Jammu

The rich history and heritage and the natural beauty of Jammu welcome you to this magical place that also happens to be one of the spiritual destinations courtesy of the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu.

Historical Background:

During the Afghan rule and the rule of the Dogras, Jammu was properly integrated into Kashmir and later on Maharaja Hari Singh was the ruler of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir. After India gained independence, he signed the accord of joining India when Pakistan invaded the independent Princely State.

Things to Do and Major Attractions:

One of the fundamental attractions of Jammu is the mass-pilgrimage for the Vaishno Devi Temple. The trek to this temple is an experience in itself and the scenic view along the way is unforgettable. The religious and spiritual traveler also seeks the blessings from the Bhairo Mandir. Amar Mahal is another popular tourist attraction and is known for its rich architectural work and intricate details of construction.

People also visit places such as Bahu Fort and Garden which is sure to provide you with some picture-perfect moments. So will Ranbir Canal with the view that you can experience from here. Patnitop is a place where the mountainous terrain comes to the fore to present a rugged beauty of nature and it has attractions such as the Mahadev Mandir and Gorikund. For those looking for traces of the Mughal constructions and forts, you can head to the Mubarak Mandi Palace and the Bagh-E-Bahu. A fun afternoon can be spent at the Manda Zoo Park and those looking to soak in the local culture and gather details on the same can head to the Dogra Art Museum.

People and Culture:

The region comprises of Kashmiri people who are made of groups like Kashmiri Muslims, pundits, Gurjars, and Rajputs. The people here speak Hindi and Urdu and you will always find people who will have an understanding of English as well. The local folk music and dance have earned some reputation in the cultural hub of India.

Local Food and Popular Shopping Items:

There is plenty to shop for in Jammu and the list of items is never-ending with things like Shawls, dry-fruits, carpets, and the famous wooden carvings and handicrafts of this region. Try shopping from the local flea markets and Raghunath Bazaar. Do remember to gorge on some of the most delicious local cuisines such as the Kashmiri Pulao, Aloo Dum, Rajma, and the authentic Katha Meat and Mitha Bhaat.

Best Time to Visit:

If you are planning a trip to Jammu, you should plan your travel from September to early March. These months offer you with the best climatic conditions as the summers are known to be scorching hot in this region.

Availability of Accommodation Type:

With so much of tourism activity, Jammu has a wide range of choice for your accommodation. From expensive resorts to budget hotels, you can get it all. Some of the finest in the region include Viraj Sarovar Portico, Lords Inn, and the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson. Home-stay and cheaper alternatives can be found in abundance.

HOW TO REACH JAMMU

AIR – Jammu air terminal, a good 8 kilometres from the city, is associated with different air terminals in India. Other carriers also have regular trips to Jammu, which make it convenient for travellers. You can take departures from Jammu to Delhi, Agra, Hyderabad, Jaipur, etc.

TRAIN – The Jammu Tawi railway station in Jammu city has excellent rail availability with trains from different Indian urban cities, connecting it with the Trivandrum railway station in the far south.

ROAD – If you are going by road, Jammu has an excellent organization of roads that interface with significant north Indian areas like Delhi, Ambala, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana.