Jammu and Kashmir – Top 12 Best Places to Explore during your next Trip

Introduction

Jammu and Kashmir is an Indian Territory, which is usually known as “The Paradise on Earth”. The snow-capped mountainous region comprises historical monuments, lush valleys, and beautiful lakes which one should experience once in their lifetime. Here you are guided towards a well-planned tourist plan to explore Jammu and Kashmir’s nook and corner to get to know their culture and rich heritage.

Geography and Climate

The line that separates these two units, Jammu and Kashmir lies between the north of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and to the west of Ladakh which is itself, a union territory. This region is divided into three main regions: Jammu, the Kashmir Valley, and Ladakh. Each has a unique climatic condition as Jammu has the coldest weather, Kashmir with alpine weather, and deserted Ladakh.

Cultural Diversity – A Blend

Jammu is known for its Hinduism and Islam prevails in Kashmir. Jammu has numerous attractive Hindu shrines and temples. Kashmir has Sufi mosques in and around. Dogri and Hindi are the languages spoken in Jammu whereas Kashmiri and Urdu are in Kashmir.

Jammu’s Signature Dishes

Their cuisine reflects their culture. They are:

Dum Aloo: Potatoes cooked in Rice, with spicy gravy

Rajma Chawal: Kidney Beans with thick gravy served with steamed rice.

Khatta Meat: A mutton dish-quite tangy made from pomegranate seeds – anardhana, which gives that unique sour taste

Kaliya: A mutton dish made with many spices, mainly saffron and turmeric, giving it an intense yellow color.

Desserts: Patisa which is similar to Soan Papdi and Kheer is a rice pudding with nuts, milk, rice, and sugar.

Jammu and Kashmir – Must Visit Places

Tourist Places – Jammu

1. Vaishno Devi Temple

This holy Hindu Shrine is one of the greatest attractions for the tourists. It is located in Khatra, Jammu, and dedicated to Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Durga.

Usually, devotees reach the temple by trekking Trikuta Hill, which is a 13 Km trek that demands a person’s spiritual and physical credibility. During the Kurukshetra war between Pandavas and Gauravas, it is said that Krishna advised Arjuna to go and seek blessings from Durga in the Jhumbu hills. It is a Pre – Mahabharathean Temple.

2. Raghunath Temple

Raghunath Temple is located in Jammu. It has its own Shikara (mountain with a peak of its own). It has seven Shrines. It is dedicated to Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.

The temple is known for its architectural beauty, gold-plated interiors, and intricate carvings. Usually, tourists visit to admire its beauty. This temple has the source of Sarada scripts, a great collection of Buddhist and Hindu texts.

3. Bahu Fort

Bahu Fort is 3000 years old. It is located on the banks of River Tawi. It was built by Raja Bahu Lochan. The fort has a temple, dedicated to Kali attracting all the tourists. The temple was locally known as Bawe Wali Mata Temple. A Rajput King, Jhambu Lochan went hunting one day and he witnessed a scene near the Tawi River Banks. He saw a tiger and a deer drinking water side by side, without the tiger attacking the deer. He sensed that it must be a divine area and asked his men to construct a fort to establish his ruling area. His brother Raja Bahu Lochan.

4. Mubarak Mandi Palace

Mubarak Mandi Palace is located in Jammu. It was built by the Maharajas of the Dogra Dynasty. It is known for its architectural grandeur. It overlooks the Tawi River. Its interiors are of Rajasthani architecture, European Baroque, and Mughal Styles. The main attractions of the palace are Sheesh Mahal, which is totally made of glass, and the Pink Hall which has a collection of miniatures of Jammu, Kangra, and Basholi. It also has the golden bow and arrow of Emperor Shah Jahan. This government heritage is said to be linked with the Bahu Fort through a ropeway.

5. Ranbireshwar Temple

Ranbireshwar Temple is known for its massive Shiva Lingam. Most of it is made up of crystals. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883.

The Lingam is 8 feet in height and made up of black stone. It consists of 12 Shivlings measuring from 10 to 38cm. It has mammoth images of Ganesh, Karthikeya, and Nandi Bull. It has Bona Lingam brought from the Narmada River.

6. Amar Mahal Palace

Amar Mahal Palace, which is located in Jammu and Kashmir, is now a museum. It was built by Dogra King Amar Singh in the nineteenth century by a French architect. It was used as a residence by the Dogra family.

It was given to the Jammu and Kashmir Government by King Karan Singh to use as a Museum. It has a golden throne of 120 kg, Pahari miniature, Kangra Miniature Paintings, and several Royal family portraits.

7. Mansar Lake

Mansar Lake is located in Jammu and Kashmir extending its beauty for 63 Km surrounded by lush greenery. It is considered a holy river by the Hindus. It is dedicated to Lordess Durga, Sheshnag, and Umapati Mahadev.

Several rituals are done here. The newlyweds perform Parikrama, and several tribes of Jammu and Kashmir perform Mundana to seek blessings for their agricultural activities. Visitors usually enjoy boating in this Lake and leisurely walking on the promenade.

8. Nandhini Wildlife Sanctuary

For every Animal lover, the Nandhini Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit. It is located 26 km away from Jammu. The green wild dense forest and environment give us an adventurous escape from the hustle and Bustle of city life.

It is located in the village of Nandhini and sprawled around 34 Km. Tourists are more interested in bird watching. There are specific places allotted for this. The permits are required to enter the wildlife areas. People spot several endangered species such as Indian mynah, Red Jacle, Chakor, Peafowl, and many more. The entry fee is 15 Rupees per head.

9. Peer Kho Cave Temple

Peer Kho Cave Temple is also known as Jamvant Cave. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a very old temple where you see several turnovers of pilgrims during the period: Amavasya, Ekadashi, and Puranmashi. (They are the transits of the moon) The Shiva Lingam is placed inside a small cave inside the temple.

This temple was very famous among the Hindus because it is said to be existed during the Mahabaratha. So a lot of devotees visit this pilgrimage occasionally. It is located on the banks of the Tawi River.

10. Bagh e Bahu

Bagh e Bahu is found inside the Bahu Fort with India’s only underground aquarium and Bale Wali Mata Temple. It is a beautiful garden ideal for picnics and family trips adorned with lawns, flowerbeds, and fountains.

It is constructed along a slope. A Lake exists in the top layer. The garden gives the full view of the Jammu city. The entrance fee per head is Rupees 24.

11. Ranjit Sagar Dam

Ranjit Sagar Dam is also known as Thein Dam, is a part of the hydroelectric project in the borders of Jammu and Kashmir and along the banks of the Ravi River in the Punjab State. The 60% of the reservoir falls in the Jammu and Kashmir.

The dam is over 30 Km long and is 100 Km away from Jammu. It is one of the highest earth-filled dams in India. The area around provides a great view for picnics, photography, and leisure walks.

12. Patni Top

It is a scenic hill retreat for the eyes. It is located 113 Km away from Jammu yet a must-visit. It is on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway. It is well known for its scenic lush greeny view. It is famous among nature and adventure enthusiasts. Paragliding, Skiing, and Trekking are activities carried out here.

A Complete Traveller’s Guide

Evening:

1. Peer Kho Cave Temple

Evening:

1. Mansar Lake

2. Ranjit Sagar Dam

DAY 4:

1. Patnitop

Conclusion

Jammu has various attractions for all tourists fulfilling spiritual people with the shrines you find there, the adventure-seeking people with the activities you may find in Patnitop such as skiing, paragliding, and trekking, and nature-loving people with its greenery. From sceneries to wildlife sanctuaries, from forts to museums, Jammu has been an all-time delightful holiday destination. The above complete guide to Jammu tourist places will help you visit all the places without missing out on the fun. If you seek a long good vacation of your memory, add Jammu to your bucket list.