Jammu is a historical location, the name of which almost every Indian citizen has heard. It is this city that is quoted in the name of the state “Jammu and Kashmir“. It is known as the winter capital of the state because of the pleasantly warm weather of this hill station and the lush green vegetation covering the outskirts of the urban neighbourhoods, to this date. As you probably have already guessed, Jammu is located in the south of Srinagar, by the banks of the fabled Tawi River. These are the most famous tourist places to visit in Jammu and can bring you closer to these natural glories as much as to the fascinating architectural past of this place.
In this article, we will unveil everything that there is to know about this magical city and give to you every possible tip for a perfect tourism experience. Here is a comprehensive guide to a few of the most popular tourist Places to visit in Jammu during your Kashmir Trip.
Tourist Places to Visit in Jammu City for Solo, Couple or Group Trip
1. Surinsar Lake
How can we talk about the state of Jammu and Kashmir without recollecting at least one mesmerizing lake? The Surinsar lake is one of its most famous Tourist places in Jammu and is appreciated by visitors all around the World for its clear water and wonderful scenic beauty. It is surrounded on all sides by thickly forested mountains and is characterized by tourists and visitors who come here to pray, inspired by the mythological stories that surround this lake. If you are a fan of picnics, you have to try spending a day on the shores of this lake.
Entry cost: no entry cost
Opening and closing timings: no official closing and opening timings.
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours for a visit, 6 to 7 hours for a picnic.
2. Vaishno Devi Temple
This internationally recognised shine is without a doubt the most important location among all possible places to visit in Jammu. Several devotees from all around the world flock here not to enjoy sightseeing in Jammu, but primarily to pray to Vaishno Devi. The main goddess of this temple is Devi Mahalaxmi, which makes it a prominent place of worship for those looking for blessings, wealth and wisdom. The temple is located on a secluded mountain, and one has to trek up to this location in order to visit the temple. Helicopter services, pony rides and palanquins are also available.
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
3. Bahu Fort
Built-in the 18 century by Raja Gulab Singh, heir of the Dogra Empire, this Fort leaves visitors in surprise. It is located in old Jammu. The most astonishing few places to visit in Jammu style-built Bahu Fort are the Mahakali temple and the remaining chambers of the defence units. A lot can be learnt from the remnants of this Fort, especially for those who are interested in knowing more about the Dogra Empire, one of the least known empires of North India. It surprises tourists when they find out that the goddess Kali temple inside the Fort was built as far back as the 8th century.
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
4. Bhimgarh Fort
This sturdy Fort of Jammu is one of a kind. It is one of the most beautiful forts of the state and at the same time one of the oldest places to visit in Jammu. This Fort is located 64 km away from the main city. It is located on top of a hill from where you can get a clear view of the valley. For people who do not have a clear idea of the history of Jammu, the stories of bravery and valour that decorate this monument will appear incredulous. This is another Fort conceived originally by Raja Gulab Singh, but he made it out of clay. It was later that one of his descendants Raja Rishipal Rana had it constructed with granite stones and lime mortar.
Entry cost: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours
5. Ranbireshwar Temple
Dedicated to a form of lord Shiva, this temple is one of the most sought-after devotional tourist places in Jammu. It is said to be the largest lord Shiva temple in the whole of North India. The architecture of the temple will remind you of the India of the past, with well-maintained temple premises coloured in cheerful pink-white decor. It was built in the year 1883 and encloses an 8 feet stone lingam. Locals say that this lingam has the power to heal many illnesses and grant even seemingly impossible wishes.
Entry cost: no entry cost
Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 to 2 hours
6. Peer Kho Cave
If we overlook the Mahakali Temple located within the Fort premises, Peer Kho Cave will have to be awarded the title of the oldest temple in the City. This was built in the 15th century by Raja Ajaib Dev and has a surprisingly different structure, with sacred trees inside the temple and a massive central courtyard. Peer Kho Cave consists of 2 caves, one at a depth of about 20 feet from the ground and the other at the depth of 30 feet and another internationally recognised Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Entry cost: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 3.5 hours
7. Baba Dhansar: to be honest
To be honest, Jammu is a tourist destination filled with divine locations and striking monuments. Baba Dhansar is a celebrated place situated in Karua, a nearby village. Baba Dhansar is himself the person worthy of worship at this location and it is his presence – wrong with a nearby cave dedicated to lord Shiva – that has given this place its spiritual nature. But you have more reasons to fall in love with this place – the village Karua boasts of the gorgeous Karua Jheel and a fascinating waterfall. This place is a popular camping and picnic spot for locals and tourists.
Entry cost: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: no official opening and closing timings. Open 24 hours.
Time taken to visit: one day trip.
8. Dogra Art Museum
As we mentioned before, Dogra Empire is an underrated facet of Indian royal history. In an attempt to bring the Dogra culture to the limelight, the government has recently organized and opened up the Dogra Art Gallery. This gallery has more than 7000 historical art effects that draw attention to Pahari’s visual arts and handicrafts. The beauty of this museum is that it is not so only focused on the military advancements of the Empire. It does not try to display the wealth the Empire had. Instead, it places the lives of everyday people under the Dogra royals.
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
9. Purmandal
It takes you outside the modern city of Jammu and takes you into the local lives of the village Pahari people. If you loved the view of the Tawi River, then you will doubly adore this little resort village by the Devika river. With quaint little, flattened huts sprinkled all over lush green hills, you can see farmers farming and shepherds running their sheep far and wide. Don’t forget to try the classic dum aloo of Jammu along with saffron rice and Rogan Josh, in order to have a completely authentic experience of the culture!
Entry cost: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: try to stay there for at least a couple of days.
10. Shiv Khori
If you are a traveller at heart, you will love the Shiv Khori temple. The two dominant deities of Jammu are Lord Shiva and Mahakali. The most famous devotional places of sightseeing in Jammu are dedicated to these two deities. The Shiv Khori leads you towards a flight of stairs through which you can access the famous Shiv Khori cave. Inside this cave is the revered natural Shivalinga formation. This lingam is 150 m tall. Adjacent to this is a Swayambhu lingam of 4 feet, upon which offerings of a milky fluid are constantly poured. You must visit this location if you come to Jammu.
Entry cost: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 1 hour
11. Mubarak Mandi Palace
This beautiful royal accommodation is located just above the Peer Kho Caves. Today many people call this place by the name of ‘Mubarak Mandi Ruins’ but a century ago, even till 1925, this place was the residence of many royals and their guests. This palace started to be built in 1824, but new sections were consequently added throughout the next 100 years. It used to be the place of residence of the last Maharaja of Jammu Kashmir. It is a grand structure, one of the most luxurious tourist places in Jammu that you will set your eyes on. Architectural inspiration for this palace comes from Rajasthani, Mughal and Baroque styles.
Entry cost: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Jammu is famous for its Nandini wildlife sanctuary as well as its Manda zoo, both appreciated locations for family trips.
A. On the road, travelling from Srinagar to Jammu takes about 5 to 6 hours.
A. Jammu is located in the Southwest corner of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
A. Ideally, you should plan a Jammu trip for 6 Nights and 7 Days, so that you can cover all important locations without wasting any time!
Conclusion
Sightseeing in Jammu is not only a once-in-a-lifetime experience but also a melodious escape from the bustle and stress of everyday life. Jammu city is nestled in the lap of towering, rocky mountains in terrain so open and sunny that it will warm you from the inside. Tourist places in Jammu include everything from palaces and temples to gardens and museums. No amount of time spent in this eventful city will be enough for any enthusiastic traveller!
