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Katra
Situated 50-km from Jammu this small town serves as the base camp for
visiting the famous shrine of Vaishno Deviji in the Trikuta hills. The
shrine is approachable on foot along a 12-km long well laid footpath.
Every year, nearly 4 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to
Vaishno Deviji. Accommodation is available in tourist bungalows, Yatrika
and a number of private hotels, besides pilgrims' 'Sarais'
Vaishno
Devi
This important cave is dedicated to the three mother Goddesses of
Hinduism. Thousands of pilgrims visit the cave, particularly during the
four-month pilgrimage season from March to July. The cave stands at 1,700
metres, is 30 metres long. The road terminates at the beautiful town of
Katra, 48-km from Jammu, and visitors have to make the final, steep 13-km
on foot. There is also a new road from lower Sanjichat to the Dabba, by
passing upper Sanjichat and the Bahairo Ghatti. This leaves one 2-km
closer to the cave and with 300 metres less climb to be made.
The origin of the pilgrimage is shrouded in mystery. Various legends are,
however, associated with the shrine. According to one, the Goddess Vaishno
Devi usually stayed at a place called "Adkunwari". The demon
Bahairo wanted to marry her forcibly and chased the Goddess, who ran all
the way from Adkunwari to the cave where she took shelter after killing
the demon. A big stone outside the cae is said to be the purified body of
the demon. Pilgrims walking to the cave greet each other with the cry 'Jai
Mataki' - 'Victory to the Mother Goddess'.
The
pilgrimage route from Katra to the cave is now lit to allow pilgrims to
travel at night. Katra is at the foot of the Trikuta mountains and 8-km
from Katra is the village of Aghar Jito, site of the annual Kartik Purnima
or Jhiri Festival. This is held in memory of the hero Bawa Jito whose
historic struggle against tyranny is admired today as a symbol of truth
and personal courage.
Riasi
3-km from the town of riasi is the ruined fort and palace of General
Zorawar Singh, a controversial warrior best remembered in India for his
clashes with the Chinese over Ladakh. The palace, situated on a ridge
overlooking the mighty Chenab River, is considerably rundown although it
is still inhabited by the descendants of general Singh.
There is a gurdwara, 15-km from Riasi, with some of the oldest known
frescoes in the Pahari style. The 400 metre long Shiv Khori Cave, another
pilgrimage site, is 19-km from Riasi, the last 5-km must be completed on
foot. The cave is difficult to negotiate but at its end there is a vast
hall in which the Shiva Lingam formation on the ground is just over a
metre high and other symbolic figures are said to be naturally etched on
the cave ceiling.
Ramnagar
The rangmahal, 'Palace Of Colours', has a great number of very colourful
and beautiful wall paintings in the Pahari style. The paintings of scenes
from Krishna's life are particularly noteworthy. Buses go to Ramnagar from
Jammu or Udhampur. The medieval style Hindu temples at Krimchi are 10-km
from Udhampur. The temples are notable for their fine carvings and
sculpture.
Kud
Located 103-km from Jammu this popular resort is situated on the Jammu-Srinagar
highway, at an altitude of 1,738 metres. An ideal picnic spot this place
has a bracing climate. It is a very well developed hill station in
Udhampur District and also experiences heavy rainfall in rainy season.
Patnitop
This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, 110-km from
Jammu at an altitude of 2,024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar
highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers
beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the
mountainscape of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally
covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for
various snow games including skiing.
Sanasar
Situated 129-km from Jammu and only 19-km From Patnitop, Sanasar is a
cupshaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. A place for a quiet
holiday, the meadow has now been developed as a golf course. It also
provides opportunities for paragliding. Accommodation is available in
huts, Tourist bungalow and dormitory of the J&K Tourism development
corporation.
Batote
Situated 125-km away at an altitude of 1,560 metres on the Jammu-Srinagar
national highway, this resort straddles the forested slopes of the
Patnitop mountain range, overlooking the spectacular lie of the Chenab
gorge. Accommodation is available in huts, tourist bungalow and dormitory
of the J&K TDC.
Sudh Mahadev
This holy spot near Patnitop is situated at an altitude of 1,225m, about
120-km From Jammu. Pilgrims visit the shrine on the full moon night of
'Sawan' (July-August) to worship the 'Trishul' (Trident) and a mace, which
is said to belong to Lord Shiva. The Devak stream originates at Sudh
Mahadev and disappears among the rocks a few kilometres down stream.
Gauri Kund
Short of Sudh Mahadev is the legendary spring where Goddess Parvati used
to bath before commencing her daily prayers at Sudh Mahadev. This spring
came to be named after her as "Gauri Kund'.
Mantalai
Situated a few kilometres further away from Sudh Mahadev, Mantalai is
surrounded by lush deodar forests, at an altitude of over 2,000 metres. It
is believed that Lord Shiva had got married to Goddess Parvati over here.
Mansar Lake
Situated 62-kms from Jammu, Mansar is a beautiful lake fringed by
forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are also available on the spot
for one's amusement. Every year around Baisakhi, a food and crafts
festival is organised here by J&K Tourism.
Surinsar Lake
Surinsar is a picturesque spot with a lake surrounded by wooded hills at
an altitude of 700m and is 42-km away from the city of Jammu.
Shiv Khori
At a distance of 100-km this holy cave is nearly a kilometre long with a
4-feet high naturally formed Shivling (also spelt as Shivalinga), and is
considered second only to the shrine of Vaishno Deviji. A major festival
is held here over here every year of Shivratri Day.
Dera Baba Banda
Situated 75-km from the Jammu city, Deo Baba Banda is a major Hindu-Sikh
pilgrimage centre. Baba Banda Bairaagi was Guru Gobind Singh's favourite
'Saint-soldier', who had the Gurdwara constructed on the banks of river
Chenab, where he spent his last days.
Purmandal
Just off the national highway leading towards Pathankot is the Purmandal
temple complex built on the banks of the sacred, mostly underground river
Devak. Often referred to as 'Chhota Kashi', its main temple is dedicated
to 'Umapati', while the other temples worship Lord Shiva. These ancient
temples are associated with Shaivites of the Kashmir valley.
Krimchi
On the way to Sudh Mahadev Mantalai, a short detour takes one to Krimchi,
site of three of the oldest temples of Jammu. The architecture of the
temple shows distinct Greek influences. Pancheri, a hill resort is a short
distance away from here.
Jajjar Kotli
On the National highway leading towards Srinagar is the Jajjar Kotli
tourist complex, built on the banks of the Jajjar rivulet. The crystal
clear, cool water of Jajjar attract picnickers in large numbers during
summer. A tourist cafeteria, a bar and a small tourist bungalow are the
facilities provided here by JKTDC.
Akhnoor
32-km to the west of Jammu, situated on the banks of the mighty Chenab
River is the historic town of Akhnoor. This town is associated with the
legend of Soni Mahiwal. Ruins of the Indus valley civilization are to be
seen along the riverbank commanding a panoramic view all around.
Salal Dam And Lake
Located 95-km from Jammu to the west of the Holy shrine of Vaishno Deviji
is the Salal dam and lake. With an installed capacity of 400 mw of
electricity, this is the largest hydroelectric project commissioned in the
state so far. The lake formed behind the dam is 33-km long. The dam site
can be visited with the permission of the project authorities.
Baba Dhansar
65-km from Jammu, on way to Salal dam, Baba Dhansar is a beautiful and
cool picnic spot. Here, a huge spring gushes out of the mountainside in a
thick grove of trees and forms a number of small water falls before
flowing into the holy Banganga. Next to the spring in a small grove in the
rock face is a naturally formed Shivling (also spelt as Shivlinga) on
which droplets of water fall naturally all the year round. A big Mela
(fair) is held here during Shivratri.