The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges. The shrine is nestled in a cave that is believed to be over a million years old and is considered one of the holiest places in India. An uphill trek of approximately 13 km takes you to the shrine from the base camp. For those who prefer not to trek, palanquins and ponies are available. The trek itself is an adventurous experience, and the panoramic views along the journey make it even more special. The trek takes around 5-6 hours to complete, and the best time to visit is March to October.
The Bahu Fort is an ancient monument that was built by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago. The fort overlooks the mighty Tawi river and houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The fort museum exhibits weapons, artifacts, and paintings of Jammu's past. The nearby Bagh-e-Bahu garden has a variety of plants and flowers that make it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The garden also has a beautiful aquarium that houses many exotic fish species.
If you have extra time, you can visit the Raghunath Temple, which is a 10-minute drive from the Bahu Fort and Bagh-e-Bahu Garden. It is one of the largest temples in northern India and has 7 shrines dedicated to different gods. You can also visit the Amar Mahal Museum, which is a 8-minute drive from the Raghunath Temple. The museum has a rich collection of paintings, artifacts, and ancient manuscripts. If you have less time, you can skip the Bagh-e-Bahu Garden and the Raghunath Temple and spend more time at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine or the Bahu Fort.