Jammu, the winter capital of J&K is a spiritual, beautiful and historical city. It is also known as the “City of Temples” and comprises old temples, royal palaces, green meadows and numerous beautiful lakes. From a pilgrimage to an adventure tour, from a family trip to a solo ride, the endless things to do in Jammu. i.e, city of Temples that will make your vacation unforgettable.
History of Jammu
Hundreds of years before Jammu turned into a bustling modern city, it was a land of Warriors. Some of its most popular stories are said to have been founded by Raja Jambulochan in the 14th century BC. The king saw an amazing thing once as he was hunting along the Tawi River: a lion and a goat were calmly drinking separately but next to each other. Confronted with the seamless symbiosis between predator and prey, he marveled: that a great city could arise from here. And thus, Jammu was born.
Over the centuries Jammu evolved into a cultural and religious site. The region was ruled by the powerful Dogra dynasty for centuries, and they built some truly captivating forts, temples and palaces. They influenced the architecture of three different regions Hindu, Mughal and European.
In the 19th century, Maharaja Gulab Singh who modernised Jammu and made it the winter capital of the princely state of J&K. Trade routes started bustling, art bloomed and pilgrims from far off places began to make their way to holy places like Vaishno Devi Temple, Shudh Mahadev Bawe Wali Mata.
Top Things to do in Jammu
Vaishno Devi Temple- Spiritual Center of Jammu
Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the holiest shrines in India and every year, millions of pilgrims come here for worship. The 12 km trek to the temple is scenic and devotional.
Timings: 24 hours, throughout the year (yatra registration mandatory)
Highlights:
- Divine experience & blessings of Goddess Vaishno Devi
- Scenic trek or pony rides
- Shops selling prasad and souvenirs
Raghunath Temple – Iconic Heritage monument
This temple complex is amongst the largest in North India and situated at the heart of the city. Made during the 19th century, it is devoted to Lord Rama & surrounded by smaller shrines of various divinities.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Bawe Wali Mata Temple – The Guardian Goddess Of Jammu
The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali, regarded as The Great Protector of Jammu and is located inside Bahu Fort. During the festival of Nine nights, The temple is jammed.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pro Tip: Club it with Bagh-e-Bahu Garden to have the complete experience.
Bagh-e-Bahu
On the other hand, Bagh-e-Bahu is a splendid garden with fountains at each step of this park on the left that runs along the Tawi river and colourful flower beds and offers some beautiful views of Jammu city. A magnificent musical fountain show is held every evening.
Aap Shambu Mandir– The Self Originated Shiva Temple
Is located in Roop Nagar, Aap Shambu MandirA famous shiv temple of self-manifested i.e Swayambhu Lord Shiva. Must visit due to the wonderful, green atmosphere and calm surroundings.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Maha Shivratri celebrations and holy water spring
Peer Ki Gali – A Picturesque Mountain Adobe
Peer Ki Gali is an exquisite hilltop pass situated at the Jammu-Srinagar highway. It remains a popular halt for nature lovers, trekkers as well as photographers.
Optimal Time: May-October
Jammu Tawi Aarti – A Spiritual Divine Journey
The Jammu Tawi River is one of the picturesque places you can visit. Priests here perform the traditional aarti with lights and chants creating a holy atmosphere which attracts many local people, as well as visitors.
Time: Takes place at a sunset, so is great for evenings.
Mansar & Surinsar Lake
A scenic and lush sanctuary is formed by the surrounding forests and verdant hills adding charm to two beautiful lakes where boating launched picnics next to photo shoots summoned brace amidst a serene setting. The local temples built on the edges of the lakes enhance an aura of spirituality.
Amar Mahal Palace Museum
The beautiful Amar Mahal, a red sandstone palace turned museum that displays royal artefacts by the serene Tawi River.
Mubarak Mandi Palace
A blend of Mughal, Rajasthani and European styles in architecture, Mubarak Mandi Palace was the royal abode of Dogra kings and now a heritage museum too.
Peer Kho Cave Temple
This ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva extends a tranquil escapade of pilgrim and heritage tourism with roots tracing centuries back to the era of Ramayana
Bhaderwah – The Mini Kashmir
Bhaderwah — A dream destination, known for its lush meadows, rolling hills and pristine rivers.
Things to Do in Bhaderwah:
- Hiking/camping in jai valley
- Go to Chinta valley and Padri pass
- Experience the Bhaderwah Fort
Jai Valley, Bhaderwah — Nature’s Paradise
Jai Valley, situated a few miles from Bhaderwah, is an unexplored but very beautiful place and is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Ideal Time: May to September for moderate climate, December to February for snowfall
Machail Mata Temple
Machail Mata Temple is situated in Paddar Valley of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Jogini Trek is an enthralling expedition amidst the serene charms of the mountains
Dagantop – The High Altitude
It is situated in District Ramban, a scenic hilltop. Perfect for bird watching, photography, snow covered peaks and mountain views. Dagantop is the perfect place for nature walks.
Dudu Basantgarh – Hidden Paradise
It is a peaceful valley with green meadows, gushing rivers, and the lifestyle of villages.
Devi Pindi – Spiritual Escape
An untouched pilgrimage surrounded by beautiful landscape. Best for a day’s trek.
Shudh Mahadev – Holy for Lord Shiva
Located near Patnitop, this Temple is said to be 700 years old temple & attracts tourists year round.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sanasar – The Adventure Hub
A meadow near Patnitop known for camping, paragliding, camping, horse riding & boating.
Kishtwar – the Abode of Sapphire and Saffron
It is home to saffron fields, sapphire mines and the Kishtwar National Park, ideal for a trek as well as spotting wildlife.
Patnitop – Evergreen Hill Station
Offers skiing in the winter, paragliding in the summer and beauty year-round.
Krimchi Temple (Pandava Temples) — 67 km from Jammu
Group of 8th –9th century temples representing the old Indo-Greek architecture.
Kol Kandoli Mata Mandir
Site of a peaceful, hilltop Vaishno Devi temple in Nagrota with worship & scenic views.
Approx 14–15 kms from Jammu
ISKCON Temple, Udhampur
Radha-Krishna temple provides spiritual solace and meditation. Approx 64 km from Jammu.
Tirupati Balaji Temple, Jammu
A gold and silver statue of Lord Venkateswara is kept at the temple’s main shrine. Numerous additional shrines at the temple are devoted to other Hindu deities.
Siar Baba
Located on the Chenab River in Reasi District standing at an elevation of 466 meters, it descends from over 100 feet making a spectacular view.
Bhimgarh Fort
Built by Raja Bhim Dev, offering heritage insights and providing panoramic views, this fort is located near Reasi.
Chenani-Nashri Tunnel – NH44
The country’s longest road tunnel in India, meant to reduce travel time on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway by at least two hours.
Best Time to Visit Jammu – Weather & Travel Guide
| Months | Weather | Ideal For | Travel Tips |
| Mar – Apr | Pleasant (15–25°C) | Temple visits, sightseeing, Jammu sightseeing, attractions in Jammu | Enjoy spring flowers, visit Jammu city tourist places, and plan outdoor trips. |
| May – Jun | Warm (25–35°C) | Hill stations like Patnitop, Sanasar; top 10 places to visit in Jammu | Carry cotton clothes & sunscreen; ideal for Jammu best places to visit. |
| Jul – Sep | Monsoon, lush greenery | Nature photography, places in Jammu | Roads can be slippery; check weather before travel. |
| Oct – Nov | Cool & clear (15–25°C) | Festivals, temple yatra, jammu famous things | Perfect for Navratri & autumn sightseeing; visit places to see in Jammu. |
| Dec – Feb | Cold (2–15°C) | Snowfall, winter hill trips, Jammu sightseeing | Pack woollens; ideal for Patnitop, Bhaderwah, and other jammu best places to visit. |
Local Festivals and Cultural Experiences in Jammu
Apart from the temples, natural beauty and other religious places Jammu is also known for its Cheer Haran festivals and the Dogra culture with its own standards. Travellers looking for a real sense of the area must experience these festivals.
Baisakhi Mela, Bhaderwah – Celebrate with Kud Dance
The Baisakhi Mela of Bhaderwah is one of the most colourful local festivals held in Jammu region, celebrated in April to commemorate the harvest season. Travelers are entertained by vibrant fairs, cultural performances, and authentic Dogra food.
The Kud dance, performed in local traditional dresses by men and women is one of the most popular events at this carnival.
Best Time To Visit: April
Mela Patt, Bhadarwah- The Cultural Fiest
Mela Patt, one of the biggest traditional festivals in this Jammu region, which equally attracts tourists and local people.
The festival also includes renditions of Kud dance and other regional folk songs, giving a vibrant picture of rural Jammu.
Best Time To Visit: August – September
Navratri & Durga Ashtami
During the period September-October (Sharavan Month), a large number of devotees flock to temples and religious places like Vaishno Devi, and Kol Kandoli Mata Mandir, to offer prayer services and take part in local cultural programs.
Best Time To Visit: September-October
Jammu Carnivals
Held in winters, it is a modern festival featuring handicrafts, local music and dance, adventure sports.
Shivratri
Special prayers and cultural performances are held at Raghunath Temple, Aap Shambu Temple, shiv khori and Shudh Mahadev, which are attended by thousands of devotees.
Bahu Mela, Jammu – Celebrate At Bahu Fort
Bahu Mela is a celebration of the local traditions of Jammu, which occurs near Bahu Fort with various folk dances, music and food stalls.The festival is a major tourist attraction and also an occasion for the locals to experience the colourful culture of Jammu.
Best Time to Visit: Oct – Nov
Chiri Mela, Jammu–Traditional Fair
Chiri Mela is a traditional spring fair celebrated in rural areas of Jammu.
Best Time to Visit: March-April
Dogra Dishes You Must Try If You Are In Jammu: The City Of Temples
Just as sightseeing is a must, so also is discovering delightful exquisite dishes in Jammu. Some of the traditional dishes and street food experiences that one must try in Jammu City:
Peerah — Rajma Chawal
Spicy kidney beans served with steamed rice and anardana chutney , a simple comforting food.
Kaladi Kulcha
Jammu’s special Fermented local cheese served with Bread.
Nandru ke Pakode
A crispy local snack, Deep fried lotus stem fritters.
Ambal
A sweet and sour curry made with pumpkin and other local spices.
Manhi
Mahni is a curry made with raw or half ripped mangoes, usually served with rice.
Kachalu Chaat
A spicy and tangy street food made up of taro roots popular among locals & tourists.
Babru
A Dogra style bread stuffed somewhat like a puri but richer in flavour.
Shakarpara
Sugar coated deep fried dumplings and a very common sweet dish in Jammu.
Madra
A traditional Dogri sweet dish prepared with dry dates, along with a mix of dry fruits, where it brings the same richness and is always served mostly during festivals.
Gulshan Naan House Amritsari Naan
Stuffed bread served hot Channe, Chutney and butter.
Suchi Puri
A deep fried, thin crispy Dogri bread usually dipped in curry or eaten as a snack during festivals.
Kud Patisa
This is a famous sweet of Jammu, perfect for desert lovers & must try in Jammu.
Chocolate Burfi
Chocolate Burfi is a new era and modernised form of Dogra sweet option, especially popular in the only popular Jammu sweet shops.
Best Markets To Visit In Jammu For Shopping
Parade Market
What to Shop: Dogra traditional wear, handicrafts, dry fruits, and local sweets.
Why to Visit: It is a busy market of Jammu city located in the core area of the city where you can buy a small souvenir and observe good hustle-bustle on streets.
Katra Market
What to Shop: Religious relics, puja materials, handicrafts, woolen goods.
Why to Visit: A perfect place for pilgrims and travelers visiting Vaishno Devi, they can shop before or even after their yatra.
Raghunath Bazaar
What to Shop: Silverware, Brass trinkets, Traditional attire and everyday snacks.
Why To Visit: The market is ideal for cultural souvenirs and handicrafts shopping situated near the famous Raghunath Temple.
Travel Tips
- Carries light woolens clothes for high-altitude trips too, even if it is summer.
- Dress modest in the temple & follow local costumes.
- Pre-Book yatra movement permits to places like Vaishno Devi, Machail Mata.
- Keep cash handy for small shops in villages & rural valleys.
FAQs – Things to Do in Jammu
Q. Which are the must-visit temples in Jammu?
Ans: Vaishno Devi, Raghunath Temple, Bawe Wali Mata, Aap Shambu, Shudh Mahadev Krimchi Temple, Kol Kandoli, Tirupati Balaji, Siar Baba.
Q. For Jammu sightseeing to how many days query of 1 day
Ans: 4–5 days for sightseeing, city attractions, hill stations, offbeat sites.
Q. Is Jammu safe for tourists?
Ans: Yes, generally safe. So always follow the safety norms and temple etiquette.
Q. Which is the best offbeat destination near Jammu?
Ans: Dudu Basantgarh, Devi Pindi, Dagantop, Bhaderwah (For scenic Serenity).
