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Jammu is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is often termed the “City of Temples”. From ancient temples to breathtaking landscapes, this region offers a plethora of experiences for travellers seeking adventure, spirituality, or simply a moment of tranquillity. Among the best places to visit in Jammu, the sacred pilgrimage site of Vaishno Devi and the meadows of Patnitop take the top spots. Jammu offers stunning tourist spots and views that cater to a traveller’s soul. As you plan your next vacation to Jammu, our comprehensive guide should help streamline your travel experiences to make it an unforgettable escapade.
Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Jammu
From sacred temples to enchanting hill stations and architectural marvels, plan your next vacation with this list of the top 10 places to visit in Jammu:
1. Vaishno Devi Temple
Photo: Sheet Holidays / Wikimedia Commons
No trip to Jammu is complete without paying a visit to the Vaishno Devi Mandir. However, embarking on this spiritual journey is not an easy feat. Since this temple is located at a great height, it is important to be in peak physical health to complete this trek successfully. Despite being such an arduous trek, it is one of the most rewarding experiences. At the top of this trek, tourists can also spot a holy cave that is dedicated to the divine Shakti.
Location: Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM; 4 PM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Vaishnodevi Temple
2. Raghunath Temple
Another revered Hindu temple complex in Jammu is the Raghunath Temple. The grandeur of this temple explains why it is one of the most popular places to visit in Jammu. Tourists can experience the rich Hindu culture in this temple which has images of Lord Rama. As per legends, the temple was built in the 16th century and has intricate carvings that are a sight to behold. Step inside this temple to listen to devotional chants that will take you to an entirely different world.
Location: Raghunath Mandir Chowk, Jammu City, Jammu & Kashmir 180001
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
3. Bahu Fort And Garden
Photo: Ashish3724 / Wikimedia Commons
When it comes to popular places to visit in Jammu, the Bahu Fort and Garden is definitely something tourists should add to their list. It is an offbeat spot where you can soak in the beauty of the surroundings with panoramic views. This fort overlooks the Tawi River and gives you a glimpse of the city below. From markets to houses and natural surroundings, there’s so much visitors can explore here. There is also a Bawe Wali Mata Temple located inside the fort’s premises, which is worth visiting.
Location: Bahu Road, Gorkha Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180006
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
Suggested Read: Bahu Fort Jammu
4. Amar Mahal Palace Museum
Photo: Arun Sambhu Mishra / Shutterstock
Sometimes, there’s no better way to uncover the rich history, culture and architecture than to explore the museums in a place. The Amar Mahal Palace Museum is one of the best tourist attractions in Jammu, which transports travellers to the opulent era of the Dogra rulers. The insides of this palace showcase a French-style architectural marvel, housing a variety of artefacts, weapons and royal memorabilia. Among the top highlights here are the paintings by renowned artists like Laxman Pai and MF Hussain as well as the massive golden throne of Jammu.
Location: Near Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners
5. Mansar Lake
Photo: Pranavmagotra03 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best places to visit in Jammu is the Mansar Lake with its dense forests and lush rolling hills. According to the legends, the place also has religious significance and there is a temple just on the banks of this lake. As you reach the spot, there are a variety of activities for you to check out, including boating, and birdwatching. Besides this, there is a Mansar wildlife sanctuary nearby where visitors can spot Neelagi and Spotted deer.
Distance From Jammu: 62 kilometres
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Patnitop
Photo: Shailendrachauhan95 / Wikimedia Commons
Up next on the list of the best places to visit in Jammu is Patnitop. This tourist spot is a quaint, serene and charming hill station that has natural springs and endless meadows. Besides the steep mountain peaks in the surroundings, the place is nestled among pine forests. From scenic hikes to horse riding adventures, there are a variety of relaxing activities for tourists to indulge in. In winter, this hill station comes alive with popular activities such as sledging and skiing.
Distance From Jammu: Around 112 km
Best Time To Visit: November to March
7. Nathatop
Photo: It’s Sumit Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Nathatop, which is a short hike away from Patnitop, is a haven for all adventure lovers. This destination is known as one of the best tourist places in Jammu as it has snowboarding, skiing and paragliding activities. Besides these activities, the view of the snow-capped Pir Panjal mountains during the winter months is a sight for sore eyes. In summers, lush green grass replaces the snow and offers an ideal spot for picnics and nature walks. Tourists can also go on a boat ride around the lake, and watch different species of fish in action.
Distance From Jammu: Around 60 km
Tip: Check road accessibility and weather conditions during winters
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kashmir
8. Peer Baba Dargah
Photo: KIRTAN CREATIVE / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another common yet must-visit spot to include when exploring Jammu is the Peer Baba Dargah. According to legend, this holy space is dedicated to a Sufi saint who is said to have lived only on milk for 500 years. As the name suggests, this dargah is a revered Sufi shrine that exudes religious harmony and provides a tranquil escape from the hustle-bustle of city life. Besides exploring the dargah, visitors can also sit inside this space and offer prayers and self-reflect.
Location: On the banks of the Tawi River
Timings: 24*7
9. Shiv Khori
Photo: Itzseoprasoon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Jammu has a variety of pilgrimage spots, among which Shiv Khori is definitely one of the places to visit in Jammu. This site is on the list of places for a Jammu trip as it features a natural cave formation that houses a revered Shiva Lingam. Besides this, there are also several natural deities inscribed on the stones of this cave. Furthermore, this holy site attracts devotees throughout the year who seek blessings and spiritual solace. Also, it is located around 70 km from Jammu city, so visitors should use a vehicle to make their way to this site.
Best Time To Visit: February to March (during the Mahashivratri festival)
Nearby Attractions: Ransoo village, Sheshnag, Amarnath Cave
Suggested Read: Shivkhori Temple
10. Bagh-e-Bahu Aquarium
Photo: Emir Kaan Okutan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Bagh-e-Bahu Aquarium is home to a diverse range of aquatic life that will delight marine enthusiasts. From themed galleries to interactive exhibits, this aquarium should definitely be on your Jammu tourist places list as it has underwater tunnels that enable tourists to discover the wonders of the ocean. Visitors can explore 24 aquarium caves that further include 13 caves. These caves house over 400 different species of fish, such as Sucker catfish, Red Shiner, Neon Jewel, Bubble Eye and more. Besides this, there is also a museum, a public gallery, and a laboratory that teaches tourists about aquatic awareness.
Location: Jammu City
Timings: 10 AM – 7:30 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry fee: ₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children
Are you ready to explore these top places to visit in Jammu? With religious temples, exciting aquariums, vibrant and snow-laden hill stations as well as scenic lakes, Jammu has something for everyone. Plan your trip with TripXL now and soak in the tranquil ambience of this natural paradise. This picturesque destination will certainly help you create memories for a lifetime.
Cover Photo: Ahraar Wani / Wikimedia Commons
