Family-friendly Itinerary for Jammu, August 31, 2023
Thursday August 31: Arrival in Jammu
Welcome to Jammu! Begin your trip by checking into a comfortable hotel. You can find great hotel and flight deals on kayak.com. In the morning, take a leisurely walk around the beautiful Bahu Fort and Gardens. In the afternoon, visit the Raghunath Bazaar, a bustling marketplace perfect for shopping and trying local street food. In the evening, head to the Bagh-e-Bahu for a scenic sunset picnic.
Bahu Fort and Gardens: Cost - Free, Time - 2 hours
Raghunath Bazaar: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
Bagh-e-Bahu: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day, located near Bahu Fort. They offer a variety of coffees, pastries, and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, head to Krishna Vaishno Dhaba in Raghunath Bazaar. This popular local eatery serves authentic Punjabi cuisine, including mouthwatering dal makhani and butter naan. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
In the evening, dine at Moti Mahal Deluxe in Bagh-e-Bahu. This restaurant offers a serene ambiance and serves delicious North Indian and Mughlai dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 600 per person.
Friday September 1: Vaishno Devi
Take a day trip to the famous Vaishno Devi Temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site nestled in the Trikuta Mountains. Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the scenic trek to the temple. After offering your prayers, explore other attractions nearby such as Baba Dhansar, a beautiful waterfall, and the Ardh Kuwari Cave. Return to Jammu in the evening.
Vaishno Devi Temple: Cost - Free, Time - Full day
Baba Dhansar: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Ardh Kuwari Cave: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day located near Katra. This popular coffee chain offers a variety of breakfast options including sandwiches, muffins, and hot beverages. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try Dana Pani Restaurant situated in Katra. They serve delicious North Indian and Chinese cuisine, with options like butter chicken and chili chicken. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹400 per person.
For dinner, visit Punjab Da Haveli in Jammu. This restaurant offers authentic Punjabi cuisine with specialties like sarson da saag and makki di roti. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Saturday September 2: Amar Mahal Palace Museum
Spend the morning at the Amar Mahal Palace Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts showcasing the rich history and culture of Jammu and Kashmir. In the afternoon, visit the Mansar Lake, a picturesque spot for boating and picnicking. Wrap up the day with a visit to the beautiful Surinsar Lake, known for its serene ambiance and birdwatching opportunities.
Embark on a day trip to Patnitop, a hill station located just a few hours away from Jammu. Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas while indulging in activities like paragliding, horse riding, and trekking. Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful meadows and visit the Nag Temple. Return to Jammu in the evening.
Patnitop: Cost - Varies based on activities, Time - Full day
Nag Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Enjoy a scrumptious meal at Veerji Sweets, known for its delicious Indian breakfast options such as chole bhature and aloo puri. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 100 per person.
Lunch: Indulge in a delightful lunch at Moti Mahal Delux, a renowned restaurant offering a variety of North Indian and Mughlai dishes. Don't miss their signature butter chicken and biryani. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
Dinner: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba, a popular vegetarian restaurant serving authentic Punjabi cuisine. Their thali meals and paneer dishes are highly recommended. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
Monday September 4: Baglihar Dam and Chenani-Nashri Tunnel
Start the day by visiting the magnificent Baglihar Dam, an engineering marvel known for its scenic surroundings. Take a guided tour to learn about its construction and importance in the region. In the afternoon, drive through the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in India, offering breathtaking views along the way. Return to Jammu in the evening and spend some time exploring the local markets.
Baglihar Dam: Cost - Free, Time - 2-3 hours
Chenani-Nashri Tunnel: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Local Markets: Cost - Varies, Time - 1-2 hours
Tuesday September 5: Amar Singh Palace and Dogra Art Museum
Visit the Amar Singh Palace, a beautiful blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Explore the Dogra Art Museum within the palace premises, showcasing a wide range of artifacts, including miniature paintings and ancient manuscripts. In the afternoon, spend time at the Bagh-e-Bahu Aquarium, home to a variety of marine life. Enjoy an evening stroll along the banks of the Tawi River.
Bagh-e-Bahu Aquarium: Cost - INR 20, Time - 1-2 hours
Wednesday September 6: Day Trip to Shivkhori
Take a day trip to Shivkhori, a famous cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the naturally formed stalagmites inside the cave, which are believed to resemble Lord Shiva's form. Participate in the morning aarti (prayer) ceremony for a spiritual experience. On the way back to Jammu, make a stop at the Krimchi Temples, an archaeological site dating back to the 11th century.
Shivkhori: Cost - Free (donations accepted), Time - Full day
Krimchi Temples: Cost - Free, Time - 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Jammu. This sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, musk deer, and numerous bird species. It's a great place for a family-friendly nature walk and wildlife spotting. Another local favorite is the Bagh-e-Bahu Musical Fountain, where you can enjoy an entertaining show of lights, music, and water.