Jammu Excursions
Katra
This small town serves as the base camp for visiting the famous shrine of Vaishnodeviji
in the Trikuta hills. The shrine is approachable on foot along a 12 kms. Long
well laid foot-path. Every year, nearly 4 million pilgrims pass through Katra
on their way to Vaishnodeviji. Accommodations available in Tourist Bungalows,
Yatrika and number of private hotels, besides pilgrims 'sarais'.
Patnitop
This famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of
2024 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. For accommodation, there are a large number of
huts and Tourist Bungalows, all managed by J&K TDC. Several private hotels
also provide rooms to suit every pocket and preference.
Mansar Lake
A beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are available
on the spot. Every year around Baisakhi, a food and crafts festival is organised
here by J&K Tourism.
Kud
This popular resort is situated on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, at an altitude
of 1738 metres. Accommodations available at the Tourist Bungalows of the J &K
TDC as well as at several private hotels.
Batote
Situated at an altitude of 1560 metres on the Jammu-Srinagar natioinal highway,
this resort straddles the forested slopes of the Patnitop mountain range, overlooking
the spectacular lie of the Chenab gorge.
Sudh Mahadev
This holy spot near Patnitop is situated at an altitude of 1225 mtrs, about
120kms from Jammu. The shrine is visited by pilgrims 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.
Surinsar Lake
It is a picturesque spot with a lake surrounded by wooded hills.
Shiv Khori
This holy cave, nearly a kilometre long with a 4 feet high naturally formed
Shivlinjg, is considered second only to the shrine of Vaishnodeviji. A major
festival is held here on Shivratri day.
Sanasar
From Jammu and only 17 kms. 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 gold course. It also provides opportunities for paragliding. Accommodation
is available in huts, Tourist Bungalows and dormitory of the J&K Tourism
Development Corporation.
Dera Baba Banda
It is a major Hindu-Sikh pilgrimage centre. Baba Banda Bairaagi was Guru Gobind
Singh's favourite 'Saint-soldier' who had the Gurudwara 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 of the sacred, mostly underground river Devak.
Often reffered 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. Regular bus service from Jammu. Accommodation
in pilgrims ' sarai' 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 (Hellenic)influences. Pancheri, a hill resort
is a short distance away from here.
Gauri Kund
Short of Sudh Mahadev is the legendary spring where the 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 2000 metres. It is believed that Lord Shiva had got married
to the Goddess Parvati here.
Jajjar Kotli
Onthe Natinal 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
attracts picnickers in large number during the summer.
Akhnoor
To the west of Jammyu 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 river bank commanding
a panoromic view all round.
Salal Dam and Lake
From Jammu to the west of the Holy Shrine of Vaishnodeviji 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 kms. long. The Dam site can be visited with the permission of
the Project Authorities.
Baba Dhansar
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
on which droplets of water fall naturally all the year round. A big mela is
held here during Shivratri.
