15

Unexplored Places Near Jammu

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 9:00 PMPrime Day & Hours: Tuesday and Saturday; Early Morning or Late EveningSuggested Duration: 1-2 daysTickets: Online and OfflineNearest Railway Station: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, 18 kms awayNearest Airport: Jammu Airport (IXJ), 65 kms awayNearest Bus Stop: Katra Bus Stand 17 kms awayVaishno Devi is a famous temple located in the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, India, dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, a form of Goddess Durga. Many people include a visit to this temple in their Kashmir Tour Packages to seek the goddess's blessings for peace, prosperity, and good fortune. The temple is at a height of more than 5,000 feet, and pilgrims usually walk around 12 kilometres from the base camp in Katra to reach it. Visitors can also use ponies, palanquins, or helicopters to reach the temple.The temple features a natural cave where the goddess is believed to reside in the form of three sacred rocks. Vaishno Devi is an important spiritual destination, attracting millions of visitors every year who come to pray and experience the divine atmosphere.

Opening Hours: Monday: Sunday (06:00 AM - 08:00 PM)Prime Day & Hours: Mondays, especially during morning and evening aartiSuggested Duration: 1 hourTickets: Free EntryNearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station, 5.5 km awayNearest Airport: Jammu Airport (Satwari Airport), 7.6 km awayNearest Bus Stop: Jammu Bus Stand, 500 metersRanbireshwar Temple is one of the most significant Shiva temples in Jammu. Built in 1883 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh and dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is a key spiritual site included in many Kashmir Tour Packages. The temple is renowned for its massive 8-foot-tall Shiva Lingam, which is made of black stone. Additionally, it houses 12 crystal Shiva Lingams, each measuring between 15 cm and 38 cm, placed in two parallel rows inside the complex. The temple’s sanctum and surrounding halls are adorned with numerous smaller Shiva Lingams, enhancing its spiritual aura.Located on Shalimar Road, the temple offers a serene atmosphere for devotees and visitors. It is a major pilgrimage site, especially during Mahashivaratri, when devotees gather to offer prayers. With its traditional architecture and deep religious significance, Ranbireshwar Temple stands out among the top places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.Must-Try Experiences:1. Offer Prayers to the 8-Foot Shiva Lingam: The temple’s main highlight is its massive 8-foot Shiva Lingam, where devotees perform rituals like Abhishekam (holy bathing) with milk, water, and honey. This sacred offering is believed to bring blessings, peace, and prosperity. The spiritual energy surrounding the Lingam makes it a must-see attraction for visitors.2. Witness the Unique Crystal Lingams: The temple houses 12 crystal (Sphatik) Shiva Lingams, which are rare and considered highly sacred in Hinduism. Arranged in two parallel rows, these Lingams radiate a divine glow when sunlight filters through the temple, creating a mesmerizing experience. Many believe that meditating near these crystal Lingams enhances spiritual well-being.3. Attend the Grand Mahashivaratri Celebrations: If you visit during Mahashivaratri, you can witness the temple’s most vibrant festival, attracting thousands of devotees. The temple is beautifully decorated, and special prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and rituals take place throughout the day and night. Being part of this celebration is one of the most enriching things to do in Jammu, offering a deep insight into the region’s religious4. Explore the Intricate Architecture and Ancient Sculptures: The temple’s architecture reflects the grandeur of Dogra rule with its traditional design and intricate carvings. Exploring the temple’s walls, sculptures, and deity idols gives a glimpse into the rich history and devotion behind its construction. Observing the details of the temple adds a cultural and historical dimension to your visit.

Opening Hours: April to September. 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM. October to March. 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Prime Day & Hours: Friday to Sunday 10 AM- 1 PMSuggested Duration: 2-3 hoursTickets: Offline at Ticket OfficeNearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi, ~8 km awayNearest Airport: Jammu (IXJ) Airport, ~10 km awayNearest Bus Stop: Jammu Bus Stand, ~3 km awayAmar Mahal Palace, which is situated on the banks of the Tawi River, provides breathtaking views of the Shivalik Hills. This French-chateau-style mansion, which was constructed in 1862, is now a museum that displays art and royal history. While touring this attraction with Kashmir tour packages, you can see the magnificent Durbar Hall inside, which is adorned with murals from Hindu epics and portraits of Dogra kings. Spot the spectacular 120 kg Golden Throne set behind protective glass panels. You can also tour the extensive library, which contains over 25,000 old books on philosophy, religion, and politics. On your tour, you can admire the outstanding collection of rare artworks, which includes works by well-known painters like Laxman Pai, Ram Kumar, Bikash Battacharjee, and M.F. Hussain. Stroll around the wooden-framed passageways of the palace, explore the stunningly designed halls, and admire the gorgeous French windows. Also, you can attend lectures, cultural programs, talks, and exhibitions here that will help you learn more about Jammu's history. Must-Try ExperiencesWitness the Golden ThroneEnter the museum to see the beautiful Dogra monarchs' throne, which weighs 120 kg of pure gold when visiting Kashmir in December​. This artwork, which is housed in a safe glass chamber and is decorated with golden lions, captures the beauty of Jammu's glorious heritage. Its historical significance and exceptional craftsmanship make it a major attraction to explore in Jammu and Kashmir.Walk Through the Durbar HallAdmire the vast array of royal portraits and paintings based on Hindu epics when you enter the magnificent Durbar Hall. The intricate paintings tell stories from the Mahabharata and Nala Damayanti, immersing you in the regional history, culture, and legends. Discover Rare Art CollectionsYou can uncover a remarkable selection of works by well-known Indian artists, including Laxman Pai, M.F. Hussain, and G.R. Santosh. This collection of paintings displays India’s rich artistic history. For art lovers, these timeless treasures are kept safe at the museum and provide an inspiring visual trip through various styles and eras.Explore the Antique LibraryYou can enter the palace's enormous library, which has 25,000 old works on philosophy, theology, politics, and literature. If you are a history and literature enthusiast, enjoying the preserved manuscripts and rare editions here is one of the things to do in Jammu.Enjoy Panoramic Views of Tawi RiverAdmire breathtaking vistas of the Tawi River and Shivalik Hills as you stroll along the palace's picturesque balconies. Peaceful surroundings and architectural elegance make this historical site ideal for photography and relaxation.