Jammu - City of Temples

Amar Mahal

The Amar Mahal Palace a sight to behold, is on an eyrie overlooking the Tawi river. This grand palace, with sloping roofs and tall towers, so characteristic of continental castles, reminds one of France. The palace has been converted into a museum which also houses the city's finest library of antique books and paintings. An entire series of miniatures on the epic Nal-Damayanti can be seen in the museum.

Bahu Fort

Situated 5 the city centre, Bahu Fort stands on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi.Perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city, it was constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago. The existing fort was more recently improved upon and extended by the Dogra rulers. Inside, there is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.

Bagh-e-Bahu

An extensive terraced garden, known as Bagh-e-Bahu, has been developed around the Bahu fortLocated in the foothills of the Himalayas, having river Tawi for company, Jammu is truly a haven for international as well as domestic tourists. According to legend, King Jamboo Lochan founded the city. It is believed that one day while hunting, the king witnessed an unusual sight after crossing Tawi river.

Mansar

It's a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills situated 62 Kms away from Jammu. Apart from being a picnic spot, Mansar Lake has the religious importance too. On the Eastern Bank of the Lake there is a shrine of Sheshnaag, a mythological snake with six heads. The shrine comprises a big boulder on which are placed a number of iron chains perhaps representing the small serpents waiting on the tutelary deity of the Sheshnaag.

Katra

Situated 50 Kms. from jammu this small town serves as the base camp for visting the famous shrine of Vaishnodevi in the Trikuta hills.Katra serves as the base camp for pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. It has a thriving tourism industry that offers plenty of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, dhabas, fast-food joints that fit all kinds of budgets. Free accommodation is provided by some registered trusts in the form of Sarais for the poor. The number of pilgrims that visit the shrine every year has increased from 1.4 million in 1986 to 8.2 million in 2009. Over the years, a lot has changed, but one should not miss the opportunity to walk through the main bazaar (market) for buying (do not forget/hesitate to negotiate a bit) souvenirs, dryfruits, woolen garments, hosiery, leather jackets, etc.

Patnitop

Patnitop boasts of being a hill resort of matchless beauty. Perched on a beautiful plateau and encased by thickly wooded forests, it offers pretty picnic spots, tranquil walks and panoramic views of the mountainous of the basin of River Chenab. Snow enwraps it in winters and there are endless opportunities for various snow games such as skiing. Natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover compliment the best-developed touring spot of Jammu region. it is 112 km away from Jammu.

Sanasar

The tourist destination of Sanasar lies at a distance of 119 kilometers from the Jammu city. Kashmir Hub offers you several tours and travel options to the picturesque cup shaped meadow, Sanasar, which is surrounded by coniferous trees. Sanasar lies at a distance of 17 kilometers from Patnitop and is an ideal travel destination. Sanasar is perfect for those who are keen on spending a quite and peaceful holiday.

Vaishno Devi Katra

Katra Town , lying in the foot of Trikuta Mountains , 48 kms. from Jammu, serves as the base camp for visiting the famous holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is approachable on foot along a 13 kms long well laid footpath. Every year, more than 4.5 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their holy pilgrimage to the shrine. The cave shrine of Mata Vasihnodevi ji or Trikuta Bhagwati (alt: 5,200 ft.) has been a beacon of faith and fulfillment to millions of devotees from all over the world. The pilgrimage to the Shrine holds great significance for the pilgrims. The pilgrimage to the holy temple of Mata Vaishnodevi is as fascinating as the legend associated with it. It goes that thousands of years ago, a comely maiden called "Vaishnavi" have been created by the three lords attained human form and was a devotee of Lord Vishnu.

Raghunath Temple

Amongst the temples in Jammu, the Raghunath Mandir dedicated to Lord Rama, takes pride of the place, being situated right in the heart of Jammu. The temple has seven shrines, with god-plated interiors. The most important houses the Dogra's patron deity, Rama, Vishnu's eighth incarnation. The cluster of temples makes it the largest temple complex in Northern India.Situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by a group of other temples, this temple dedicated to Lord Rama is outstanding and unique in Northern India. Work on the temple was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir in 1835 AD and was completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860 AD. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. There are many galleries with lakhs of 'Saligrams'.

Bawe Wali Mata

The famous temple of Bawey Wali Mata is inside the Bahu Fort where, every Tuesday and Sunday, pilgrims throng to worship the goddess.Positioned along the banks of river Tawi, the impressive construction of Bahu Fort is probably the oldest construction in Jammu. The splendid waterfalls, green terraced gardens and blooming flowers inside this fort make it one of the most peaceful forts that you would have ever witnessed. Originally built by Raja Bahulochan about 3,000 years ago, this fort was afterwards renovated and extended by rulers of the Dogra dynasty. 5 kms away from the central part of the city.

Ranbireshwar Temple

Located on the Shalimar Road near the New Secretariat, and built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in1883 AD, Ranbireshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has one central 'Lingam' measuring seven and a half feet height (7.5 ft.) and twelve Shiva 'Lingams' of crystal measuring from 15 cms. To 38 cms. and galleries with thousands of Shiva 'Lingams' fixed on stone slabs. paintings possessing immense artistic value.More than 800 paintings belonging to different schools of art have found their place in this exquisite collection at the Dogra Art Gallery.

Shiv Khori Shrine

This holy cave situated 100 Kms away from Jammu and 70 Kms from Katra, is nearly a kilometre long with a 4-feet high naturally formed Shivling. It's considered second only to the shrine of Vaishnodeviji according to religious importance. The Holy Cave abode of Lord Shiva is a real wonder to be seen. The cave is in the shape of Lord Shiva's Damroo i.e. wide at the two ends while very congested at the center.The Shiv-Khori Shrine is well connected to Katra and Jammu by road. The devotees can visit the place by taxi or car. Few bus services from Katra are also available to this divine place. A major festival is held here on the eve of Shivratri every year.

Baba Dhansar

Baba Dhansar is a beautiful and cool picnic spot. Here, a huge spring gushes out of the mountainside in a thick grove of trees and froms a number of small water-falls before flowing into the holy Banganga. Next to the spring in a small grove in the rock face is a naturally formed Shivling on which droplets of water fall naturally all the year round. A big mela is held here during Shivaratri. As the local belief goes, in the ancient times there was a demon who lived near Karua Jheel and committed atrocities on the people of village Karua.

Paragliding

The J&K Tourism Department has introduced paragliding in Sanasar. Equipment can be hired from the tourist office in Jammu city. The resort is 19 kms from Patnitop and a road connects the two. Sanasar can be reached by bus or taxi from Jammu, via Kud and Patnitop. Accommodation is available in J&K TDC huts for aero-sport enthusiasts.This equipment is also available at the local agencies in Jammu and Sanasar. The best months to go paragliding in Sanasar are May-June and September-October.Kashmir Hub aims to provide you with all the relevant details regarding the scope, arrangements and facilities for adventure sports in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Hover Craft

Its an excellent and different experience not to be missed, It combines a mixture of driving,flying,sailing all in one. You are floating on a cushion of air 6 inches above the water or ground, at speeds 30 to 40 Kmph, you have no wheels, you have no brakes, you're at the mercy of slopes and gravity, and in the experienced hands of trained Hovercraft pilots! This makes even being a passenger incredibly exciting. You won't believe how easily the hovercraft moves across land into water in the hands of an experienced hovercraft pilot. You are however required to wear life jackets and helmets, and have the option to use ear muffs or waterproof jackets. All safety apparatus shall be provided by us, without any extra charge!