Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary: A Natural Haven For Wildlife & Wonder

Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located 6 km from Jammu and this park is situated on 31 km of steep Himalayan coniferous terrain. This wildlife sanctuary is remarkable because it is home to some exotic wildlife. You can view various mammals and bird species when you go on a safari outside this stunning wildlife refuge. One can witness musk deer, brown bears, and leopards on the loose here. This wildlife sanctuary is very well maintained, and accommodation is available outside and in the vicinity. Due to its excellent road connectivity, it is easily accessible and well-known for the numerous rare and unusual birds and animals that it protects. Head here for an adventure of a lifetime!

Quick Details About Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Jammu, near Hotel Jammu Ashok
Inaugurated: 10th April, 1990
Dimensions: 31.50 sq kms
Height: 430 – 611 metres
Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: 24×7
Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport (8 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu railway station (6 km)
Best Time To Visit: Animal viewing (September to March), Bird viewing (March to May)
Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price: ₹1,500 onwards with safari

How To Reach

You can travel by train to reach the Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Jammu and Kashmir

Photo: User:Owais khursheed / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The transportation facilities in this area are very convenient. You have several transport options to reach Jammu. Both the airport and railway station are 8 km from the sanctuary. You can take a car or an auto to reach there.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Jammu (8 km).

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Jammu with a distance of around 6 km.

By Road: Drive of 1.5 hours covering approx 100 km from Jammu.

Suggested Read: Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary

Places To Visit Around Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the best places around Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary, from scenic hill stations to historic temples, perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and peaceful getaways.

1. Amar Mahal Palace

The opulent Amar Mahal Palace resembles a French castle and overlooks the Tawi River

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons

Amar Mahal Palace is a 19th-century palace situated at the top of Manda Hill and offers a picturesque look of the Tawi River. You may find that it resembles a French castle. Visiting Amar Mahal Palace provides a blend of history, architecture, and culture. This grand palace, once the residence of the Dogra dynasty, is now turned into a museum with a collection of paintings, artefacts, and a stunning library with over 25,000 antique books.

Location: Karan Nagar, Jammu
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Children ₹5, Adults ₹10, Foreigners ₹50

2. Raghunath Bazaar

hop for Kashmiri handicrafts at Raghunath Bazaar, near the Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The shops of Raghunath Bazaar are filled with carpets, Pashmina shawls, chocolates, chocolate burfi, local sweets, and other items. These shops even go up to Hari Market, circling the Raghunath Mandir. People from the town shop for fabrics, spices, and homemade sweets at this market. The Raghunath Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in northern India, is also located near this market. The lively atmosphere, combined with the opportunity to taste local dishes, makes Raghunath Bazaar a must-visit destination.

Suggested Read: Shopping In Jammu

3. Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi Bhawan is situated amongst the hills and is a holy place for Hindus

Photo: SUDEEP PRAMANIK / Wikimedia Commons

Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra is a popular shrine amongst Hindus because Maa Vaishno Devi is acknowledged as a combined avatar of three goddesses- Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and MahaSaraswati. The devotees offer several things to Mata, like red-coloured materials called chunris, sarees, delicious fruits, silver or gold ornaments, and chola halwa. If you follow the local stories, the skull of Devi Sati fell here and turned into Shaktipeeth. Also, the holy statue of Mata Vaishno Devi is in the form of a standing rock measuring 5 1⁄2 feet. It has three human head-like formations known as Pindies, denoting three different goddesses.

Location: Jammu, India
Timings: Starting from 5 AM – 9:30 PM (7 days a week)

4. Bagh-e-Bahu

The splendid lawns of the Bagh-e-Bahu are a sight to behold with grand fountains

Photo: Tejan gupta / Wikimedia Commons

Bagh-e-Bahu is a magnificent and famous garden of Jammu. Located at the top of the mountain, this place faces the Tawi River. You will be mesmerised when you pay a visit here as this beautiful place has outstanding views. It has grand fountains, several unique stone sculptures, a sprawling lawn, a lake, and a huge aquarium. This garden also houses the historic Bahu Fort that adds a touch of heritage and history to the serene environment.

Location: Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-bahu, Near Hanuman Mandir, Jammu
Timings: Starts from 5 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Adults ₹10, Kids ₹5

Suggested Read: Visit The Historic Bahu Fort Jammu For An Enriching Experience

5. Dogra Art Museum

Bhasoli's miniature paintings can be spotted at the Dogra Art Museum in Jammu and Kashmir

Photo: anonymous / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Dogra Art Museum is housed within the Mubarak Mandi Palace and is open to visitors who want to witness the Dogra dynasty. The President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, formally opened the museum on 18th April 1954 at Gandhi Bhawan House, Jammu. The Museum specialises in Pahari-style miniature paintings of Bhasoli. It also has a remarkable exhibit hall that displays 7216 artefacts. Most fascinating to the onlookers is the series of ‘Rasmanjari,’ famous Bhasoli’s miniature paintings. Artworks like Krishna-Sudama paintings of the 18th century and the Persian manuscripts of Sikandernama and Shahnama in handwriting.

Location: Mubarak Mandi, Jammu
Timings: Starting from 10 AM – 5 PM (6-days week, Tuesday to Sunday)
Entry Fees: Foreigners -₹50, Indian Citizens-₹10, Students of Private Schools-₹5, Students of Govt. Schools-₹2

6. Raghunath Temple

Image of pooja Articles on Pooja Thali During Hindu Rituals

Photo: Vijay Krishnawat / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Raghunath Temple is a major religious site located in Jammu. Dedicated to Lord Rama, this temple complex is one of the largest in northern India. It features several shrines, beautiful carvings, and old scriptures in Sanskrit. The peaceful surroundings and spiritual atmosphere make it a great stop for those interested in culture and history. Visitors can explore the temple’s architecture and take part in daily rituals. It’s located not too far from the sanctuary, making it ideal for a quick spiritual detour.

Location: Raghunath mandir chowk Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 6:30 AM – 11:AM, 6 PM – 11:30 PM

Suggested Read: Top Temples In Jammu And Kashmir To Seek Solace In The Divine Presence

7. Amar Mahal Museum And Library

Image of Amar Mahal Palace Jammu - one of the best places to visit around ramnagar wildlife sanctuary

Photo: Jammu Tales / Wikimedia Commons

Amar Mahal Museum, once a royal palace, is now a museum filled with history, art, and royal collections. Located on a hilltop in Jammu, it offers lovely views of the Tawi River. Inside, you can find paintings, antique furniture, and even a 120-kg gold throne. The library holds thousands of books, ideal for history lovers. Its grand architecture and peaceful setting make it a pleasant place to learn more about Jammu’s royal past. It’s a perfect blend of art, history, and heritage.

Location: Palace Rd, Karan Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 10 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100

8. Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary

Image of deer spotted in middle of the road near a wildlife sanctuary

Photo: @ Vikas patil photography / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature lover’s haven, located close to Jammu. It’s known for its rich wildlife, including leopards, wild boars, and various bird species. Spread over lush green hills, the sanctuary offers calm walking trails and scenic views. Ideal for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, it provides a quiet escape from city life. Though less crowded, it’s a great alternative or add-on to Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary for those who enjoy spending time in the wild and spotting local flora and fauna.

Location: Jammu, Chhurta, Jammu and Kashmir
Entry Fee: ₹15

Suggested Read: Explore Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kashmir

9. Patnitop

Image of Cottages at Patnitop (Jammu & Kashmir) in the lap of nature

Photo: Vikas Panwar / Wikimedia Commons

Patnitop is a beautiful hill station nestled in the Shivalik range, one of the best places to visit in Jammu. It’s famous for its cool weather, pine forests, and breathtaking mountain views. Popular for picnics, walks, and family outings, it also offers activities like paragliding and trekking. In winter, it sometimes sees snowfall, adding charm to the landscape. The drive to Patnitop is scenic, making the journey enjoyable. It’s a great spot to unwind after a wildlife tour, offering peace and nature all around.

Location: Patnitop Town, Udhampur District, Jammu and Kashmir

Where To Stay

Stay at hotels and lodgings near the Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary for a peaceful lodging

Photo: N509FZ / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

You can stay at some of the top-rated hotels near this sanctuary, such as Radisson Blu Jammu, which is just a 15 minutes drive from the sanctuary! You can also head to the Vivanta Jammu City Centre which is within 1km radius of this wildlife sanctuary. Also the Heritage Homestay, the Hari Niwas Palace, and the Royal Inn are some good options for a peaceful and comfortable lodging.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Jammu For A Peaceful & Heavenly Retreat

Best Time To Visit

Enjoy wildlife in its full glory at this wildlife sanctuary during the winter season

Photo: Anubhav Sinha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Among the top Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu activities is bird watching, and the best time for this activity is between March and May. You can also view wildlife in its full glory during the period of September to March. There are some attractive-looking huts with two-bedroom and three-bedroom facilities, which have been built for tourists. You can contact the Regional Wildlife Warden of Jammu and Kathua to organise passes to visit the sanctuary.

Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary has a vivid and dense flora and fauna that can support multi-terrain zones for wildlife. The beautiful greenery, the crystal-clear waters, and the granite hills create the epitome of this sanctuary. Be ready to witness greenery, transparent lake waters, and granite hills that form the centrepiece of this sanctuary. Plan a holiday to this sanctuary with TripXL and discover the heart of nature.

Cover Photo:Surajit Das / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you are allowed to click Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary photos.
There are many factors that make this sanctuary a popular tourist destination. Among these are the diverse wildlife you can find here, including: Musk deer, Brown bears, Leopards, Various bird species
Basic first-aid services might be available at local accommodations, but for serious medical issues, the nearest hospitals would be in Jammu.
Yes, local guides with extensive knowledge of the park and its wildlife are usually available for hire.
A typical safari tour in this park lasts around 2-3 hour
Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its rich wildlife, especially leopards and birds, and scenic forest trails. It's a popular spot for nature walks, birdwatching, and short wildlife getaways.
Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, about 6 km from the city centre.
You can spot animals like barking deer, leopards, wild boars, and various bird species, especially in the early morning or evening.
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for wildlife spotting.

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