Begin your luxury pilgrimage at one of the most important Hindu shrines in India, Vaishnav Devi. Located atop the Trikuta Hills, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishnavi, and devotees believe that she fulfils their wishes. The trek up the scenic Himalayan mountain is around 12 km long, and you can choose to walk, ride a pony, or travel by helicopter.
After breakfast, head to Bahu Fort, a 300-year-old fortress that overlooks the Tawi River. Explore the temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, the ancient underground prison cells, and the royal palace. Then, visit the lush green Bagh-E-Bahu, a beautiful terraced garden below the fort.
This day is all about heritage sites. Start at the stunning and recently restored Mubarak Mandi Palace, which served as the seat of Dogra rulers for over a century. Visit the Sheesh Mahal, Dogra Art Museum, and the Durbar Hall. Next, head to Raghunath Temple, a beautiful temple complex that has 7 shrines, and is dedicated to Lord Rama. Then, visit the Amar Mahal Museum, a beautiful 19th-century palace that has been converted into a museum and library.
Get ready for a mountain retreat at Patnitop, a charming hill-station nestled in the Shivalik range. Take a leisurely stroll around the Sanasar Lake, visit the Naag Mandir, and go paragliding or skiing. Then, head to Nathatop, a stunning meadow famed for its adventure sports and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
On your final day, travel to the twin lakes of Mansar and Surinsar, which are believed to be holy lakes, and have a serene and calm vibe. Take a boat ride, enjoy the birdwatching or visit the temples located around the lake. Then, head back to Jammu City, and take a leisurely walk around the markets and alleys.
Travel in style and comfort by hiring a private car, which will cost around INR 8000-10,000 per day. This includes a professional driver, fuel, and toll taxes. For the trek to Vaishnav Devi, you can choose to walk, ride a pony, or travel by helicopter, which costs around INR 3500 per person. Alternatively, you can also take a public bus, taxi or shared cab to some of these locations, which can be cheaper but less comfortable.
If you have more time, consider extending your stay at Patnitop or Nathatop, and visit the nearby Kud Park, Batote, and Krimchi Temples. Alternatively, if you have less time, you can skip Nathatop and spend more time at Mansar and Surinsar Lakes.
Jammu Airport (IXJ) is the main airport in Jammu, located around 7 km from the city centre. It has good domestic connectivity, with daily flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. There are also some international flights to Dubai and Sharjah. Taxis, buses and private cars are available from the airport to the city centre, with a travel time of around 30 minutes and a cost of around INR 500.