Things to Do in Jammu

Jammu is referred to as the Gateway to Heaven, and the impeccable beauty and magnificence of the Bahu Fort surely stand to be a significant contributing factor. Located only 5 km from the central part of the city, the Bahu Fort stands tall and sturdy on the left bank of the Tawi River.

One reaches Nathatop after a short trek from Patnitop. The hill station is covered with snow during winters thereby enhancing its beauty two times. One can happily go skiing in these mountains. Nathatop has become very famous for paragliding.

Dedicated to an Islam saint, Peer Budhan Ali Shah, this Dargah, attracts devotees across religions. The saint was said to have lived for 500 years, only on milk. He also shared connections to the Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

The architecture of the palace is an elaborate blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and European influences. One of its most spectacular segments, The Shesh Mahal or The Pink Hall houses the Dogra Art Museum which has several miniature paintings and Emperor Shah Jahan's golden bow and arrow, among other interesting things.

Constructed by King Raja Amar of Dogra in 1890s, this museum was planned by a French architect and looks like a French chateau with Indian artisans. It was home to the royal family for many years. The palace was turned into a museum with rich collections of paintings, books, inscriptions and sculptures.

Situated by the iconic Bahu Fort, the Bagh-e-bahu is a beautiful and popular garden of Jammu. Atop a mountain facing the Tawi river, this garden is a sight to behold, combining the peaceful aura of the garden with sprawling lawns, grand fountains, charming stone sculptures, a beautiful lake and a large aquarium.

The Raghunath Temple is a prominent temple and tourist spot that is located in Jammu, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is also one of the biggest complexes in entire northern India and is brimming with devotees all year round. The construction of the Raghunath Temple was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh around 130 years ago.

28 km from Jammu in the charming town of Akhnoor lies the impressive Akhnoor Fort. Loaded with rich fortifications meant to provide protection to its people, this fort is perched on a cliff, situated on a historical site by the banks of the river Chenab, said to date back to the Harappan civilisation.

Housed in the Mubarak Mandi palace, the museum is an ideal destination for witnessing and experiencing the folklore and culture of Jammu along with Ladakh and Kashmir.

A natural bounty with mythical significance, the Surinsar Lake is the ideal spot for a relaxing picnic. A captivating lake placed in the setting of the densely wooded mountain ranges, it is a favourite among locals and tourists.

It is a fried snack prepared from pulses served with green chutney and shredded radish. The tangy aroma and mix of spices make this dish one of the most edible street foods throughout the country. As soon as you enter the Lakhanpur lane, you'll see several vendors selling the delish delicacy.

Jammu is home to various temples and has a lot of places which offer the opportunity for sightseeing. But a trip to Jammu is incomplete without shopping for some locally made products. Take a break from sightseeing and indulge in some local delights and buy some souvenirs.

Fringed by dense forest, small parks, temple and low lying hills, Lake Mansar, together with its twin lake surinsar, is a very popular picnic spot and Pilgrimage site. Over and mile in length and half a mile in width, it is situated 62 km from Jammu.

Jammu is one of the most beautiful regions in India and the temples in Jammu are among the most beautiful in the country. These temples in Jammu are nestled in the hills and offer religious retreats along with some of the most stunning views in the state.

Located at Gandhinagar in Jammu this place is well connected to the city via all means of transport. The place is mostly known for its low prices as compared to the rest of the city.

The Raghunath Bazaar in Jammu is one of the best shopping destinations in the region. Some of the shopping items which are available in the Raghunath Bazaar in Jammu are phirans, tweeds, woolen carpets, woven willow baskets, brass and silverware, silk and embroidery works, etc.

Known for a large population of Pheasants, this wild life sanctuary, just a little away fro Jammu, is home to an abundance of fauna, especially birds. While here, one can spot countless Pheasants, Indian mynah, Blue Rock Pigeon, Indian Peafowl, Red Junglefowl, and Chakor.

The staple here are Dogra dishes which include Aloo Dum, Rajma, Kashmiri Pulao as well as the very popular Wazawan and the staple Naan. Kaladi Kulch at Pahalwan di Hatti at Pacca Danga, Old City/Gole Market, Gandhi Nagar/Off National Highway, Bari Brahmana (prepared by a kind of cheese extracted from cow's milk, the savoury dish is a mix of kaladi kulcha are some of the popular street food places in Jammu.

Mansar Food and Craft Mela is one of the major events organised in Jammu, celebrated every year in April during the harvest festival of Baisakhi. This 3-day fair is a fantastic way of people to find local crafts created by skilled artisans, the mouth-watering delicacies of the region, and experience the age-old traditions and customs.

One of the biggest Hindu festivals held in Jammu, the Bahu Mela is a grand celebration held in the Bahu Fort in Jammu. The fair is filled with fun, frolic and jubilance, with lights decorating the whole place. One can witness the grand traditions of the people of Jammu, from the way they are dressed to folk dances to the delicious food.