In the morning, explore the Mubarak Mandi Palace, a magnificent blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and Gothic styles. Enjoy the grandeur of the Darbar Hall, the Sheesh Mahal and the Gulab Singh Museum. Have a traditional lunch of Rajma Chawal at the nearby Jhingur Poultry Farm. In the afternoon, visit the Raghunath Bazaar and shop for souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy the musical fountain show at the Bagh-e-Bahu Garden.
Rise early and head to the Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the most revered shrines in India. The temple is nestled in the Trikuta Mountains and can be reached by a 12 km trek or a helicopter ride. The trek takes around 4-6 hours and is best done in the morning to avoid the crowds. After returning from the temple, rest and have lunch at the nearby Katra town. In the evening, visit the Amar Mahal Palace Museum and admire the collection of paintings, artifacts and sculptures.
Spend a relaxing day at Mansar Lake, a beautiful natural lake surrounded by hills and forests. Take a walk around the lake and enjoy the scenic views. You can also rent a boat and go for a leisurely ride. Have a picnic lunch by the lakeside or enjoy some local snacks at the nearby food stalls. In the afternoon, visit the Surinsar Lake, located close to Mansar Lake. The lake is known for its clear blue water and is a great spot for birdwatching. In the evening, head back to Jammu and enjoy a traditional Kashmiri meal at the popular Krishna Vaishno Dhaba.
Other local attractions you can consider are the Bahu Fort, the Peer Kho Cave Temple, and the Dogra Art Museum. You can also take a side trip to the Patnitop hill station, which is about 3 hours from Jammu. To maximize your fun, try to attend a local festival or cultural event. The Jhiri Mela and the Lohri Festival are popular events held in Jammu. Lastly, make sure to try some of the local delicacies like Kaladi Kulcha, Ambal and Patissa.