Jammu, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is a place that combines piety with nature and ends up serving you a potpourri of every form of felicity. From the most photogenic viewpoints to a crowd of dazzling lakes to some of the most coveted temples and mosques, this place is going to enthrall you to no end.
Here is a quick synopsis of the popular and uplifting tourist places to check out in Jammu:
Vaishno Devi Mandir: Easily the most sought-after religious attraction in the state, this divine corner may be a tad inconvenient to access but holds a heavenly charm. For pilgrim lovers, the temple ruled by Goddess Vaishno is a must-see.
Ranbireshwar Temple: Its capacious premise and grandiloquent architecture promise to captivate. It cannot match the popularity of Vaishno Devi Mandir but it fetches its own crowd. Plus, you get to spend more time here especially if you visit during the lean season.
Bagh-e-Bahu: To sip the nature’s nectar, you can drop by to this garden. It is serene and holds some historical value, though if you do not love the tranquility of plain nature, you may just end up finding it as a below-par park.
Mahamaya Temple: Another temple that is worth a visit due to its opulence and religiosity. Its series of staircase is a good place to sit, relax, and catch some breath, pray and to simply spend time in the company of the divine.
Bahu Fort: History lovers should not give it a miss. It is a colossal fort (‘Bahu’ in Hindi relates to something that is titanic in its size or stature) that will delight you with its archaic world charm. The open space around also serves as a stress-buster.
Raghunath Temple: This temple is another on the must-visit list of the staunch devotees. Simple in architecture, it can be crowded and cacophonic but if you crave for that electrifying ambiance, this one is it.
Naag Mandir: Naag Mandir is a rather small and miniscule-sized temple that may not evoke awe from a passerby but will still floor you with the placidness it enfolds. Devoted to Naag Devta, it can be a pleasurable stopover as you are likely to feel at peace in this place.
Nau Devi Mandir: The Nine Devi Temple is a mix of nature and mystic. Situated on a hard-to-reach hill, this cave temple is home to nine Goddesses and is a big attraction in Jammu.
Sanasar Lake: Looking for a drive in the outskirts? Check out this lake that seems to have just dropped like dew from the cloud. Surrounding a huge meadow, the place is like a breath of fresh air you hardly find in metro cities. Another lake namely the Surinsar Lake is an alternative and is noted for its mélange of aquatic creatures.
Dogra Art Museum: Going to a new place without checking out its predecessors’ culture will be a crime on your CV. Dogra Art Museum with its stock of cultural treasures from the past can just be that eye-opener that can be rewarding to the brain and pleasant to the heart.
Baglihar Dam: Those interested in manmade structures can go explore this dam and its vicinity. Though remotely located, its milieu is breathtakingly beautiful and your eyes are bound to have a joyous time.
Mubarak Mandi Palace: It is another of those historical palaces this state seems to be littered with. Its stout and proud look finished with ornamental carvings does make it a memorable place to visit. The local shops nearby can help you shop for some souvenirs.
These are some of the reputed touristy places of mixed genre, but you can be rest assured that Jammu holds many more secrets which you can unfurl on your visit.
