Jammu: The City of Temples | Travel Guide, Things to Do, Hotels & History

Updated On: September 24, 2025

Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is not just a city—it’s a living legend resting on the Shivalik Range and overlooking the fertile northern plains. Known as the ‘City of Temples’, Jammu blends mythology, history, spirituality, and culture, making it a must-visit destination for travelers and devotees alike. Dogri is widely spoken by the people of Jammu.

The foundation of Jammu dates back to Raja Jamboo Lochan, who is believed to have lived around the 14th century BC. According to legend, during a hunting expedition near the Tawi River, the Raja witnessed a lion and a goat peacefully drinking water side by side. Amazed by the harmony of nature, he abandoned the hunt. His ministers explained that the soil was so pure that even natural enemies coexisted without conflict. Inspired, the Raja established a settlement called ‘Jambupura’, later known as Jambu-Nagar, which evolved into modern-day Jammu.

Jammu in Ancient History

Jammu has a proud mention in the epic Mahabharata. Excavations at Akhnoor, just 32 km from Jammu city, reveal links to the Harappan Civilization, along with artifacts from the Maurya, Kushan, and Gupta dynasties.

By the 18th century, Jammu came under the rule of the Dogra dynasty, beginning with Raja Dhruv Deva in 1730 AD. Under Dogra patronage, the city blossomed into a hub of art, culture, and the famous Pahari school of paintings.

Jammu Today – The City of Temples

Jammu fulfills Raja Jamboo Lochan’s vision with countless temples dotting its skyline. The city’s sacred aura has earned it the title ‘City of Temples’.

Must-Visit Temples in Jammu

Bahu Fort & Bawey Wali Mata Temple: Built in the early 19th century, this shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali is second only to Vaishno Devi in its spiritual significance.
Raghunath Temple: A grand temple complex built by Maharaja Gulab Singh and his son Ranbir Singh, housing several shrines dedicated to Hindu deities.
Ranbireshwar Temple: Famous for its massive Shiva lingam and thousands of crystal shivalingas.
Peer Kho Temple: During the reign of Raja Biram Dev of Jammu (1454 – 95) a famous mendicant Jogi Guru Garib Nath belonging to the Guru Gorakh Nath order came to Jammu and resided at Peer Kho. Kho means cave in the local dialect.
Maha Maya Temple: Located on the ridge facing the Bahu Fort in the midst of the City Forest on the bye Pass road is the Mahamaya Temple.

Read also: 5 Popular Temples of Jammu City

Why is Jammu Famous?

Jammu is famous for its spiritual ambience, historical temples, Dogra culture, and scenic views of the Tawi River. It also serves as the gateway to Vaishno Devi shrine, attracting millions of pilgrims every year.

Is Jammu a District or a City?

Jammu is both a district and a city. The city serves as the district headquarters of Jammu district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Which Capital is Jammu?

Jammu is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. During the winter months, the government shifts its offices from Srinagar to Jammu.

What is the Old Name of Jammu?

The old name of Jammu was ‘Jambupura’ or ‘Jambu-Nagar’, derived from its founder Raja Jamboo Lochan. Over centuries, it transformed into the modern name—Jammu.

Jammu University

Founded in 1969, University of Jammu is one of the top educational institutions in northern India. It offers higher education in sciences, humanities, commerce, law, and professional courses, attracting students from across the country.

Jammu Map and Directions

Jammu is well-connected by road, rail, and air.

By Road: Connected to Srinagar, Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh.
By Rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station links the city to major Indian cities.
By Air: Jammu Airport operates regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and other metros.

Flights to Jammu

Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Amritsar make Jammu easily accessible. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara operate direct flights to Jammu Airport (IXJ).

Jammu Tawi railway station

Jammu Tawi railway station (station code: JAT) is a railway station in the city of Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu Tawi is well connected to major Indian cities by trains. The station code is JAT. The third longest running train in India, in terms of time and distance, the Himsagar Express that goes to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu in 70 hours, used to originate from here. Now it originates from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station. Most premium express train of India, Vande Bharat Express, makes a stop here.

Jammu Distance from Key Cities

Jammu to Srinagar – 270 km
Jammu to Delhi – 600 km
Jammu to Amritsar – 220 km
Jammu to Katra (Vaishno Devi) – 45 km

Where to Stay – Hotels in Jammu

Jammu offers accommodations for every budget:

Luxury Hotels – Radisson Blu, Fortune Inn Riviera, Vivanta Jammu, City Centre
Mid-Range Hotels – Bloom Hotel – Jammu, Lemon Tree, Viraj Sarovar Portico, Zone by The Park, Jammu
Budget Hotels – Grand Plaza Lords Inn Jammu, Le Roi Jammu – Near Jammu Railway Station

Things to Do in Jammu

Best shopping places in jammu city — Best Shopping Places in Jammu City

Visit Bahu Fort and enjoy a stroll in Bagh-e-Bahu Garden.
Explore Amar Mahal Palace, now a museum showcasing Dogra heritage.
Visit to Mansar Lake , Mansar Lake, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, is believed to have roots in the Mahabharata.
Akhnoor – Forts and Riverbanks, Akhnoor sits on the banks of the Chenab River and houses the historic Akhnoor Fort and Jiopota Ghat—where Maharaja Gulab Singh was crowned by Raja Ranjit Singh.
Suchetgarh, R.S. Pura – Jammu, Every Saturday and Sunday, the Border Security Force (BSF) conducts a public retreat ceremony on the Indian side.
Bagh-e-Bahu Aquarium, the aquarium is India’s largest underground aquarium, housing a vast variety of marine and freshwater fish in an architecturally unique fish-shaped building.
Shop for Dogra jewelry, pashmina shawls, and dry fruits at Raghunath Bazaar.
Take a short trip to Patnitop for snow-capped mountains and adventure sports.

Read also: Picnic Spots Near Jammu To Visit

Where to Eat – Restaurants in Jammu

Pahalwan’s – Famous for sweets, snacks, and dry fruits.
Espato: Relish authentic Dogra cuisine cooked in Desi Ghee.
Sharma Ji Baggar Wale, Old Heritage City, Jammu– Authentic Rajama Rice.
Amritsari Di Hatti – Popular for Punjabi-style chole Naan and lassi.

Jammu is more than just the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir—it is a land of traditions, history, spirituality, and breathtaking beauty. From its legendary origins under Raja Jamboo Lochan to its status as the ‘City of Temples’, Jammu continues to mesmerize travelers, devotees, and history lovers alike.