A Slice of Mountain Paradise: 15 Most Intriguing Things to do in Jammu

On the Northernmost end of India, you will find the enchanting land of Jammu with its breathtaking temples and alluring spiritual energy. Nestled between the lofty Himalayan ranges, there are a lot of things to do in Jammu on your vacation. This beautiful place offers you tranquil bliss amidst the rolling valleys, snow-laden mountains, and olive pine forests. Beyond the temples, you can indulge in historic site-seeing, go on treks, and even go skiing when the snow engulfs the hidden valleys in peak winters. The gushing waters from the waterfalls and the panoramic vistas will leave an indelible mark on the soul. 

Jammu is a symphony of nature’s magnificence, spiritual serenity, and cultural abundance. It is a place where one can lose themselves in the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, find solace in the hallowed temples, and create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Tourism in Jammu is slowly picking up, seeing how it has been declared a Union territory pretty recently. Travel enthusiasts are looking beyond Kashmir to explore unique things to do in Jammu.  

If you are looking to visit Jammu soon, book your rooms in advance to avoid hassle when you reach the place. Treebo Hotels offer some of the best deals for your rooms that are also in close vicinity to the Jammu Tourist Places.

We have a list of 15 worthwhile things to do in Jammu during this holiday season. Pick the ones that best suit your interests and compile a travel itinerary to have the best time of your life in the most enthralling place in the country! 

The Best Things to Do in Jammu 

1 – Appreciate the defensive strategy at Bhimgarh Fort

Bhimgarh Fort is an impressive defensive foothold from the past that will fascinate you with its Mughal -Rajputi architectural style. It is about 150 meters above ground level and offers a breathtaking view of the Jammu surroundings. It is one of the places to visit near Jammu

because of its intricate designs and expert craftsmanship that was behind making this marvel. `Built by Maharaja Rishipal Rana, the initial layout of the place was made out of clay and later the brick and cement structure was constructed in its place. 

Location: 3RGM+RJP, Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir 182311
Entry Fee: Free

2 – Take a dip in the Mansar Lake

The Mansar Lake is known for its pristine waters that reflect the bright blue color of the Jammu skies. The lush green surroundings add more natural glamour to the already awe-inspiring location. Stretch across 124 acres, the lake is one of the tourist places in Jammu where you can go boating, have a cozy picnic, or indulge in bird watching. Taking a dip in the waters of Mansar is one of the mandatory things to do in Jammu. People believe this will bring your household a lot of good luck. 

Location: M4WW+P8Q, V.P.O & Tehsil : Majalta Distt. Udhampur Majalta, Jammu and Kashmir 182127
Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

3 – Witness panoramic visages from Bahu Fort

Visiting Bahu Fort is one the best things to do in Jammu. The fort still stands strong and shows you a glimpse of the defensive strategies that our ancestors employed to save their kingdoms. It is situated on the banks of the Tawi River and offers stunning panoramic visages of the city and the surrounding landscapes. It is a great place to spend a few hours with friends, family, and partners. On the premises, you will find the Bawe Wali Mata Temple, which houses Goddess Kali. 

Location: Bahu Fort, Gorkha Nagar, Jammu, 180006
Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10

4 – Seek blessings at Vaishno Devi Temple

Now, one of the main things to do in Jammu is to visit Vaishno Devi Temple. Not just from India, people come from across the world to seek blessings from the deity in this magnificent shrine. From the base camp in Katra, you will have to trek 13 km to reach the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple. It houses Goddess Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi. It is said that whoever embarks on a journey to this spiritual place will be blessed with all his wishes and beyond. The Goddess is known to provide great riches, welfare, and good health to her devotees. 

Location: PVMC+3PQ, Pir Mitha Mastgarh, Pakki Dhaki, Old Heritage City, Jammu, 180001
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

5 – Marvel at the architecture of Raghunath Temple 

Raghunath Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is a cultural hub that is not just revered as a spiritually significant place but also houses several ancient scriptures and manuscripts. Along with the main temple space, you can find a museum and library here. The Temple attracts tourists from across the world, and one of the reasons is its Rajuputi Architectural style with Mughalai finishing touches. Built in the 19th Century, it is the biggest temple to exist in the region, and visiting it remains to be one of the main things to do in Jammu.

Location: PVJ6+6Q5, Raghunath mandir Chowk Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

6 – Mythologically important Surinsar Lake

Meet the twin of Mansar Lake! The Surinsar Lake is the best place to see in Jammu if you are interested in mythological tales. This enchanting water body is also called ‘Arjuna’s Arrow’ or ‘Ban Talaab’. According to the story, when the Pandavas were in exile, Arjuna shot an arrow into the ground to create a lake that will eliminate the water scarcity in the region. Another story also goes that Lord Shiva slayed the demon Jalandhara whose remains fell on earth and created a depression. And here, water seeped out to form Surinsar Lake. Keeping the authenticity of the tales aside, the lake offers a splendid view and a serene environment to relax. 

Location: Surinsar Lake, Buttal, Jammu, 180017
Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

7 – Dine at a cafe at Natha Top

The majestic beauty of the Natha Top attracts tourists from across the country and happens to be the most beautiful place to visit in Jammu. From an impressive elevation, you can see the snow-laden mountains, white and glistening valleys, the green vegetation that peaks underneath the fresh snow, and more! The visitors can come here to click some ethereal pictures, have a gala time in the cold environment, and also explore some very fine cafes present there. You have to take a short trek from Patnitop, Jammu, to reach the Natha Top. 

Location: Chowk Chabutra, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free (Travel Guide charges may apply)

Nature lovers can also read – Beyond the Geography Textbooks: 12 Astounding Natural Wonders in India

8 – Trek to the Shivkori Temple

A small trek through the lush green hills will take you to one of the best places to see in Jammu. With a height of 150 meters, the Shiv Kori cave temple has many stalactites and stalagmite formations that are considered to be holy. The best part is the naturally formed 4-feet Swayambhu Lingam which is considered to be very powerful. People come here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and free them from sin and worldly attractions.

Location: 5JF9+GWX, Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir 185201
Timings: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Summers); 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Winters)
Entry fee: Free; Special Aarti and Abhishek – INR 2100 per individual.  

9 – Hail the female freedom fighter at Mahamaya Temple

The Mahamaya temple is one of the unique Jammu places to visit this season. The shrine is not built for any Hindu deity but is home to one of the most courageous female freedom fighters in the past. Mahamaya belonged to the Dogra clan and fought against foreign invasions many centuries ago. The temple celebrated the strength of Indian women. Also, it is present on a hilltop offering breathtaking views of the Jammu valley. If you visit Bahu Fort, you will easily find the Mahamaya Temple behind it. 

Location: VJR+66H, Maha Maya Path, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180017
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

10 – Countryside views from Akhnoor Fort

Akhnoor Fort stood strong through the rule of 3 different dynasties – the Dogras, the Mughals, and the Sikhs. It is one of the finest examples of world-class architecture and cultural art. The fort is known for its strategic bastions, watch tower and beautiful courtyards. You can come here to witness the natural visage of the Jammu countryside. The inner halls, well-designed arches, intricate carvings on the walls, and the leftover ruins will show you the grandeur of ancient India. 

Location: Akhnoor Fort, Jammu, and Kashmir 181201
Timings: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

11 – Witness the grandeur of Sheesh Mahal

Mirror Mirror on the wall, is this place the most beautiful of them all? Well, you’d say ‘yes’ if you see Sheesh Mahal. It is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Jammu because of the shining grandeur, reflecting lights, and thousands of mirrors that adorn the walls. The Palace was built by Raja Ram Singh in the 1880s. You will find perfect mural paintings hanging in the halls that depict scenes from Mahabharata and Ramayana. Moreover, the palace’s hanging chandeliers and subtle furniture also add to its glamour and magnificence. 

Location: Panjtirthi, Jammu, 180001
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

12 – Explore the history at Dogra Art Museum

If you are a history buff, then visiting the Dogra Art Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Jammu. It takes you back to the times when the Dogra dynasty ruled over the Jammu land. The museum houses several displays, including sculptures, manuscripts, paintings, currency coins, and textiles. With 7000+ objects to see, you can easily spend about 2 hours in this place. The Pahari miniature paintings from Basohli are the main attractions.

Location: Panjtirthi, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10

13 – Get the luxurious vibes at Mubarak Mandi Palace

Mubarak Mahal is a palace that hosts several other palaces within its boundaries. The famous construction is one of the main attractions in the city and is certainly the most liked place to visit in Jammu. It served as the Royal Residence for the next of kin of the ruling dynasties till 1925. Later, it was completely made a tourist hotspot. Inside Mubarak Mandi, you will find the Pink Palace, Rani Charak Palace, and Nawa Mahal. You can get the best views of the Tawi River from the windows of the grand halls. Also, this palace is situated in the heart of Jammu, clearly spottable. 

Location: VQF+PRJ, Panjtirthi, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

14 – Serene walk in Baag-e-Bahu

Like Gardens? Then you should not miss out on this well-manicured green wonder within the walls of the Bahu Fort. The Baag-e-Bahu is a very gorgeous garden that lets you walk around in silence and appreciate the beauty of nature. You have seating benches, walking tracks, and a small cafeteria to pick up some coffee and snacks. Visitors can enjoy the Jammu weather while they stay within the comfort of the parrot green foliage. It is a great place to spend quality time with your loved ones and friends. 

Location: Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-bahu, near hanuman mandir, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180006
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 5

15 – Festival of lights at Peer Kho Cave

Peer Kho Cave is a natural formation that houses a Shiva linga. The saint, Peer Kho Baba, is believed to have meditated for several years in the same place, and thus, this temple is named after him. The devotees offer flowers, fruits, and other decorations to celebrate the serenity and palpable spiritual energy in the place. The big courtyard is decorated with hundreds of diyas during the Diwali festival. If you are planning to visit Jammu during Diwali, do not forget to be a part of the celebrations at Peer Kho Temple

Location: Peer Kho, Jammu, 180001
Timings: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

You can keep searching for the best things to do in Jammu, and something new will pop up every single time! The place has so much to offer. Without any further delay, book your tickets and visit this mesmerizing location soon!