Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Jammu is a treasure trove of scenic beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From ancient temples steeped in mythology to breathtaking landscapes that will leave you spellbound, Jammu offers a diverse array of experiences for every traveler.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Jammu has something to offer. From the iconic Vaishno Devi Shrine to the serene waters of Dal Lake, Jammu awaits with open arms to enchant and inspire you.
Famous Places You Must See in Jammu
1. Vaishno Devi Temple
Vaishno Devi is one of the significant manifestations of the supreme goddess Adishakti, and the Vaishno Devi Temple is a famous and highly revered Hindu shrine dedicated to her. It can be found on the Trikuta Hill slopes in Katra, Reasi. Vaishno Devi is one of 52 divine temples, Maha Shakti Peethas, dedicated to the goddess Durga. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir created the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) in August 1986 to oversee the temple.
- How to reach: The temple trek’s base camp, Katra Bus Stand, is served by JKSRTC and private buses from Jammu Bus Stand.JKSRTC and private operators run regular buses.
2. Bahu Fort
The Jammu Bahu Fort is historic. It’s on the Tawi River’s far left bank. Bahu Lochan, the brother of Jambu Lochan, the legendary founder of Jammu, built the fort over three millennia ago. The Dogra rulers expanded and improved the fort in the 18th and 19th centuries. The fort houses a shrine to the Hindu goddess Kali (also known as “Bawe Wali Mata” or “Mahakali”). The fort is surrounded by a beautiful park known as ‘Bagh-e-Bahu’.
- How to reach: JKSRTC and private buses run to Bahu Fort Bus Stop are 4km away from the fort from Jammu Bus Stand. JKSRTC and private buses from Delhi Bus Stand can take you to Jammu Bus Stand, where you can take a taxi or bus to the fort.
3. Mantalai Temple
Located on the shores of Mantalai Lake in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir is the ancient Shiva temple of Mantalai, also known as Aparneswar. Mother Parvati was born here, and it is also where she wed Shiva. The primary shrine houses a young Parvati statue. At an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level, the temple is situated in a breathtaking setting of towering deodar trees. Stunning hills and forests provide excellent hiking and camping opportunities and surround the temple.
- How to reach: Take the bus from Jammu Bus Stand. JKSRTC and private buses can reach Sudh Mahadev. From there, take a taxi or rickshaw to the temple.
4. Raghunath Temple
The Rama Temple Complex is one of the largest in all of Northern India, and it is dedicated to the god Rama and his family. The temple was constructed in the nineteenth century by Maharaja Ranbir Singh and features seven shrines with ornate gold interiors. The temple also houses an extensive library of ancient texts, paintings, and artifacts.
- Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (daily)
- How to reach: The temple is located at a distance of about approx 3 km from the nearest railway station; Jammu Tawi.
5. Peer Kho Cave Temple
Located on Jammu’s ring road is the cave temple of Peer Kho, which is devoted to Shiva. One of the two natural caves that make up the temple houses a Shiva lingam that formed there over time. Jamvant, the bear god who helped Lord Rama in the Ramayana, is said to have meditated in this cave, hence the temple’s other name, Jamvant Cave.
There are many visitors and worshipers to the temple because it is one of the oldest in Jammu. This religious spot in Jammu attracts people from all over.
- How to reach:. The nearest bus station is the Peer Kho bus stand.
6. Ranbireshwar Temple
The Lord Shiva Ranbireshwar Temple is on Shalimar Road in front of the Jammu and Kashmir civil secretariat. Ranbir Singh built it in 1883. The temple’s central black stone lingam is India’s largest. The temple has 12 Narmada River-sourced crystal Shivlings and bona lingams on stone slabs. The temple houses a massive brass statue of Nandi, Shiva’s bull. The temple has beautiful wall and ceiling art which you can also observe.
- How to reach: You can take a bus from Jammu Bus Stand to get to Ranbireshwar Temple from a nearby bus stop. You can also take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to the temple from the bus stop.
7. Amar Mahal Palace Museum
The Amar Mahal Palace Museum is in the 1862 French-chateau-style palace. The palace was built as Maharaja Amar Singh’s family’s last official residence. The museum’s four rooms display Jammu and Kashmir’s kings and art. The museum displays many valuable artifacts, including Jammu’s jeweled golden throne.
You can see the Pahari paintings of Mahabharata and other folklore, and contemporary Indian paintings by M F Hussain and Laxman Pai are also on display at the museum. Royal portraits and 25,000 rare books are also in the museum.
- How to reach: JKSRTC and private buses run to Amar Mahal Palace Bus Stop, near the museum. Take a bus from the Katra Bus Stand. JKSRTC and private buses run to Jammu Bus Stand, where you can take another bus or a taxi to the museum.
8. Surinsar Lake
Surinsar Lake is one of Jammu’s natural lakes. The lake has mythological significance and is framed by hills and dense forests. It is said that Arjun’s son shot an arrow into the ground of Mansar, prompting a spring to emerge that eventually turned into Surinsar Lake.
The lake was formerly known as Surang Sar. Bats, by the thousands, have made a tiny island in the middle of the lake their home. Boating, fishing, birdwatching, and hiking are some popular activities that draw visitors to the lake.
- How to reach: To get to Surinsar Lake from nearby bus stops, take a bus from the Jammu Bus Stand or Srinagar Bus Stand. You can also take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to the lake.
9. Mansar Lake
Mansar Lake in Jammu is an entirely natural body of water. Forested hills, small parks, and temples dot the landscape on all sides of the lake. Mansar and Surinsar have been compared to each other as twin lakes. Sheshnag, the god of serpents, as well as Umapati Mahadev, Narasimha, and Durga, all have temples on its banks.
The lake is recognized as a Ramsar site, making it a globally significant wetland. Due to its picturesque views and abundance of recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, birdwatching, and trekking, the lake attracts many visitors and is one of the best tourist places in Mansar Lake.
- How to reach: To get to Mansar Lake from nearby bus stops, take a bus from Jammu Bus Stand or Srinagar Bus Stand. From the bus stops, you can also take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to the lake.
10. Leh-Manali Highway
The highway from Leh in Ladakh to Manali in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful in all of India. The Leh-Manali highway has an average elevation of more than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) and a maximum elevation of 5,328 meters (17,480 feet) at the Taglang La mountain pass.
It is surrounded by mountain ranges with stunning sand and natural rock formations on both sides. The road passes by snow-capped mountains, valleys, lakes, and passes, among other breathtaking landscapes. Take a road trip with your dear ones and enjoy the sights of the countryside nearby.
Wrapping Up:
Jammu is a city with a wide variety of attractions and experiences to offer its guests. These tourist destinations in Jammu are wonderful for those seeking cultural diversity, historical significance, spiritual enlightenment, or any combination of these things. You can visit Raghunath Temple, Mantalai Temple, and Peer Kho Cave Temple, in addition to the more well-known Vaishno Devi Temple.
In addition to the Leh-Manali Highway, it is also recommended that you visit Surinsar Lake and Mansar Lake. You can also learn a lot about Jammu’s history and culture by visiting the Amar Mahal Palace Museum, Mubarak Mandi Palace, and Bahu Fort. You will make some lifelong friends and memories in Jammu.
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