"Life is not always what one wants it to be, but to make the best of it as it is, is the only way of being happy." ~ Jennie J Churchill

Destinations


Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu

It is believed that King Jambulochan, considered Jammu a sacred place because he saw a tiger and goat drinking water from the same pool.

Overview
Situated on the banks of the Tawi river against the ravishing backdrop of the majestic Trikuta ranges, the winter capital of the state is Jammu. It is believed that King Jambulochan, considered the place to be auspicious because he saw a tiger and goat drinking water from the same pool. He laid the foundation of a new city, Jammu Nagri. In 1832, Gulab Singh merged Jammu with Kashmir to form the present state.

Jammu has a large number of temples and shrines, the soaring spires of which seem to perforate the skies above. Katra, 48 kms from Jammu is the starting point of the heavily thronged shine of Vaishno Devi.

The various tribes who belong here are the sturdy Dogras who live in the plains, the Pahadis in the hills, and the nomadic mountain-dwelling tribes of Gaddis and Gujjars. Agriculture is the main occupation, while handicrafts typical of Jammu are wooden ornaments, intricate bamboo work, straw fans and rush baskets.

Landmarks
Raghunath Temples

Centred in the heart of the city, the Raghunath Temples constitute among the biggest groups of shrines in north India. Multi-hued marble sculptures and exquisite wall paintings attract attention to these legendary temples.

More on Kashmir
Overview
History
People
Economy
Festivals
Wildlife
Adventure
Tourist Information
Climate

Places to Visit
Dachigam
Drass
Gulmarg
Pahalgam
Sonamarg
Srinagar
Ladakh
More on Ladakh
Pilgrim Places
Amarnath Yatra
Vaishno Devi

Travelogues
Kashmir
Journey to Ladakh

Adventure
Mountaineering
Trekking
Rafting
Paragliding
Rock climbing

Dogra Art Gallery
Numerous charming paintings of old Dogra art and exotic Pahari miniatures grace the gallery, which is located near the new Secretariat.

Amar Mahal Palace
Designed by a French architect for Raja Amar Singh, Jammu's tallest structure stands on a hillock overlooking the Tawi river. A rare collection of Pahari paintings and a family portrait gallery grace the palace.

Baghi Bahu & Fort
The Bahu fort was the former capital of the founder of Jammu. Baghi Bahu, a beautiful garden lies at its base.

top

Patnitop
This charming plateau at a height of 1,950 m is an endearing hill station. Dense woods with some secluded picnic spots surround the lush green meadows. A famous tourist resort, Patnitop has all that makes for a wonderful holiday. A rest house, tourist bungalow and youth hostel are some of the budget options to stay here.

Mansar and Surinsar lakes (40 kms)
According to legend, an arrow shot off the bow of Bir Bahu landed at Surinsar, causing water to spring from the earth, creating these two lakes. Mansar, with its tourist bungalow and huts, is an idyllic picnic spot.

Sansar(19 kms)
Located on the National Highway, this cup shaped meadow is surrounded by lofty conifers. There are tourist rest houses or huts to stay at.

top

Sudh Mahadev
The seat of an ancient Shiva temple, with its trishul (trident) and famed Bhima's mace, people come here on a pilgrimage on the full moon night of the month of Sawan, according to the Hindu calendar. A yoga ashram is located at nearby Mantalai, in scenic surroundings .

Vaishno Devi
A shrine of immense religious significance, the Trikuta Bhagwati cave, better known as Vaishno Devi, attracts thousands of devotees.

Festivals
The principal festivals of Lohri (January), Baisakhi (April), Bahu Mela (April and October), Chaitre Chandash (April), Purmandal Mela (February), and Jhiri Mela (October) are celebrated here.

top

Accommodation
ITDC's Hotel Jammu Ashok is a beautiful riverside hotel at Ramnagar. The JKTDC runs a tourist hotel here with AC options. Private lodging houses are also available. The office of the Deputy Director, Tourism of the J & K government, Jammu, makes reservations for accommodation at Patnitop, Kud, Batote, Mansar and Sanasar.

How to Get There
Air: Indian Airlines operates flights between Jammu and Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Srinagar. A private airline also operates a daily fight to Jammu from Delhi.

Rail: Jammu Tawi is an important railhead on the Northern Railway line. Express trains connect it with Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta and Amritsar.

Road: Located on the National Highway 1A, Jammu is linked by a network of roads to Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Katra, Srinagar, and Manali.

Compiled by Puneet Sachdeva


Home | Back | Top | Feedback


Editor: Romola Butalia       (c) India Travelogue. All rights reserved.