Destination Features

The town also has tremendous potential for tourism. It offers resorts of scenic beauty, treks, amazing picnic spots and mountain lakes besides showcasing art and culture. Sheesh Mahal, which used to be the royal residence of the Dogra kings, houses the Dogra Art Museum, which has handwritten Persian manuscripts of the Shahnama and Sikandernama. This place not only offers a beautiful view of the river Tawi but also showcases Jammu's art and culture. Another rejuvenating retreat is the royal residence called Amar Mahal Palace, located some eight kilometres from the main town. The palace stands amidst very picturesque environs. Its museum has a throne made of 120 kilos of pure gold. This palace has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Among getaways one can go to from Jammu, Katra is only 50 kilometres away and serves as the base camp for visiting the Vaishnodevi shrine in Trikuta hills. Every year, millions of pilgrims pass through Katra and a large number of hotels tourist, bungalows and Yatri Niwas are located here. Another major getaway is Patnitop, which is about 120 kilometres from Jammu. Patnitop is accessible via a motorable road and is one of the best places to experience snowfall. There are also a wide number of beautiful hill resorts situated on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway which are popular with domestic and foreign tourists. These include Kud (105.6 kms), Batote (124.8 kms) and Banchal (187 kms).

Akhnoor finds a special mention in Jammu's modern history. Some 32-km southwest of the city, located on the banks of the mighty river Chenab, Akhnoor narrates the fabled love story of two lovers Sohni and Mahiwal. Along the banks of Chenab one can also find the majestic ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Jujjar Kotli a famous picnic spot some 35 kilometres from the city is home to wild flowers and lovely birds. The place has a tourist complex that includes a cafeteria, a bar and a small tourist bungalow operated by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC).