Jammu, only the name is enough to visualize the scenic view of the mountains and the sound of nature all around. I, myself could imagine the lush green hills and the peace that surrounds them. For all the nature and peace lovers, who prefer spending time away from the crowd, I will recommend places to visit in Jammu that will leave you awestruck.
Introduction
Jammu lies in the lapse of nature. It is a district of Indian union territory, Jammu & Kashmir. Everyone loves a nature retreat and what more can one ask for when visiting Jammu? It feels like a whole different world in itself. Once you visit the place, there is no turning back. If you are planning to, then you need to know some places worth visiting.
10 Places Worth Visiting in Jammu
Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Jammu, who knows you might want to book your tickets soon and experience these iconic places live. I’m sure you would not want to leave despite the end of your vacation. It might seem like a dream come true and trust me it is everything you can imagine. The best places to visit in Jammu consist of many temples which are given below.
Raghunath Temple
This temple is one of the largest temples in north India. It was built in the 1800s by Maharaja Gulab Singh and his son. Lord Ram was also known as Raghunath, which has given the temple its name. The temple’s uniqueness lies in its structure. It has seven ‘Shikara’ dedicated to seven deities, out of which, the main is of Lord Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The other shrines also include the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Apart from the seven shrines, the temple is filled with other gods and goddesses. Another site that adds to its uniqueness is the gold sheets covering three sides of the temple.
Furthermore, the temple’s architecture consists of the Hindu pantheon, which is an unusual site in a single temple. Adding to its extraordinary structure, it consists of a library too which has a collection of rare Sanskrit books and manuscripts.
What more can spiritual beings ask for than experiencing the presence of all the deities along with books in a single place? The temple is always packed with devotees throughout the year.
Vaishno Devi
A name is famous in every Indian household. How many of you have grown up watching the hymns sung early morning on MH1? This name has always been a part of the morning routine of many households.
It is a pilgrimage for all Mata Vaishno Devi devotees, considered to be one of the holiest pilgrims for Hindus. Many come here to fulfil their wishes as Vaishno Devi is called the ‘’Mooh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata.’’
Apart from being one of the holiest temples in India, it can also serve as an adventurous trek for those who are trekking and camping enthusiasts. The trek nearly takes 4-5 hours to complete.
Mata Vaishno Devi is an incarnation of three most powerful goddesses: Kaali, Saraswati and Lakshmi. The temple is built around a rock which is said to be the meditation state of Mata Vaishno when she departed from her human form.
Also Read: How Difficult is Annapurna Base Camp Trek?
Maha Maya Temple
This temple is situated on the outskirts of Jammu on a small hill adjoining the Mahakali temple in the Bahu Fort. Reaching to either of the two temples is like crossing a curve. Meaning you first have to descend and then ascend the other.
The visitors have to bring their transport as no public transport is available to reach the temple. There is also a park and a forest known as Mahamaya Park and Mahamaya Forest respectively.
Through studies about the temple, it is revealed that the area was once a Dhara Nagri which was destroyed due to natural calamities hundreds of years ago. Most of the devotees visiting Vaishno Mata Temple, also visit the Maha Maya temple.
Shree Ranbireshwar Temple
It is the biggest Shiv temple in North India and serves as the main attraction of visitors in Jammu. I’m sure more than half of these visitors would be Lord Shiva’s followers. At the heart of the temple is the ‘lingam’ or shivling carved out of black stone. The visitors get to experience the divine energy of Lord Shiva surrounded with peace and calmness.
Amar Mahal Palace
The palace was built by Maharaja Amar Singh. It was built in the name of Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Maharaja of the Dogra dynasty in Jammu and Kashmir. Now converted into a heritage museum called the Amar Mahal Palace.
It contains the golden throne of Maharaja Hari Singh, which weighs 120kg. Along with this, it also has a library, consisting of up to 25,000 rare books and art collections.
The palace is surrounded by breathtaking views like the Tawi river, and the beautiful mountains enhancing the old heritage building.
Bahu Fort
The oldest fort in the city, it is situated near the Tawi River. Built nearly 3000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan, it is not only a fort but also consists of a shrine of the holy goddess Kali.
It is like exploring many places in one. The garden surrounding the fort, known as Bagh-e-Bahu, serves as a separate place for sightseeing. There is a temple situated in the fort known as Bave Wali Mata Mandir.
The fort is the establishment of a powerful rule of the Dogra kings. The view is worth every picture, with a panoramic view of the whole city.
Peer Kho Cave Temple
It is one of the most famous and oldest temples in the city. Thousands of devotees visit the temple, mostly during the Puranmashi, Amavasya and Ekadashi, representing various phases of the moon.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with the Shiva lingam in a cave. It is a mediaeval gem of Jammu, and the caves are built underground nearly 20-30 feet deep. A continuous smoke is emitted from the shrine, situated at the centre of the temple, which serves as a uniqueness of the temple.
It is situated near the Tawi River, and it is believed that Jamvant had meditated in the cave. Jamvant was the bear god who is known for his role in fighting for lord Ram against Ravana. The cave is also known as the Jamvant cave and is surrounded by the lush green acacia jungle.
One opening of the cave leads to the Amarnath Cave and the other one leads to the Nav Durga shrine which has idols of gods and goddesses like Vishnu, Rama and many others.
Wadiy e Hajan
It is a popular tourist destination in Jammu. She is also known by the name Hajan Valley, it en routes the Amarnath Yatra. It is an ideal place for nature lovers. With huge mountains covered with dense forest, it looks even more breathtaking during the winters. When the mountains are covered in a blanket of snow, it looks even more beautiful.
Visitors can easily camp in the valley, amidst the greenery and explore the mountains. The clean and fresh water might seem like holy water for people who have never tasted it.
Peer Baba Dargah
The mosque is dedicated to an Islamic saint, known as Peer Budhan Ali Shah. It is believed that the saint had lived for 500 years solely on milk. He was also a close companion of the Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The Dargah is the epitome of unity among different religions and implies the connection of the soul is more important than the difference between religions. This is one of the best places to visit in Jammu to understand that belief is greater than any religion.
Mansar Lake
Covered by captivating forests, parks and temples, this lake is the ideal place for an escape. It also serves as a pilgrimage site and is a part of the Manasarovar Lake. Not only this, but you can also visit the Surinsar Lake and the Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary nearby.
It’s the ideal place for a peaceful retreat, away from the noise. The lake also includes two temples, Umapati Mahadev and Narasimha and a Durga Temple. It is used for various events like the Mundan ceremony while many believe that the holy water of the lake helps to wash away the sins.
It is home to a mass species of algae, fishes, tortoises and birds. People can enjoy boating while immersing themselves completely in the lapse of nature.
Final Note
The list of places to visit in Jammu is endless, the rest I leave for you to discover when you visit the city of temples. Don’t forget to share your experience with your friends and family and also savour every moment you spend in the place. I hope, the list of places helped you in learning a bit about Jammu.
