The state of J&K fascinates travellers worldwide because of its beauty and versatility. Some of the most famous Himalayan valleys are located in the state and one of them is the Jammu valley. Check out our article on ‘Places to Visit in Jammu’ to get a better idea of how exciting activities to do in Jammu can be. Jammu has been a chosen location of Indian saints, tribes and devotees since immemorial. You can come here and let yourself lose in the throng of pilgrims, tourists and photographers. It is a city that inspires you to try new things and rediscover Hinduism once again. If you are moved by the Hindu rulers and brahmins of Jammu Kashmir, this city will bring you close to the art and culture of forgotten Hindu Empires like the Dogra Empire.
Best Activities to do in Jammu That Will Complete Your Experience Of Kashmir
1. Picnic On The Banks of the Tawi River
The goddess-like River flows through the Jammu valley, gently winding down her curves and her brilliant blue running body. The valley is wide and rugged, providing ample spaces in the outskirts where tourists can sit down and enjoy the view of this heavenly body of water. Picnic on the banks of this river is one of those activities to do in Jammu that will not only be safe for children but also lend to them an educational, spiritual experience. You can also locate popular parks and enclosures inside the city that lead you straight to the river. Set aside a day for a picnic with your family or group!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 6 hours to one day
2. Discovering Dogra Art
The Dogra art exhibition organized by the government in Jammu and Kashmir is dedicated to bringing attention to the life of the Jammu valley before independent India. The Dogra art museum draws the attention of scholars and amateurs throughout the year. It has successfully started and maintained conversations about the Hindu rulers of Jammu and Kashmir but more fascinatingly it has shifted the spotlight from royal glory to the everyday life and prosperity of the common man during the Dogra period.
Entry cost: 10 INR
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
3. Indulge in Jammu Cuisine
Recently, Jammu has seen a rise in restaurants and cafes that have reintroduced traditional Jammu cuisine to local enthusiasts and tourists. You will be fascinated to realise that common dishes like aloo dum and rogan josh have originated in Jammu. Unless you taste the original versions of these dishes from the streets or the heritage houses in Jammu, you will continue to neglect a vital activity from your things to do in Jammu list. Jammu cuisine is imperative, believe us!
Entry fee: no entry fee, only pay for your meal
Opening and closing timings: most restaurants in Jammu operate from 9:00 a.m. in the morning to 10:00 p.m. in the evening
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
4. Trek To Vaishnodevi
Travelling to Vaishno Devi indeed feels like reaching out to the heavens to grab the motherly hand of a goddess you admire. Devotees from all over India and other parts of the world come to the Vaishnodevi temple not only to seek blessings from one of the most powerful goddesses of the world but also to experience the wonderful route that takes you to this revered mountain temple. If your health permits, we would suggest you trek your way through to this temple, because the view is luxurious and the experience unlike any other. If that won’t be possible, try to get a pony ride or a helicopter ride to this location. Any three of these options will be essential among activities to do in Jammu.
Entry cost: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. then again from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: one whole day, minimum 6 hours
5. Skiing Like Never Before
Gulmarg is not the only skiing location in Jammu Kashmir. Jammu itself makes way to a unique place where you can learn skiing, known as Patnitop. In fact, owing to the precious weather and ambience of Jammu this place might be more affordable, kid-friendly and beginner friendly. Will find suitable guides who will take your children on a sleigh ride at a reasonable price. This place is also much easier to reach than Gulmarg and the accommodation prices here are quite low. From here you will get a chance to lay your eyes on the highest peaks of Kashmir glistening in perennial snow.
Entry fee: approximately 2000 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 hours
6. Pray To Goddess Kali at Bahu Fort
The lime and motor fort is a legendary structure built and operated by the descendants of the Dogra Empire before India became independent. Today this vote is no longer used but serves as an exciting and adventurous tourist location. Many tourists come here not to explore the fort but to pray to Goddess Kali in a prehistoric temple located inside the fort. Many historians believe that this temple was built in the 8th century CE. It is a simple structure with a rich history and a reputation of respite for all sorrows.
Entry cost: 10 INR
Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours
7. Ride A Jammu Camel
Jammu and Kashmir are also famous for a unique and extremely adorable animal – the double-backed Bactrian Camel, commonly recognised as the double-backed hairy winter camel from the Jammu and Ladakh region. You can schedule right on the Jammu camel at many locations on the outskirts of the city. This is another of those kid-friendly things to do in Jammu that will considerably increase the quality of your experience in sightseeing in Jammu. You can click beautiful pictures on the back of this camel. It is a popular wedding photoshoot option for those who love Kashmir a lot!
Entry fee: 300 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 hour
8. Pray at Raghunath Temple
This nationally popular temple is dedicated to a form of lord Shiva who is said to be powerful, assertive and glorious. Raghu is an ancient Sanskrit word that refers to the sun, while Nath refers to Lord Shiva. Jammu has many locations and temples dedicated to Lord Shiva including the Shiv Khori, a place that houses a natural shiv lingam. The Raghunath temple is a beautifully designed shrine decorated in vibrant pink and gold, believed to be one of the most popular devotional locations for sightseeing in Jammu.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 hour
9. Picnic On The Banks of Surinsar Lake
This prehistoric lake is an exciting place, and this is what makes it hold almost a permanent place in the list of eventful things to do in Jammu. Not only can you go on a picnic date with your partner or family at this lake, but you can also spend time clicking pictures and watching birds at this divine place. Many tourists and local inhabitants of Jammu consider this Lake to be a sacred spot, so make sure you do not offend any feelings and conduct your picnic in a respectful and beautiful manner.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 hours on a picnic day
10. Spot birds in Manda Zoo
How is it possible to make a trip to a hill station and not spend some time exploring the fauna of that region? The Jammu valley is a unique place to discover some rare birds species, you can do this easily at the Manda zoo. If you have children, then Munda zoo should be on top of all things to do in Jammu. You can spend as much time as you like exploring birds and learning about them at this zoo. While you are at it, and also take some time to explore the locally found animals of this arid and rugged valley.
Entry fee: 20 INR per person
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
11. Experience the Jammu Village Life
This hidden gem is a tiny village adjacent to Jammu City, located on the banks of the Devika River in the Samba District. Once upon a time, it used to be one of the finest educational locations in the world. Today not much is left except for the beautiful stone temples and an evergreen village ambience. Tourists who are looking for a more touching and authentic experience of Jammu life choose Purmandal over the bustling Jammu City. Homestays and hotel accommodations are now easily available in this little village of unprecedented historical importance.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: try to stay for at least one or two days!\
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. The Vaishnodevi temple is open throughout the year.
A. Purmandal is also known as Chhota Kashi.
The Raghunath Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva.
Conclusion
A good travel guide who has knowledge of hidden gems in Jammu can include all these unique activities to do in Jammu in a single Jammu travel package. Explore hundreds of customisable Kashmir travel packages on our site and book yours with zero hassle and low commission charges. If you have a dream, we will realize it for you!
