Places to visit in Jammu

• Vaishno Devi temple: Above all, a pilgrimage that holds great significance to Hindus is the 12km trek to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi from the base camp at Katra. There is good connectivity to this famous temple through Jammu to Katra train. If convenience and time-saving is a priority for you, opt for the quick, eight-minute helicopter flight from Katra to Sanjichhat, located 2.5km from the main temple.
• Bahu Fort: Against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Jammu’s historic temples and palaces resound tales of its rich past. Head to Bahu Fort, known to be the oldest fortification in the city of Jammu, to acquaint yourself with the city’s history. Built by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago, the fort is also home to a temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, the presiding deity of Jammu. And, don’t be surprised if you notice city folk flocking to its surrounding terraced gardens; it’s a favourite picnic spot that buzzes with activity in the evenings.
• Amar Mahal: Another landmark to bookmark among places to visit in Jammu is the 19th-century brick mansion of the Dogra maharajas called Amar Mahal. The palace serves as a museum that allows you access to its famed courts and the Maharani’s chambers in their current form. Stepping into the Maharani’s chambers at Amar Mahal will cost an extra fee. But what makes it worth your while is a portrait of Queen Victoria on the wall and a peek into the bathroom that still houses her perfume collection.
• Dogra Art Museum: From Amar Mahal, make a trip to Dogra Art Museum to see 9th-century bronzes, armaments and Pahari miniature paintings from Basholi. The museum is in the palace of Mubarak Mandi, the royal residence of Dogra rulers till 1925. Today, its elaborate and Mughal-style courts stand as ruins on the banks of the Tawi river. The central railway station is also known as ‘Jammu Tawi’.

High-end shopping/luxury shopping/shopping malls in Jammu

• City Square
• Devi Dutta Mall
• Shoppers Paradise
• Mini Shopping Complex
• Anju Jamwal Shopping Complex
• Ajay Shopping Complex

Street shopping in Jammu

• Raghunath Bazaar is a historic market in the old city is known to be over 100 years old. What started as a congregation of shops selling prasad to the people heading to Shri Raghunath Ji Temple slowly turned into a bustling marketplace, known for everything from sarees and carpets to sweets and dried fruits. 

• But if you’re looking for the famous Jammu walnuts, the one place you must visit is Hari Market. Every other shop here is full of walnuts, if not the region’s handicrafts and Dogra jewellery. Foodies can snack on the market’s street food: kachalu, gulgule and rajma kulcha. 

• Poshish, a handloom store run by the Government of J&K at various locations in the town, offers a variety of traditional items. Pashmina shawls, linen suits, silk sarees, cotton kurtis, are among the many things you can take back home.

Shri Raghunathji Temple

For millions of pilgrims, a trip to Jammu is nothing less than a journey of a lifetime. Seek blessings from Hindu deities at the Shri Raghunathji Temple, situated in North India’s most massive temple complex in the heart of the old city. The temple comprises seven magnificent shrines, each with a tower of its own.

Mansar Lake

Around 60km away from Jammu is the picturesque Mansar Lake, where married couples seek the blessings of Sheshnag, the lord of serpents whose shrine is on its eastern bank. Performing three circumambulations (parikrama) around the lake is a good omen for the couples. Regardless of that, the lake is an ideal spot for boating on a breezy evening.

Patnitop

Make a trip to Patnitop, Jammu’s very own Gulmarg that offers perfect picnic spots, peaceful walkways and breathtaking views of the towering Himalayas. In January and February, the place hosts skiing courses for beginners, so make sure not to drop that from your itinerary. With a 262 km distance between Jammu to Srinagar, you can even plan an extended trip to witness the stunning Dal Lake.

Nightlife/party places in Jammu

• Saqi Bar
• Inferno
• Baron
• Kwality Restaurant And Bar
• Ashoka Bar And Restaurant
• Kc Pub And Restaurant

Lohri

The city comes together to celebrate the festival of Lohri which falls on 13 January. With singing and dancing marking the festival, a bonfire is lit and every house wears a festive look.