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Witness nature’s bounty, a rich historical heritage, and spiritual solace in the city of Jammu. This scenic destination attracts tourists throughout the year with its enchanting mountains, azure sky, serene lakes, and abundant lush greenery and offers iconic views of the foothills of the Shivalik range and the River Tawi. Some of the top things to do in Jammu include a visit to the Vaishno Devi Temple, winter sports at Patnitop, shopping at the Raghunath Bazar, and unwinding amidst the lush Bagh-e-Bahu gardens.
10 Best Things To Do In Jammu
From shopping for souvenirs at Raghunath Bazar to exploring architectural marvels at Bahu Fort, here are the 10 best things to do in Jammu.
1. Seek Divine Blessings At Vaishno Devi Mandir
Photo: Dishant Thapa / Unsplash
One of the top things to do in Jammu includes embracing spiritual blessings at the Vaishno Devi Temple. With scenic views of Trikuta Hills, this revered cave temple attracts millions of devotees from across the world every year. At a height of 5200 feet, this temple requires physical and mental resilience to trek to the top from the base camp. However, once visitors reach their destination, the spiritual and positive aura of this temple provides a relaxing experience.
Location: Katra (13 km from Jammu)
Timings: 24*7
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Vaishnodevi Temple
2. Explore History At Mubarak Mandi Palace
Photo: JP Dutt / Wikimedia Commons
Take a trip down memory lane at the Mubarak Mandi Palace in Jammu when planning what to do in Jammu. This palace complex was the erstwhile residence of the Dogra rulers. But, what’s unique is that there are smaller palace complexes inside the larger one whose walls are adorned with intricacies and miniature paintings. However, the highlight lies in the Italianate elegance of the Pink Hall which also houses the Dogra Art Museum, and the Nauratan Mahal embellished with winding mosaics.
Location: Mubarak Mandi, Panjtirthi, Jammu
Timings: 8 AM – 1:30 PM (Summer); 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Winter)
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
3. Unwind At Bagh-E-Bahu
Photo: Tejan Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
One of the top things to do in Jammu involves a visit to the Bagh-e-Bahu garden complex. The well-maintained and manicured lawn is a great place to sit down with a book and unwind. Also, there are fountains, stone sculptures, an aquarium and blooming flowers in this garden that add to the ambience. The highlight of this garden is its octagonal shape and central pavilion, which make for a great photo session.
Location: Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-bahu, near Hanuman Mandir, Jammu
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry fee: ₹5
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Srinagar In Summer
4. Indulge In Adventure At Patnitop
Among the things to do in Jammu, adventure activities in Patnitop sit in the top five. During the peak winter months, this hill station turns into a winter wonderland. Often termed as “mini-Switzerland,” this charming hill station offers an escape with a plethora of adventure activities like paragliding, trekking, horse riding, skiing and snowboarding during winter months. The cosy and peaceful nature of this hill station is a leading reason behind its growing popularity.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
How To Reach: Take a share-taxi from Ghantaghar in Old Srinagar to Patnitop
5. Relax At Mansar Lake
Photo: Pranavmagotra03 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Jammu is to enjoy a picnic at Mansar Lake with your family and friends. Tourists can unwind and relax with boat rides throughout the day on this scenic lake. There are also plenty of temples located on the banks of this lake that provide a spiritual experience. Besides this, wildlife enthusiasts can visit the wildlife sanctuary near this lake to view species like Spotted deer, Nilgai and more.
How To Reach: 28 km from Jammu City
Timings: 24*7
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Suggested Read: Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Experience Spiritual Divinity At Shiv Khori
Photo: Itzseoprasoon / Wikimedia Commons
Shiv Khori is a natural cave that is located in the Reasi district in Jammu and is one of the best things to see in Jammu. Devotees from around the world visit this cave shrine that has a naturally formed Shivling- a representation of Lord Shiva. To reach Shiv Khori, pilgrims have to undertake a challenging trek of 3.5 kms from the base camp Ramsoo. This cave is also home to the images of several Hindu Gods that makes it one of the most spiritual places to visit.
Best Time To Visit: February to March (during the Mahashivratri festival)
Tip: Carry a flashlight or torch as the caves can be dark
7. Explore Architectural Marvels At Bahu Fort
Photo: Tejan Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Experience the intricate historical and architectural marvels that paint the walls of the Bahu Fort in Jammu. This fort sits atop a hill and unveils the rich historical and cultural past of the town. Situated at an elevation of 1,066 feet, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Jammu from the top of this fort. Also, this fort has a 15 feet deep pond, an underground prison chamber, and a pyramidal structure.
How To Reach: Travel by train from the Jammu Tawi railway station
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children
Suggested Read: Bahu Fort Jammu
8. Pay A Devotional Visit To Raghunath Temple
Photo: Ayush901 / Wikimedia Commons/ Image For Representation Only
Another thing to do in Jammu is to pay a visit to one of the largest temple complexes in northern India, the Raghunath Temple. This temple has seven shrines dedicated to several deities like Lord Rama and is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations. Each shrine in this temple also has its own “Shikhara” that offers a calm environment for visitors. Pay a visit to the library in the temple complex that has a collection of Sanskrit manuscripts.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Tip: Keep your cameras and mobile phones in a locker before entering the temple premises.
9. Plan A Day Trip To Udhampur
Photo: SURAM SINGH RAJPUT / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Udhampur is a charming town located around 60 km away from Jammu and is the perfect spot for a day trip. This town sits at the base of the Himalayas and has a variety of sightseeing spots to explore. One such option is the Krimchi Temples, a cluster of ancient cave shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Besides that, some things to do in Jammu are exploring the Bhimgarh Fort and the Mansar Lake, which serve as quiet getaways from the city.
How To Reach: 60 km from Jammu City
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Nearby Attractions: Ramnagar Fort, Patnitop, Sanasar
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Udhampur
10. Explore Markets At Raghunath Bazar
Photo: Sanu N / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most engaging things to do in Jammu is to shop at the Raghunath Bazar. From woven willow baskets, naqqashi work to woollen Kashmiri shawls and traditional Kundi and silver jewellery, there are a variety of options here. Also, tantalise your taste buds with some street food like jalebis, hot gulab jamuns and chaat at this market. There are also plenty of historic buildings near this bazaar, including the Central Library and the Dogra Art Museum.
Things To Shop: Dry fruits, Spices & Kahwa, Saffron, Woollens, Carpets
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Raghunath Temple, Amar Mahal Palace Museum, Pathar Mosque
With spiritual caves, divine temples, serene & glistening lakes, adventurous activities and architectural marvels, there is an abundance of things to do in Jammu. Customise your travel plans and itineraries by planning your trip to Jammu with TripXL. The warmth of the people, the historical significance and the religious aura of this city will certainly leave a lasting impression on you.
Cover Photo: Mustafa Fatemi / Unsplash
