Jammu and Kashmir

Formerly a princely state created in the 1840’s, Jammu & Kashmir became an Indian state in 1947, and has since served as the state’s boundary with the Pakistan administered area. Tension has remained high in the region, and there have been periodic outbreaks of border fighting.

Jammu and Kashmir is located in northern India. With an area of 39,146sq miles (101,387sq km), it occupies the southern portion of the Kashmir region of the northwestern India subcontinent and is bordered by the portions of Kashmir administered by Pakistan and China and the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Much of the Kashmir’s Ladakh region is included in the state.

There are two major lowland areas; the Jammu plain and the fertile and heavily populated vale of Kashmir. The majority of the state’s people are Muslim, although Hindus are in the southeastern Jammu area and northeastern Ladakh is largely Buddhist.

Jammu (The Beautiful City)

History

Jammu is situated on the Tawi River and in the Himalayan foothills. Many
Historians and locals believe that Jammu was founded by Raja Jamboolochan in 14th century BC.

During one of his hunting campaigns he reached the Tawi River where he saw a goat and a lion drinking water at the same place. The king was impressed and decided to set up a town, after his name. Jamboo became Jammu with the passage of time.

Jambu Lochan was the brother of Raja Bahu Lochan who has constructed a fort on the bank, and thus the fort is called Bahu fort. On the other bank is the maharaja’s palace. Bahu fort is one of the famous historical places of Jammu.

Jammu is one of the most famous pilgrimage tourism destinations in India. Once a seat of the Dogra Rajput dynasty, Jammu came under the control of Ranjit singh in the 19 century and became a part of the sikh kingdom. Under the command of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the Rajputs were able to re-establish their control over Jammu. After Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, signed the instrument of accession, in 1947, Jammu became a part of the union of India. Jammu is the winter capital and Kashmir is summer capital, offices move from one to another. People of Jammu mostly speak Dogri, Kotli, Mirpuri, Hindi, Punjabi and urdu.

Climate

Summers are dry and hot while winters are cold. Temperatures can soar up to 47degree’s Celsius in summer and dip down to around 06 degree Celsius in winter.

Places to visit

Jammu is famous for its landscape, ancient temples, shrines, castles, gardens and forts.

Vaishno Devi Shrine

The town of Katra, which is close to Jammu, is home to the famous Vaishno Devi Shrine. Shrine is covered by Trikuta Hills. At a height of 1700 m is the scared cave or shine Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, the mother of goddess. At distance of 48km from Jammu, the cave is 30m long and just 1.5m high. At the end of the cave, there are three forms of the mother goddess Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarasvati. From katra, the shrine is at a distance of 13km. According to legend, the mother goddess hid in the cave while escaping a demon, whom she ultimately killed.

Bahu Fort

The famous temple of "Bawey Wali Mata" inside the Bahu fort attracts pilgrims every Tuesday and Sunday who come here to worship. It is also known as the temple of "Mahakali." The fort is surrounded with a beautiful terraced garden which is favorite picnic sport of the city flok. There is a small cafeteria on one side of the garden. The garden itself is very beautiful and gives nice view of the old city and Tawi river.

Raghunath Temple

Amongst the temples in Jammu, the Raghunath Mandir takes pride of place being situated right in the heart of city. Work of the temple was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh, and was completed by his son Maharaja Ranber singh in 1860. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet. There are many galleries of Saligrams. The surrounding temples are dedicated to various gods and goddesses.

Rajinder Park

It is located on Canal Road, is a new development. This park is situated between two canals and features a large fountain which is lit up at night. This park is very beautiful. The cold water and cool breeze of Chenab refreshs mind and body. On the bank of canal, temple of Lord Shiva is located. The temple is beautifully designed, and has its own beauty. On the other side of park children’s area is located.

Mansar Lake

Mansar is a beautiful lake covered by forest with hills. It is also a holy site, sharing the legend and sanctity of lake Mansarovar. On one bank of lake, there is a shrine of Sheshnag and in the vicinity of the lake, situated temple of Durga as Umapati Mahadev and Narsimha. Mansar is also ideal for boating for which the tourism Department provides adequate facilities. On the bank of lake, there is garden and a small cafeteria. In the lake there are different species of fishes, which are considered holy.

Others Places of interest:

•Hari Palace
•Mubarak mandi Palace
•Maha Maya Temple
•Jajjar kotli
•Patnitop
•Sanasar
•Shiv khori
•Chichi Mata
•Peer kho cave
•Dargah of Ali Shah
•Akhnoor and
•Reasi Forts.

Hotels and Restaurant

There are many hotels and restaurants in the city and most of them are located at jewel chowk, gumat and residency road. The top most hotels in Jammu are Hotel Ashoka, KC Residency, Asia and Hotel Hari Palace. One of the major attractions of Jammu is a revolving restaurant named FALAK, located on the top of the hotel KC Residency.

Shopping Centers

Raghunath bazaar is the main tourist and shopping center of the city. The locality of Gandhi Nagar, hosts a posh market areas of Gole market, Apsara Road and Bahu Plaza.

Festivals

•Lohri(13 January)- This festival heralds the onset of spring and is also known Makar

Sankranti - A special dance called the “chajja” is held on the occasion of Lohgi.

•Baisakhi(April 13 or 14)- Baisakhi is also known as the “Harvest Festival”. For the Sikhs of Jammu, Baisakhi is the day their tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji, formed the Khalsa sect in 1699. The Gurudwaras are full of people who come to listen Kirtans, offer prayers and feast on the Prasad from “Langar” (common kitchen).

•Bahu Mela - A major festival is held at the Kali Temple in Bahu Fort, twice a year, during Navratra festival.

Culture

Jammu’s Dogra culture and tradition is much similar to that of neighboring Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

How To Reach Jammu

•By Air

Jammu airport is also known as Satwari Airport.

Airlines and Destinations
Air Deccan (Chandigarh, Delhi, Srinagar )
Air Sahara (Delhi, Srinagar )
Go Air (Srinagar)
Indian Airlines (Delhi, Leh, Srinagar)
Jet Airways(Delhi,Srinagar)
Kingfisher Airlines (Ahmedabad)
Spicejet ( Delhi, Srinagar)

•By Rail

Jammu is well connected by rail, almost to every corner of the country. There are direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Puna, Bombay and other places.

•By Road

It is well connected to all the major cities of northern India. It is also linked with National Highway. Important destination includes Delhi, Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Punjab, and other places.