Stand at any point in Jammu and you will be mesmerized by the views. The largest city in the Jammu district and the winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu is the self-proclaimed city of temples. Although it has much to offer to travelers, including great views, delectable food, many lovely temples and a rich, interesting history, people often don’t pay enough heed to Jammu. The truth is that a stopover here, while you’re on your way to Srinagar or Vaishno Devi Temple, will be well worth your time.
Jammu was named after the king who is credited with founding the city, Raja Jambulochan. Mentioned in the mythical epic Mahabharata, it is believed that Jammu was once a part of the Harappan civilization. Later on, the region saw the rules of many different dynasties, including the Mughals, the Shahis and the Sikhs, until the British took over. Today, though Jammu and Kashmir as a state is under duress, Jammu is considered the safer twin, with tourism and the agricultural industry being the mainstays of the local economy. The beauty and the warmth of the people of Jammu will ensure that you keep coming back.
Jammu calls itself a temple town, and rightfully so. The temples that are scattered across the city, some at just a stone’s throw from it, are old and beautiful, and definitely worth a visit. Vaishno Devi is, of course nearby, and most people simply cut through Jammu to get to this much revered sacred temple. If you’re passing through Jammu to get to any other destination, don’t forget that the journey is often the reward.
While in the city, you can head to Bahu Fort, which also has a temple within its premises, and was built by Jambu Lochan’s brother Bahu Lochan. Built over 300 years ago on the banks of the River Tawi, this is the oldest structure in the city, and has seen a number of preservation and renovation attempts over the years. The deity of Maa Kali in the temple here is believed to be powerful, and devotees flock here to seek her blessings, especially on Tuesdays and Sundays. The garden surrounding the fort is a popular picnic spot for locals and tourists alike.
The Krishna and Shiva caves of the Gupawala Mandir are another major attraction In Jammu. This small temple is easy to miss, but once you’re inside the complex of small caves with striking sculptures and sketches of the Gods, the colors will leave you awestruck.
The Raghunath Temple, built in the 1800s, is another source of pride and joy for the locals of Jammu. With seven shrines, and the inner walls covered in golden sheets, this temple is quite a sight. Add to it the ancient scriptures and holy texts found here, and you truly have one of the gems of Northern India.
Buses, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are easily available throughout the city of Jammu. The popular mini buses here are called matadors. Local taxis can also be hired within the city so that you can go temple hopping at your own pace.
On a daily basis there are approximately 28 flights that operate at Jammu Airport.IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.
Besides flying you can also reach Jammu through train.Jammu Tawiis one of the most popular train stations in Jammu.On an average about 68 trains pass through Jammu on a daily basis.Ludhiana to Jammu, Ambala to Jammu, Kathua to Jammuare some of the most popular routes to Jammu with 85, 73, 73 trains weekly respectively.
By road Jammu is surrounded by Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Batala which are 57.86 km, 58.86 km, 67.6 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.
Jammu has a total of 41 hotels.There are 41 hotels in Jammu with the popular ones being Fortune Inn Riviera, Hotel KC Residency, Hari Niwas Palace The Heritage Hotel, Hotel Asia Jammu Tawi, Hotel Raghunath, Jammu Ashok etc.
'Situated on the banks of the River Tawi, Bahu Fort is perhaps one of the oldest structures in the city of Jammu. Built by Raja Bahulochan about 3,000 years ago, it was renovated and refurbished by...
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