Daksum Valley | Jammu And Kashmir | India | 192202
What is Bangus Valley famous for? Bangus Valley situated in the north of Jammu and Kashmir in India is well known for its breathtaking landscape and peace loving environment. ‘Some…
JAMMU
City of Temples
Jammu as a Tourist Destination: A Hidden Gem for Kashmir Travelers
Jammu is a city in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an Indian-administered union territory. It is the headquarters and the largest city in Jammu district. Lying on the banks of the river Tawi, the city of Jammu, with an area of 240 km2 (93 sq mi), is surrounded by the Himalayas in the north and the northern plains in the south. Jammu is the second-most populous city of the union territory. Jammu is known as “City of Temples” for its ancient temples and Hindu shrines.
INTRODUCTION TO Jammu
Most travelers in Kashmir concentrate on the beautiful cities of Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. But there is another region that deserves focus just as much, if not more, and that is Jammu. Jammu is located in the southernmost portion of Jammu and Kashmir. The region is beautiful and has a lot of history, religious sites and significant culture attached to its landscape. In this guide, we will check out the reasons as to why Jammu is a must visit place for travelers in Kashmir, the things to do there, when to go and how to make the most out of your trip.
Why Jammu Should Be on Your Kashmir Travel List
1. Тhe historical and the present spiritual and cultural relations of Jammu region.
The majority of people classify Jammu as the city of temples and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, one of the most visited religious sites in the world. Vaishno Devi is an exceptional place of pilgrimage as people all over the world come together. Besides Vaishno Devi, visitors to Jammu can also explore numerous temples, archeological sites and the unique traditions of local people.
2. The natural beauty of the area and the clear weather, uninterrupted features of the Jammu region
Jammu is famed for its numerous temples, but the scenic landscapes are fascinating as well. The mountains, fertile valleys, rivers, and glaciers provide plenty of excitement to all visitors. The clean Tawi River, the picturesque Surinsar Lake, and other appealing natural features are a good escape from urban life.
3. Prime Location for Any Travel Enthusiast Visīting Kashmir
Jammu acts as the gateway into Kashmir hence many people going to the Kashmir Valley pass through Jammu. Positioning itself just a few hours’ drive from the valley, it makes an ideal tourist destination in the midst of other prominent places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg. Also, Jammu in itself has a lot to offer in terms of adventure and leisure time.
Major Tourist Attractions in Jammu
1. Vaishno Devi Temple
Without a doubt, the most famous tourist spot in Jammu is the Vaishno Devi Temple. The temple, built at the location of 5200 ft in the Trikuta Hills, witnesses millions of pilgrims every year. The journey to the temple is considered a pilgrimage where the faithful cover a distance of 13 kilometers on foot in order to reach the sacred shrine. Despite being physically strenuous, the trek is compensated by heavenly sights and an ethereal experience that makes it all worthwhile. Also, for those who are unable to trek, there are helicopter services which ease the trip even more.
2. Mansar Lake
Mansar Lake is a beautiful natural feature located simultaneously 62 kilometers to Jammu. The lake is surrounded by forests and hills thus providing the perfect atmosphere for boating and picnics. The site has many temples as well, including the well-known Sheshnag Temple for Lord Vishnu, which creates a peaceful environment with its reverence.
3. Raghunath Temple
Jammu, in the north and within the hands of every resident of the city, employs the struggle of Raghunath Temple. The temple is devoted to Lord Rama with a number of shrines dedicated to other deities particularly Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is an architectural masterpiece as much as a temple complex for pilgrims in silence.
4. The Bahu Fort
Bahu Fort is an old fort built on a hillside near the banks of the Tawi River with beautiful views of the city. This fort encloses the temple of Kali Goddess, which is a popular tourist attraction as well as a pilgrimage site. The fort itself is believed to have been constructed in the 18th century, providing an intriguing insight to the history of Jammu. In addition, the garden near the fort is another lovely place to sit and take in the picturesque views.
5. Shiva Khori
Shiv Khori is another affected religious place, cave temple at a distance of 80 kilometers from the city of Jammu. The cave-apparently devoted to Lord Shiva- is famous due to the natural formation which resembles holy shiv ling. It has a natural beauty and many devotees come to worship at the temple all through the year.
6. Surinsar Lake
Surinsar lake is situated at a distance of 42 kilometers from Jammu and is surrounded by mountains covered by green lush vegetation. It is thought to be a lake with legendary origins and tourists are given boating opportunities while peacefully soaking up the surrounding landscape. Picture taking and nature strolls are perfect for the lake and surrounding areas.
7. Museum of Jammu
For history buffs and culture vultures, the glass of art will offer a glimpse of the history and culture that this region has to offer. Various relics, sculptures, and pieces of art have been accumulated in this museum emphasizing on Jammu’s History.
Best Time to Visit Kashmir
The best time to visit Kashmir is really majorly dependent on what experience you are looking for.
Summer (March to June): Summer is really the best season for view sightseeing, trekking, and viewing natural beauty in the valley. The temperature is quite pleasant because it reaches up to 15 to 30°C, making a great season to visit Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.
Autumn (September to November): The valley turns magical in autumn. The celebrated “Chinar” trees turn shades of red, orange, and yellow as they gracefully go about giving the valley an ethereal feel. This is a cool climate, and tourists have normally come to a close; hence, you are likely to have a calmer experience.
Winter (December to February): On the lighter side of things, those who love snow and other winter sports will find that the best season to visit Kashmir really is during winters. Gulmarg turns into a ski resort, and the frozen lakes and snow-clad mountains create this beautiful spotless winter wonderland in the region. However, for those below freezers, please pack warm clothes; prepare to see the snow.
Things to Do in Jammu
1. Trekking and Nature Walks
Jammu has a number of trekking routes and nature trails for adventurers. From the rather trying trek to Vaishno Devi temple to the rather placid inner walks around the Mansar Lake and Surinsar Lake, there is something for everyone’s level. For those wishing to get wet and dirty in the woods of Jammu, trekking is also one such activity which helps to appreciate the wilderness of the land better.
2. Shopping in Jammu
Slightly different from other tourist attractions, Jammu swanks it culture with its handicrafts and local products. Kashmiri shawls, wooden handicrafts, Pashmina scarves, hand-knotted carpets are some of the hot selling items. Other locations such as Raghunath Bazaar and Dogra Hall can also be ideal places to buy genuine products.
3. River Rafting on Tawi River
For those looking for adventure, Tawi River rafting may prove to be one thrilling experience. The river that runs the length of Jammu province is ideal for white-water rafting and fills the bill for adventure gaming seekers.
4. Cultural Exploration
Combining cultures, Jammu is a Camping site that has cultural diversity. Restaw and embrace the local by attending the native-infused festivals, dancing to the local music, or sampling the local cuisine in this mountainous region of Jammu known as wholly Dogra.
5. Picnic at Mansar lake
Of course, for those seeking a much quieter day while in the vicinity, lake Mansar is a great place to come and have a picnic. One can also rent a boat and glide around the beautiful surroundings, or simply take a walk around the lake and enjoy the sights and sounds. It is an excellent place for children, couples, or indeed anyone who loves the outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Jammu
The climate of Jammu is relatively moderate, summers are warm and winters are cold. The following is the seasonal attraction for travel to this location:
Jammu summers (March – June) – This is the best time to visit Jammu in case you want to escape the extremely cold temperatures of this area. The climate is warm but not extremely hot, therefore sightseeing, trekking and any outdoor activities are easily attainable.
Jammu monsoon (July – September) – It rains quite heavily in Jammu during the monsoon seasons and this can hamper any travel plans and trekking as well. It is better to avoid this period for visiting the place.
Jammu winters (November to February) – Yes, winter does bring a certain amount of chill to Jammu, but it also brings about a beauty, especially at the higher regions which one can appreciate when there is snow. For people who love winter beauty and activities, this is a good time to envisage snow and winter activities.
How to Reach Jammu
Jammu is easily accessible by air, rail, and road from the important cities of India.
By Air: Jammu Airport is the closest airport, located approximately 8 kilometers from the center of the city. Many major airlines provide the service to Jammu from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar.
By Train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is one of the busiest railway stations in the country and is efficient in connecting most important dugouts all over the country including Delhi, Amritsar, and Kolkata.
By Road: Jammu is neared by road from several areas in India as also National Highways 1A and 1B run through it. Taxi cabs, buses and private vehicles from regions like Srinagar or Delhi can easily reach the place.
Where to Stay in Jammu
A wide array of accommodation from cheap hotels to fancy resorts is available in Jammu. Some of the best options include:
Hotel Jammu Ashok: Considered to be one of the best hotels in Jammu, its facilities are contemporary and it is situated not far from the center of Jammu City.
The Radisson Blu Jammu: This five star hotel is equipped with modern rooms, great service and good facilities.
K.C. Residency: For the economically conscious traveler this is mid-priced hotel whose guests shot of comfort and good service.
Travel Tips for Jammu
Dress Modestly: Jammu is a conservative region and it is wise to dress decently especially when visiting places of worship.
Carry Cash: Although credit and debit cards are acceptable, it is possible that certain places of Jammu do not have ATMs. It is better to keep some cash handy for odd expenses.
Respect Local Culture: Jammu has its own rich culture and traditions. One must obey the local rules particularly while going to the religious places.
Book Accommodations in Advance: The districts of Jammu can become busy during high seasons for tourism, so it is better to reserve your hotel or lodgings beforehand.
Shopping in Jammu
The Most Exciting Shopping centers in Jammu
1. Raghunath Bazaar
Raghunath Bazaar is one of those shopping streets which are well known in Jammu, located next to Raghunath Temple. This gem of a market has everything for the tourists as it is filled with a range of diverse Kashmiri handicrafts and local merchandise. The market offers Kashmiri woolen shawls, Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, woodwork, semi-precious stone ornaments and brass items on the stalls. Traditional Dogra ornaments made of Kundan and Meenakari jewellery may also be had and make for a perfect gift and souvenirs.
Tip: Bargain for the price you feel is quite reasonable as bargaining goes on here.
2. Hari Market
The picturesque market is located in Jammu’s old city district, being one of the city’s most appealing features. It’s full of life and has lots of diversity in the products available. You will find and many mixes of spices, dry fruits, and lollies and even cloth materials from the region. The Doctors look here for Doglei shawls and Kashmiri handicrafts, it is the best place to buy Jammu special basmati rice, pickle and tea solid mix blends.
What to buy: Kashmiri saffron, local women also love wooden art pieces, fragrant spices, and dry millet as an alternative to fruit.
3. Pacca Danga
Pacca Danga is a street market located in Jammu and is considered to provide a reasonable cost street shopping experience. One can buy a variety of ethnic dresses, traditional jewelry, handmade carpets and brass items, among many others. The market is particularly suitable for bargain hunters since many items are inexpensive compared to upscale markets.
This market is particularly known for Kashmiri papier-mâché products which are beautifully made and are perfect as gifts. There is also a large selection of local mouth-watering Jammu sweets which are well-known for their unique taste throughout the region.
What to buy: Papier-mache gift items, traditional handicrafts, and dry fruits and sweets.
4. Jammu Haat
Jammu haat is an absolute must visit for pedigrees as they can search for authentic Kashmiri crafts. Jammu Haat is a place to find a lot of authentic local art and crafts including Pashmina shawl, carpets, carved wood items, stone ornaments and Dogra painting. The shop is under the government so the prices are fixed and the products are genuine.
What to buy: Pashmina shawls, Kashmir carpets, and cultural handicrafts.
5. Dogra Art Gallery and Market
Both art enthusiasts and casual shoppers may find in the vicinity of Dogra Art Gallery and the surrounding markets a space for acquiring one-of-a-kind art. This art gallery together with its adjacent stores features Dogra print making, woodwork and some other culturally relevant items from the region of Kashtwar. If you are looking for thick wood engravings, local figurines’ or other wooden portraits surely take a look at this site.
What to buy: Dogra paintings, wooden art pieces and other Dao Artifacts.
6. Moti Bazar
One more striking market of Jammu is Moti Bazar which has a wide range of varieties including silver jewellery, sarees and Kashmiri crafts. It is also particularly noted for best quality wool shawls and their embroidered clothes. In addition, there are other Moti Bazar jewelry retailers from where one can buy unique silver and gold handicrafts characteristic of the region’s culture.
What to buy: Silver ornaments, woolen shawls and Kashmiri embroidered clothes and traditional sarees.
7. The Ram Gopal Temple market
Located in close proximity to the Ranbireshwar temple, this market includes gifts of religious nature such as rosaries, religious books, dolls of God and Godesses, sculptures as well and artifacts of divine nature. There are also items such as incense, japa mala and metallic idols which extend the appeal of the site to people who want something religious in nature.
Things to buy: Prayer mementos, sculpture, japa, and other such articles.
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