Jammu Travel Guide
Situated on the banks of the river Tawi, Jammu is known as the largest city in the entire Jammu Division. The city is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the newest Union Territory of India and comes under the administrative power of the municipal corporation of India. The beautiful city of lies at the squat height-ed craggy ridges at the Shivalik Hills. The Shivalik Ranges surrounds the city of Jammu from its north, east and the southeast directions whereas the Trikuta Ranges covers it from the north-west direction. The Jammu city is one of the famous tourist destinations in India built up on a chain of mountain ranges.
Around the 14th century BC, the region was under the rule of Raja Jambulochan who named the place as Jambupur which later on transformed to Jammu. The Bahu Fort, located on the banks of Tawi River was constructed by Raja Bahu Lochan who was the brother of Jambulochan. Jammu, the name of the city was also mentioned in the ancient book of Mahabharata. Evidences claimed during the excavation of Akhnoor which is just 32 kms away from the Jammu city figures out that the destination was once a part of the Harappa Civilization.
Some of the leftovers of the ancient rulers like Guptas, Mauryas, Kushanas and Kushanashahs were also founded in Jammu. The area of Jammu was into the hands of Hepthalites after the 480 CE and was ruled from Kabil and Kapisa. The Kushano – Hepthalite Dynasty took charge of the region from 565 to 670 CE which then was succeeded by the Shahi till early eleventh century who then was defeated by the Ghaznavids. Jammu was also involved in some of the battles of Timur. The region was then administered by the Mughals and Sikhs and later fall under the ruling hands of the British Empire.
Under the administration of the Dogra Rule, the city was given a beautiful shape as few of the greatest temples were built, shrines get renovated, several educational sectors were established and many other influencing steps were taken. Later after the partition of the country of India, Jammu followed up as the winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
How to Reach Jammu
- Air – Direct flights from Delhi, Leh and Srinagar are available for Jammu airport which is the closest domestic airport. Several airlines like Spice Jet, Air India, Indigo etc. regularly operate flights in these routes. Delhi is the closest International airport from from here.
- Rail – The main railway station is Jammu Tawi. It is connected very well will all major cities of India like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jaipur etc.
- Road – The Jammu and Kashmir State Road transport Corporation administers many of the luxury tourist buses which regularly connects Jammu from places like Srinagar, Pahalgam, Shimla, Manali, Delhi etc.
Distance of Jammu from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Delhi |
587 |
|
Mumbai |
2008 |
|
Kolkata |
2115 |
|
Ahmedabad |
1422 |
Weather
Jammu Temperature
- Summer (Mar to Jun) – Temperatures are mild and range between (20°C) to (40°C)
- Monsoon – (Jul to Sep) – This is not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are low and range between (7°C) to (32°C)
- Best Time to Visit – Oct to Feb is the best season for tourism
What to See In Jammu
The famous Hindu pilgrimage, the Vaishno Devi Mandir is situated on the hills of Jammu. Tourists can get buses from the railway station for Katra which is the nearest stoppage around Vaishno Devi Mandir. Most of the visitors then climb the hills bare footed to get blessings from Mata Rani. Helicopter facilities are also available for those who are not eligible to climb that typical hilly region.
One of the top places of tourist attraction in Jammu is the Amar Mahal Palace Museum. This is a museum within a five star hotel that provides fabulous scenery of the hill with river flowing beautifully. The Mahal is famous for its magnificent paintings and portraits reflecting ancient standard.
Located in the Raghunath Bazar, the Raghunath temple is one of the greatest landmarks of the Jammu city. The holy place is dedicated to God Rama and Goddess Sita and holds well crafted sculptures of more than three hundred Hindu deities. Mini buses and autos conveniently drop tourists to this destination.
Ranbireshwar Temple
This greatest temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the heart of the city having Shiva Lingam of multiple shapes and sizes. The city of Jammu is well known as the city of temples having more than hundred temples. Ranbireshwar temple is one of the biggest temples of Lord Shiva having a crystal and a black colored Shiva Lingam. Tourists from worldwide visit the destination to enjoy the holy festival of Maha Shivaratri.
Surinsar Lake
A place that provides the tourist with ultimate peace of mind is the Surinsar Lake. This lake has crystal like water with mountains and eye stoning sceneries covering from all around. The place is best for those who take interest in feeling natural beauty. Visitor can feed floating fishes with flour available within sealed packets.
Rajinder Park
A place shaded with beautiful trees with fresh air blowing all around is the Rajinder Park located in the city of Jammu. Tourists after visiting many of the destinations get to this place for taking rest and at the same time kids entertain themselves taking slides and swings.
Other Details
What to Do
Most people use this place as a transit for Vaishno Devi visit. You can also visit the other places of attraction
Where to Eat
The city of Jammu offers a combination of elements which constitute to serve the customers with delicious platter having mouth watering flavors. Few of the Dogra cuisines like aloo dum, rajma, kashmiri pulaao etc. are some of those dishes which should not missed to taste in Jammu. The most famous wazawan and the staple Naan is something that everyone must have once in life time. Here are top few restaurants welcoming hundreds of customers every month:
Falak Revolving Restaurant: At the top of the KC hotel is a famous restaurant offering best Mughlai and Kashmiri cuisines. Customers here can feel pleasant and comfortable as they get to see beautiful Jammu valley as the restaurant gently keeps on rotating. For those who are non veg lovers, Raan is the best cuisine to be tasted.
Hotel Taj: With a soothing and quality ambience, Taj offers its variety of Kashmiri dishes. The destination is a bit typical to found but one who make efforts to get there gets the best platter to taste.
The Imperial Grill Restaurant: This restaurant welcomes both the vegetarians and the non vegetarians. A bar with classy interior and comfortable sitting arrangements is available separately so that families can also make happy evenings having meals there.
Moti Mahal: With an ancient interior theme, this restaurant offers mouth watering cuisines covering both veg and non veg. For the vegetarians, daal makhni is known as the specialty whereas seekh kababs are waiting for non vegetarians.
What to Buy
Tourists can enjoy shopping for both traditional and modern accessories. The city of Jammu has a lot to offer that could make ones trip memorable.
- The Raghunath Bazar situated well in the heart of the destination is well known for its handicrafts and handlooms or top quality.
- The Hari and Shiv Market are best places in Jammu city offering best quality dry fruits and related sealed eatables.
- Gandhi Nagar and Trikuta Nagar are also few locations which have something to relate with shopping for the visitors.
- Gole Market is one if the top locations for shopping located in the Gandhi Nagar locality, a few distance away from the Tawi River. This market is famous for modern equipments like footwear, electronic gadgets, garments etc. at reasonable prices
Get Around
Being the base of Vaishno Devi Yatra, transportation facilities are plenty. There are multiple mediums which can be taken as a means of transport within Jammu like:
Bus: A well maintained system of tourist buses runs between Jammu and other places of interest.
Private Taxi: Tourists is not feeling comfortable with buses can hire private cabs for exploring the beauty of the city and nearby destinations.
Rental vehicles: For those who want to take driving fun can go for hiring cars for getting around the Jammu city.
Top Destinations - Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh
– Gulmarg
– Jammu
– Kargil
– Leh
– Nubra Valley
– Pangong Lake
– Patnitop
– Pahalgam
– Sonamarg
– Srinagar
– Tso Moriri Lake
– Vaishno Devi
Popular Tour Plans - Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh
4-6 Days
1. Srinagar-Pahalgam (5N/6D)
7-10 Days
1. Jammu-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Pahalgam (8N/9D)
2. Jammu-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Sonamarg-Pahalgam (9N/10D)
> 10 Days
1. Jammu-Vaishno Devi-Patnitop-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Sonamarg-Pahalgam (11N/12D)
2. Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Pangong Lake-Nubra Valley-Tso Moriri Lake-Sarchu-Manali (13N/14D)