Nestled against the backdrop of snow-clad Pir Panjal mountains, the city of Jammu is located on the banks of the river Tawi along the southwestern part of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu is the winter capital of Union Territory J&K and its present population is about one million. Over a period of many centuries, several Kings ruled the Jammu region and constructed temples on the river banks and in the main city.
About Jammu City
More than 100 temples grace the city for which Jammu city is popularly known as the ‘City of Temples’ in India. All the temples of Jammu city have unique architectural styles, representing the culture and traditions of its historical past.
once the capital of the Dogra dynasty and it became a part of the domain of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century. Residents of this city are descendants of an ancient martial tribe of Dogras and their spoken language is Dogri. Dogri is one of the Pahari language influenced by Persian, Pushto and Devanagari language.
Jammu city is home to the University of Jammu and the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. The region is also famous for its heritage buildings such as the Bahu fort built by Raja Bahulochan and the Royal Mubarak Mandi Palace of the Dogra kings.
Jammu City witnesses eight to ten million tourists every year.
Top places to visit in Jammu
region is located on the southwestern side of Jammu and Kashmir. It is famous for Vaishno Devi temple which is an important sacred site for Hindus. Apart from Vaishno devi temple, the city offers other travel attractions which you can add to your bucket list while planning your Jammu Kashmir Tour
Katra Vaishno Devi temple-
Vaishno devi Mandir is located in Trikuta hills which is 13 kms from Katra. The temple is among the most visited Hindu shrines in India with millions of devotees visiting the temple each year. Located at an altitude of 5200 ft above sea level, Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of Goddess Durga. You can reach the temple through a trek from Katra or hiring a pony or helicopter service which is available at the cost of Rs 1730 for one way per person.
Patnitop
Patnitop is located around 112 kms away from Jammu city in the Shiwalik belt of the Himalayas. It is a popular tourist attraction 47 km away from Udhampur city at an altitude of about 2,024 metres above sea level.
Lush green forests and meadows and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas add more beauty to this enchanting hill station. Patnitop is also known for various adventure activities which attracts hundreds of adventure lovers to this place. You can enjoy trekking, paragliding, and camping amidst the beautiful meadows of this region.
Raghunath Temple-
The Raghunath temple is a prominent temple and tourist destination located in Jammu. The temple is situated in the old part of Jammu city to the north of Tawi river.
the temple comprises a complex of seven Hindu shrines. It is one of the biggest complex in entire northern India attracting thousands of devotees all year round.
The construction of this complex was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh around 130 years ago from 1822 to 1860. It was later on completed by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh.
Lord Rama is worshipped in this regal temple. The architectural design of the temple shows a blend of Sikh and Mughal styles.
Bagh-e-Bahu
located near the iconic Bahu fort, Bagh-e-Bahu is a popular garden of Jammu city adorned with different hues of vibrant flowers. The garden lies beside the Tawi River and is an alluring site with majestic fountains, extended lawns, unique stone sculptures, a charming lake and a beautiful aquarium.
There are also waterfalls and a central water canal that runs through the garden, providing an aesthetic view to the eyes.
Bagh-e-Bahu is home to the largest underground aquarium of India which is shaped like a fish consisting of 24 aquarium caves and 13 small caves holding freshwater and marine water fishes. This aquarium boasts of housing about 400 varieties of fish.
Tourists and locals visit the garden for peace of mind and also photography.
Surinsar Lake
Surinsar lake, considered a twin of Mansar lake is a famous attraction of Jammu, known for its natural bounty and mythical significance. It is placed in the setting of thick mountain ranges.
Surinsar and Mansar are considered twin lakes. According to Mahabharata, these lakes emerged from the earth when Arjun shot an arrow into Mansar. The lake lies in close vicinity to its sister lake Mansar lake with the area between them called Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary with over 15 avifauna species and 3 mammalian species.
It is a perfect and favorite spot for locals and tourists and an ideal gateway for those who want to seek peace and tranquility.
Things to do in Jammu City
Snow skiing in Patnitop: Patnitop is a beautiful hill station located in the Udhampur district of the Jammu region. It offers tourists stunning views of gorgeous landscapes, thrilling trekking paths, and amazing skiing routes.
Without a doubt, Patnitop is the best destination for snow skiing. It is visited by thousands of skiers all year round.
Paragliding: You will reach Nathatop after a short trek of 2 km from Patnitop. This hill station is famous for paragliding and skiing activities. Paragliding at Nathatop is organized at a landmark which lies 2 km on the Patnitop-Sansar road called Dawariyal. Nestled away from the crowded city at an altitude of about 2711 m, it is a must-visit for nature seekers.
Vaishno Devi Darshan: Vaishno Devi temple is one of the most sacred shrine located in Katra, Every year thousands of Hindu pilgrims embark on a spiritual journey(yatra) to this temple and pay their respects to the holy cave.
You can begin your Vaishno devi trip by trekking through Katra base camp which is situated 13 kms away from the temple.
If you are unable to visit the temple on foot, then you can book a pony ride or helicopter service which are readily available for ease of pilgrims.
Best time to visit Jammu City
The best time to visit Jammu is during the autumn and winter season from September to early April which is the peak tourist time with pleasant weather along with chances of snowfall. Accompanied with chilly and refreshing air, the landscape of Jammu is lush during this period.
Jammu is a popular pilgrimage site for people all over India and one can also travel to Jammu during the popular Hindu festivals like Makar Sankranti in January, Ram Navmi in March, and Deepawali in October.
How to reach Jammu City
Jammu is located on NH44 and is connected by highway to all parts of the country.
By air: Jammu has its airport located 8 km southwest of the city of Jammu.
By road: you can also reach through daily bus services which operate to and from Jammu to Srinagar, Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Shimla, and Haridwar. You can also hire tourist taxis for visiting Jammu which are run by private tour operators.
By railway: Jammu Tawi is a significant railway station in northern India situated just 6 km from the main city. It connects to all major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Frequently asked questions
What is the climate like in Jammu City?
City has a subtropical climate with hot summers and relatively mild winters. Summers (April to June) can be quite hot with temperatures reaching up to 45°C (113°F), while winters (November to February) are cool and mild with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 17°C (45°F to 63°F).
What is the cuisine of Jammu City known for?
cuisine is influenced by Dogra and Kashmiri cuisines. Some popular dishes include Rajma (kidney beans curry), Ambal (sour pumpkin curry), Dogra-style mutton dishes like Rogan Josh and Yakhni, and various types of bread such as Chur Chur Naan and Katlam.
What are the major festivals celebrated in Jammu City?
Navratri: The nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm.
Baisakhi: A harvest festival celebrated in April, marking the Punjabi New Year.
Lohri: Celebrated in January, it marks the end of winter and is associated with bonfires and traditional folk dances.
What are some popular tourist attractions in Jammu City?
Raghunath Temple: A prominent temple complex dedicated to Lord Rama, located in the heart of the city.
Amar Mahal Palace: A beautiful palace showcasing grand architecture and housing a museum with artifacts and paintings.
Bahu Fort: Situated on the banks of the Tawi River, it offers scenic views of the surrounding area.
Mubarak Mandi Palace: A historic palace complex showcasing a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, and Gothic styles of architecture.