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Surrounded by green coniferous forests, magnificent mountains, gurgling valleys, and quaint villages, Jammu is bestowed with a beauty like no other. Whether you’re a nature lover, photo fanatic, or an adventurer, this surreal city will tempt you to extend your trip for sure! Right from sightseeing to adrenaline-filled hubs, Jammu has something for everyone. Brace yourself as we’re about to take you through the best things to do in Jammu to make the most of your holiday!
Located in the Tirukita mountains, is the Vaishno Devi Mandir, one of the most sacred places in Jammu. To reach here, you’ll have to take a trek up the steep steps that lead to the temple. Many devotees from around the world are drawn to this sacred temple every year.
You can pay your respects to Goddess Vaishno Devi, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Goddess Durga. Just so you know, the trek to this temple is going to take around 6-9 hours. After the exhausting trek, your reward will be the majestic and scenic caves where this temple resides. And let’s not forget about the panoramic view of the valley!
Location: Bhavan, Katra, Jammu.
Timings: 5 am to 9 pm.
Cost: INR 500 - 1,000 per person.
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Jammu is such a beautiful city that one can’t get enough of it! For a peaceful time, we recommend you go take a stroll at Bagh-e-Bahu. Sitting on the banks of the River Tawi, this garden has a topography that’ll make you fall in love with the place instantly. The gorgeous structures, colorful variety of flowers, and pristine, blue ponds add to the beauty of the garden.
Something that’ll stay with you forever is the musical fountain show that happens right here. Bagh-e-Bahu is also known to have our country’s largest underwater aquarium which has become a popular tourist attraction today. For fulfilling your hunger pangs, you can check out the cafeteria here which serves various refreshments.
Location: Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-Bahu, near Hanuman Mandir, Jammu.
Timing: 8 am to 10 pm.
Cost: INR 20 per person.
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Amidst the lush green forests and snowy mountains of Jammu lies the Mansar Lake. It's the perfect spot to go picnicking with your family or to enjoy some peaceful time amidst nature. A boat ride here is an absolute must, as you get to admire the wonderful flora and fauna that surround the lake. As you take a boat ride here, you’ll be able to spot several varieties of fishes, algae, and waterfowl. You can also visit the temples of Lord Narishma and Umapati Mahadev, situated very close to Mansar Lake.
Location: Buttal, Jammu.
Timing: 7 am to 5 pm.
Cost: Entry fee at this lake is free. For boating, you’ll have to pay INR 100 per person for half an hour.
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At Patnitop, you’ll witness never-ending, lush meadows and the panoramic views of the snow-laden Himalayas. It’s just the place to bask in the glory of nature. All you avid photographers and adventurers should definitely pay a visit here. Something worth trying in Jammu is taking the Patnitop ropeway, which stretches to almost 2.8 km.
Just so you know, this ropeway is known to be the largest in all of Asia. You’ll get scintillating views of dense pine forests and blooming flowers from here. Experiencing the Patnitop ropeway will make you feel like you’re actually taking a ride through the clouds.
Location: Udhampur District, Jammu.
Timing: 10 am to 6 pm.
Cost:
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Known as the last residence of the Dogra dynasty, the Amar Mahal Palace exhibits the French-chateau style of architecture. This architectural marvel is situated near the gurgling stream of River Tawi. The palace is surrounded by the majestic Shivalik Ranges towards the north. All of this makes up for the perfect backdrop of this palace. It’s now turned into a museum and you’ll find many paintings, sculptures, inscriptions, and books over here. The Pahari paintings here will definitely catch your eye. Another spectacular sight at this palace is the 120 kg solid gold throne of Maharaja Hari Singh.
Location: Palace Road, Karan Nagar, Jammu.
Timing: 10 am to 7 pm.
Cost:
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One of the oldest and most-visited temples in Jammu is the Peer Kho Cave Temple. The locals here also call it the ‘Shrine of Peer Kho’. A lot of pilgrims around the world come here, especially during Puranmashi, Amavasya, and Ekadashi, the 3 transit phases of the moon. If you’re a devotee of Lord Shiva, you should definitely visit this temple and offer your prayers.
After you’re done exploring the temple, you can check out the surrounding area here. There are several merchants right outside selling items like handmade shawls that come in a variety of vibrant colors. You can get a good deal on them if you’re good with your bargaining skills of course.
Location: Near Tawi River, below Mubarak Mandi Ruins, Jammu.
Timing: 5 am to 7 pm.
Cost: Free.
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The Bahu Fort lies just 5 km away from the center of the city. It lies on the banks of the beautiful Tawi River and is one of the best places to see in Jammu. The Bahu Fort is said to be constructed almost 3,000 years ago by Raja Bahucholan and it still stands strong to date. It’s said to be one of the oldest and most historic monuments of the city. There’s a temple which is dedicated to Goddess Kali near the fort. You’ll also find many beautiful gardens in the surrounding area of this fort where you can take a stroll and enjoy the natural beauty around.
If you happen to visit this fort between September and October, you’ll get to witness the biggest Hindu festival celebrated here - the Bahu Mela. You can enjoy watching the folk dances at this fort and also relish the local delicacies that are served here.
Location: Bahu Fort, Jammu.
Timing: 5 am to 10 pm.
Cost:
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If you’re a shopaholic, you should definitely visit Raghunath Bazaar in Jammu. It’s close to the Raghunath Temple. After you’ve paid your respects at this temple, you can explore this vibrant bazaar. Here, you can get your hands on handicrafts, traditional embroidered clothes, and shawls.
There are a lot of shops where you can buy spices and dry fruits like cashews, saffron, and walnuts at cheap prices. After you’re done with your shopping spree, you can enjoy the famous Kashmiri kahwa (natural green tea) that’ll refresh you inside out!
Location: Near Raghunath Temple, Jammu.
Timing: 10 am to 9 pm.
Cost: The cost will vary depending on the kind of items you purchase.
If you’re traveling to Jammu, don’t miss out on the delicious local cuisine of this place. The scrumptious flavors of North Indian cuisine will definitely make your mouth water. Some of the most popular dishes of Jammu are Kashmiri Chinese, Dum Aloo, Rajma, and pulao.
If you want a taste of the North Indian culture, you must definitely have their Pahari dishes. Some dishes worth trying are nardoo yakhni (curry with yogurt and lotus stems), tudkiya bhath (pulao with pulses, dal, and peas), and paktori (a pancake with buckwheat leaves). You can explore restaurants like Zamindara Dhaba, Pirates of Grill, Imperial Grill Restaurants, and Legends Pub.
Location: Jammu.
Timings: The timings differ from restaurant to restaurant. You can check their timings online.
Cost: The cost of food also differs from restaurant to restaurant. Check out their website or online menus to get an approximate cost.
Summing Up
The cool mountain breeze and snow-clad hills of Jammu await your presence. This city has everything right from religious temples and historic forts, to bustling bazaars that you can explore. It’s time you pack your bags and get ready to embark on an adventure and enjoy the many experiences that Jammu has to offer.
What Is The Famous Thing In Jammu?
Jammu is famous for its pristine rivers, ancient temples and forts, and beautiful monasteries that have made it a popular tourist destination in India.
How Can I Spend My Day In Jammu?
Here’s how you can spend your day in Jammu:
Is Jammu Worth A Visit?
Jammu is popular for a lot of reasons. There are numerous religious temples like the Vaishno Devi Temple that attract a lot of tourists here. Apart from that, there are plenty of other things to do in Jammu like taking the Patnitop ropeway and exploring the forts and caves of the city. So, Jammu is definitely worth a visit.
Can I Wear Shorts In Jammu?
Jammu is known for its cold climate. So, avoid wearing shorts. You can wear light woolen, a jacket, and socks to keep yourself warm.
What Is Jammu’s Famous Food?
Some of the famous foods of Jammu are Kashmiri Chinese, Dum Aloo, Rajma, and pulao. And if you want a taste of the North Indian culture, you must definitely have the Pahari dishes here. Some dishes worth trying are nardoo yakhni (curry with yogurt and lotus stems), tudkiya bhath (pulao with pulses, dal, and peas), and paktori (a pancake with buckwheat leaves).
Is Patnitop Worth A Visit?
Patnitop in Jammu is a must-visit place. Here you can enjoy adventure activities like taking a ropeway and trekking that’ll make your trip worth it.
What Should I Buy From Vaishno Devi?
You can buy items like gold and silver coins, chunnis (stoles), shawls, and bangles outside the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Jammu?
Winter months from October to February are the ideal time to visit Jammu. That's when you get to enjoy the cool weather of the place and go sightseeing the major tourist attractions of the city.
