Places to visit in India.... Jammu.. A city of temples...

Fast Facts

Temperature :
Summer: 39.9 -23 C
Winter: 26.2-4.3 C
Season: September to April

Clothing :
Summer- Cottons,
Winter- Heavy woollens

Languages spoken :
Hindi, English, Urdu and Dogri
STD Code: 0191

Once seat of power of the Dogra Rajas, this winter capital of the state is the leaping off point for the magnificent religious and natural attractions that lure the tourists and devotees to the other parts of the region. In Jammu you can visit beautiful temples, palaces and relics of the past and enjoy the city’s peaceful atmosphere with delightfully stunning tourist sights.

Appropriately called the City of Temples because of the profusion of shrines dotting the landscape, Jammu is a travel destination on its own right. Studded with an incredibly beautiful landscape, this southernmost unit of the state of Jammu & Kashmir nestles in the foothills of the Himalayas. 

Getting There

How would you like to travel?

AIR

The city’s airport is connected by flights from major cities of India.

RAIL

Jammu Tawi is connected by rail with major cities and places in India.

ROAD

Jammu is connected by good roads to all major places in India. 

Jammu is:

243 km from Amritsar

436 km from Chandigarh

586 km from Delhi

428 km from Manali

305 km from Srinagar

48 km from Katra

Sights to See

Raghunath Temple 

The most famous of the shrines of Jammu, Raghunath Temple is situated in the heart of the town. Dedicated to Lord Rama, this major landmark of the city consists of a cluster of temples housing gigantic statutes of deities and numerous lingams. 

Ranbireshwar Temple

One of the most famous shrines of Shiva in Jammu, Ranbireshwar Temple was built by Maharaja Ranabir Singh in 1883. Inn the temple is enshrined an eight feet long central 'Lingam'. It also enshrines twelve Shiva 'Lingams made out of crystal measuring from 15 cms to 38 cms. 

Bahu Fort 

Steeped in history, majestic Bahu Fort is one of the principal visitor attractions in Jammu. Located on the opposite bank of the Tawi River on an upland plateau, the fort is surrounded by a lush green terraced garden, with waterfalls and flowers of just about every kind and colour. It is also one of the most sought after picnic spots the city attracting picnickers in great number. 

Mubarak Mandi Palace 

An ostentatious jewel in the crown of the rulers of Jammu, the Mubarak Mandi Palace is a wonderful showpiece of architecture. This magnificent structure which once served the residential palace of the princely rulers encompasses an array of courtyards, gardens and buildings including Sheesh Mahal and pink Mahal. Within the palace complex is situated Dogra Art Gallery where you can view fine miniatures belonging to the Jammu and Basohli School of painting. 

Shrine of Pir Badhan Ali Shah 

The 'durgah' of Peer Budhan Ali Shah or Peer Baba as it is known, is visited by people of all faiths. It is said that Peer Baba, a friend of 10th Guru Gobind Singh, lived his entire life on milk alone and lived to the age of five hundred. Hence the name Budhan Ali Shah. 

Pir Khoh

Overlooking the Tawi River, the Peer Khoh cave temple is another well-known Shiva temple in Jammu.

Amar Mahal Palace Museum 

Amar Mahal Palace Museum is a sight that should not be missed when visiting Jammu. Located on the right bank of the Tawi River, this museum was once a palace built by Raja Amar Singh. Built by a French architect on the lines of a French Chateau, this architectural wonder displays beautiful paintings and several rare art collections.

Ranbir Canal

An oasis of tranquility, a visit to Ranbir Canal offers a serene escape from the daily chores of life. One of the most beautiful spots in Jammu, the place lures the local people who use it as a picnic spot. The scenic landscape, fresh and pure atmosphere will provide visitors an unforgettable experience.

Excursions

Akhnoor (32 km)

Situated on the banks of the mighty Chenab River, the picturesque and historic town of Akhnoor is associated with the legendary romance of Soni-Mahiwal. Hence romance is most definitely in the air in Akhnoor. Ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization along the riverbank are a real draw. 

Shahdra Sharief (177 km)

One of the most sacred destinations of Muslim pilgrimage, the shrine of the great Muslim saint, Pir Baba Ghulam Shah, is visited by a large number of devotees. Built in the 19th century on a beautiful hillock in Thanna Mandi area, 29 km from Rajouri town, it has great historical significance in the context of the origin of the State of Jammu & Kashmir. Thanna Mandi was the chosen stopover for the Mughals when they journeyed from Delhi to Kashmir and back. It was renowned for its woodcraft and chikri work, particularly the double-edged combs. Regular bus services are available from Rajouri and Jammu. 

Jhajjar Kotti (35 km)

Breathtakingly beautiful the idyllic tourist destination of Jhajjar Kotti in the state of Jammu and Kashmir offers an exhilarating experience. It is a famous picnic spot located on the banks of the Jhajjar rivulet. 

Purmandal- Uttar Behani (40 km)

The place is famous for its imposing rock temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and for the paintings on the walls of old buildings.

Surinsar Lake (42 km)

Emphatically not to be missed while you're in Jammu is a visit to the Surinsar Lake. Set in the midst of a dramatic landscape, this heart shaped bewitching lake, situated amid picturesque low hills, will surely captivate you.

Babor (58 km)

The spot is a famous archaeological site, known for its temples. 

Vaishnodevi (61 km)

Nestled in the lap of the mighty Trikuta Mountains, the cave shrine of Trikuta Bhagvati, popularly known as Vaishnodevi, one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in India – and indeed the world. Located at an altitude of 5,200 feet above sea level, the shrine attracts devotees from different parts of the country and the world. 

Kirimchi Temple (64 km) 

Located in a beautiful landscape, the magnificent Kirimchi Temple complex is one of the sacred sites for the Hindus. Known for its exceptional architectural and natural beauty, the group consists of five temples locally known as Pandva temples. They were built during eight-ninth century A.D.

Baba Dhansar (65 km)

Surrounded by natural Scenery this is a sacred place that is 10 km from Katra. Shivaratri is the major festival which attracts a large number of visitors. 

Jassota Sanctuary (65 km)

Occupying a small area of 3.75 sq. miles the sanctuary supports a large population of Chital, barking deer, wild boar and rhesus macaque. 

Dera Baba Banda (75 km)

A famous pilgrimage destination for the Sikhs the place, located 30 km from Katra, is an attractive spot, with a Gurudwara & Samadhi dedicated to Baba Banda Bairagi- the favorite saint soldier of Guru Gobind Singh.

Mansar Lake (80 km)

A visit to this beautiful and picturesque lake ringed by forest covered hills is a fairy tale panoramic tour. The ruins of a small old palace decorated with colourful frescoes on its banks are an added attraction. 

Holy Cave of Shiva Khori (90 km)

Located in an incredible landscape, Shiva Khori is a site of immense significance for pilgrims. 75 Km from Katra, the place can be reached after a 3 km. trek from Ransu. Shaped like Lord Shiva's Damroo, the holy cave is nearly a kilometre long and houses a 4 ft high, naturally formed ‘Shivling’. A major fair on the eve of Shivaratri is organised every year with much pomp and ceremony and large crowd gather here to pay their homage. 

Salal Dam & Lake (95 km)

The largest hydro electric project in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the dam is visited for its beautiful artificial lake that captivates tourists. 

Ramnagar (102 km)

Steeped in history, the place is one of Jammu’s greatest treasures. It is home to an impressive fort housing palace, built by Raja Suchet Singh, as well as Samadhi of Maharani who committed sati after the death of the king. 

Kud (106 km)

Located at an altitude of 1770 meters on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, the place captivates picnickers and offers a wide range of trekking options. 

Patnitop (108 km) 

A popular excursion from Jammu, Patnitop has been a huge draw card for travelers from far and wide for its natural beauty and tranquility. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests the place is perched atop a hill. The beauty of Patnitop means that a trip here should definitely be included in your Jammu’s itinerary.

Reasi (79 km)

Once the seat of the erstwhile Bhimgarh State, the town is located on the Chenab River. 

Gauri Kund (115 km)

Named after Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva, this spring is the place where she used bathe before commencing her daily prayers at Sudh Mahadev.

Billawar (120 km)

A place of religious significance, it is famous for its Mahabilkeshwar Shiva temple. 

Sudh Mahadev (120 km)

Situated at an altitude of 1225 meters near Patnitop, this sacred place is visited by pilgrims on the full moon night of "Saawan" (July-August) to worship the "Trishul" (trident) and a mace which according to tradition is said to belong to Lord Shiva. 

Mantalai (124 km)

Surrounded by lush Deodar forests, Mantalai is a few Kilometers away from Sudh Mahadev. Located at a height of over 2000 mts, it is famous for being the place where Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. 

Basohli (125 km) 

Basohli attracts visitors who come to this town in Jammu and Kashmir for a brush with history and art. The Place gave birth to the famous art of the Pahari miniatures known as Basohli Paintings. 

Batote (125 km)

The stuff of poetry and painting, Batote is situated at an altitude of 1560 metres. The bracing climate, enchanting pine forests and good spring water make Batote a famous health resort.

Sanasar (129 km)

A lush green cup-shaped meadow surrounded on all sides by the thick bands of lofty conifers on the mountain slopes, the place is ideal for adventurous spirits who can indulge in paragliding.

Sukrala Devi Temple (132 km)

Picturesquely perched on a hillock, the shrine of Sukrala Devi is located at a height of 3500 ft amidst serene surroundings.

Places to Visit In India... Chennai

Fast Facts

Temperature:
Summer: 36.4 C - 27.6 C
Winter: 27 C - 15.10 C
Season: December and January
Average Precipitation: 1,300 cm
Language spoken:
Tamil, English, Hindi
STD Code: 044

This City is often called the ‘Cultural Capital of India’ for its deep-rooted traditions and age-old heritage. A city younger than its image, Chennai has blossomed into a charming city within a span of just over 350 years. 

The city gained recognition when, in 1639, Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, agents of the English East India Company, acquired a strip of land, called Chennapatnam on lease from the Vijayanagar King. Fort St. George that serves as the Government Secretariat today was built to set up a factory serving as a nucleus for British settlements.

The city was known as Madras till 1996 and later renamed Chennai. Today this buoyant metropolis is a blend of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. Spread over 200 sq km with the Bay of Bengal on the east, the city is the gateway to the rest of South India.

How would you like to travel?

AIR

Chennai has two airports -- international and domestic. Both terminals, Anna International Airport and Kamaraj Domestic Terminal, are located at Tirusulam, about 20 km from the city centre. Regular buses, pre-paid taxis, easy cabs, radio cabs and other car rentals can be easily availed at both tairport terminals.

RAIL

Chennai Central and Egmore Station are the two major stations connecting Chennai to major parts of the country. While Chennai Central connects the city by broad gauge, Egmore is the starting point of both broad gauge and metre gauge. Several super fast, express and mail trains run regularly to different parts of the country. Tickets can be booked easily through the Indian Railways website (www.irctc.co.in) and reservation counters all over the city.

ROAD

Chennai is connected by well maintained state roads and national highways with all the important places within the state and other parts of India. The newly opened Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Salai is the largest in Asia and operates most government bus services. You can also rent cars with private tour and cab operators. Pre-paid taxis and cars are available at airports, railway stations and private tour and cab operators

GETTING AROUND

Government approved providers of Travel and Tour related services

Sights to See

Gujarati Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Mandir (Kutchery Road, Mylapore)

Gujarati Swetamber Murtipujak Jain Mandir is one of the most important Jain temples in the city. Credited to be the first Jain temple in South India with three gopurams and five doors, it is completely built of marble. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Parsvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara in Jainism.

Kapaleeswarar Temple (Mylapore) 

The replica of an underwater temple, the Kapaleeswarar Temple is extremely ancient dating back 300 years. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Shivlingam here is believed to have been set up by the Lord Brahma. The 10-day festival also attracts numerous devotees.

Santhome Cathedral Basilica (Santhome High Road, Mylapore) 

Situated to the south of Marina Beach, the Santhome Cathedral has seen several renovations with the foundation stone being laid in July 1523 for the first time. The present structure was constructed in 1896 in accordance to the Gothic style of architecture. A statue of Virgin Mary, imported from Portugal is also housed here. 

Shri Parthasarathy Temple (Triplicane)

Dating back to the 8th century, the Parthasarathy Temple was built by the Pallavas and later reformed by the Vijayanagar Kings during 11th century. Parthasarathy literally means the charioteer and thus the presiding deity is Lord Krishna. The coloured gopuram of the temple is an exquisite feature.

St. Mary’s Church 

Situated in the famous Fort St. George, the St. Mary’s Church is also called the Westminster Abbey of the East. It is the first Anglican Church in Asia and is presently preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. A unique and cunning feature of its design is a bomb-proof roof, so as to cause cannon-balls to ricochet.

Parks

Chennai Snake Park & Children’s park (Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Road) 

Situated next to the Guindy National Park, the Snake Park is a popular spot. Established in 1972, it houses a variety of snakes such as king cobra, pythons, vipers and other reptiles. There is also information about different types of snakes and the common misconceptions surrounding them. The adjacent Children’s Park has numerous rides and a play park. Timings: 8.30 am-5.30 pm; Closed: Tuesdays

Guindy National Park (Guindy) 

The Guindy National Park was earlier the property of Gilbert Rodericks used as a hunting preserve until it was bought by the then Madras Government in 1821. The National Park boasts over 24 varieties of trees, 14 types of mammals and 37 varieties of birds.

Semmozhi Poonga (Cathedral Road) 

Semmozhi Poonga, literally translated to “Classical Language Park”, is a world-class botanical garden near Anna flyover in Chennai. Recently developed by the horticulture department the garden encompasses an area of 20 acres. The garden has more than 500 species of plants in addition to the 80 pre-existing trees of which some are more than 100 years old. The garden has 22 exclusive areas including palm court, tree court, golden garden, rock garden, butterfly garden, fern garden and theme garden. It also houses 25 thematic gardens including herbals, aromatics, mazes and cascade adorn every corner of the park.

Fort St. George (Island Grounds)

Established in 1639 along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, this site is often believed to have marked the birth of the city. The Fort museum inside is decorated with cannons of Tipu Sultan and displays many interesting artefacts. Today the fort houses the Legislative Assembly with the tallest flag pole at 150 m and is known as the Secretariat Building.

National Art Gallery

Valluvar Kottam Kodambakkam (Valluvar Kottam High Road) 

The memorial of the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar is shaped like a temple chariot and is the replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. The memorial has a 33 m life-size statue of the saint and 133 chapters from Thirukkural depicted in bas-relief. The auditorium here can accommodate up to 4,000 people at a time.

Theosophical Society

The society was founded by Madame. H.P. Blavatsky and Col. H.S. Olcott of the U.S.A to study religion and philosophy. In 1892, the society moved to Chennai and was set amidst a vast expanse of woods on the estuary of Adyar. The Shrines of all Faiths, Garden of Remembrance, almost a century old library and the research centre on oriental arts are worth a visit. Above all, the largest Banyan tree, several hundred years old, is found on this campus. It spreads its branches and roots covering a space of over 40,000 sq ft giving a serene ambience.

Kalakshetra

A renowned training institute for the classical dances of India, this ‘Temple of Arts’ was founded by Rukmini Devi Arundale in 1936, to train and encourage young artists and to revive Bharatanatyam, the classical dance form of Tamil Nadu. It imparts training on various branches of theatrical art, in the ancient ‘Gurukula’ system and in sylvan surroundings. It is located at Tiruvanmiyur.

Beaches

Elliot Beach (Besant Nagar)

The favourite rendezvous of the younger generation, this was once a popular bathing beach. This beach is named after Edward Elliot, the Governor of Madras. Good roads, pavements and illuminated sands make a visit to this beach a real pleasure.

Marina Beach 

The 13 km long Marina Beach forms the city’s east coast, from Fort St. George to Mamallapuram and is one of the longest beaches in the world. Numerous statues of famous personalities adorn the roadside along the beach.

Shopping

Anna Salai 

The Anna Salai market is famous for the government-run handicraft shops interspersed with swanky malls. The souvenirs sold here are sometimes expensive due to the fact that they have been sourced from all over India.

• Spencer Plaza (Anna Salai, Mount Road) 
• Express Avenue Mall, Royapettah
• Chennai Citi Centre (Mylapore) 
• Ampa Skywalk, Aminjikarai

Pondy Bazaar (Thyagaraya Road) 

Pondy Bazaar is a long road with endless makeshift shops right on the pavement. Elegant footwear, leather bags, crockery, toys, costume jewellery, cotton garments, stationary, posters of anything and anyone, music accessories, stuffed toys, plastic household goods and almost anything under the sun is available here.

Burma Bazaar (Rajaji Salai)

All sorts of imported goods ranging from electronic gadgets to readymade items and perfumes are available in Burma Bazaar. Almost all kinds of goods can be bought here at reasonable prices. 

Ranganathan Street 

Ranganathan Street is a shopper’s paradise and a foodie’s feast. From pavement shops to food joints this street is heaven for bargainers. 

George Town 

The George Town market is famous for being the wholesale centre of Chennai. 

Egmore Street 

With its myriad street stalls, Egmore Street is the ultimate destination for bargain hunting.

T Nagar Market 

The busiest market in Chennai, it is the main hub for silk saris and gold in the region. Always busy, crowded and most colourful, it is the biggest market area in South India.