Jammu: The City of Temples

 

Jammu, or Jammuwale, is the winter capital and the biggest city of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. It is one of the most ancient and holy cities in India, with a rich history, culture, and heritage. It is also called the City of Temples, because of its many temples and Hindu shrines.

Jammu has a lot to offer to tourists and locals alike, whether they are looking for historical sites, cultural experiences, or modern facilities. Here are some of the highlights of this amazing city:

• The Bahu Fort: This is one of the oldest forts in India, built by Raja Bahulochan in the 9th century. The fort is located on a hill overlooking the Tawi River and has a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali inside. The fort also has a garden, a museum, and a water park nearby.
• The Raghunath Temple: This is one of the largest temple complexes in India, built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century. The temple is devoted to Lord Rama, the supreme deity of Hinduism. The temple complex has seven shrines, with intricate carvings, paintings, and gold-plated interiors.
• The Vaishno Devi Mandir: This is one of the most popular and revered pilgrimage sites in India, located at an altitude of 5,200 feet on the Trikuta mountain. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Millions of devotees visit the temple every year to seek her blessings and fulfil their wishes.
• The Mubarak Mandi Palace: This is a historical palace that was the residence of the Dogra rulers for over 150 years. The palace is a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, and European styles of architecture, and has a museum, a library, and a gallery inside. The palace also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
• The Surinsar Lake: This is a scenic lake surrounded by hills and forests, about 25 km from Jammu City. The lake is named after Sage Surya, who is believed to have created it with his arrow. The lake has a lotus garden, a boating facility, and a wildlife sanctuary nearby.
• The Leh-Manali Highway: This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful roads in India, connecting Jammu with Leh in Ladakh. The highway passes through some of the highest mountains passes in the world, such as Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Tanglang La, and Khardung La. The highway offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, valleys, and rivers.

These are just some of the many attractions that make Jammu a wonderful city to visit and live in. Jammu is also known as the Gateway to Kashmir, because of its strategic location and proximity to the Kashmir valley. It has many railway stations, airports, bus terminals, and hotels that cater to the needs of travellers.

Jammu is a city that mixes tradition and modernity with ease. It is a city that welcomes diversity and respects faith. It is a city that inspires devotion and adventure. It is a city that you will fall in love with.