Jammu Division Voyage Tips and guide

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Jammu is a hilly region of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. Home to some of the most revered Hindu shrines, such as Vaishno Devi in Katra, Jammu is a major pilgrimage centre for Hindus.

• 32.7174.861 Jammu — the largest city of the Jammu Division and the winter capital of the union territory

• 32.9874.952 Katra (Katra Vaishno Devi) — a small town in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains famous for the Vaishno Devi Temple

• 33.084775.335393 Patnitop — a small hill-station town

• 32.98258375.7164644 Bhadarwah — popular hill-station and town

• 33.7670274.095575 Poonch (Punch) — a town at India-Pakistan border

• 32.9375.136 Udhampur — the second-largest city, headquarters of the Udhampur District

• 33.6178575.992771 Kishtwar National Park — this park has rugged and steep terrain, with narrow valleys leading to glaciers. This park provides habitat for the Himalayan Snowcock and the brown bear.
• 33.26778476.1674832 Paddar — high altitude Himalayan region with sapphire mines, ancient Hindu temples and some Buddhist monasteries

Jammu Division has a Hindu majority, unlike Jammu and Kashmir as a whole, which has a Muslim majority. The native language of Jammu is Dogri. The people in Jammu have cultural similarities with their Punjabi neighbours to the south and were historically ruled by Punjabi Maharajas, but the hilly terrain of the land in contrast with the plains of Punjab has also made the people distinct in many ways.

The Jammu Airport (IXJ ^IATA) is the only airport open for civilians in Jammu.

From Srinagar there are several J&K SRTC buses taking 12 hours and costing ₹150. Sumo four-wheel-drive jeep taxis also do this trip in approximately eight hours and cost ₹200 per person (or more for a non-shared ride). Minibuses also stop outside Jammu bus stand and are more comfortable and sometimes cheaper than Sumos. Innovas are more comfortable as well as more expensive. From Jammu city the distance to various towns and cities in other areas of Jammu Division can be covered by bus or taxi. The distance from Jammu to Doda, for example, is around 160 km and the journey takes about 3-4 hours. It's worth noting that the road conditions in Jammu and Kashmir can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season, so it's important to plan accordingly.

Jammu is well connected by train to points south and east. Jammu Tawi railway station is an important railhead of the Northern Railway (NR), serving the entire union territory. It is the second to last major rail stop heading north, the last being Udhampur, and most people only see it long enough to get from the train station to the bus stand to continue toward Srinagar. Jammu Tawi is connected to Delhi (Jammu Rajdhani), Kolkata (Himgir Exp), Mumbai (Swaraj Exp), Chennai (Andaman Exp) and even to the southern most Trivandrum Railway station (Himsagar Exp).

Riding a bike from Jammu city to the hilly and mountainous regions of Jammu can be a scenic and enjoyable experience, but it also comes with certain risks and challenges. The road conditions in Jammu can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season, with narrow and winding roads, landslides, and poor visibility. It's important to note that the Indian government has issued travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir, and it's always advisable to check for any updates before planning a trip. Moreover, it's also important to have all the necessary permits and documents, as well as to inform someone of your itinerary, before embarking on such a trip. It's also important to take all necessary precautions such as wearing a helmet, carrying necessary supplies and spare parts, and having a good knowledge of the route and the local conditions.

Tourist taxis are a popular means of transportation for visitors. These taxis are typically operated by local travel agencies and are equipped to handle the challenging road conditions and long distances of the region. Tourist taxis are available for hire at various locations in Srinagar and Jammu cities, and can take you to various towns and cities in the Jammu Division. These taxis are typically driven by experienced drivers who have knowledge of the local routes and conditions, which can be very helpful for travelers who are not familiar with the area. They also offer flexible schedule, you can book the taxi for a full day or for multiple days depending on your itinerary.

Tourist taxis in Jammu and Kashmir are available in different categories such as Sedan, SUV, and Tempo traveler, depending on the number of passengers and their budget. It's important to note that the rates for tourist taxis can vary depending on the season and the distance of the journey, so it's advisable to check with multiple agencies and compare the rates before booking a taxi. It's also advisable to check the vehicle's condition, insurance, and the credentials of the driver before embarking on the journey.

The widely used minibuses cover the region on fixed routes. Auto rickshaws are available throughout the region at negotiable rates.

• Amarnath. One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknown to them, a pair of doves eavesdropped on this conversation and having learnt the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Yajur veda refers lord Shiva as an ascetic warrior Whose robe is of Deer Skin and carries Damru and Trishul. As referred by the verse "Satyam - Shivam - Sundaram, one life must have three facets Satyam - Truth, Shivam - Good and Sundram - Beautiful. 
• Bahu Fort. Bahu fort was modified and improved by Dogra Rulers of Jammu but first built it was built by the Raja Bahulochan. This fort is located at a distance of around 5km from the main city and perhaps is the oldest edifice in the Jammu. This fort is facing the Tawi River. There is a temple of the goddess Kali in the fort. 
• Mata Vaishno Devi. A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts millions of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds one crore. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad. The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 1,560 m. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave. 
• Raghunath Temple. Raghunath Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shri Rama. All the inner walls of this temple are covered with gold, on three sides. Galleries of this temple are covered with ‘ Saligrams. The other surrounding temples are related to other gods from the Ramayana. This temple is located in the centre, the heart, of Jammu. 
• Sri Amarnath Ji Temple (Holy Amarnath Cave). Temple is situated 144 km east to Srinagar. Lord Amarnath is in the form of an ice Silva-lingam. On the full moon day the lingam is approx 1.8 mhigh. In Rigveda it is said "Ekam Sat" means "There is one Being, whom sages calls by many names. The Supreme Power (Parmeshwar) has three deities who carry on the world called - The Trinity . Lord Brahma - creator of World, Lord Vishnu - Perpetuator of life and Lord Shiva (Mahesh) - the purifier and perpetuator of good and destroyer of evil. Lord Shiva is known as Rudra in Rig Veda as in its following verse. "We Worship Tryambaka (Rudra), Who spread Fragrance and Increases Nourishment, May He release me, like the cucumber from its stem , From Mortal Life , But not From Immorality." 

Despite to militant and insurgent activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu is the safer region to travel compared to the neighbouring Kashmir Valley. There will be clashes along the borders of India and Pakistan, so check the conditions before visiting border towns.

Although both regions of Jammu and Kashmir face snowfalls during winter, the foothills of Jammu, including the city of Jammu, are safer to travel. However, like other regions of the Himalayas, this region may experience landslides and heavy snowfalls, so check the latest local news while visiting the region.