Jammu is the southernmost-part of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir which sits proudly on the magnificent Shivalik mountain ranges. The Winter Capital of Kashmir, Jammu is a holy and peaceful city known for its majestic temples, religious shrines, glittering "shikhars", and cultural heritage. Since it is also the starting point to the hugely popular Vaishno Devi Temple and Amarnath Yatra, it is visited by tourists from far and wide.
Jammu is well-connected with all the major cities in the country via rail, road and airways. The Jammu Tawi railway station is one of the most accessible stations, with trains at frequent stoppages. The National Highway connects road services efficiently. Jammu Airport has air services at frequent intervals.
The best time to visit Jammu is from October to early April which is the peak tourist period. Accompanied by a lovely chill in the air, hints of snow here and there, the landscape of Jammu is absolutely lush during these months.
One can also visit Jammu during the popular festivals like Makara Sankranti (January), Ram Navami (March) and Deepavali (October) when the whole town gets drenched in festivities.
Nestled against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pir Panjal Mountains, Jammu forms part of the transition between the Himalayan range in the north and the dusty plains of Punjab in the south. The Shivalik hills cut across the area from the east to the west while the rivers Ravi, Tawi and Chenab cut their way through the region.
The City of Temples, Jammu houses the famous Maha Kali Temple which is considered second only to the Vaishno Devi Temple. Originally found in 14th Century BC, the area was ruled over by Dogra dynasty in the pre-independence era. Buddhist Stupas dating back to the 2nd century AD is peppered throughout Jammu, speaking volumes of its rich heritage.
The eccentricity of Jammu is prevalent is also prevalent in its Dogra cuisine the crown of which is the scrumptious Wazwan (traditional Kashmiri buffet). Jammu is truly a melange of pilgrimage, leisure, natural beauty and heritage.