishes are there to make you fall in love with Jammu. Even if you are sweet-tongued, you get to choose from a variety of sweet dishes like Burfi, Milk Cake, Patisa, and Mesu. The whole Dogra cuisine is irresistible and will leave you feeling overjoyed.
8. Visit Raghunath Temple
A well-known spiritual centre and a marvel of architecture, suggesting a beautiful confluence of the two dominant architectural styles at the time. The temple’s intricate carvings and arches command the attention of everyone who enters. The interior walls of the temple are lavishly representing the paintings of numerous Hindu deities with Ram/Raghunath being the prime one. The shrine’s dome resembles a pyramid, which is reminiscent of the Sikh building style. What gives the temple a distinctive appearance is the brick masonry in plaster. Therefore, a must-visit place for architecture lovers.
9. Roam Through The Alleys Of Busy Raghunath Bazaar
One of the most well-known and one of Jammus’s best places to visit is the historic market location known as Raghunath Bazaar. You will be able to see Jammu’s rich cultural legacy and traditional ancestry when you visit this market. It receives its name because of its proximity to the Raghunath temple. This local market will fascinate you with its native beauty, charm, and diversity of shopping frenzy. The stores open up early in the morning and are constantly humming with activity and noise. The place is also a must-visit for people who enjoy sweets.
10. Go Trekking In Trikuta Hills
The sacred hill is located at an altitude of 752m and is one of the apt spots for adventure lovers. Hindu worshippers who travel to Katra for the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra frequently visit this holy hill. Because there are three hills, it’s also known as Trikutachal. There’s also another Shiva temple resting on this hill. The area is abundant in fruit and is also known as the Garden of Shiva. Every year, hundreds and thousands of worshippers set out on an exciting trek to this hill. The journey can also be made on horseback by those who cannot ascend the treacherous hills.
11. Admire The Beauty Of Akhnoor Fort
The historical village of Akhnoor contains the Akhnoor Fort, which is 28 kilometres from Jammu city. The fort lies on the Chenab Rivers’s right bank and is perched on a cliff and has a two-story palace with stunning murals and arches. The spectacular Shivalik and Trikuta Mountain Ranges encircle this fort providing one of the most breathtaking views. The fort sits on a prehistoric location of the ancient Harappan Civilization. The place is a must-visit for people interested in the history of ancient civilizations.
12. Visit Mubarak Mandi Palace
Mubarak Mandi Palace is one of the wonders of architecture that exudes grandeur and wealth. It’s a Jammu and Kashmir heritage site and one of Jammu’s oldest constructions that is currently preserving the depth of more than 150 years of culture and history. Its architectural design combines elements of Mughal and Rajasthani designs. The complex is built around several courtyards and includes a variety of structures. Since the palace has seen fires more than 36 times, some areas of the palace still lie in ruins.
13. Go For Shopping In Gole Market
A trip is always incomplete without shopping. One of the city’s busiest local markets and one of the best places in Jammu to fulfil your shopping needs. The place takes its name after the circular section of the market. Gole Market is a well-known shopping area in Jammu with several franchise stores and multi-brand showrooms, in addition to some excellent restaurants. Due to its popularity, the area is constantly bustling with people. The region is home to many eateries that are continually serving delectable food that adds to the allure and beauty of this area.
14. Visit Unexplored Places Near Jammu
The beautiful and verdant meadow-like valley of Bungus, which is around 128 kilometres from Srinagar, is one of the most breathtaking offbeat locations close to Jammu. An idyllic setting for getting away from the bustle of the city, this place is wonderful for sightseeing and photography. You can also explore places like Tulian Lake, Gurez, Lolab Valley, Sinthan Top, and Bhaderwah. All of these places are here to make your Jammu visit a blissful one.
15. Peer Kho Cave
The Peer Kho Temple, also known as the Shrine of Peer Kho, is one of the well-known temples in Jammu. It’s one of the city’s oldest temples. Every year, around the times of Puranmashi, Amavasya, and Ekadashi, when the moon is in each of its three main transit phases, there’s a great influx of pilgrims. The temple’s inverted lotus-shaped dome is a contemporary stone construction that serves as the cave’s entrance. The temple is worth visiting and is an architectural masterpiece.
Bottomline
They say, ‘It’s better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.’ Plan your holidays with us and visit this beautiful winter capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. We hope the city serves you best and you take along some beautiful memories. Until then, Stay healthy! Stay safe!
