Jammu Tourism & Travel Guide - Places to See in Jammu

Jammu Tour & Travel Guide - Places to See in Jammu

The Amar Mahal Museum is a lovely, French chateau look-a-like structure designed by a French architect in the 1890s. The museum is as much popular for its intricately designed interiors as it is for its combination of French architecture and Indian art works. The museum also houses one of the largest libraries in the world with a huge collection of over 20,000 books from various authors.

Amarnath Cave Temple

The holy Amarnath Cave Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most popular Hindu shrines of India. Surrounded by snowy mountains, this shrine is said to be some 5,000 years old. A large number of Hindu devotees from around the world visit this place during summers because the cave opens for visitors around that time. According to a Hindu Legend, Lord Shiva explained the secrets of life to Goddess Parvati inside this cave.

Bahu Fort

This fort is not just grand in its demeanour but also has an equally impressive story about its origin, attached to it. It is one of the most ancient forts found in Jammu, and was built around three hundred years ago by Raja Bahulocham. A regal garden, known as Bagh-e-Bahu with wide flowery lawns is a hot-spot among locals as well as visitors. Bahu Fort is the best place to relax and spend some time amidst nature. The famous Bawey Wali Mata Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali is also placed in interiors of the fort. Those visiting Bahu Fort make it a point to pay a visit to this renowned attraction.

The Bawey Wali Mata Temple

The great premises of the Bawey Wali Mata Temple have been inviting people for more than 30 years now. Believers from various religious and cultural backgrounds highly regard this ancient temple. It is believed that Bawey Wali Mata has some mystical powers and that she is the presiding deity of Jammu.

Ranbireshwar Temple

Situated on Shalimar Road opposite the New Secretariat, this historic temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in 1883 AD by Maharaja Ranbir. The temple houses a 7.5 ft high central Shiva "lingam" and 12 crystal "lingams" measuring from 15" to 38". The temple also features several galleries with beautifully carved stone slabs.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Shri Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu is one of the oldest and most popular Hindu Shrines of India. Located at an altitude of 5300 ft on the sacred Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik Hill Range, the Holy cave of Vaishno Devi is located at a distance of 13 Km from base camp Katra. Katra is small town, 50 km off Jammu. Situated on the folds of Trikuta hill in Jammu, this temple is considered as one of the "shakti peethas" of Goddess Vaishno. This pious abode of Goddess Durga witnesses a huge flood of devotees from across India.

Dogra Art Gallery

Bounded by the Pink Hall of Mubarak Mandi complex, Dogra Art Gallery boasts a huge collection of precious manuscripts. The museum also features a rare range of ancient paintings. The walls of the museum are adorned by the art works of renowned painting schools like Kangra and Basoli. Some other popular highlights of the museum include the gold-plated antique bow of the famous Mughal emperor Shah Jehan and several ancient carpentry tools.

Surinsar Lake

Sunrinsar Lake is another popular attraction located in the proximity of Jammu. Situated amidst the hilly terrains, the Surinsar Lake is bounded by thick forests. This scenic tourist spot is frequented by visitors as well as locals. Floating Lotus flowers make the Lake look like a watery lotus garden during summers. Hindu mythology also points connects the origin of the lake with the legendary warrior Arjuna. It is believed that the legendry warrior Arjuna shot an arrow to the Mansar land and the arrow went piercing the earth, thus forming Surinsar.

Peer Baba

The popular durgah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah, the renowned Muslim saint is located behind the Civil Airport. During Thursdays, the dargah is frequented by numerous Hindu and Sikh devotees.

Author: Rajesh Thakur