Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas, with the picturesque river Tawi flowing alongside, stands the land that Raja Jambu Lochan discovered one day while he was hunting. Legend has it that he suddenly came upon a clearing where he saw a sight that left him speechless.
A tiger and a goat stood side by side drinking water from the same place in the Tawi river. He was so struck by this unsual sight that he decided to build a city on this soil where no-living creature seemed to bear enmity towards each other.
Today, as if in testimony, the city of Jammu is popularly known as the "City of Temeples". Innumerable temples and shrines with glittering "Shikhars" soar into the sky, like caretakers of the city, creating the ambience of a truly holy city.
Tourist Attractions
- Amar Mahal Palace
- Mubarak Mandi Palace
- Dogra Art Gallery
- Mahamaya Temple
- Temple of Bawey Wali Mata
Shopping
Shopping in Jammu shares a charmingly contradictory aspects where among the age-old dry fruit shops, you'll find designer boutiques that display the very latest in fashion and fashion accessories. Here the main bazaars - Vir Marg, Raghunath Bazaar and Hari Market - are famous for Kashmiri handicrafts, traditional Dogra jewellery and various dry fruits, chiefly walnuts ('akhrot') and almonds. Jammu is also known for the superlative quality of its 'basmati' rice, 'rajma' (red beans), 'ampapar' (dried and candied mango peel), 'anardana' (dried pomegranate seeds) and 'barfi' (milk sweets). For purchasing authentic Kashmiri handicrafts, one can visit the J&K Government Arts Emporium near the Tourist Reception Centre on Residency Road. The emporium displays and sells a wide variety of handicrafts, including Pashmina shawls and exquisite hand-knotted carpets of silk and wool. While shopping in Jammu and Kashmir, be on the look out for:While shopping in Jammu and Kashmir, be on the look out for:
- Pashmina shawls, Pherans and Tweeds
- Woolen carpets
- Woven willow baskets
- Brass and Silverware
- Woolen carpets
- Silk and embroidery works
- Wood carvings and furniture, boxes and other decorative items made of wood
- Wall hangings with naqqashi work
Where to Stay:
While choosing where to live, be very careful! In the most places there is no hot water (you will get it only by ordering beforehand). It is necessary to check everything, including the presence of bed-linen.
- Asia Jammu Tawi
- Country Inn Suites
- Hotel Jammu Ashok
- Hotel K.C Residency
- Hari Niwas Palace
How to reach Jammu Kashmir
By Air
Indian Airlines operates scheduled services from Jammu to Delhi - and Srinagar/ Leh. Jammu airport is 8 kms from the city centre. ModiLuft also operates services between Jammu- Delhi and Jammu - Srinagar.
By Rail
Jammu Tawi is an important railhead of the Norther Railways serving the Jammu and Kashmir State. The trains operating to/from Jammu are : Malwa Express, Super Fast, Jammu Mail, Jammu Express, Shalimar Express, Sealdah Express, Jhelum Exoress, Himgiri Express, Himsagar Express Lohit Express, Sarwodaya Express, Happa Express, Navyug Express, Gorakhpur Express, Barauni Express, Madras Express, Rajdhani Express and Ferozpur Express.
By Road
Jammu falls on Natinoal Highway 1-A and is connected by national highway network to all parts of the country.
Some important road distances are : Amritsar - 243 kms, Chandigarh - 436 kms , Delhi - 586 kms., Katra - 48 kms, Srinagar - 305 kms, Manali - 428 kms, Patnitop - 112 kms. Mansar - 60 kms.
