Famous Tourist Places in Jammu

Raghunath Temple

Perhaps, the most symbolic heart of Jammu religious identity is the famous Raghunath Temple, spread over an area in the city centre. Dedicated to Lord Rama, it features one of the largest temple complexes in Northern India, featuring huge courtyards and much intricate architecture. It was originally built in 1835 by Maharaja Gulab Singh and then finished by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860. It is one of the main pilgrimages for those who worship Lord Rama.

It houses numerous gods, and its library stores a heavy treasure of old texts and volumes on Hinduism. Thousands of devotees and tourists visit the temple every year, especially in Navratri festivals. This temple is a part of cultural life in Jammu because it worships sanctity, intricate carvings, and magnificence.

Vaishno Devi Shrine

Vaishno Devi, the holy shrine, sitting atop the Trikuta Mountains, is one of the most prominent destinations visited by pilgrims across India, drawing millions of devotees each year. A trek of some 12 kilometers takes one from the base at Katra to the cave temple wherein sits the goddess Vaishno Devi in the form of three naturally formed rock figures called ‘Pindis’. The trek full of the slogans of “Jai Mata Di” offers an experience which marries spirituality with adventure.

Paeans have been written in praises of different shrines, each of which has its own peculiarity. Pilgrims who may find the trek to be quite strenuous can also opt for helicopter services or ponies to reach the shrine. The spiritual aura combined with the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains makes this pilgrimage unforgettable.

Bahu Fort

Bahu Fort is on the left bank of the Tawi River and is one of the oldest monuments in Jammu. It had been erected by Raja Bahulochan more than 3,000 years back, it has undergone several renovations, the most important of which were under the Dogra rulers. There lies within the temple of Goddess Kali locally known as Bawe Wali Mata. Faithfuls come there to the temple for searching blessing.

Except for religious significance, the fort is a feast for eyes with the views it offers of the Tawi River and the Jammu city. The terraced gardens surrounding the fort are called the Bagh-e-Bahu, perfect for recreational walks and family outings and to view serenity in the environment.

Mansar Lake

Mansar Lake is about 62 km from Jammu, a place of serene beauty with dense forests and hilly tracts. It is also religiously relevant. Places like temples can be found near the spot associated with Sheshnag, Umapati Mahadev, and Narasimha. Boating facilities are available through which tourists can relish the beauty of the place and surroundings.

It is also an important pilgrimage site as newlywed couples come there with the hope of good luck in leading a happy life through marriage. The area around the lake has many varieties of flora and fauna; thus, it is paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

Patnitop

Patnitop is an attractive hill station known for lush green meadows, snow-topped peaks, and pine forests, set in the Shivalik belt of the Himalayas. It has become one favourite destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers about 112 kilometres from Jammu. As summer approaches, visitors can look forward to trekking, paragliding and camping. Upon winter, it transformed into a wonderland of snow, where skiers and snowboarders have thronged.

This place of Patnitop’s scenic beauty with its light summer climate invites people to this particular location from where they can enjoy some relief from the intense heat of the sun. Further to this, nearness to River Chenab will enhance the natural beauty of the place.

Nathatop

Nathatop is just a few kilometres from Patnitop, but when they take you to Nathatop, the breathtaking view of Himalayan peaks and rich green valleys will leave your breath away. In winters, the region becomes a thrusting ground for skiing and snowboarding, while summers provide good opportunities for leisure walks and picnics against the cool mountain breeze.

Nathatop is a place with open clear skies, thus, it presents an exciting experience for adventure sport fanatics as paragliding is done there. The whole journey to Nathatop, along with the thick greenery on both sides of the road, is almost a complete scenic drive that makes up for a nice travel experience.

Akhnoor Fort

Built on the banks of Chenab River, Akhnoor Fort is a structure which dates its roots to great antiquity. Treasure trove from the 19th century when it was built by Raja Alam Singh, Akhnoor Fort gives a glimpse of the past grandeur of Jammu. The architecture of the fort presents a fusion of Mughal and Sikh styles with breathtaking views of the flowing Chenab River below.

The remains of the Harappan civilization have been found in archaeological excavations, hence giving it a rich historical feel. Ancient towns, temples, and ruins make it an interesting place to visit for a historian and cultural person.

Mubarak Mandi Palace

Beautifully conceived in Rajasthani, Mughal, and European architecture, Mubarak Mandi Palace is a place of residence by the Dogra rulers and a complex palace in the heart of Jammu city. It is literally a prize-winning epitome of history, replete with grand courtyards, galleries, and royal halls.

Sheesh Mahal is one of the most beautiful parts of the palace that has done marvelous mirror work and speaks for the rich cultural heritage of the glorious Dogra dynasty. Today, parts of this palace house the rare paintings, manuscripts, and other artifacts at the Dogra Art Museum which give a glimpse into the royal history of this region.

Peer Kho Cave Temple

Peer Kho Cave Temple This temple is situated at the bank of Tawi River and is very ancient. It worships Lord Shiva and, at the same time, ranks significant among pilgrim destinations for people coming here to pay their homage during the Shivratri festival when thousands of people stream in here for seeking blessings. The temple is famous for the silent atmosphere, and for the natural cave formation, housing the Shiva Lingam.

It has an appeasing situation on the riverbank accompanied by a virgin forest area. Here, meditation and spiritual reflection are well pleased. Along with this, one can enjoy a beautiful view of the Tawi River from this temple premise.

Surinsar and Mansar Lakes

Surinsar and Mansar are twin lakes steeped in a combination of both mythology and natural beauty. While the Mansar Lake is religiously known for its temple complex, the Surinsar Lake lies secluded and peaceful. The lakes, with lush forests and hills as their backdrops, are apt spots to sit and enjoy a picnic with family and boat rides amidst nature walks.

The surrounding region of these lakes also flaunts a wide diversity in avifauna, thus attracting the bird-watchers. The scenic beauty coupled with mythological tales referred to with these lakes makes the place enchanting for the tourists.

Shiv Khori Cave

The local people describe this cave mostly as the place where Lord Shiva resides or that one of forms of Lord Shiva has visited the earth and the human world.
This is one of the natural cave shrines that can be found at a distance of 22 kilometers from Katra and falls in the Reasi district. Its length lies approximately at 200 meters in length and is accompanied by several stalagmite formations within it. The major attraction in this cave remains the naturally formed Shiva Lingam. Thousands of devotees make the trek to reach the cave, especially on Shivratri, to believe and get blessings.

The scenery along the way to Shiv Khori is as rewarding as experience once there. Coupled with spiritual vibes from the atmospheric cave, it has been a most visited place for those seeking divine experiences amidst nature.

Sanasar

It is a beautiful meadow wherein lies a distance of about 20 kilometers from Patnitop offering panoramic views of lush green valleys and towering mountains. Adventure activities like paragliding, trekking, and camping with horse riding make this the most exciting place for adventurers.

Sanasar happens to be a peaceful winter wonderland covered with snow during winters. Amidst the meadow, Sanasar Lake adds beauty to this place – a perfect spot for picnics and nature photography.

Dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah

Dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the most revered Muslim shrine and stands among those considerably respected monuments which are situated near the Jammu Airport, in the hearts of both Hindus and Muslims. It is said that Peer Budhan Ali Shah had performed many miracles as a Sufi saint and thus it has been a sign of communal harmony in this region. All the religiosity comes to Dargah to solicit blessings, and this place is also visited very specifically in order to fulfill their health and prosperity desires.