The landscape in Jammu is eerily similar to a Bob Ross painting. Once you visit here, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into an oil painting. Glistening lakes, towering mountains, and crisp meadows are what await you in Jammu. Jammu is also referred to as the only paradise on earth. If you haven’t seen Jammu yet, it’s probably the planning that’s stopping you. So let’s solve all that for you with our Jammu travel guide. We’ll take you through everything you need to know for a holiday in Jammu.
History And Culture Of Jammu
If we have to speak about the history of Jammu, we’ll have to begin with how the city got its name. Legend has it that in the fourteenth century BC, a ruler by the name of Raja Jamboo Lochan was hunting in the region where Jammu lies. During his hunt, he witnessed something extremely fascinating. He saw a tiger and a goat drinking water from the same river. The sight of a predator and prey drinking from the same pond inspired him. It made him believe that both can live in peace and harmony. He then named the town after himself. Jammu was then called Jamboo. Over time, the pronunciation went through alterations and the city is now known as ‘Jammu’.
Before partition, Jammu had had Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Dogras, and Mughal rulers. Each of the city’s rulers influenced the culture of the land. You should also know that Jammu served and still serves as a religious pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. That’s why you’ll find several monasteries and temples in the city. Many locals also practice Islam as a religion.
The region of Jammu has also been in unceasing turmoil ever since the Independence of India. China, India, and Pakistan have all been part of the land disputes in Jammu. Today, the city has a union territory status. Punjab, Pakistan, and Himachal Pradesh are neighboring states of the city, due to which there is some cultural influence on Jammu as well.
How To Get To Jammu
Getting To Jammu By Air
If you plan to get here by air, you would need to take a flight to Jammu airport or Srinagar airport. New Delhi is the metropolitan city from where you will easily get connecting direct flights to Jammu daily. If you’re flying from other cities, New Delhi will be an important stopover.
Getting To Jammu By Train
Jammu Tawi is the railway station you need to reach if you’re traveling by train. This station is well-connected to big metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and so on. Once you get off the train, you’ll be able to get to the heart of Jammu city in minutes, as the station is just 15 minutes away from the central areas of Jammu.
Getting To Jammu By Road
If you’re exploring cities close to Jammu, such as Srinagar, Shimla, or Amritsar, you can opt to drive directly to Jammu. The city is armed with national highways that make it convenient to get here comfortably by road as well. NH44 is the most widely used national highway to reach Jammu by road.
Best Time To Visit Jammu
You can visit Jammu anytime throughout the year after you get your work approvals for a holiday. But you must plan your visit according to the scenery you wish to capture. During the summer months, you’ll get to capture flowering meadows, and fresh, bright green takes over the landscape. In the winters, Jammu transforms into a white winter wonderland.
Many people choose to come here during winter (October to March) to see snow-capped mountains and participate in winter activities. But if you don’t like the chilly cold in the air, you can always come to Jammu between April to August, during the summer months. Most avoid coming to Jammu during the rainy season. The upside to that is you can avail of great rates, as not many tourists come to visit the city.
Getting Around Jammu
You can take an autorickshaw and get around within the city in the way most locals do. However, if your itinerary includes a ton of places to see that are spread out from each other, it’s best to hire a private vehicle for the days you’ll spend in Jammu. The accommodation you book would be able to help you rent out a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler for your intracity journey.
Breaking Stereotypes About Jammu
“You should avoid going to Jammu as the travel is not pleasant.”
Yes, this is a common stereotype about Jammu, but it is no reason to put off your trip to Jammu. The city is filled with hospitable people and stunning landscapes. It’s an integral and unseen side of India that you must consider exploring. You can easily make your way into Jammu by flight as well as by road. See a new side of the North side of India from Jammu, and don’t let others convince you otherwise till you see it.
Go Check Out
Patnitop
Patnitop is a hill station 2.5 hours away from Jammu city and is the location where you can go on India’s highest ropeway! The ropeway is 2.8 kilometers long and offers some of the most majestic views your eyes could fathom.
Sanasar Lake
Sanasar Lake, in the literal sense, is a breath of fresh, clean air, and you’ve got to come here for exactly that! It would take you roughly 4 hours to reach here from the city. Carry a book and just enjoy walking and feeling refreshed here by sitting by the lake. You can consider camping or paragliding at Sanasar Lake as well.
Bahu Fort
Situated near the River Tawi, the Bahu Fort is a hard sight for any tourist to miss. The Fort takes you back to the time when the Dogras reigned over the city of Jammu. After checking out the fortification, don’t forget to also head to Bagh-e-Bahu right next to the Fort. This is a well-manicured garden and the most peaceful part of the city.
Amar Mahal Museum And Library
Amar Mahal was a palace built for a Dogra king by a French architect. Once you visit the palace, you will feel as though you’ve been transported to a royal house in France. The entire place has a whiff of nobility and royalty. Another palace that you can also check out is the Mubarak Mandi, the home of another Dogra King.
Raghunath Temple
This temple is among the oldest in Jammu, and many Hindu pilgrims plan a trip to the city, especially to come and pray here. The temple is situated in the heart of the city, and by visiting the place, you will get an essence of the energy of Jammu city.
FAQs On Traveling To Jammu
When Is The Best Time To Visit Jammu?
If you wish to see the lush greenery of Jammu, you must visit between April and August. From October to March, the weather is chilly and an equally great time to visit Jammu.
What Is Jammu Famous For?
Jammu is famous for its stunning landscape. Nothing beats the scenery of towering mountains and valleys in Jammu, and you must come here yourself to experience it. Jammu is also known as the city of temples, and many visitors consider it a holy pilgrimage site.
What Is The Famous Dish Of Jammu?
Some dishes that you must try out when in Jammu include rajma, Kashmiri pulao, patisa, and aloo dum.
Which Is The Summer Capital Of Jammu And Kashmir?
Srinagar is the summer capital, while Jammu city is believed to be the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
Which Languages Are Spoken In Jammu?
In modern Jammu city, many locals speak fluently in English and Hindi. However, the traditional languages include Dogri, Pahari, Ladakhi, Urdu, and Kashmiri.
Where Can You Go Skiing In Jammu And Kashmir?
Gulmarg is the top choice for most tourists and visitors who wish to go skiing in Jammu and Kashmir. You can also go to Patnitop, which is closer to Jammu city, for skiing.
Is Kashmir In India Or Pakistan?
Kashmir belongs to both India and Pakistan. The northern and western sides of the region, which include the provinces of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, are controlled by Pakistan. The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as most of Ladakh, is controlled by India.
Is Jammu And Kashmir A State Or a City?
Jammu and Kashmir was earlier a state till the year 2019, but now it is known as the Union Territory of India.
