Overview
About Jammu
Jammu is the winter capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in its southern region. Spread over low hills on the banks of the Tawi river, it is often called the City of Temples for the many shikhara spires that rise above its skyline, and it has long been the seat of the Dogra rulers.
For most travellers, Jammu is the gateway to the Vaishno Devi shrine, reached from the town of Katra, and a stop on the road towards Patnitop and the Kashmir valley. Yet the city deserves time of its own. The grand Raghunath Temple, the hilltop Bahu Fort, the old Dogra palaces of Mubarak Mandi and the Amar Mahal Palace Museum give a strong sense of the region's history and culture.
Jammu is also a good introduction to Dogra cuisine and crafts. Its markets sell dry fruits, Kashmiri shawls and the local kalari cheese, while short drives lead to the calm lakes of Mansar and Surinsar and the pine-clad slopes of the Shivalik foothills.
- City of Temples
- Gateway to Vaishno Devi
- Dogra heritage
- Raghunath Temple
- Kalari cheese
- Dry fruits
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Jammu
Temples
Raghunath Temple
One of the largest temple complexes in North India, dedicated to Lord Rama, with several shrines and gold-lined interiors in the heart of the old city.
Ranbireshwar Temple
A Shiva temple near the Secretariat known for its large lingam and a collection of smaller crystal lingams.
Peer Kho Cave Temple
A cave shrine on the banks of the Tawi with a naturally formed Shiva lingam, visited by devotees throughout the year.
Forts & Palaces
Bahu Fort and Bawe Wali Mata Temple
An old fort on a hill above the Tawi river that encloses a much-loved temple of Goddess Kali, with the terraced Bagh-e-Bahu gardens below.
Mubarak Mandi Palace
The old royal residence of the Dogra rulers, a sprawling complex blending Rajasthani, Mughal and European styles that is being restored in phases.
Amar Mahal Palace Museum
A red sandstone palace resembling a French chateau, now a museum with Pahari miniature paintings, a library and a golden throne.
Nature
Mansar Lake
About 60 km from the city, this tranquil lake is surrounded by forested hills and temples, and boating is popular here.
Surinsar Lake
A smaller, quieter lake near Mansar, ringed by hills and ideal for a peaceful picnic.
Nearby Excursions
Vaishno Devi via Katra
Katra, about 50 km away, is the base for the trek to the Vaishno Devi cave shrine, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India.
Patnitop
A hill resort of meadows and pine forests about 110 km from Jammu, popular for walks in summer and snow in winter.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Jammu
- 1
Temple-hop in the old city
Spend a morning visiting Raghunath, Ranbireshwar and other shrines that give Jammu its name as the City of Temples.
- 2
Walk the Bagh-e-Bahu gardens
Stroll through the terraced gardens below Bahu Fort and enjoy views over the Tawi and the city.
- 3
Make the Vaishno Devi yatra
Travel to Katra and undertake the trek to the shrine on foot, by pony or by helicopter to the upper stretch, depending on your fitness.
- 4
See Pahari art at Amar Mahal
The museum's collection of Basohli and Kangra-style miniatures is one of the best ways to understand the region's art.
- 5
Shop for dry fruits and shawls
The markets around Raghunath Bazaar sell walnuts, almonds, saffron and Kashmiri shawls at many shops.
- 6
Take a lake drive
Combine Mansar and Surinsar lakes in a relaxed day out from the city.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Jammu
The best time to visit Jammu is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
April to June
25°C to 42°C
Jammu gets very hot in summer, unlike the Kashmir valley. Many visitors pass through quickly on their way to Katra, Patnitop or Srinagar.
Monsoon
July to September
24°C to 35°C
Humid with heavy showers at times. Landslides can affect hill roads towards Katra and Kashmir, so check conditions before travelling.
Winter
October to March
7°C to 24°C
The most pleasant time to explore the city, with mild sunny days. Nearby Patnitop often gets snow during this season.
Getting there
How to Reach Jammu
By Air
Jammu Airport at Satwari is about 7 km from the city centre and has direct flights to Delhi, Srinagar, Mumbai and other cities. Taxis are available outside the terminal.
By Rail
Jammu Tawi is the main railway station, with direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and many other parts of India. Some trains continue to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station, which is convenient for pilgrims.
By Road
Jammu lies on NH 44 and is about 600 km from Delhi and about 210 km from Amritsar. Buses and shared taxis run regularly to Katra, Patnitop and Srinagar.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Jammu
Kalari kulcha
Fresh kalari cheese fried until golden and stuffed into a kulcha, a street-food favourite in Jammu.
Rajma chawal
Kidney beans from the hill districts cooked in a thick gravy and eaten with rice, a staple Dogra meal.
Khatta meat
A tangy mutton dish soured with dried pomegranate seeds or lemon, a classic of Dogra cooking.
Ambal
A sweet and sour pumpkin dish flavoured with tamarind and jaggery, often served at Dogra feasts.
Kashmiri kahwa
A fragrant green tea brewed with saffron, cardamom and almonds, widely served in the city.
What to Buy in Jammu
- Dry fruits such as walnuts and almonds
- Kashmiri shawls and stoles
- Basohli-style paintings
- Kalari cheese and local pickles
Travel Tips for Jammu
- Security checks are common at temples and public places, so carry identity documents and avoid bringing large bags.
- Pilgrims to Vaishno Devi need to register for the yatra before starting the trek; check the shrine board's current procedure.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and be prepared to remove your shoes.
- Avoid planning tight connections on hill roads during the monsoon, when landslides can cause delays.
FAQs
Jammu Travel FAQs
What is Jammu famous for?
Jammu is famous for its many temples, including the Raghunath Temple, its Dogra palaces and Bahu Fort, and for being the gateway to the Vaishno Devi shrine.
What is the best time to visit Jammu?
October to March is the best time to visit Jammu, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers in the city are very hot.
How far is Katra from Jammu?
Katra is about 50 km from Jammu. Buses, taxis and trains connect the two, and the journey usually takes around two hours by road.
How many days are enough for Jammu?
Two days are enough to see Jammu's main temples, Bahu Fort and the palace museums. Add a day or two for Vaishno Devi or Patnitop.
Why is Jammu called the City of Temples?
Jammu has a large number of temples and shrines spread across the city, and their spires dominate the skyline, giving it the title City of Temples.
Which is the nearest railway station to Jammu?
Jammu Tawi is the main railway station for the city, with direct trains from most parts of India.
