Picnic Spots Near Jammu To Visit

Published On: June 20, 2025

Looking for peaceful getaways around Jammu? Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or someone simply seeking a refreshing break, the Jammu Division offers a host of offbeat picnic spots within a 100 to 125 km radius. These locations are rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance — perfect for day trips with family and friends.

Let’s explore some of the best picnic spots near Jammu that promise joy, bonding, and unforgettable memories.

Why Picnic Trips Matter for Family and Children

Picnics are not just leisure outings—they are vital for the mental and physical development of children. They provide opportunities to engage in outdoor games, foster teamwork, boost self-confidence, and enhance family bonding. When parents actively participate—keeping their phones aside, playing and eating with their children—the impact becomes even more profound.

1. Mansar Lake – Mythology, Nature & Wildlife

Distance from Jammu: ~60 km
Ideal for: Family picnics, nature walks, mythology lovers

Mansar Lake, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, is believed to have roots in the Mahabharata. This tranquil spot is ideal for a peaceful family outing.

Highlights:

Scenic lake view and peaceful atmosphere
Deer park and seasonal migratory birds
Remains of a 150-year-old mansion
Ideal for parikrama (circumambulation)

2. Akhnoor – Forts and Riverbanks

Distance from Jammu: 22 km
Ideal for: History lovers, riverside picnics

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.

Things to Do:

Explore Akhnoor Fort
Enjoy riverbank picnicking
Visit Jiopota Ghat

3. Patnitop – Serenity at Altitude

Distance from Jammu: ~90 km
Ideal for: Families, nature enthusiasts, snow lovers

One of the most popular hill stations near Jammu, Patnitop offers pine-scented air, meadows, and panoramic views—perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Top Activities:

Picnic amidst pine forests
Visit Nag Temple
Enjoy skiing and snow activities in winter

4. Gharana Wetland – For Birdwatchers

Distance from Jammu: Few km
Ideal for: Bird lovers, photographers

Located near the India-Pakistan border, Gharana Wetland is home to numerous migratory birds. It offers a peaceful setting for a family picnic surrounded by nature.

5. Nathatop – Between Sanasar and Patnitop

Distance from Jammu: ~125 km
Ideal for: Adventure seekers, photography lovers

Situated between Sanasar Lake and Patnitop, Nathatop boasts awe-inspiring views and fresh mountain air.

What to Expect:

Paragliding and trekking
Snow-covered landscapes in winter
Picnic-friendly meadows

6. Bani – The Mini Kashmir of Kathua

Ideal for: Trekkers, offbeat explorers

Bani is often referred to as “Mini Kashmir” for its pristine beauty. It serves as a base camp for trekkers heading to Bhaderwah and Chamba.

Must-See Features:

Gushing waterfalls and streams
Dense forests
Scenic meadows

7. Basohli – A Cultural Gem on River Ravi

Distance from Jammu: ~120 km
Ideal for: Art lovers, culture enthusiasts

Founded in 1635 by Raja Bhupat Pal, Basohli is known for its historic temples, art, and breathtaking views.

Attractions:

Basohli miniature paintings
Pashmina shawls and Purthoo lake beach
Temples like Shiv Temple, Mata Chanchlo Shrine, and more

8. Pancheri – The Closest Snow Destination to Jammu

Distance from Jammu: ~70 km
Ideal for: Snowfall experience, spiritual rejuvenation

Pancheri, perched at 5900 ft in Ladha Dhar, sees heavy snowfall in winter and is enveloped in Banj Oak and Deodar forests.

Spiritual Spots:

Sankari Devta Temple
Shiv-Parvati caves of Moungri
Sacred Bowlis with stone carvings

9. Devi Pindi – A Sacred Retreat in Reasi Hills

Distance from Jammu: ~40 km
Ideal for: Spiritual seekers, short day trips

Located in Reasi district, Devi Pindi is an ancient Hindu temple believed to be connected with Mata Vaishno Devi.

Travel Tip: Ideal for early morning trips; return by evening

10. Bagh-e-Bahu – Tranquility Within City Limits

Distance from Jammu: 2 km
Ideal for: Quick getaways, romantic walks

Nestled beside Bahu Fort, this garden is a charming destination with:

Fountains and lake views
Fish aquarium
Sculptures and green lawns

11. Nurpur & Doda Sankh – Overlooking Poonch Valley

Distance from Poonch: Few km
Ideal for: Adventure tourism, scenic views

Nurpur offers panoramic views of Loran, Sawjian, Mandi, and Poonch. Just 8–10 km from Nurpur, Doda Sankh is perfect for camping, skiing, and paragliding.

Special Feature: Unobstructed views of the Peer Panjal Range

12. Nangali Sahib – Sikh Heritage Near Poonch

Distance from Poonch: 4 km
Ideal for: Spiritual tourism

Built on the banks of Drungli Nallah, this Gurudwara was established in 1803 by Thakur Sant Bhai Mela Singh to spread Sikhism in the region.

13. Pogal Paristan – The Enchanted Valley of Banihal

Ideal for: Valley lovers, explorers

Pogal Paristan, a lesser-known valley near Banihal, is surrounded by forested slopes and alpine meadows.

Unmissable Spots:

Sundari & Pogal streams
Gugli Meadows
Hans Raj Peak and Nandigarh

Perfect for an early-season trip before high-altitude passes open.

14. Suchetgarh, R.S. Pura – Jammu

Ideal for: History enthusiasts, patriotic travelers, and border tourism

Suchetgarh Border is located approximately 25 km from Jammu, near the R.S. Pura sector along the India–Pakistan international border. This historic location has become a key attraction for those interested in Indo-Pak border tourism.

Every Saturday and Sunday, the Border Security Force (BSF) conducts a public retreat ceremony on the Indian side. The event features a well-coordinated parade and synchronized drill by BSF personnel, ending with the ceremonial lowering of the national flag. The spectacle is charged with patriotism and attracts hundreds of visitors.

Unmissable Experiences:

Witness the BSF Parade and Flag-Lowering Ceremony
Explore the historic pre-partition railway station remains
Visit nearby memorials and display galleries on border life

Perfect for a weekend visit with family or friends, especially for those looking to experience the spirit of national pride firsthand.

15. Ambaran (Pambaran), Akhnoor – Jammu

Ideal for: History buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers

Unmissable Experiences:

Explore archaeological excavation sites revealing relics from the pre-Kushana to Gupta period
Witness terracotta figures, sculptures, pottery, and ancient burnt brick structures
Learn about the village’s deep ties to Buddhism and the Amba Jagdev Pawar dynasty

Perfect for: A cultural day trip filled with heritage and history, especially for students, scholars, and anyone curious about ancient civilizations in India.

16. Jhajjar Kotli – Jammu

Ideal for: Nature lovers, families, and road-trippers

Unmissable Experiences:

Relax beside the Jhajjar rivulet, known for its crystal-clear and cool waters
Enjoy a day out at the Jhajjar Kotli Tourist Complex with scenic views and open spaces
Ideal spot for summer picnics, photography, and light trekking

Perfect for: A refreshing stopover or a full-day picnic on the way to or from Jammu, especially during the warmer months.

Why You Should Go on a Picnic

Picnics are more than fun—they’re essential. When children are grouped and involved in outdoor activities, they:

Stay physically and mentally fit
Learn to socialize and share
Build self-confidence

For parents, engaging directly with kids—without distractions like phones—nurtures deeper family bonds.

Plan Your Picnic Now!

Jammu Division is a treasure trove of offbeat picnic spots that combine nature, heritage, and tranquility. Whether it’s a peaceful garden, a spiritual retreat, or a snow-laden hilltop, there’s something for every kind of traveler.