Jammu, India: travel guide
The City of Temples and the plains gateway to the Kashmir valley
The "City of Temples" and winter capital of J&K, gateway to the Kashmir valley.
About Jammu
Jammu sits at the foot of the Himalayan foothills and is called the City of Temples for its many shrines. It is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the gateway through which most travellers reach the valley beyond.
The Raghunath Temple complex, with its many shrines, is a central landmark, while Bahu Fort and the Bawe Wali Mata temple look over the Tawi River. Bagh-e-Bahu is a garden for evening strolls, and the Mubarak Mandi Palace recalls the Dogra rulers. Shiv Khori cave shrine lies a drive away in the hills, and the bazaars have dry fruit and local sweets.
Jammu travel suits pilgrims and those passing through to Katra or Kashmir. Winter and spring are pleasant, whereas summers are hot on the plains.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
- Nearest airport
- IXJ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Jammu
Shiv Khori
temple · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Revered natural cave shrine with a stalagmite Shiva lingam.
Mansar Lake
lake · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Sacred lake surrounded by forested hills, with a Sheshnag temple.
Akhnoor Fort
fort · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic fort on the Chenab, near the ancient Indus-era Manda site.
Baba Dhansar
landmark · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Cave shrine and waterfall-fed spring in a scenic gorge near Reasi.
Surinsar Lake
lake · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Tranquil forest-ringed lake southeast of the city.
Purmandal
temple · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Temple town on the Devika river, revered as "Chhota Kashi".
Dogra Art Museum
art · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · entry ₹50
Museum of Pahari miniature paintings, weapons and Dogra-era artefacts.
Raghunath Temple
temple · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Grand 19th-century temple complex dedicated to Lord Rama, gilded within.
Bahu Fort & Bawe Wali Mata Temple
fort · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Ancient riverside fort enclosing the revered Kali temple of Bawe Wali Mata.
Bagh-e-Bahu
garden · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Terraced Mughal-style gardens around Bahu Fort overlooking the Tawi.
Mubarak Mandi Palace
palace · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Sprawling Dogra royal palace complex of Rajasthani-Mughal-European styles.
Ranbireshwar Temple
temple · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Large 1883 Shiva temple famed for its giant lingams and crystal lingams.
Things to do
- Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage via Katra Cultural · 24 h · from INR 3,500 per person
- Bahu Fort & Gardens Visit Sightseeing · 3 h · from INR 1,000 per person
- Jammu Temples City Tour Cultural · 4 h · from INR 1,200 per person
- Patnitop Day Trip Nature · 10 h · from INR 3,000 per person
- Shiv Khori Cave Pilgrimage Cultural · 8 h · from INR 2,500 per person
- Mubarak Mandi Heritage Walk Cultural · 2.5 h · from INR 800 per person
- Surinsar-Mansar Lakes Day Trip Nature · 6 h · from INR 2,500 per person
- Akhnoor Fort & Chenab Excursion Sightseeing · 5 h · from INR 2,000 per person
Where to stay in Jammu
Hotels
- Radisson Blu Jammu 5-star · INR 6,000 to INR 13,000 per night
- KC Residency 4-star · INR 5,500 to INR 12,000 per night
- Fortune Inn Riviera 4-star · INR 5,000 to INR 11,000 per night
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Jammu 4-star · INR 5,000 to INR 11,000 per night
- Hotel Asia Jammu Tawi 4-star · INR 4,500 to INR 10,000 per night
- Hari Niwas Palace 4-star · INR 5,000 to INR 11,000 per night
Where to eat
- Falak Revolving Restaurant Indian, International · about INR 1,500 per person
- Pal Dhaba Indian, North Indian · about INR 350 per person
- Apsara Restaurant Indian, Chinese · about INR 500 per person
- Hideout Cafe Cafe, International · about INR 500 per person
- The Yellow Chilli Indian, North Indian · about INR 800 per person
- Mughal Mahal Jammu Indian, Mughlai · about INR 650 per person
- Punjabi Chull Indian, North Indian · about INR 600 per person
- China Town Jammu Chinese · about INR 550 per person
Getting to Jammu
Airport: Jammu (IXJ)
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Ride Hail
- Walking