1. Kaladi kulcha

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Kaladi kulcha is a traditional bread made of kaladi (riped cheese) stuffed in a flatbread called kulcha. This authentic dish is served as a snack and is very famous in Jammu. You’ll find kaladi kulcha as street food as well as in restaurants spread across Jammu. It can be eaten by itself or with a chutney, either ways it is sure to satisfy your evening hunger pangs.

2. Katra

The town of Katra lies in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu. It is a starting point for those who want to start their journey to the shrine of Vaishno Devi. Trekking and whitewater rafting are some outdoor activities that you can indulge in while in Katra. A few hours’ journey from Katra will take you to Sanasar, where you can indulge in paragliding also. If you are traveling with kids, then enjoy a picnic at Sulla Park. You can also find many shops in Katra selling authentic Pashmina stoles and shawls.

Katra

Address: Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir

3. Raghunath Bazaar

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located in central Jammu, Raghunath Bazaar is the place where you can find everything of daily use to souvenirs to take back home. This market is also famous for top-quality dry fruits if you want to take some back home. This local market is believed to be over 150 years old and should be on your bucket list if you plan to visit Jammu. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, just take a stroll, walk through the lanes, and explore the myriad of shops selling local items.

Raghunath Bazaar

Address: Jammu 180001, Jammu and Kashmir

4. The Vaishno Devi Temple

The Vaishno Devi temple is one of the major reasons why Jammu is famous among travelers. This shrine of the Hindu goddess Shakti is visited by hundreds of thousands of devotees each year. Located on the hilltop, pilgrims have to start their journey from Katra. Although in recent years helicopters are available to make things easier for pilgrims, many people still prefer taking the 12 km (7.5 mi) journey from Katra on foot. The entire route is scenic, and dotted with shops selling souvenirs, water and food.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Address: Vaishno Devi, Katra-Reasi Rd, Bhavan, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir,

Website: Vaishno Devi Temple

5. Navratri rituals

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Navratri rituals are celebrated over nine days and devotees celebrate nine divine forms of the Hindu goddess of warrior, Durga, on each day. Although Jammu attracts pilgrims throughout the year, but being here during Navratri offers a unique experience. During these nine days, the Bawe Wali Mata Mahakali temple inside Bahu Fort witnesses a heavy rush of devotees.

6. Bahu Fort

Believed to be more than 3000 years old, this fort is located on the banks of Tawi River and attracts many tourists throughout the year. However, the fort has undergone a number of structural changes over the centuries. Head to the fort’s gardens and get a mesmerizing bird’s-eye view of Jammu. It also has eight octagonal towers that are connected with walls. The main entrance of the fort is big enough to even allow passage to an elephant. The fort houses the famous Bawe Wali Mata temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims each year during Navratri festival.

Bahu Fort

Address: Bahu Fort, Gorkha Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180006

7. Amar Mahal Palace

From a distance, this 19th-century palace looks like a European castle. Made out of red sandstone and bricks, it is nestled atop a hill and offers spectacular views of the Tawi River. Several rooms in the palace are converted into a museum and you’ll also find a library here that includes more than 25,000 rare books. However, the main attraction of Amar Mahal Palace is the golden throne that is made from 120 kg (265 pounds) of gold.

Amar Mahal Palace

Address: Palace Road, Karan Nagar, Jammu Tawi, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

8. Pashmina shawls

Pashmina shawls are one of the must-buy items in Jammu. They are made using one of the finest cashmere, which makes them so expensive. It is believed that Pashmina shawls were first crafted in the Mughal era. Mughal king Akbar is said to have gifted pashmina shawls to his favorites wives. You’ll find many shops in Jammu selling authentic Pashmina shawls. Make sure to take a Pashmina shawl that has been certified by the Government of India.

9. Chenani-Nashri tunnel

Also called the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee tunnel or Syama tunnel, this is a tunnel in the lower Himalayas and its construction was completed in 2017. This 9.9 km (5.8 mi) tunnel is the longest road tunnel in India and also features a fully integrated tunnel control system. The tunnel is important in the area as it bypasses more than 40 landslide and avalanche-prone spots. This all-weather tunnel also has some parking spots, which comes in handy in case a vehicle breaks down.

10. Winter capital of state

Jammu and Kashmir in north India has two capital cities. Jammu used to be the full-time capital city until 1952, but after that, it shares the title with Srinagar. While the beautiful city of Srinagar serves as the summer capital from May to October, Jammu serves as the winter capital of the state from November to April each year. As this practice has been going on for decades, people are used to it and don’t want to move on to one permanent capital city.

Plan your next trip to Jammu

Jammu has many temples that has earned it the title of ‘City of Temples.’ Visit the ancient temples and admire their architecture. You can also check out a number of other landmarks in Jammu, such as Mubarak Mandi Palace, Raghunath temple, Purani Mandi, and more.