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Jammu

Raghunath Temple- Jammu

Situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by a group of other temples, this temple, dedicated toLord Rama, is outstanding and unique in northern India. Work on its construction was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the principality of Jammu and Kashmir, in 1835 AD and was completed by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh, in 1860 AD. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. There are many galleries with innumerable 'saligrams'. The surrounding temples are dedicated to various Hindu deities from the epic Ramayana.

Ranbireshwar Temple- Jammu

Located on Shalimar Road near the New Secretariat and built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883 AD, this historic temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has one central 'lingam' measuring seven-and-a-half ft in height, twelve Shiva 'lingams' of crystal measuring from 15" to 38" and galleries with thousands of others carved on stone slabs.

Shiv Khori Temple - Jammu

'Shiva' means 'auspicious' - is one of the Hindu god which makes the supreme Trinity, comprising of Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the Preserver and Shiva or Mahesh, the Destroyer and Re-Producer of life. Lord Shiva is the destroyer of the world, which is responsible for the change. Lord Shiva is worshipped in many forms. He is conceived in his unborn and invisible form as lingum. The "Shiv-Lingum" symbolizes the power behind the creation. It is believed that at the end of all creation, during the great deluge, all of the different aspects of God find a resting place in the Lingam. Famous cave shrine of "Shivkhori" situated in District Reasi of J&K state depicts the natural formation of shivlingum. It is one of the most venerated cave shrines of Lord Shiva in the region. The Holy cave is more than 150 mts long & houses 4 feet high Svayambhu Lingum, which constantly baths in a milky lime fluid dripping from the ceiling. The cave is full of natural impression & images of various Hindu Deities & full of divine feelings. That is why Shivkhori is known as "Home of Gods". The route from Jammu to Shiv Khori is full of beautiful & picturesque mountains, waterfalls & lakes.

Amar Mahal- Jammu

Amar Mahal, located in Jammu, is a palace depicting grandeur of an erstwhile era. It was constructed by a French architect for Raja Amar Singh, belonging to the Dogra dynasty. The architecture of this marvelous palace resembles the grand Chateaus of France. The beautiful palace of Amar Mahal is made of red sand stone which is a real visual treat. The scenic background of the place enhances the beauty of this palace manifolds. The stunning sight of River Tawi flowing below and the Shivaliks in the north will surely make your heart skip a beat or two. Dr. Karan Singh donated this palace to the charitable trust of Hari-Tara. At present, this trust is responsible for the maintenance of this palace. In fact, Amar Mahal Palace at present has been transformed into a museum. It also plays host to a well stocked library.

Peer Kho Temple- Jammu

There is perhaps no other city more deserving of the epithet "City of Temples" as Jammu. Amongst the large number of temples that are scattered around various parts of the city, an important one is the Peer Kho Temple. Located at a distance of about 3.5 km from the center of the city, the exact positioning of the Peer Kho Temple is in a cave on Circular Road. It is for this reason that it is popularly referred to as the Peer Kho Cave Temple as well. Igneous rocks and acacia forests serve as the backdrop to this Cave Temple.

Bahu Fort & Gardens (Bagh-e-Bahu)- Jammu

Situated 5 kms away from the city centre, Bahu Fort stands on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi. Perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city, it was constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago. The existing fort was more recently improved upon and extended by the Dogra rulers. Inside, there is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. An extensive terraced garden, known as Bagh-e-Bahu, has been developed around the fort.

Pir Roshan Shah Wali- Jammu

Another secular shrine in the heart of the city is the tomb of Pir Roshan Shah Wali near town hall. a structure of about 14th century, this tomb is visited by a large number of people irrespective of cast and creed. Interestingly Hindu and Sikh devotees are seen more than the Muslims. It is believed that Pir Rohan Wali came at this place with a message of peace, love and so attracted a large number of people. It is believed that the cherished desires of the devotees are fulfilled in this shrine.

Mansar Lake- Jammu

Mansar lake, with its length more than a mile and width half-a-mile, is a very attractive lake in the midst of lusting greeneries surrounded by forest-covered hills. It is considered as a very holy site known from mythological periods sharing the sanctity and legacy of Mansa Sarovar. It is a very popular base of tourists. A temple for a snake god, Sheshnag, is located on the banks of lake. It is believed that it is auspicious for newly wed couples to seek blessings of Sheshnag by performing three parikarma around the lake. Holy dip in the Mansar Lake is assumed to be purifying the sins. A temple of Durga and two other ancient temples Narasimha and Parvathi Shiva (Umapati Mahadev) are located in the close proximity of the Mansar Lake. Mansar Lake is an ideal spot for boating, amidst the lusting greeneries of Jammu. There is a wildlife sanctuary nearby.

Surinsar Lake- Jammu

Whipping calm, the feature of the beautiful lake Surinsar, located in the proximity of Jammu, is extra ordinary. Surrounded by thick forests in the backdrop of hilly terrains, the lake is a much loved picturesque tourist spot in Jammu region. Blossomed with lotus flowers, the lake looks like water based lotus garden in summer. Hindu mythology points the origination of the lake to the legendary warrior Arjuna. It is believed that he shot an arrow to the Mansar land and the arrow pierced the earth and came out through at a place in Surinsar, hence both the lakes are formed.

Chichi Mata Temple- Jammu

One of the prominent religious sites of Jammu and Kashmir, Chichi Mata is generally believed to be the gateway to the temple of Vaishno Devi. Commonly said to be the Pehla Darshan of the pilgrims of Vaishno Devi, Chichi Mata commands an important position in the religious ancestry of the state. A prominent itinerary of the Jammu and Kashmir pilgrim tourism, Chichi Mata draws numerous devotees from far and wide. The visit to the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi is incomplete without the visit to the famous religious monument ofChichi Mata. Thronged by ardent pilgrims of the Hindu religion, Chichi Mata temple authorities observes strict religious rituals as per the traditional customs. One must visit the holy shrine of Chichi Mata on his or her way to Vaishno Devi temple. Devoted to Goddess Vaishno Devi, the well known religious site of Vaishno Devi temple attracts several tourists who make it a point to pay a visit to the divine shrine of Chichi Mata.

Jhajjar Kotli- Jammu

Jhajjar Kotli is a tourist complex in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir built on the banks of the rivulet named Jujjar. This is one of the most favored picnic spots of the state. This tourist complex is located on the National Highway that leads toward the city of Srinagar, the summer capital of the state. The main attraction of this beautiful tourist place is the clear and refreshing cool water of Jujjar. The place is blessed with extreme natural beauty. This place is maintained by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation. To facilitate the tourists there is a wonderful tourist bungalow in Jhajjar Kotli maintained by the department of tourism.

Dera Baha Banda Behadur- Jammu

This place is a shrine of Baba Banda Bahadur, a famous Commander of Shri Guru Govind Singh. It is situated on the bank of river Chenab near about 20 km away from Reasi. Thousands of devotees all over the State and neighboring States visits this holy Shrine Dera Baba Banda Bahadur throughout the year and especially on the occassion of Baishakhi, when a three day mela is also held here during the month of April. Number of Buses and other light vehicles are available from Reasi and Katra for this place.

Aghar Jitto- Jammu

The Aghar Jitto is situated on Reasi Katra road about 6 kms from Katra and is a religious place where thousands of devotees irrespective of caste and creed or colour visits throughout the year. A 3 day fair is also held here during the month of June on the occasion of Jeshta Pvmitaa in the memory of Great revolutionary farmer Baba Jitto and his daughter Bua Kouri. Buses and other light vehicles can be haired from Katra and Reasi to reach this place.

Nau Pindian- Jammu

Nau Pindia ia another pingrim stop situated quite on the Reasi Katra road about 8 kms away from Katra and 19 kms from Reasi. The Shrine is a naturally formed Nine Pindies symbolised the Nine Avtar of MahaShakti. Thousands of devetees especially the pilgrims of Shiv Khori visit this place throughout the year. Buses and other vehicles are available from Katra to reach this place.

Dhansar Baba - Jammu

This historic place is also situated on the Reasi-Katra about 10 kms from Katra and 17 kms from Reasi:, From the Main road one has to cover abovt 1 km distance by foot to reach this place. Thousands of devotees especially The shivKhoii devotees hailing from various parts of the country visit this place throughout the year. There is natural Shiv Lingam existing and droplets of water are automatically trapping on it. Buses and light vehicles can be had from Kata and Reasi to visit this place.