JAMMU

Description
Jammu-- a city of temples, where glittering 'sihkars' adds to the ambience of this holy city. Jammu is located along River Tawi in the foot hills of the Himalayas. It is land which was discovered by Raja Jambu Lochan. Here he saw a tiger and a goat drinking water side by side. It was a place where no one had enmity with other, so he built a city which came to be known as Jammu. Today Jammu is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir state.

Jammu is actually a combination of two towns. The older one overlooks the river from a hill top and the new town is across the river. Jammu is essentially a town of temples and shrines. The Raghunath temple located in the heart of the city is the largest temple complex in northern India. The Bawey Wali Mata temple inside Bahu fort has pilgrims coming one over the other to worship the Goddess. Opposite to the fort is a temple dedicated to Mahamaya. The Dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is another shrine which attracts devotees from all faiths and religions. Peer Kho cave temple, Panchbakhtar and Ranbireshwar are famous Shiva temples. Peer Mitha is another famous shrine of Jammu. Apart from these there are places of worship of Christians, Muslims and Sikhs. This shows the communal harmony which prevails in the city.

SIGHTSEEING:
Peer Khoh - This cave shrine is located 3.5 kms from Jammu town. This shrine is dedicated to Shiva and a naturally formed Shivaling is worshipped here. The antiquity of this lingam is not known. Peer Khoh is situated near the circular road. It is said that this cave gives way to other underground caves and shrines, some of which are even located outside India.

Ranbireshwar Temple - This temple was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883 A.D. This temple again is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a Shivaling is worshipped in the temple. Ranbireshwar Temple is located near the new secretariat on the Shalimar Road. The main Shivalingam in the temple is seven and half feet in height surrounded by many small crystal Shivalings. The galleries with thousands of Shiva 'lingams' gives temple unique look.

Raghunath Temple - This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Raghunath temple is very unique and outstanding in the very basic structure. The inner walls of temple is covered with gold sheet on three sides. The galleries of the temple is covered with lakhs of 'Saligrams'. The surrounding temples is dedicated to other God and Goddess from the epic of Ramayana. The temple is located in the heart of Jammu. Construction of the temple was started in 1835 by the founder Jammu state, Maharaja Gulab Singh. But he could not complete the temple and his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh finished it in 1860.


GETTING THERE:
There regular flights to Jammu from Delhi, Srinagar and Leh. The airport is eight kms from the city. Indian airlines and other private airlines have flights to Jammu. Jammu is the last rail head in north India. Though railtracks have been extended further, Jammu Station receives the majority of trains from all over India. There are superfast trains connecting Jammu with other destinations in India. From here one can take direct trains to any where in the country. Jammu is also well connected by roads. The national highway no. 1-A touches Jammu. There are bus services from the city to other places in the state including Kashmir valley and the Ladakh region too. There tourist buses from Delhi and Chandigarh operated by State transports as well as private tourist operators. Apart from the long distance buses there are services which takes you to near by places.

Accomodation
Hotel Vardaan Jammu
Partially Air-conditioned. Located in City Centre and Walking Distance from Raghunath Temple. Banquet & Conference Facilities. 5 kms. from Airport. 4 kms. from Railway Station.
Address: J.P. Chowk, Jammu - 180 001, India

Jammu Jewels Hotel & Restaurant
2 Star Hotel. Centrally Air-conditioned. In the Heart of city. Business Centre. Room Service, H/C running water, Telephone, Fax, Citi Cable T.V., Safe Deposit. 4 kms. from Airport. 3 kms. from Railway Station.
Address: Jewel Cinema Complex, Jewel Chowk, Jammu - 180 001, India
Hari Niwas Palace Hotel
Govt. approved heritage hotel with hospitable services
Address: Jammu Tawi, Jammu - 180 001, India

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES:
Tourist Reception center - J&K Department of Tourism, Vir Marg, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir (India). Tel. - +(91)-0191-548172, 544527; Fax - +(91)-0191-544842

Tourist Office - J&K Department Of Tourism, National Airport, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir (India). Tel. - +(91)-0191-531917

Tourist Office - J&K Department Of Tourism, Railway Station, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir (India). Tel. - +(91)-0191-530078

The Director Tourism - J&K Government Tourist Reception Center, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (India). Tel. - +(91)-0194-452690 / 452691; Fax - +(91)-0194-452361

Jammu And Kashmir Tourist Office - 201-203, Kanishka Shopping Plaza, 19 Ashoka Road New Delhi - 110 001 India Tel. - +(91)-11-3344511(ext. 276) / 334573; Fax. - +(91)-11-3367881