The gateway of Kashmir is the summer capital of the state - JAMMU. Home of
the Dogras, Jammu is the last railhead enroute Kashmir. According to legends, the city was
built by King Jambu Lochan around the 9th century and derives its name from him. King
Jambu Lochan discovered this place on the banks of the Tavi River, where he saw a tiger
and a goat drinking water from the same spot side by side. He was so struck by the sight
that he decided to build a city here on this soil where no living being was antagonistic
to his counterpart.
Around 1730 the Dogras captured Jammu and it was under their control till 1947. Jammu is renowned for its special miniature Pahari paintings, which were a style developed and patronized by the Dogra rulers. Jammu also has numerous temples and palaces built along the banks of the Tavi river. This town has become a bustling metropolis in recent times and has expanded enormously. It has become trade centre.
Patni Top
This is a popular hill station of the Jammu region situated at an elevation of 2024 mts. Patni Top provides good facilities for tourists to enjoy their stay there. During winters, skiing and other winter sports are organized here. Accommodation is also available here.
Vaishno Devi Temple
This is a renowned
cave temple devoted to the three mother Goddesses of Hinduism - Mahakali, Mahalaxmi &
Maha Saraswati. According to a legend, the goddess Vaishno Devi hid in the cave to escape
a demon called Bhairon, who wanted to marry her. She refused to bow to him and she
eventually beheaded him. The visit to Vaishno Devi Temple is incomplete without a visit to
Bhairon Gatthi or Bhairon’s valley, where Bhairon was absolved of his sins before he
died.
The starting point for the 13 km trek is a small town called KATRA, from where a cemented
path leads up the hill winding through various small hillocks and valleys.
The main pilgrimage season is around March - July and devotees walk bare foot through the
whole stretch to catch a glimpse of the holy deities. Helicopter services and sawari
carriers are also available for the aged or weak devotees.
Basholi
It is located close to the Himachal Pradesh border, adjacent to the hill station of
Dalhousie. It is considered to be the birthplace of the “Pahari miniature style of
painting”.
Khud
Enroute Srinagar from Jammu, Khud is a popular stop of the tourists. It is a hill resort
in its own authority with a small but well-known mountain spring called “Swami ki
Bauli”. Khud is situated at an elevation of 1738 meters.
Ramnagar
Ramnagar is home to a beautiful palace called the “Palace of Colors”, which
contains some of the finest Pahari style wall paintings. These paintings of gods &
goddesses are very small and can be called miniature. However, they are resplendent in
their colors and textures.
Batote
Before the construction of the Jawahar Tunnel between Jammu & Srinagar, Batote was the
overnight stop. Only 12 kms. from Khud, Batote is a small hill resort with a small spring
called AMRIT CHASHMA.
Sudh Mahadev
This is a small temple of Lord Shiva. During July - August a fair is held here with 3 days
of music, singing and dancing. It is situated at a distance of 8 kms. from Khud or Patni
Top.
Sanasar
This small, beautiful valley is the low ground of Gujjars or shepherds who descend here
each winter. There are some good meadows, which are worth seeing here, and accommodation
is also available.
Bhadarwa
This is a beautiful high altitude valley (4400 mts) having a lake called KAPLASH. An
annual fair called MELA PATT festival is organized here. One can enjoy the scenic locales
here.
Kishtwar
There is a trek route to Srinagar from Kishtwar. The area abounds in waterfalls and there
is a pilgrimage site called SARTHAL DEVI. Another trek route leads to Zanskar valley.
Jawahar Tunnel
This architectural marvel is a 2500 mts long connecting link between Jammu & Srinagar.
This tunnel makes it possible to stay in touch with Srinagar even during winters. It has
been built through the heart of a mountain and is the lifeline of the people of Kashmir
valley during the winter.