Tourist places in and around Jammu
Palaces and Museums
Amar Mahal Palace Museum You can enjoy a double treat here. Browse through Pahari paintings, family portraits of the rulers of Jammu and Kashmir, and a library. Once you are finished, opt for the heritage walk programme that takes you through the history of Kashmir. The museum is open 10:00 am to noon, and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (winter); 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (summer). It's closed on state holidays and Mondays. Mubarak Mandi Palace This palace complex was built way back in 1824. The architecture is a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and even Baroque styles. What captures your attention immediately is the Sheesh Mahal, also known as the Pink Hall that displays miniature paintings of various hill schools. Dogra Art Gallery Within the palace grounds is this gallery where art aficionados can study rare miniatures from the Jammu and Basohli schools of painting. The gallery is open 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (winter); 8:00 am to 1:30 pm (summer); Monday closed.Raghunath Temple
The magnificent temple complex set in the heart of the city is one of the most important and the largest shrines of northern India. Its construction was strated in 1835, by Maharaja Gulab singh, the founder of Jammu and Kashmir kingdom and was completed his son Maharaja Ranbir singh in 1860. The complex consists of 17 temples and the main shrine is dedicated to Lord Raghunath (Rama).Ranbireshwar Temple: This beiggest shiva temple in North India was built by Maharaja Ranbir singh in 1883. It enshrines a large number of shivalingams. The central lingam in black stone is seven and a half feet high and the twelve crystal lingams measure from 15cms. to 38cms.
Amongst the temples in Jammu, the Raghunath Mandir takes pride of place being situated right in the heart of the city. It consists of a cluster of temples and is the largest temple complex in northern India. Its inner sanctums contain gigantic statues of deities and numerous 'lingams'. It contains representatives of almost the entire Hindu pantheon, which make it a rare site to behold.
Peer Khoh
The ancient cave temple on the circular road has a naturally formed shivalingam, which is highly revered by the devotees.Bahu Fort
The ancient fort set majestically on a rock face, overlooks the gently flowing Tawi river. It is well known for the temple of Goddess Maha Kali, which is considered next only to the famous Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. The beautiful Baghi bahu garden is located at the base of the fort.Amar Mahal Museum & Library
The magnificent red-brick palace is perched elegantly on a hill overlooking the Tawi River. It was built by Raja Amar singh and now houses a museum exhibiting excellent miniature paintings from Kangra School, paintings of contemporary Indian artists and portraits etc. But, the highlight of the museum is the 120kg. Solid gold Dogra throne, which was used by the rest while Maharajas. The library at the palace has a collection of over 25000 books.This is a beautiful palace of red sand stone, which stands amidst the most picturesque environments of Jammu. There is beautiful view of the Shivaliks at the north and the River Tawi flows down below adding to the Grandeur. This was once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh the palace has been converted to a museum and is looked after by Hari-Tara Charitable trust. The museum has a golden throne made of 120 kg pure gold sofa and has golden lions embedded into it. The throne is placed in a hexagonal room. The museum has a gallery of paintings of paintings known as NAL DAMYANTI. It has a library of around 25000 books on various subjects and disciplines. This is really a beautiful spot to be visited round the year in Jammu. Hotel Hari Nivas Palace Hotel: A heritage Hotel is also located adjacent to this.
Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex
The palace complex is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles of architecture with influence of even Baroque European style. It affords a fine view of the Tawi river on one side and the city on the other and had served as the residence of erstwhile Dogra rulers. The Pink Hall now houses the famous dogra Art Museum with a rich collection of rare paintings.Peer Mitha is another famous Muslim shrine in Jammu. Peer Mitha was a contemporary of Ajaib Dev and Ghareeb Nath - both saints were famous for their prophecies and miracles. 'Mitha' means 'the sweet one', for the Peer would accept nothing more than a pinch of sugar in offering from his devotees.
The oldest building in this Palace complex date to 1824. The architecture is blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and even Baroque European influences. The most stunning segment is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall now houses of Dogra Art Museum which has miniature paintings of the various Hill Schools. The Complex has a history, which is 150 years old. It was royal residence of Dogra Kings. The location was carefully selected for having a commanding view of river Tawi on one side and the City on other side. The Palaces are built as a group of buildings around a courtyard. The Complex has halls and Galleries, which were used for official functions and ceremonies. As the time passed the need was felt to have separate buildings to house full-fledged Royal Secretariat. These buildings were constructed around a garden cum courtyard, which ultimately became the venue for important events for Royal audience for common man.
Akhnoor
32 kms south west of Jammu situated on the banks of mighty Chenab river is the historic town of Akhnoor. This town is associated with the legend of Soni-Mahiwal. Ruins of the Indus-Valley Civilization are to be seen along the riverbank commanding a panoramic view all around.Dogra Art Gallery
This is located in the erstwhile Pink Hall of the old Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex. This museum houses 800 rare and exquisite paintings from different schools of paintings viz: Basohli, Jammu and Kangra. Gold painted bow and arrow of Shah Jehan and a number carpentry tools make an important section of the display. The museum also has Shahnama and Sikandernama hand written manuscripts in Persian.Open in Winter: 10.30 a.m. - 04.30 p.m.
Summer: 08.00 a.m. - 01.30 p.m.
Fine miniatures of the Jammu and Basohli Schools. Closed on Mondays.
Around Jammu
Kud
About 106 km from Jammu is the hill resort of Kud. Situated at an altitude of 1738 m, it is known for its salubrious climate and wonderful views. It is a favourite haunt of people of the plains who cannot travel upto the more beautiful Srinagar.This popular resort is situated on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, at an altitude of 1738 metres. An ideal picnic spot this place has a bracing climate. Heavy woollens are required in winters while as light/medium clothing is required in summers. It is a very well developed hill station in Udhampur District. It also experiences heavy rainfall in rainy season.
Patnitop (112 km)
About 10 km from Kud, this hill station is located on a plateau. Here you could go on long walks through pine forests and in winter when the slopes are covered with snow, this is an excellent place for skiing. A stay in one of the Tourist Bungalows makes it truly enjoyable.Panoramic Patnitop sprawls on a lush plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The charming resort amidst thickly wooded forests is probably the best developed tourist centre of Jammu. It commands awe-inspiring views of the scenic surroundings and is dotted with a number of beautiful picnic sites. During winters Patnitop receives good snowfall and provides opportunities for various snow games like skiing.
The 600 year old temple of Naga (cobra) at Ishadhari is highly revered by the devotees. The three must visit sites on the outskirts of Patnitop are - chinar Garden, Picnic spot and skating Garden.
112 km from Jammu. This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountains cape of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the best-developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. The occupancy of the huts and Dak Bungalow is full in summer months. There is ambitious plan of Patnitop Development Authority to develop Patnitop, Kud, Sud-Mahadev, Mantalai circuit. The construction work of Mall Road at Kud is also proposed to be taken up. Trekking route from Kud to Patnitop-Sanasar has already been completed. The complete tourist circuit covers Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Deviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, extending up to Latti-Dhuna.
Accommodation : There are a large number of huts and Tourists Bungalows, all managed by J&K TDC, Having facilities of Drawing room/Dining room and fully equipped kitchen in all huts and LPG facility.
Sanasar
This cup shaped meadow is surrounded by giant coniferous trees. Here tourists enjoy paragliding and golfing. The Surinsar Lake, 42 km from Jammu and the Mansar Lake, 62 km from Jammu is amidst forest covered hills which is home to myriad of birds and animals.119 km from Jammu and only 17 km from Patnitop, Sanasar is cup shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. A place for a quite holiday, the meadow has now been developed as a golf course. It also provides opportunities for Para-gliding.
Accommodation : Self contained huts in various cost ranges having facilities of Drawing/Dining room and fully equipped kitchen with LPG facilities.
Mansar Lae (60 km)
This lovely lake amidst thickly wooded forest is a popular excursion point. Boating facilities are available here. A food and crafts festival is also organised here by J&K tourism around the festival of Baisakhi.60 km. A beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are available on the spot. Every year around Baisakhi, a food and crafts festival is organised here by J&K Tourism.
Accommodation : Tourist Bungalow and huts of J&K TDC
Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary
Named for the two lakes on each corner of it, this sanctuary comprises an area of 98 sq. km and supports a mammal population of 8 species and 15 species of birds.