Jammu is the winter capital of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India north is Shivalik mountain range. It is the headquarters and the largest city in the Jammu district of the union territory. Famed for its fairs and festivals Jammu is known as the city of temples and the very fame of it tends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests, and powerful ziarats. It is a kaleidoscope of religious beliefs with Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that protects the people of Jammu.
The best time to visit Jammu is from October to early April which is the peak tourist season. Jammu is the staging point to visit the Holy Shrine of VaishnoDevi. There are numerous places worth visiting in and around Jammu also called Jammu Tawi. Besides Vaishno Devi Temple, these include Raghunath Temple, like Mubarak Mandi Palace, Purani Mandi, Maha Kali Temple, Rani Park, Bahu Fort, Peer Kho Cave, Bhimgarh Fort, Baag-e-Bahu, Manda Zoo, and Amar Mahal Palace.
The winter capital of the erstwhile kingdoms, Jammu came into existence around 900 CE, the capital of the Durgara state. Its rulers are repeatedly mentioned in Kalhana’s Rajatarangini. Babbapura (modern Babor) is another state mentioned in Rajatarangini, some of whose rulers find mention in the Vamshavali (family chronicles) of later Jammu rulers. They enjoyed almost independent status and allied themselves with Sultan of Delhi. Raja Bhim Dev was a supporter of Mubarah Shah.
Jammu is also mentioned by Timur who invaded Delhi in 1398 and returned to Samarkand via Jammu. In Mughal chronicles of , Babur Jammu is mentioned as a powerful state in Punjab hills ruled by Manhas Rajputs. Emperor Akbar brought the hill kingdoms under Mughal suzerainty, but they enjoyed considerable political autonomy. Jammu is famous for its Dogra cuisine like Ambal, Khatta Meat, Kulthein di Dal, Kashmiri Aloo Dum, Phirni, Kashmiri Pulao, Dal Patt, Maa da Madra, and Auriya. Well connected by rail, road, and air, there are numerous educational institutions that attract students from across India.
Its economy is primarily dependent on agriculture besides tourism. Besides Jammu also worth visiting are hill station of Patnitop, Sanasar, Akhnoor fort as well as Bhadarwah, Kishtwar, Poonch. Jammu and surrounding areas are also suitable for adventure seekers with options for paragliding, hiking, biking, trekking, camping, and more. There are numerous hotels, resorts, guesthouses that provide luxuriously, mid-range and budget accommodation Restaurants here serve a variety of cuisine includi9g Dogri, Kashmiri, Chinese at reasonable prices.
The streetfood scene in Jammu is great with street stalls selling a variety of streetstalls. Jammu is a shoppers delight. There are numerous shopping malls and markets that sell a variety of carpets, woolens, handicraft, souvenirs at reasonable prices. Ideal for a week-long holiday, Jammu is truly a melange of pilgrimage, leisure, natural beauty, and heritage.
