How to rightfully savor Jammu in a week? Tales from a trail lover

Never been to Jammu? You're missing out on a holy land! A place like Jammu holds beauty beyond all imagination. Those who have visited Jammu describe it as being like heaven. Here is what you should include in your itinerary if you are doing Jammu for the very first time to blissfully savor a small piece of this magnificent heaven.

Off-beat attractions in and around Jammu valley for sore eyes

Jammu is one such place where you can find tranquility at every nook and corner. The place is brimming with beauty and there is beauty all around. The top attractions that you must visit in Jammu if you are traveling for the first time are as follows:

Pleasure your eyes

Kashmir is a place to be if you are a nature enthusiast, Jammu is nowhere behind and is a treat for sore eyes. Make sure to include Baag-e-Bahu as a part of your travel itinerary to see some delightful scenic beauty on your Jammu excursion. You can also find an aquarium inside the garden housing 400 different varieties of species.

Treat your eyes by treading through the mesmerizing hill views of Purmandal. The place offers captivating views of the valley and mountains in their wildest form. Enjoy a plate full of authentic Jammu delicacies such as Dum Aloo, Rogan Josh, and extra spicy lamb-based curry alongside saffron rice. Also, you can find a number of resorts here to have a lavish stay in Jammu.

Famous Pilgrimage destinations in Jammu

Jammu offers the most sacred experience for all devotees from across the nation as one can pay homage to one of the most sacred Hindu temples, the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple Shrine. Devotees have to trek to reach here as the temple is nestled at an elevation of 5200 ft above sea level. This cave-style temple is a revered pilgrimage destination and is an abode of the Goddess Mahalakshmi. It is widely believed that whatever you wish here is granted by the Almighty. Although the caves remain closed and entry into the cave is not allowed now, one can still seek blessings from the divine goddess.

Yet another pilgrimage spot in Jammu is the Raghunath Temple, built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th Century. The striking amalgamation of Sikh and Mughal architecture makes the place quite gripping. Not only this but one would also find bewitching paintings inside the temple compound depicting characters of Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavad Geeta.

Other places of spiritual importance you could visit in Jammu are as follows: Shiv Khori, cherished for its Swayambhu lingam and is yearly flocked by devotees from across the nation, Dudhdhari mandir, famous for its serene surroundings, and Ranbireshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Monumental Galore

If you are in Jammu, there are two fascinating places that you must visit. The first historical monument is the Bhimgarh Fort, located 150 meters above ground level and on a hilltop. This monument has seen the test of time and has undergone reconstruction led by Maharaja Rishipal Rana. Taking a stroll through the premises is surely going to be gripping as the fort is amid picturesque valleys and hills.

Another galvanic monument in Jammu is the Bahu Fort, famous for its Mahakali temple, this place is visited by numerous devotees throughout the year. There is a nominal entry fee to access the insides of this fort which includes the Kali mata temple as well. The fort is open from 5 am to 10 pm.

Other monuments and places to visit are Akhnoor fort, Poonch fort, and Sheesh Mahal.