Top Holiday Destinations in Jammu
Jammu Tour
Jammu name is derived from its ruler who founded it. Raja Jambulochan founded this city and named it Jambupur which later changed to Jammu. Besides being the winter capital, it is also the second largest metropolitan city of the state of Jammu and Kashmir with a total area of 20.36 square km. The National Highway 1A passes through the city and is well connected with other neighbouring places of North Indian states. With a major railway station, domestic airport and important bus station, Jammu serves as the gateway to the regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Jammu is situated on the banks of Tawi river.
Jammu Sightseeing
VAISHNO DEVI
A famed cave shrine positioned in the foothills of the Himalayas, Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited sacred places among devotees who throng the temple from far and wide. It is devoted to Mother Goddess and is one of the oldest of all the temples in India. The temple is positioned at an elevation of 5200 ft and one requires carrying out an excursion of 13 km on foot to make it to this holy place. Natural beauty can be relished throughout the yatra. Moreover, the spiritual experience one will have during the Darshan is beyond words, so don’t forget to visit this holy place on vacations in Jammu.
BAHU FORT AND GARDEN
Nestled at a distance of 5 km from the city center, Bahu Fort and Garden lies on the left bank of the Tawi River in the beautiful city of Jammu. It was built by Raja Bahulochan more than 3000 years ago. Close to the fort, there is a shrine devoted to the Hindu Goddess Kali, a must-see place when you pay a visit to it while on a trip to Jammu. It was renovated in 19th century by the Dogra rulers. The terraced garden, called Bagh-e-Bahu, around the fort is an added attraction. In addition to this, one can take a view of the surroundings which are amazing and worth gazing at.
NANDINI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Named after its namesake village near Jammu, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is a serene wildlife haven that is home to several endangered animals and avian species. Sprawling across an expanse of 33.24 sq km, this reserve is covered with dense forestation of fir and pine trees. This wildlife sanctuary boasts of a huge population of pheasants, which are facing extinction in present times. .
SHIV KHORI
There are many places of tourist and religious importance around Katra also. The devotees coming for the darshans of the deity can club their pilgrimage with a visit to these places. Specially during the rush time when there is a lot of rush at Katra and Yatries have to wait for some time before being allowed to proceed to Bhawan, they can utilize their time by a visit to these places.
MANSAR LAKE
Just 35 miles from Jammu, Mansar Lake is enclosed by wood-covered hills, 2 km in length and 1 km in width. It is a famed tourist attraction in Jammu where you can even enjoy the boating facilities offered by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism. Moving around the lake is thought to bring good luck to married couples. Therefore, scores of couples from every nook and corner of the world pay a visit to this place to take a fortunate walk around it. The boundary of the lake is 4 km. And it is worth exploring during the holidays in Jammu.
RAGHUNATH TEMPLE
Standing right at the heart of Jammu is the Raghunath Temple – the largest shrine complex of North India. This complex is bejeweled with seven beautiful temples, each having a tower of its own. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Rama (the eight incarnation of Lord Vishnu), while the remaining are the abodes of different Gods and Goddesses allied with the legendry Ramayana. Further, the construction of this centuries-old shrine was initiated in 1835 AD by Maharaja Gulab Singh (the founder of the Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir), and was later accomplished in 1860 AD by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh.
