Jammu is a beautiful city located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu is surrounded by various mountain ranges on the banks of the River Tawi. It was founded by Raja Jambulochan from whom it gets its name. There are many palaces in the region, which also gives proof of the great history this place has experienced. It also has a large number of temples in the area for worshipping many different Gods and Goddesses.
Best time to enjoy in Jammu:-
The summers are characteristically hot and humid, and the winters are extremely cold. There is also heavy rainfall in the area during monsoons. This, however, does not stop Jammu from being flocked by people all over the year. The time of the visit to such a place becomes a matter of personal preference. However, to avoid most hassles, and have a smooth trip, the best months to enjoy Jammu are from September to April.
Festivals in Jammu:-
The people of Jammu celebrate all festivals with great enthusiasm. The most lavishly celebrated festivals are those of Baisakhi, Lohri, and Diwali. The area also has many local festivals that attract a lot of tourists. The most popular ones are – Bahu Mela in the month of April, Purmandal Mela in February and March, and Food and Craft Mela during Baisakhi every year.
How to get there:-
It has a very active airport and a buzzing railway station. However, the most preferred way to reach Jammu is on a road trip. The drive to this beautiful city is nothing short of spectacular. Jammu is very well connected by road to all parts of the country as it is reachable via the National Highway 1-A. It is roughly 586 kilometers from Delhi as a result of which renting cars or cabs to travel in groups is a great option.
Places to visit:-
Bahu Fort
This massive 300-year-old fort was built by a famous king, Raja Baahulochan. The fort stands in all its glory today because of the work done on it by the Dogra rulers. It houses a very famous temple, Bave Wali Mata, where Goddess Kali is worshipped. Also, it has a very beautiful terrace garden, Bagh-e-Bahu, which is a very famous picnic spot for the people of the city.
Raghunath Temple
This is the most renowned and iconic temple of Jammu. Built in 1857, it is situated right in the heart of the city. The temple has a very large sanctuary with many small temples and shrines. The main temple houses one of the most important gods of Hindus, Lord Rama. The other small ones are for different deities from the epic Ramayana. There is also a library with ancient manuscripts and texts, which are definitely worth seeing.
Amar Mahal Palace Museum
This museum offers one of the most picturesque sights of Jammu. Located on top of a hill, this palace made of red sandstone, was the residence of the royal family till some time back. Now, it is a great museum that showcases many sculptures, paintings, books, and manuscripts. It is a dream for every art and history lover.
Ranbireshwar Temple
The biggest Shiva temple in north India, Ranbireshwar Temple is one of the prime attractions in the picturesque Jammu city. It is a very ancient shrine, located in Shalimar Road near the New Secretariat. Maharaja Ranbir Singh built it in 1883, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Dogra Art Gallery (Mubarak Mandi)
The Dogra Art Gallery is in the Pink Hall of Mubarak Mandi complex, the museum or art gallery has on its display about 800 rare and exquisite paintings from different schools of paintings such as Basoli, Jammu and Kangra. It houses a gold plated bow and arrow belonging to Mughal emperor Shah Jehan and a number of carpentry tools that are also an important section of the museum. There are handwritten manuscripts of Shahnama and Sikendernama, written in Persian, housed here along with a stone plate on which Takri script has been inscribed.
“With so much to offer, it is no surprise that Jammu is a real favorite with the people looking for a break. It offers a great getaway from the busy city life. Hence, if you are looking for a peaceful time with a touch of spirituality, Jammu is the place to be.”
