| Around Jammu City |
| Katra The small town Katra is 50 km away from Jammu and serves as the base camp for those visiting the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, the mother goddess. Situated on top of the Trikuta Hills at a height of 1700 m the cave is 30 m long and just 1.5 m high. At the end of the cave are shrines dedicated to the three forms of the mother goddess, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarasvati. The shrine can be reached on foot after traversing a 12 km long well laid footpath. Every year, from September to October, nearly four million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to the shrine. after completing the trek, they enter in small groups through a narrow opening and walk through ice-cold waters to reach the shrines. According to legend, the mother goddess hid in the cave while escaping a demon whom she ultimately killed. Accommodation in all ranges is available for pilgrims and tourists. There are frequent buses between Jammu and Katra. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around Rs 30. Mansar Lake Situated 62 km from Jammu, Mansar is a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills, over a mile in length by half-a-mile in width. Besides being a popular excursion destination in Jammu, it is also a holy site. On the Eastern Bank of the Lake there is a shrine of Sheshnag, a mythological snake with six heads. The shrine comprises a big boulder on which are placed a number of iron chains perhaps representing the small serpents waiting on Sheshnag. Newly weds consider it auspicious to perform three circumambulations around the lake to seek the blessings of the lord of serpents. Two ancient temples of Umapati Mahadev and Narsimha and a temple of Durga are situated in the vicinity of Mansar lake. People take a holy dip in the water of the lake on festive occasions. Certain communities of Hindus perform the Mundan ceremony (First hair cut) of their male children here. Another attraction here is the Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Santuary, named after the two lakes on each corner of it. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 98 square km and is home to species like the goral, wild boar, barking deer, leopard and a multitude of birds like, black partridge, red jungle fowl, peafowl, gray partridge, green pigeon, blue rock pigeon, Rufus turtle dove etc. Besides these, the forest area also houses some rare species of trees and orchids. The Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Department provides accommodation in its Tourist Complex and self-contained huts. A room in the complex costs Rs 350 (Rs 600 for a suite) and Rs 500 for a hut. Regular bus services are available from Jammu to the lake. |
| Patnitop Patnitop is 112 km from Jammu. This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2,024 meters across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountains and the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick blanket of snow thus providing opportunities for various sports like skiing. The Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Department has a Tourist Bungalow at Patnitop. In addition there are several private hotels that provide accommodation to suit every budget. All buses running between Jammu and Srinigar will pass by Patnitop. Shiva Khori The cave shrine of "Shivkhori", situated in the Reasi district 110km northwest of Jammu near the village of Ransoo. It is famous for its naturally formed shiva lingum. It is one of the most venerated cave shrines of Lord Shiva in the region. The Holy cave is more than 150 m long and houses the 4 feet high Svayambhu Lingum, which is constantly bathed in a milky lime fluid dripping from the ceiling. The cave is full of natural impression and images of various Hindu Deities. There is accommodation available at the Tourist Reception Centre in Ransoo. There are frequent buses from Jammu to Ransoo. The journey takes about 4 hours and costs around Rs 150. |
