The Jammu region,which is well known for being home to the famed shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, is an excellent place to visit for a vacation. Jammu may have been eclipsed by Kashmir's beauty, but it has huge tourist potential, with countless holy sites to seek the almighty's blessings, quirky mountainous areas excellent for trekking and riding adventures, and a rich culture to learn more about the region.Jammu is primarily a nice break from the routine; one can vacation here not only to seek spirituality at Mata Vaishno Devi, Raghunath Temple, Peer Kho Cave, and Dera Baba Banda, but also to enjoy a hill vacation at Patnitop and Doda. Jammu's stunning lakes, such as Mansar Lake, as well as the ethereal grandeur of Patnitop and Doda, are sure to enchant nature enthusiasts. Kishtwar National Park is for the wildlife aficionado offering thrilling experience. Jammu isn't just for family vacations and spiritual tours; it's also for thrilling experiences on lesser-known routes in Kishtwar. Poonch, a historic town, and Jammu, the region's major metropolis, both have a wonderful experience to offer, with various heritage sites and temples.

THINGS TO DO WHEN IN JAMMU 

• Mountaineering - In Jammu and Kashmir, the spectacular peaks of the Pir Panjal ranges of the Indian Himalayas provide the best prospects for mountain climbing. As you scale the heights, feel the thrill and adrenaline rush, and enjoy panoramic views of Pakistan and Tibet from the top. Mountain climbing is enjoyable for both beginners and specialists in both the Jammu Region and the Kashmir Valley.

• Fishing and Angling - Kashmir is known as an angler's haven. In Kashmir, fishing opportunities abound in glacial and snow-fed streams. Anglers from all over the world flock to Kashmir because the region's water bodies of all sizes and sorts are well-stocked with Rainbow trout and German brown trout. During the season, Kashmir has over 61 beats open for fishing and angling.

• Trekking at Vaishno Devi - The 13-kilometer trip to Vaishno Devi begins in the Jammu hamlet of Katra, and the best months to go are March to June. To continue their walk, many people hire a pony or a palkhi. Climbing this mountain with a solid ascent can be quite enjoyable for adventure junkies and people who appreciate sports.

•  Ice Skating in Jammu - Winters in Jammu and Kashmir are known for freezing, and the cold draws many people to try ice skating on frozen rivers and snow-covered plains. Ice skating may appear tough at first, and it's not uncommon to fall due to a loss of balance and laugh at oneself, but if you've ever tried roller skates, it can be a fun experience with a few helpful advice from expert skaters.

• Attending Fairs and Festivals - Jammu celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, and participating in them is a terrific opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the region. Some of these festivals, including Eid, Diwali, and Holi, are observed by the people in the same way that they are observed everywhere in the country.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit Jammu is from October to early April. The landscape of Jammu is wonderfully gorgeous during these months, accompanied by a lovely chill in the air with glimpses of snow here and there. Jammu is well worth a visit during prominent holidays such as Makar Sankranti (January), Ram Navami (March), and Deepavali (October), when the entire town is awash in celebrations.

PLACES TO VISIT IN JAMMU 

• Mansar Lake - Mansar Lake, 62 kilometres from Jammu, is a lake with a length of almost a mile and a width of half a mile, surrounded by forested hills. It is a holy location that shares the mythology and holiness of Lake Mansarovar, in addition to being a popular trip destination in Jammu.

• Raghunath Temple - The Raghunath Temple is a well-known temple and one of northern India's largest complexes. Lord Rama is the presiding deity of the regal temple, which features many gods and goddesses. Seven Hindu shrines make up the temple complex.

• Vaishno Devi Temple - The iconic Vaishno Devi Mandir is located in Vaishno Devi, a religious town. 13 kilometres from Katra, in the Trikuta hills. Millions of worshippers travel from all over the world to visit this well-known shrine. Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Durga. She is also known as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi, and Trikuta.

• Poonch Fort - The Poonch Fort, located in the historical city of Poonch, houses a collection of majestic structures that show a mix of architectural styles from the different reigns that these territories have seen. This magnificent edifice, which spans 7,500 square metres on the top of a tiny hill, is a sight to behold.

• Bahu Fort - On the left side of the Tawi River, the Bahu Fort stands towering and strong. This majestic fort was built by Raja Bahucholan over 3000 years ago, making it one of the city's oldest landmarks. The Goddess Kali shrine is also a highlight of this fort.The fort's structures are organised around four irregular courtyards.

FOODS AND CUISINES IN JAMMU 

Jammu adores delighting in and serving wonderful food, much like its stunning landscape and kind hospitality. Lentils, legumes, mutton, rice, and potatoes are all common ingredients in Jammu cuisine. Jammu's cuisine is influenced by the neighbouring province of Kashmir, therefore there is a wide range to choose from. Ambal, Kulthi ki Dal, Khatta Meat, Dal Patt, Maa da Madra, and Auraiya are some of the most popular Dogri dishes in the region.

HOW TO REACH 

• By Road - Jammu and Kashmir has decent road connectivity and is easily accessible. Kashmir is connected to India's major towns by the National Highways 1 and 44.

• By Train - There is no railway station in Srinagar at the moment. Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Srinagar, at a distance of over 300 kilometres. The New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express, Jammu Mail, and Jammu Tawi Express are among the daily trains that run from Jammu Tawi Railway Station to Delhi.

• By Air - The Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport Srinagar, presently known as Air Srinagar, operates flights to major Indian cities such as Goa, Delhi, Leh, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Jammu. IndiGo, Air India, GoAir, and Jet Airways are just a few of the airlines that fly out of this airport.