Surrounded by green coniferous forests, magnificent mountains, gurgling valleys, and quaint villages, Jammu is bestowed with a beauty like no other. With schools finally closed and the sun shining brighter than ever, it’s the perfect opportunity for a getaway to this place. It’s much cooler and there’s something for everyone! So, brace yourself as we’re about to take you through the best things to do in Jammu to make the most of your holiday.
9 Best Things To Do In Jammu
- Go For A Pilgrimage To Vaishno Devi Mandir
- Take A Stroll At Bagh-e-Bahu
- Go Boating At Mansar Lake
- Take The Patnitop Ropeway
- Marvel At The Architecture Of Amar Mahal Palace
- Explore The Peer Kho Cave Temple
- Visit The Bahu Fort
- Shop At Raghunath Bazaar
- Relish The Local Cuisine Of Jammu
1. Go For A Pilgrimage To Vaishno Devi Mandir
Located in the Trikuta Mountains is the Vaishno Devi Mandir, one of the most sacred places in Jammu. To reach here, you’ll have to take a trek up the steep steps that lead to the temple. You can pay your respects to Goddess Vaishno Devi, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Goddess Durga.
Just so you know, the trek to this temple is going to take around 6-9 hours. But that’s no reason to worry, some locals piggyback children and the elderly to make the journey easier for them. It costs about INR 700 for a round trip. That being said, for the best experience, try to go on this trek on foot. After the exhausting trek, your reward will be the majestic and scenic caves where this temple resides. And let’s not forget about the panoramic view of the valley!
Location: Bhavan, Katra, Jammu
Timings: 5 am to 9 pm
Cost: INR 500 – 1,000 per person
2. Take A Stroll At Bagh-e-Bahu
Jammu is such a beautiful city that one can’t get enough of it! For a peaceful time, we recommend you go take a stroll at Bagh-e-Bahu. Sitting on the banks of the River Tawi, this garden has a topography that’ll make you fall in love with the place instantly. The gorgeous structures, colorful variety of flowers, and pristine, blue ponds add to the beauty of the garden.
Something that’ll stay with you forever is the musical fountain show that happens right here. It also houses the largest aquarium in India with over 400 species of marine fish. To fulfilling your hunger pangs, you can check out the cafeteria here which serves various refreshments.
Location: Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-Bahu, Near Hanuman Mandir, Jammu
Timing: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Cost: INR 5 per person
3. Go Boating At Mansar Lake
Amidst the lush green forests and snowy mountains of Jammu lies the Mansar Lake. It’s the perfect spot to go picnicking with your family or to enjoy some peaceful time amidst nature. A boat ride here is an absolute must as you get to admire the wonderful flora and fauna that surround the lake. While you’re at it, keep your eyes peeled for several varieties of fish, algae, and waterfowl.
You can also visit the temples of Lord Narishma and Umapati Mahadev, situated very close to Mansar Lake. We recommend visiting Mansar Lake during the sunset when the water changes color into a golden hue. And it sets the scene to witness something beautiful with your family.
Location: Buttal, Jammu
Timing: 7 am to 7 pm
Cost: Entry fee at this lake is free. For boating, you’ll have to pay INR 100 per person for half an hour
4. Take A Patnitop Ropeway
At Patnitop, you’ll witness never-ending, lush meadows and the panoramic views of the snow-laden Himalayas. It’s just the place to bask in the glory of nature. All you avid photographers and adventurers should pay a visit here. Something worth trying in Jammu is taking the Patnitop Ropeway, which stretches almost 2.8 km from Sanget to Patnitop.
It’s also the highest ropeway in all of Asia, a fact you can brag about back home. Being a part of this experience, a perk you can enjoy is the scintillating views of dense pine forests and blooming flowers from here. Experiencing the Patnitop Ropeway will make you feel like you’re taking a ride through the clouds.
Location: Village Karlah, Patnitop, Jammu
Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Price: Starting From Approx INR 700
5. Marvel At The Architecture Of Amar Mahal Palace
Known as the last residence of the Dogra dynasty, the Amar Mahal Palace exhibits the French-chateau style of architecture. This architectural marvel is situated near the gurgling stream of River Tawi and surrounded by the majestic Shivalik Ranges. All of this makes up for the perfect backdrop of this palace. It’s now turned into a museum and you’ll find many paintings, sculptures, inscriptions, and books over here. The Pahari paintings here will catch your eye. You’ll find artwork pieces by renowned painters like M.F. Hussain, J. Swaminathan, and G.R. Santosh here. Another spectacular sight at this palace is the 120 kg solid gold throne of Maharaja Hari Singh.
Location: Palace Road, Karan Nagar, Jammu
Timing: 10 am to 7 pm
Ticket Prices:
- INR 5 per person for children
- INR 10 per person for adults
- INR 50 per person for foreigners
6. Explore The Peer Kho Cave Temple
One of the oldest and most-visited temples in Jammu is the Peer Kho Cave Temple. The locals here also call it the ‘Shrine of Peer Kho’. A lot of pilgrims around the world come here, especially during Puranmashi, Amavasya, and Ekadashi, the 3 transit phases of the moon. If you’re a devotee of Lord Shiva, you should visit this temple and offer your prayers.
An interesting highlight of the temple is the dome that is an inverted lotus made out of stone. You’ll spot even more floral carvings on the walls and ceilings after entering the temple. There are several other openings right outside the dome that will lead you to different temples. For instance, one of them leads to the Amarnath Cave and the other one leads to the shrine of nine Hindu goddesses. You’ll see life-size idols of Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, and other gods in the Nav Durga Shrine opening.
After you’re done exploring the temple, you can check out the surrounding area here. There are several merchants right outside selling items like handmade shawls that come in a variety of vibrant colors. You can get a good deal on them if you’re good with your bargaining skills of course.
Location: Near Tawi River, Below Mubarak Mandi Ruins, Jammu
Timings: 5:00 am to 7:00 pm
Price: Free
7. Visit The Bahu Fort
The Bahu Fort lies just 5 km away from the center of Jammu. It lies on the banks of the beautiful Tawi River and is one of the best places to see in Jammu. The Bahu Fort is said to have been constructed almost 3,000 years ago by Raja Bahucholan and it still stands strong to date. There’s a temple which is dedicated to Goddess Kali near the fort. You’ll also find many beautiful gardens in the surrounding area of this fort where you can take a stroll and enjoy the natural beauty around.
If you happen to visit this fort between September and October, you’ll get to witness the biggest Hindu festival celebrated here – the Bahu Mela. You can enjoy watching the folk dances at this fort and also relish the local delicacies that are served here.
Location: Gorkha Nagar, Jammu
Timing: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
Ticket Prices:
- INR 5 per person for children
- INR 10 per person for adults
8. Shop At Raghunath Bazaar
If you’re a shopaholic, you should visit Raghunath Bazaar in Jammu. It’s close to the Raghunath Temple. After you’ve paid your respects at the temple, you can explore this vibrant bazaar. Here, you can get your hands on handicrafts, traditional embroidered clothes, and shawls.
There are a lot of shops where you can buy spices and dry fruits like cashews, saffron, and walnuts at cheap prices, a speciality of the place. After you’re done with your shopping spree, you can enjoy the famous Kashmiri kahwa (natural green tea) that’ll refresh you inside out!
Location: Near Raghunath Temple, Jammu
Timings: 10 am to 9 pm
9. Relish The Local Cuisine Of Jammu
If you’re traveling to Jammu, don’t miss out on the delicious local cuisine of this place. The scrumptious flavors of North Indian cuisine will make your mouth water. Some of the most popular dishes of Jammu are Dum Aloo, Rajma, and pulao.
If you want a taste of the North Indian culture, you must have their Pahari dishes. Some dishes worth trying are nardoo yakhni (curry with yogurt and lotus stems), tudkiya bhath (pulao with pulses, dal, and peas), and paktori (a pancake with buckwheat leaves). You can explore restaurants like Zamindara Dhaba, Pirates of Grill, Imperial Grill Restaurants, and Legends Pub.
Summing Up
The cool mountain breeze and snow-clad hills of Jammu await your presence. This city has everything right from religious temples and historic forts, to bustling bazaars that you can explore, making it the ultimate family trip. It’s time you pack your bags and get ready to embark on an adventure and enjoy the many experiences that Jammu has to offer.
FAQs
What Is The Famous Thing In Jammu?
Jammu is famous for its pristine rivers, ancient temples and forts, and beautiful monasteries that have made it a popular tourist destination in India.
How Can I Spend My Day In Jammu?
Here’s how you can spend your day in Jammu:
- Visit The Jai Baba Panch Peer Temple
- Take A Stroll At Bagh-e-Bahu
- Eat At Eden – Botanic Kitchen & Bubbly
- Marvel At The Architecture Of Amar Mahal Palace
- Go Boating And Watch The Sunset At Mansar Lake
- Eat Dinner At Falak Revolving Restaurant
Is Jammu Worth A Visit?
Jammu is popular for a lot of reasons. Numerous religious temples like the Vaishno Devi Temple attract a lot of tourists here. Apart from that, there are plenty of other things to do in Jammu like taking the Patnitop Ropeway and exploring the forts and caves of the city. So, Jammu is worth a visit.
Can I Wear Shorts In Jammu?
Jammu is known for its cold climate. So, avoid wearing shorts. You can wear light woolen, a jacket, and socks to keep yourself warm.
What Is Jammu’s Famous Food?
Jammu is known for its Mitha bhaat, Katha meat, Dum Aloo, and Rajma.
Is Patnitop Worth A Visit?
Patnitop in Jammu is a must-visit place. Here you can enjoy adventure activities like taking a ropeway and trekking that’ll make your trip worth it.
What Should I Buy From Vaishno Devi?
You can buy items like gold and silver coins, chunnis (stoles), shawls, and bangles outside the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Jammu?
Winter months from October to February are the ideal time to visit Jammu. That’s when you get to enjoy the cool weather of the place and go sightseeing the major tourist attractions of the city.
