Located in Jammu and Kashmir state of India, Jammu region is known for its enchanting mountains. This place is primarily known for Vaishno Devi Temple, which holds important religious significance for Hindus. But that is not all it offers in terms of attractions, this list of best places to visit in Jammu will let you know all the options you have and must be in your bucket list if you are planning an escape to this part of Heaven on Earth!
The attractions listed come with all the efficient tourist information such as timing, entry fee etc. so you don’t have to browse through the internet to learn more about it.
26 Best Places To Visit In Jammu In 2024
So, here goes a list of some of the best places to visit in Jammu that will make sure that you have a complete vacation to this beautiful city. There is everything from markets to temples to forts and lakes. So, sit back, and enjoy reading as we try to give you a heads up on your trip expectations to Jammu.
- Vaishno Devi Temple – A Popular Site
- Raghunath Temple – A Major Hindu Shrine
- Bahu Fort – The Walls That Have Survived
- Peer Kho Cave – The Oldest One
- Bhimgarh Fort – Travel Back In Time
- Baag-e-Bahu – Stroll Around Nature
- Manda Zoo – Perfect For Family Vacation
- Amar Mahal Palace – Where Legend Lies
- Mubarak Mandi Palace – Place Of Royals
- Sidhra Golf Course – A Scenic Getaway
- Ranbireshwar Temple – Welcome Spiritual Powers
- Dogra Art Museum – Witness Some Fine Art
- Rajender Park – A Natural Beauty
- Shiv Khori – Witness God’s Miracle
- Dudhadhari Mandir – The Highest In The City
- Raghunath Bazaar – Find Local Items
- Sheesh Mahal – A Royal Heritage
- Purmandal – For Life In A Village
- Akhnoor Fort – Witness Historical Times
- Surinsar Lake – For The Natural Splendor
- Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary – A Perfect Natural Abode
- Baba Dhansar – A Holy Place
- Dargah Garib Shah – A Symbol Of Harmony
- Mahamaya Temple – For Gallantry Tales
- Poonch Fort – With Glorious Past
- Bhairo Baba Temple – Hear The Amazing Story
1. Vaishno Devi Temple – A Popular Site
Image Credit: SUDEEP PRAMANIK for Wikipedia Commons
Vaishno Devi Temple is among the most visited Hindu shrines in the world, millions of pilgrims visit this temple each year. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and as per the belief whatever you wish for here gets granted. The cave-styled temple is located at an altitude of 5200 ft above sea level, so people have to trek to the top from a point. Other than walking you can also opt for helicopter services, pony ride or palanquin to reach Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the best places to visit in Jammu. All in all, if you are looking for the best places in Jammu, Vaishno Devi Temple is ideal for you.
Entry fee: None
Timing: 5 pm – 12 pm, 4 pm – 9 pm
Famous for: Being the most important pilgrimage site in the union of J&K
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2. Raghunath Temple – A Major Hindu Shrine
Image Credit: SUDEEP PRAMANIK for Wikimedia Commons
Another highlight in our list of places to see in Jammu is Raghunath Temple. The complex dates back to the beginning of the nineteenth century when it was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Each of the temples in the complex has a similar spire, differentiated by height. The architectural style here seems to show a blend of Sikh and Mughal styles. Other than the facade and overall look of the temples, the paintings inside them catch the attention as they depict chapters of Mahabharat, Bhagavad Geeta, and Ramayana.
Entry fee: None
Timing: 6 am – 8 pm
Famous for: The temple complex consisting of seven different Hindu shrines
3. Bahu Fort – The Walls That Have Survived
Image Credit: Tejan gupta for Wikimedia Commons
An important addition to any Jammu sightseeing session is the Bahu Fort. Dating back to the 18th century this fort was built by Raja Gulab Singh of Dogra Empire. It is located at the opposite of Jammu’s Old Town, at an elevation of 325 meters and counted among the top places of interest in Jammu. The thick fortified walls of the structure are built using black mortar and lime. Though there are many attractions inside the Bahu Fort, the most famous one is Mahakali Temple which was built back in the eighth century.
Entry fee: INR 10 per person
Timing: 5 am – 10 pm
Famous for: The Goddess Kali temple inside the fort
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4. Peer Kho Cave – The Oldest One
Peer Kho Cave is a temple, which indeed is mentioned as a highlight in Jammu Kashmir tourist places list. The temple is among the oldest in the city and as per the archaeological records, it was built in the fifteenth century when Raja Ajaib Dev was in the reign. The massive courtyard of the temple is what grabs the attention, especially when it is lit during the celebration of different Hindu festivals such as Diwali.
Entry fee: None
Timing: 5 am – 7 pm
Famous for: The magnificent sights of spirituality where sadhus are totally in their zone and being the oldest temples in the city
5. Bhimgarh Fort – Travel Back In Time
When speaking of Jammu attractions, Bhimgarh Fort is mentioned often. This hill fort is perched 150 meters above ground and there are different attractions here, including a temple, pond and opulent rooms. In its initial days, it was built using clay and was later reconstructed using stones, by Maharaja Rishipal Rana. A visit to this remnant will make you travel back in time, leaving you in utter awe.
Entry fee: None
Timing: 10 am – 5 pm
Famous for: The fort tells stories of bravery through years of conquest
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6. Baag-e-Bahu – Stroll Around Nature
Prettified with hues of different flowers, Baag-e-Bahu is located beside the Tawi River. You have dedicated walkways in the garden letting you stroll and connect with the essence of nature. Locals and tourists come over here for picnics and photography. This is among the famous places in Jammu owing to its scenic charm and also fish-shaped aquarium as well as the public gallery. The aquarium boasts of housing about 400 different varieties of fish. Hence, if you are looking for the best picnic spot in Jammu, Baag-e-Bahu is the place to be.
Entry fee: INR 5 per person
Timing: 6 am – 8 pm
Famous for: The perfect natural splendor in J&K
7. Manda Zoo – Perfect For Family Vacation
Image Credit: PrasanPadale for Wikimedia Commons
This is one of the places to visit in Jammu in winter, Manda Zoo is a perfect escape especially if you are travelling with children. This captivating attraction ranks in the top 10 places to visit in Jammu. Though this is spread over a rather small area, the list of exhibits here is actually long. Hog deer, porcupine, leopard, barn owl, sambhar, python, and black partridge are among the creatures you can expect to spot here in this zoo, making it one of the adventurous sightseeing places in Jammu.
Entry fee: INR 20 per person
Timing: 9 am – 6 pm (Tuesday closed)
Famous for: The immense biodiversity and to find mental solace
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8. Amar Mahal Palace – Where Legend Lies
An iconic landmark in the city of Jammu, Amar Mahal Palace has a rich history to flaunt. The palace was built in the nineteenth century by a French architect after it was commissioned by a Dogra ruler, Raja Amar Singh. Today it has been converted into a museum, serving as one of the major Jammu attractions.
The museum exhibits miniature paintings, books, art collection and a golden throne that weighs 120 kgs. Right from the facade to interiors and even the location is brilliant here, as the palace is built right beside the stunning Tawi River. So, if you are looking for the best places to explore in Jammu, do not forget to add Amar Mahal Palace to your itinerary.
Entry fee: INR 10 per person
Timing: 10 am – 12 pm, 3 pm – 7 pm
Famous for: The awesome French architecture
9. Mubarak Mandi Palace – Place Of Royals
The grand residence of the then Maharaja of Jammu Kashmir, Mubarak Mandi Palace can be spotted from a distance. The oldest structure in the complex dates back to 1824, after which other structures were added gradually. The palace served as the resident of the royals till 1925, and today it is a major tourist attraction portraying a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, and Baroque (European) styles of architecture. There are several attractions inside, such as the Pink Palace, Gol Ghar Complex, Rani Charak Palace and Nawa Mahal.
Entry fee: None
Timing: 10 am – 6 pm
Famous for: One of the exotic royal properties
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10. Sidhra Golf Course – A Scenic Getaway
Image Credit: Biswarup Ganguly for Wikipedia Commons
If you are someone with game spirit, Sidhra Golf Course is the place to be during your visit to Jammu. This scenic golf course has to be in our list of tourist places in Jammu city, without a second thought. From the golf course, you can enjoy stunning views of major landmarks such as Amar Mahal Palace, Mubarak Mandi, Bahu Fort and Trikuta Hills. Other than the golf course, other amenities are offered, such as fully-equipped gymnasium, Sauna Spa, indoor and terrace dining, nursery, lounge & bar, and a pro shop.
Entry fee: Only membership charges
Timing: 9 am – 5 pm
Famous for: The most scenic golf course in Jammu area
11. Ranbireshwar Temple – Welcome Spiritual Powers
Welcome some spirituality at one of the best places to visit in Jammu, the Ranbireshwar Temple. You can pray to Lord Shiva at this large and historic temple built in the year 1883 imbibing an 8 ft. stone lingam representing the lord. Considered as one of the top temples in Jammu, this is one of the prime attractions in the picturesque city. Idols and images of Lord Shiva’s family – Ganesha, Kartikeya and Nandi Bull can also be witnessed here.
Entry fee: None
Timings: 5 am – 9 pm
Famous for: It is the biggest Shiva temple in North India
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12. Dogra Art Museum – Witness Some Fine Art
Another attraction that finds itself in our top places to visit in Jammu list is the Dogra Art Museum, previously popular as the Dogra Art Gallery. Witness the remnants of the Dogra culture, their heritage, festivals and food habits. It’s a paradise for art and history lovers as they get to observe the famous Pahari miniature paintings from Basohli. You can explore a superb collection of 7,000 plus objects with severe historical importance.
Entry fee: INR 10
Timings: 10 am – 5 pm
Famous for: A very exclusive insight into the Dogra culture
13. Rajender Park – A Natural Beauty
Image Credit: White House for Wikimedia Commons
To enjoy the herbal beauty of Jammu, head to Rajender Park, one of the top tourist places in Jammu to visit, especially with family, for a picnic. There is a canal that runs within the park, in combination with several fountains and bright attractions. It is a peaceful place to relax and take a walk around nature. The park is well-maintained and in case you want to hear some natural sounds, visit the park. In fact, the park is located near some of the best hotels in Jammu, so, it’s definitely a must visit.
Entry fee: None
Timings: 4 am – 10 pm
Famous for: A peaceful place to enjoy the herbal surroundings
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14. Shiv Khori – Witness God’s Miracle
Image Credit: Devika Robin Singh for Wikimedia Commons
Another top attraction and one of the top tourist places in Jammu would be Shiv Khori. It is one of the many important cave shrines, famous among the local community and devotees of Lord Shiva due to the natural Shivalinga formation, which is approximately 150 meters long. There is also a 4 feet swayambhu lingam which is constantly cherished with a lime and milky fluid from the ceiling. A true miracle of god, isn’t it!
Entry fee: None
Timings: 5 am – 7 pm
Famous for: The cave shrine devoted to lord Shiva
15. Dudhadhari Mandir – The Highest In The City
Image Credit: Theasg sap for Wikimedia Commons
Another famous and top Jammu sightseeing option is the Dudhadhari Mandir. Situated around the quiet hills of Jammu, it was built in memory of Saint Dudhadhari Baba, who is known to survive only on milk. The temple rests at one of the highest spots in the city of Jammu. A small temple complex, it will take a maximum of an hour for you to completely explore and temple and enjoy the mesmerizing views from the top.
Entry fee: None
Timings: 5 am – 6 pm
Famous for: The whole temple is made up of white marble
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16. Raghunath Bazaar – Find Local Items
You have done a lot of sightseeing and now you want to do some shopping and buy things that might help you make this trip more memorable. Head to Raghunath Bazaar, one of the top shopping and one of the best places to see in Jammu. There is no dearth of things that you won’t find at this particular place, dry fruits, apples, electronics, traditional embroidery, lovely flowers, and so much more. Take immense joy in walking through the lanes or sipping a hot cup of tea from the local vendors.
Entry fee: None
Timings: 9 am – 7 pm
Famous for: The huge number of shops selling dry fruits
17. Sheesh Mahal – A Royal Heritage
Image Credit: Ronakshah1990 for Wikimedia Commons
The Sheesh Mahal is one of the top places to see in Jammu, located in Ramnagar, adjacent to the fort. Built by Raja Ram Singh in 1885, the palace got its name from the adorned mirror work inside its walls. The walls, in fact, are ornamented with some attractive paintings and murals depicting the ancient epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. You can expect to learn more about these epics in detail!
Entry fee: None
Timings: 10 am – 7 pm
Famous for: The intricate work of artists and builders
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18. Purmandal – For Life In A Village
Image Credit: Shagil Kannur for Wikimedia Commons
It’s time for you to consider heading to a local village to experience the authentic Jammu culture. Located by the Devika river, the village has some temples, mesmerizing views and lots of serenity to evade yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can bathe in the river which is considered holy by the locals. Taste authentic food here including Dum Aloo, Rogan Josh and spicy red lamb-based curry with saffron rice. What’s even better is that you can find a lot of great resorts near Jammu that are located in the vicinity.
Entry fee: None
Timings: Anytime
Famous for: The Devika river that flows through the village is known to cleanse the souls
19. Akhnoor Fort – Witness Historical Times
Image Credit: vinodksharma001 for Wikipedia Commons
Situated on the banks of river Chenab, lies a glorious attraction that has been built on the lands where the remnants of Harappan civilization could be found. You can witness the giant fortification walls with bastions and a two-storeyed watch tower. The palace inside the fort has some amazingly decorated arches, containing beautiful mural paintings. If you are a lover of history and culture, then you must definitely plan a visit.
Entry fee: None
Timings: 11 am – 5 pm
Famous for: Being an ancient site, it houses 3 periods of history. The several excavation sites are of great importance to archaeologists.
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20. Surinsar Lake – For The Natural Splendor
Jammu is known for its natural splendor and one of the top places that keeps that reputation high is the Surinsar Lake, an attraction famous for its natural bounty and mythological importance. It is very well-surrounded by thick mountain ranges and is a preferred picnic spot. The lake lies in very close vicinity to the Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary, with 15 avifauna species. Rest aside, this is one of the top places in Jammu and an ideal getaway for someone looking for peace and tranquility. Among the best places to visit in Jammu for couples, this lake should definitely be on your list.
Entry fee: None
Timings: Anytime
Famous for: For the immense natural beauty and some mythological importance
21. Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary – A Perfect Natural Abode
A serene haven for a range of wildlife species, endangered and otherwise, the Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls across an area of 34 sq. km. Surrounded by acres of fir and pine trees, you can also find leopards, pheasants, wild boar, bharal and grey langur. It is a wonderful abode for nature and wildlife enthusiasts who thrive for a natural vacation. The bird watching enthusiasts can find the cheer pheasant, red junglefowl, Indian mynah, Indian peafowl and chakor flock in large numbers.
Entry fee: None
Timings: 6 am – 5 pm (Summer) and 7 am – 5 pm (Winter)
Famous for: The rich biodiversity and the wonderful species of pheasants
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22. Baba Dhansar – A Holy Place
Baba Dhansar is a holy place situated near Karua village in Jammu. It might be one of those offbeat places to visit in Jammu where you get acquainted with mythical stories. You can be a part of those stories, especially, when you plan a trip here and hear the local insights. Some places to visit in Baba Dhansar are the temple of Baba Dhansar and a cave of Lord Shiva – the 2 popular places of worship. The Karua Jheel nearby is sacred and one of the best places to camp.
Entry fee: None
Timing: Anytime
Famous for: Local stories that have written down through generations
23. Dargah Garib Shah – A Symbol Of Harmony
The Dargah Garib Shah is one of the most popular Muslim shrines in Jammu. Baba Garib Shah was a Muslim saint. The dargah is located at Samba and the samadhi is looked after by the local Hindu people. One of the top places to visit in Jammu for Muslim tourists, visitors come here to get their wishes fulfilled. Apart from being one of the top tourist places in Jammu, the shrine has become a perfect symbol of peace and harmony.
Entry fee: None
Timing: N/A
Famous for: The samadhi which is taken care of by people of different faiths
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24. Mahamaya Temple – For Gallantry Tales
Image Credit: Ms Sarah Welch for Wikipedia Commons
The Mahamaya temple is one of the popular tourist places in Jammu when it comes to being the most-visited sanctums in the region. It is situated behind the Bahu Fort – one of the most popular forts in Jammu region. The temple gives amazing insights into the struggles of Mahamaya, a freedom fighter who lost her life fighting for freedom some centuries ago. Another reason this becomes one of the best places to visit in Jammu is due to the quaint and beautiful sight of River Tawi.
Entry fee: None
Timing: 9 am – 6 pm
Famous for: Several idols of the lady which make you appreciate the brave woman
25. Poonch Fort – With Glorious Past
Sprawling across an area of 7,500 sq. m, the glorious fort is one of the top places to visit in Jammu for history lovers. Within its thick and stoned walls, the fort carries stories of conquest and rule by the Muslims, Sikhs and Dogras. You can discover the beautiful Mughal architecture of the fort. However, different sections of the fort signify the architectural styles of different rulers. This is a top place to visit in Poonch and and even more important tourist places in Jammu.
Entry fee: None
Timing: 10 AM – 4 PM
Famous for: The different types and styles of architecture
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26. Bhairo Baba Temple – Hear The Amazing Story
Image Credit: Abhishek Chandra for Wikipedia Commons
What makes the temple one of the most interesting places to visit in Jammu is the story of Baba Bhairo. A saint turned demon, the temple is situated at the exact same spot where Vaishno Devi killed him for his sins, The temple is only 3 km away from the famous Vaishno Devi temple. The walk to the temple is a little challenging yet the awesome views around make for gorgeous walks.
Entry fee: None
Timing: Open always
Famous for: The story of Kaal Bhairav in which Goddess Vaishno Devi killed him and then he repented for his sins
Further Read: Top 9 Places Near Jammu
Hope this list of best places to visit in Jammu came as a helpful resource for you! If you want to visit Jammu without any hassle, don’t forget to mention above given destinations in your itinerary for trip to Jammu. You can, rest assured, spend an amazing amount of time at all the great places with everything in sight!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Jammu
Why Bhairo Baba Temple is considered to be one of the most interesting places to visit in Jammu?
The Bhairo Baba Temple is popular amongst tourists owing to the story behind Kaal Bhairav in which Goddess Vaishno Devi killed him and then he repented for his sins.
What is famous in Jammu?
Jammu is called the winter capital of the state which is particularly famous for the Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra. This place is visited every year by around 1 crore pilgrims.
How to travel in Jammu?
There are many options to visit Jammu which include by air, by bus and also by train. The nearest airport is the Jammu airport which is a domestic airport that is connected with cities like New Delhi, Srinagar and Leh.
What is the famous food in Jammu Kashmir?
The local food delicacies of Jammu are Morel, Palov, Madra, Oria, Maani, Khameera, Katha meat and also Shasha.
What is there to buy in Jammu?
Jammu is famous for shopping for things like Papier Mache, Shawls, Sweets, Dry Fruits, Carpets, Saffron and Wooden Carvings.
How far is Patnitop from Katra?
There are no direct flights connecting Patnitop to Katra, so the only way you travel is by road. Katra is 80 kilometres far away from Patnitop.
How far is Patnitop from Katra?Is there snowfall in Jammu?
Jammu witnessed snowfall, especially in winter, from September to April.
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