Kashmir is the southernmost of the three regions comprising the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu borders Kashmir valley to the north, Ladakh to the east, Himachal Pradesh to the south and Pakistan occupied Kashmir to the west.
When to Go
Kashmir, in winter becomes the headquarters of the J&K administration. Many Kashmiris move here for the winter when the temperature in the valley begins to drop. Jammu in summers is hot and sweaty. The mercury can hit even 40 C and the season is best avoided. The ideal time would be September-April, when the heat and the rains have ebbed away, leaving the city wonderfully pleasant. The winter is mild here, the temperature ranging around 26 C, the night temperatures dipping to 4 C.
Famous Tourist Attractions
Canals and Gardens
Ranbir Canal Alongside the Ranbir Canal is a quaint little garden that is a popular picnic spot during summer. The canal is a branch off from the river Chenab at Akhnoor, 32 km away.
Palace and Meseum
Amar Mahal Palace Museum You can enjoy a double treat here. Browse through Pahari paintings, family portraits of the rulers of Jammu and Kashmir, and a library. Once you are finished, opt for the heritage walk programme that takes you through the history of Kashmir.
Religious Palace
Peer Khoh A few kilometres from the main city, Peer Khoh is a cave that has a naturally formed linga (phallic symbol, representative of Shiva). When and how it came to be are not known. Adding to the aura of mystery around this place is the belief that there are secret passageways from here to other cave shrines and even out of the country. Ranbireshwar Temple Built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883 AD, this famous temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A central linga measuring 7.5 ft in height, 12 crystal lingas and galleries with thousands of others carved on stone slabs can be seen and worshipped at this temple. Peer Baba Just behind the airport is this dargah of Muslim saint Peer Budhan Ali Shah. Such is the mass devotion that this dargah inspires that on certain days, Hindus and Sikhs outnumber the Muslim devotees. Mahamaya Temple and City Forest The age old Mahamaya Temple overlooks the Tawi River and is enveloped on all sides by the city forest. A small garden surrounded by acres of woods provides, it offers a good view of the city. Raghunath Temple Jammu's most famous temple is also the largest in northern India. Though dedicated to Lord Rama, you can find idols of almost all the Hindu gods here. And all of them are colossal, towering over the devotees.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Entertaiment
There are a surprising large number of options available. Abhinav Theatre (Canal Road) stages cultural programmes and dramas regularly. Information on cultural programmes organised in the city can be obtained from the J&K Academy here. Theatres are aplenty showing mainly Hindi films.
Nightlife
Jammu sleeps early but there are in-house bars in hotels. Do check out the Pavilion, a full service bar at the Hotel Asia at Jammu Tawi
Kidding Around
Trekking Quite a few soft trekking options are available in the Jammu area with the additional advantage of excellent camping sites. Summer is the best time for trekking when all the routes are open. However, a few are available for winter holidayers.
Fast Facts
Aiport
Sahar Int Airport & Santacruz Domestic Airport
