Fam Tour Jammu Tourism

FAM Tour with Directorate of Tourism Jammu | One Week in Jammu

Lush Green Valleys, serene atmosphere, holy shrines of the city, tranquil ambience, and the never-fading beauty of Jammu kept me completely engaged in my 7-day trip to the city. I can encapsulate my trip to Jammu as “a trip to the place that cannot be more blessed by nature”.

Sharing experiences is always amazing but when it is about this city, it makes it even more exciting.

I started my journey on December 23, 2018 from Majnu Ka Tila Bus Stand, New Delhi. We stopped mid-way for some refreshment and head on to our destination with our much awaited eyes to view the unparalleled beauty of the place. The bus reached Jammu around 8 am the next morning. The cool breeze and the pleasant view of the royal city filled me with the new energy and enthusiasm. So, this was how my first day started in this spiritual and heritage city.

 

DAY 1: Meet and Greet with Director of Jammu Tourism Sh. O. P. Bhagat & Mr. N.S. Janmwal, CEO- Tourism Development Authority, Surinsar-Mansar and exploring Surinsar- Mansar

What can be a better experience than meeting the man who handles the tourism industry of this beautiful city! Our group met the Director of Jammu Tourism Sh. Om Prakash Bhagat who apprised us about the various segments of Jammu Tourism as a Hindu Pilgrimage. After this, we visited Surinsar- Mansar wetlands, another sparkling tourist destination in Jammu. These wetlands are preserving the eco-system of the region. There we met Mr. N.S. Janmwal, CEO- Tourism Development Authority, Surinsar-Mansar. Mr. Janmwal shared the insights of the temple building process in Jammu region. He briefed how the architecture of the temples there play a major role in promoting tourism.

Along with this, we also visited Wildlife Sanctuary Wetland and Ramsar Convention which has been formed to conserve the wetlands and ensure their sustainable use. This visit gave us loads of information about the wetlands.

Jammu Manwal

 

We explored the majestic Manwal Temple nestled in Udhampur. The temple’s architecture is a unique amalgamation of, you can say, geometrical and non-geometrical figures. I was truly mesmerized by the peaceful location and ambience of the place.

The enthralling scenic beauty of the city was reflected in its wilderness.  It has been said, ‘Jaha na phuche Ravi, waha phuche Kavi’, and as I was cherishing that beauty, I just felt the same and got lost in my thoughts about the delightful maze of Jammu.

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DAY 2: Suchetgarh Border Post, Mubarak Mandi Palace & Amar Mahal Palace 

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Being a travel enthusiast, I have that DNA to explore the Borders and understand the intricacies of the regions. So, the second day started by exploring the Suchetgarh Border post which is situated 28 kms from the main Jammu city. We reached the BSF Post, registered ourselves and moved ahead. No bags are allowed ahead this point so we submitted our bags and explored the post, and interacted with the gunmen there. The place indeed gave me a flavor of the border where you have to be on alert 24*7.

After this, we went on to explore the magnificent Amar Mahal Palace which displays the grandeur of the bygone era. This visual retreat is made up of red sand stones and gives a stunning sight of River Tavi. The Palace has now been transformed into a museum featuring a golden throne, antique books, paintings by legendary painters and paintings portraying major events from Mahabharata. We went on a heritage walk around the palace that was quite impressive and gave us a unique glimpse into the history of Jammu and its surrounding cities. There is also a heritage hotel located adjacent to it.

 

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Our next destination was Mubarak Mandi Palace which once served as the royal residence of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. The architecture of the palace beautifully reflects the blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and European influence which is truly awe-inspiring. The palace steals your heart with an extensive collection of the artefacts and paintings giving a brief of history of the region. The palace is endowed with the worth-mentioning Gol Ghar, Hawa Mahal, Nawa Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, and Rani Charak Palace.

DAY 3: Historic Pandav Gufa and Akhnoor Fort

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After exploring the mighty palaces, it was the day to traverse the town of Akhnoor nestled on the banks of Chenab River. This picturesque town has several places to visit. We visited the Akhnoor Fort which undoubtedly enhances the beauty of the place. Across the two floors of the fort, there are beautiful mural paintings, arches, watch towers, merlons and battlements. The fort mesmerized us with the collections and the unique architecture.

Then we moved to the historical caves which are known to be the ones where Pandavas stayed during their exile. The caves have their own significance including the religious ones. Thus, the town is known to be the mythical Virat Nagri which has been mentioned in the epic Mahabharata.

DAY 4: Rafting in Chenab River and Exploring Bhimgarh Fort 

History speaks the best and the most about the place. So, we visited the Bhimgarh Fort in Jammu which is popularly known as Reasi Fort. The best part about this fort is that it was initially constructed with clay and was later reconstructed with stone. Located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, this fort offers pleasant view of the surrounding areas. These surrounding areas were lit by the construction of gardens and pathways. This fort has a temple, a pond, and a number of rooms of various sizes. Earlier it was also used as an armoury and treasury which was later shifted to Jammu.

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The other part of our day occupied the rafting session on the mighty river Chenab in the icy cold waters. The adventure for which it is widely known in Jammu! This exhilarating activity satisfied our adventurous spirits. The rafting gave us an opportunity to witness the alluring side of the pilgrim destination- Vaishno Devi. The fourth day truly added an adventurous colour to our trip!

DAY 5: Krimchi Temples

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When in Jammu, visiting religious places is one of the epic period that actually counts. Day five of our trip encompassed trip to Krimchi temples which are the sites of oldest temple complexes of the city. Locally popular as the Pandava temples, these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva whose architecture has been influenced by the Greeks (Hellenic). No doubt, these temples celebrate the cultural confluence of the Hellenistic world. We were attracted to the three Ancient temples situated on a stone complex and a small stream flows nearby. There is an old belief that Pandavas during their exile, built this temple, which undoubtedly, enhances the significance of the place. The architecture of these temples is truly breathtaking. The first temple is quite developed and ornamented than others.

DAY 6: Bhaderwah : Mini Kashmir & Jai Valley

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Another unexplored destination of the Jammu is Bhaderwah which is also known as the Mini-Kashmir. Located in the foothills of middle Himalayas, the town has been endowed with breath-taking natural beauty. Beautiful forests, small streams, and the majestic history of the place made it even more exciting for us to explore. The place is famous around the world for the delightful and authentic taste of its Rajma. The Rajma produced here is sourced from the local farmers of the region. Set amidst the lush green valleys, the town is a mesmerizing tourist destination for its rolling hills and sparkling streams.

Lying on the North East of Bhaderwah town is the famous Jai Valley which is a true haven for the rock climbers.

DAY 7: Chandi Mata Mandir in Chinote, Bhaderwah 

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When in Jammu, you cannot complete a journey without visiting a pilgrimage! On our last day of the trip, we visited Chandi Mata Mandir in Chinote. This marvelous temple is famous for its annual grand Yatra which takes places in the month of August and more than one lakh devotees take part in it.

Thanks a lot Team Jammu Tourism & Directorate of Tourism, Jammu for hosting us.

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