Jammu
The winter capital of Jammu & Kashmir — the "City of Temples," and gateway to the Vaishno Devi shrine.
A different rhythm from the valley up north.
Jammu runs on a different calendar than Srinagar — it's the winter capital, warmer and lower-altitude, and its identity is built around temples rather than lakes. The city earns its "City of Temples" nickname honestly, and for a huge number of Indian travelers, it's primarily known as the base for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, one of the country's most visited shrines.
It works well as a bookend to a Kashmir trip — a lower-altitude start or finish that doesn't depend on mountain weather.
Temples, a fort, and a palace complex.
- 01Vaishno Devi ShrineA major Hindu pilgrimage site on the Trikuta hills near Katra, reached by a well-marked trek.
- 02Raghunath TempleOne of North India's largest temple complexes, in the heart of the city.
- 03Bahu FortAn old fort overlooking the Tawi River, with gardens now built around it.
- 04Mubarak Mandi PalaceThe former royal residence of the Dogra dynasty, now partly restored.
Best time & getting here.
Best Time to Visit
October–March. Jammu's plains get hot through the summer months.
Getting Here
Jammu has its own airport and rail head, and sits at the start of the Jammu–Srinagar highway.
Activities
Vaishno Devi pilgrimage trek, temple and fort visits, palace tours.
Good To Know
The Vaishno Devi trek can be done on foot, by pony, or by helicopter for part of the route — we plan around your pace and time.