Jammu

Jammu was founded by Raja Jambu Lochan in 14th century, when he constructed Bahu fort on the banks of river Tawi. There also have been excavations found 32 km away from Jammu, in the city of Akhnoor which suggest that Jammu was once a part of Harappan Civilization as well. Remains from Maurya and Gupta dynasties have been found, followed by the invasions by Mughals and Sikhs. The Dogra rule brought back the glory to the city. After the partition of India, Jammu continued to be the official winter capital of the state.

The Duggar Land of Jammu is a magnificent abode of temples, palaces, hills and mountain ranges. The Dogra culture shares its existence with the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The majority of Dogras are followers of Hinduism, though in Kashmir most of the population are believers of Islam. The Dogras of Jammu originally inhabited the areas between the Shivalik ranges and Saroien sar and Mannsar but later spread throughout the region. They mostly speak Dogri and its different dialects. 

Jammu has a bit of all element and food cultures that constitute Jammu and Kashmir's cuisine. The staple here are Dogra dishes which include Aloo Dum, Rajma, Kashmiri Pulao as well as the very popular Wazawan and the staple Naan. You will also find chocolate barfi, patisa and a number of typical North Indian snacks Jammu is also dotted by various smaller eateries providing hot parathas and Jammu's local cuisine.

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 (cheese), kulcha and added spices) are some of the popular street food places in Jammu. 

Kachalu is the favourite food of the people in Jammu. It is made with a base of sweet potatoes, ground pepper, chilli and jamiri (extract of lemon). Girdhari Kachaloo Wala located between Pacca Danga and Kachi Chawni is the oldest shop in Jammu and offers mouth-watering tangy kachalu.

Try the authentic Poode prepared in pure-desi ghee at Rawal Pindi Sweet Shop at Jain Bazaar.

Explore a little further and try looking for Banwari Lal’s stall hidden in the interiors of Raghunath Bazaar and try out their Dabba Kulcha. It is a dish with kulcha buns soaked in rajma gravy and garnished with tamarind chutney and chopped onions and chillies. Tip- Visit before 3 PM otherwise you will find yourself facing an empty stall.

For mouth-watering Pakode, go to Madan Lal Bansi Lal at Ranbir Library Chowk, Kachi Chawni. It is almost always crowded with youngsters having chai and pakode.

The other local dish of Jammu is Gulgule which is much loved by the people. They are small sized balls made with chickpeas and served with grated mooli and imli ki chutney. You can find it at any stray stalls on the road and all of them are equally delicious.

You cannot leave Jammu without having a spoonful of Anardana Chutney. It is a combination of anardana seeds, green chillies, salt, mint and coriander. The heavenly taste of this chutney cannot be compared to any other delicacy in the world. Served with chopped onions, you can try it at any establishment on the streets.
View Top Restaurants in Jammu

The top things to do in Jammu are Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi Palace, Mansar Lake, Shivkhori, Raghunath Bazaar, Amar Mahal Museum. You can see all the places to visit in Jammu here

The packages for Jammu start at INR 7500 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

Jammu is well-connected with all the major cities in the country via rail/road and airways. The Jammu Tawi railway station is one of the most accessible stations, with trains at frequent stoppages. The National Highway connect road services efficiently. The Jammu Airport has air services at frequent intervals.
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Jammu has a bit of all elements and food cultures that constitute Jammu and Kashmir's cuisine. So, it is the menu of this town in which lists down almost every food item that the state is popular from. So the regulars here are Dogra dishes which include Aloo Dum, Rajma, Kashmiri Pulao as well as the very popular Wazawan and the staple Naan. You will also find chocolate barfi, patisa and a number of typical North Indian snacks Jammu is also dotted by various smaller eateries providing hot parathas and Jammu's local cuisine.
Here are some of the recommended street food that you must try

Kaladi Kulch at Pahalwan di Hatti at Pacca Danga, Old City/Gole Market, Gandhi Nagar/Off National Highway, Bari Brahmana. It is the most legendary and also the most sought-after food in Jammu. Prepared by a kind of cheese extracted from cow’s milk, the savoury dish is a mix of kaladi (cheese), kulcha and added spices.

Kachalu is the favourite food of the people in Jammu. It is made with a base of sweet potatoes, ground pepper, chilli and jamiri (extract of lemon). Girdhari Kachaloo Wala located between Pacca Danga and Kachi Chawni is the oldest shop in Jammu and offers mouth-watering tangy kachalu.

Try the authentic Poode prepared in pure-desi ghee at Rawal Pindi Sweet Shop at Jain Bazaar.

Explore a little further and try looking for Banwari Lal’s stall hidden in the interiors of Raghunath Bazaar and try out their Dabba Kulcha. It is dish with kulcha buns soaked in rajma gravy and garnished with tamarind chutney and chopped onions and chillies. Tip- Visit before 3 PM otherwise you will find yourself facing an empty stall.

For mouth-watering Pakode, go to Madan Lal Bansi Lal at Ranbir Library Chowk, Kachi Chawni. It is almost always crowded with youngsters having chai and pakode.

The other local dish of Jammu is Gulgule which is much loved by the people. They are small sized balls made with chickpeas and served with grated mooli and imli ki chutney. You can find it at any stray stalls on the road and all of them are equally delicious.

You cannot leave Jammu without having a spoonful of Anardana Chutney. It is a combination of anardana seeds, green chillies, salt, mint and coriander. The heavenly taste of this chutney cannot be compared to any other delicacy in the world. Served with chopped onions, you can try it at any establishment on the streets.
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September to early March is the best time to visit Jammu. Jammu can be uncannily hot during the summer season with temperatures rising up to 45-48 degree celcius. Winters are also an ideal time to visit. Thus the old seat of the mighty Dogras and a city dotted with numerous temples is best to visit during winter. This is definitely the finest time to catch a glimpse of the ‘heaven on earth’, accompanied by a lovely chill in the air, hints of snow here and there and the landscape absolutely lush. One can also visit Jammu during the popular festivals like Makara Sankranti (January), Ram Navami (March) and Deepavali (October) when the whole town gets drenched in festivities.
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Ideal for couple/family vacations as well as adventure enthusiasts. One of the preferred destinations in Jammu & Kashmir, famous for its scenic beauty.

Slightly overcrowded during the peak winter season.

Well-connected and easily accessible from all the major cities of the country. Can be visited throughout the year.