Begin your trip with a visit to the Vaishno Devi Temple, a significant Hindu temple located in the mountains of Katra, a small town in Jammu. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess, Vaishno Devi and is believed to fulfill the wishes of its devotees. The trek to the temple is 12 km long and can be completed by foot or on a pony. Helicopter services are also available from Katra.
Take a trip to the Bahu Fort and Garden located on the banks of River Tawi. The fort was built in the 18th century and houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The garden is spread over an area of 5 hectares, and is a great spot for a family picnic. The garden also has a small zoo, which houses various species of animals and birds.
Visit the Mubarak Mandi Palace, a historic palace complex in the heart of Jammu city. The palace was built in the 19th century and served as the royal residence of the Dogra dynasty. The complex consists of various buildings, including the Sheesh Mahal, the Rani Charak Palace, and the Pink Hall. The palace has a unique blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and Gothic architecture.
Visit the Amar Mahal Palace, a beautiful palace located on a hilltop overlooking the Tawi River. The palace was built in the 19th century by Raja Amar Singh and is now converted into a museum. The museum houses various artifacts and paintings from the Dogra dynasty, including a golden throne, Pahari paintings, and a library with rare manuscripts.
End your trip with a visit to Patnitop, a picturesque hill station in the Udhampur district of Jammu. The hill station is located at an altitude of 2024 meters and is surrounded by lush green forests. You can go for a scenic drive, trekking, skiing, or simply enjoy the view from your hotel room. The hill station also has various restaurants serving local cuisine.
Other local attractions to consider are the Raghunath Temple, Bagh-e-Bahu Aquarium, and the Peer Kho Cave Temple. To maximize your fun, plan your trip during the Jammu and Kashmir Festival in June, which includes cultural programs, food fairs, and much more. Don't forget to try the local street food, such as gol gappas, chaat, and chole bhature.