List of Top 6 must do things in Jammu, Kashmir

Jammu which is located 300 KMS FROM SRINAGAR and at an ALTITUDE of 314 Meters is the winter capital of the state, Jammu is set against the backdrop of the majestic Pir Panjal range on the one side and the fast-flowing Tawi river on the other. Though a relatively new city, archaeological evidence from regions surrounding Jammu has been dated to Harappan times. Historically speaking, however, Jammu is most greatly indebted to the region's Dogra rulers, who developed this town as their capital in the 18th century. They built many Hindu shrines here whose rising shikharas lend the city a distinctively spiritual air, while also giving it the sobriquet 'City of Temples'. Because of the long and prosperous rule of the Dogra dynasty, and the large Dogra population here, this region is also referred to as 'Duggardesh'.

It is believed that Jammu is named after Jamboo Lochan, the brother of a local chieftain Bahu Lochan, who built the imposing Bahu Fort in the 17th century. According to legend, Jamboo Lochan was on a hunting trip when he glimpsed a lion and a lamb drinking water from the Tawi river. Astonished at this remarkable sight, Jamboo Lochan resolved to build his city on the banks of this river, whose waters were evidently sweet enough to make predator and prey coexist peacefully. The newly-built city was known as Jamboo Nagar, which over time became Jammu.

Jammu, which is an integral part of Kashmir holiday packages, grew around the Tawi river, surrounded by the hills of the Shivalik range. Today, the 'old city' overlooks the river from its right bank while the newer neighbourhoods are built on the left bank. The two parts of the city are connected by two bridges.

Jammu Tawi Railway Station, in the new part of the city, is the largest railway station in the state and is connected to all major cities in the country. Until 2005, when a rail connection to Udhampur was inaugurated as part of the Jammu-Kashmir line, Jammu Tawi was the only railhead in the region.

Though Jammu is overlooked by visitors, who tend to use it merely as a base to visit the neighboring shrine of Vaishno Devi, the city does not lack places of interest.

1. Bahu Fort

A major attraction is the magnificent Bahu Fort, on the left bank of the Tawi. Located 4 kms from the

railway station, this is the city's oldest structure. Estimated to have been built over 300 years ago by the powerful Bahu Lochan, the fort was rebuilt later by Dogra rulers. Inside the fort there is an important shrine, the Bave Wali Mata Mandir, dedicated to goddess Kali, the tutelary deity of Jammu. Devotees come to the temple in droves, particularly on Tuesdays and Sundays, which are considered especially auspicious. Bahu Fort is enclosed in a beautiful terraced garden called Bagh-e-Bahu. A favourite spot for locals and tourists alike, the garden is ideal for a relaxing picnic. The fish-shaped Bagh-e-Bahu aquarium, home to almost 400 species of fish, is another fun attraction in the fort complex.

2. Raghunath Mandir

Of the numerous shrines in the city, Raghunath Mandir is the most famous. Located in the heart of the old city, the temple is a mere 5 kms from the railway station. Built in the 19th century by Maharaja Gulab Singh (1792-1857), founder of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir, and his son Ranbir Singh, the main temple in the complex has a gold-plated sanctum with richly ornamented idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.

Secondary shrines are dedicated to the avatars of Vishnu and other gods of the Hindu pantheon. The complex also houses a large shaligram gallery.

3. Ranbireshwar Temple

Other important shrines in the city include Ranbireshwar Temple, dedicated to Shiva; Panchbakhtar Temple, also a Shiva temple where Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have offered prayers; and the Peer Kho Temple. Peer Baba Dargah, a Sufi shrine of Peer Budhan Ali Shah, a contemporary of Guru Gobind Singh, is 6 kms from the railway station and is popular among people of all faiths.

4. Mubarak Mandi Palace

Mubarak Mandi Palace in the old city, about 2 kms from Raghunath Mandir, was once the seat of the Dogra rulers and now houses government offices. The buildings were constructed over the years by different Dogra rulers, and are a mélange of different architectural styles, including Mughal and Baroque. Some of the most splendid buildings in the complex are the Darbar Hall, Royal Court buildings, Gol Ghar, Rani Charak Palace and Hawa Mahal. The complex also houses the Dogra Art Gallery, which displays renowned paintings of the Kangra and Basohli school of art.

5. Amar Mahal Palace Museum

Amar Mahal Palace Museum, just 1 km from Mubarak Mandi, is the former residence of the Dogra king Amar Singh (1864-1909). The palace was built in the late 19th century by a French architect and, in fact, closely resembles a French château. The palace was converted into a museum in 1975, which was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Among the museum's impressive exhibits are miniature paintings of the Kangra school of art, portraits of members of the royal family, and a gallery of paintings depicting Vishnu's ten avatars.

6. Golf Course

For keen golfers, Jammu also boasts an 18-hole golf course at Sidhra, 10 kms from the city. At present only nine of its 18 holes are operational, but the course is already one of the top attractions here!

For more information on Jammu and Kashmir holiday packages contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in Connaught place New Delhi India.