Jammu Darshan (5N Jammu, 1N Ransoo, 2N Katra, 3N Udhampur, 3N Patnitop, 3N Bhaderwah) // TSP 132

After breakfast and as per pre-given timings, our driver and English Speaking Guide will be there to pick you up for the sightseeing of Jammu, which is also known as City of Temples.

Today, proceed towards the Old Jammu for the Heritage walk. Explore the ancient city of Jammu where the past is juxtaposed with the future. Start your tour from the gardens of Amar Mahal, which is built like a French Chateau overlooking the River Tawi. Maharani Tara Devi, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh ji, resided in this palace for many years. This is also called as Queen’s Palace. Visit the Museum, where the Throne, made of pure Gold still charms many (Museum is closed on Mondays and National Holidays).

Later, head towards the Fort area, which is known as Mubarak Mandi, you will visit one of the unique forts in the India with the original Architectural things and which is the blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and Baroque architectural elements. After fort and museum, you will be taken through old and historic lanes of Jammu old city, where you can treasure memories for the lifetime.

In the evening, visit famous Raghunath ji Temple and Bazaar. The Temple is the largest temples complex in North India. It contains representatives of almost the entire Hindu pantheon. Stay overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy the Bahu Fort and Garden Areas. Pay obedience at Bawe Wali Mata Temple, which is inside the 3000 yrs old Bahu fort.



Later Visit, the Asia’s biggest Underground Aquarium and Bhag-e-Bahu, the Royal Gardens. Visit, Mahamaya Temple and forest area. This temple was names after Maharani Mahamaya who died protecting motherland from invaders. Stay overnight at hotel.

Suchetgarh is located at Ranbir Singh Pura AKA RS Pura in Jammu. Historically, R.S Pura being as an important railway station of undivided India in pre British times. Sialkot, now in Pakistan, is about 11 Km from Suchetgarh. Suchetgarh is also known by the name Border Out Post Octroi or BOP Octroi. Suchetgarh Jammu Border is BSF – India’s First Line of Defense. Pakistan is hardly at 100 meters from this place. Enjoy the rhythm of Patriotism before the ceremony takes place and indulge yourself in dance followed by loud roars of Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Border Retreat Ceremony begins with the Dog squad. Dogs make different moves, silent drill and actions on command of their trainer and even salute them.

Today you will visit the International Border area. En-route, visit international acclaimed Gharana Wetlands, where migratory birds flock during the winters time. This is the Bird watchers paradise; one can see Little Grebe, black stork, Pariah Kite and many more which are going extinct from the world.

Later we will proceed for Suchetgarh Jammu Border Retreat Ceremony. Retreat Ceremony starts somewhere at 1700 hours and four days in a week that is on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. During the ceremony witness the blustering parade by the Indian soldiers. Border Retreat Ceremony at Border Out Post Octroi ends perfectly by lowering of the nations’ flag.

After early breakfast, leave for Akhnoor, which is approx. 30 Kms. from Jammu. Visits some pre-historic sites at Akhnoor, which was a Greek trading. You will see the glimpses of the earliest of the Civilization known to mankind, The Harrapan or Indus-Valley Civilization, which is some 3rd Century BCE old.

Later visit the Temple, where the Coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh ji was done by Maharaja Ranjit singh ji of Punjab (Lahore) and then Visit the Buddhist Site of Ambaran.

After lunch, proceed to Ransoo, which is the base camp of the Shiv Khori trek, which is considered to be one of the important pilgrimage site to be visited in India. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, this shrine is some 100 meters long and is formed in the shape of lord Shiva’s Damroo, i.e, wider at the two ends and narrow at the center. Stay overnight at Tourist Reception Center, Ransoo.

Today, after a lite breakfast, we will trek for 3.5 Kms. Approx. to reach the shrine of Shiv-Khori. On the route, you will find many enthusiast pilgrims from all parts of India following different ways of trekking to make the lord happy.

This holy cave is 100 mtrs long ending into a huge hall and houses a 4 foot high Svayambhu Lingam, which constantly bathes in a milky limestone fluid dripping from a tiny stalactite jetting down from the ceiling.

After the visit, we will trek down 3.5 kms and will proceed towards the other shrines like Sihad baba, Dera baba banda Gurdwara and Baba Dhansar before reaching to the holy town of Katra. Evening is at leisure. Stay overnight in the hotel.

Day will be engaged for trekking of Shri Mata Viashno Devi shrine, which is around 13 Kms (one way) and at an altitude of an around 6000 Ft. (at Bhairo baba) from the sea level. It takes 4 – 5 hrs to reach the height and 3 – 4 hrs to be back to the town.

For the more information regarding trek and FAQ’s, please click on the link
https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/help_desk_faqs1.asp

Today, after the late breakfast, we will leave for the Medieval town of Udhampur. You will visit Krimchi Temple Complex en-route. The complex comes after a small hiking of around 500 mtrs to 700 mtrs. This Complex consists of five temples and two shrines.

This temple complex is one of the oldest in India and is mixture of Greek and Orrisa (another state of India) Temple’s architecture.

Later we will proceed to Udhampur town. Rest of the Day is free and to roam around the Bazaars and to meet locals here. Stay overnight at Udhampur.

Today, after an early breakfast, we will head towards a Heritage site which was the Capital of the Ancient town of Jammu. There are ruins of some temples and part of fort in Manwal, built by the son of Pandava king Arjuna, the Babruvahan. This site is around 25 Kms from main town of Udhampur

Later, we will visit the Remnants of a fort of Ram Nagar, which served as the capital of old Bandrlta State. This fort is at distance of 40 Kms from Udhampur main city and was constructed by the Bandral lords but was reconstructed and renovated by Raja Suchet Singh, brother of Mahraja Gulab Singh. Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and Nawa Mahal (New Palace) is worth seeing in this historic complex.

Evening back to Udhampur and stay overnight at the hotel.

Today, we will head towards one of the oldest shrines in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. This shrine is said to be 2300 years old. First, we will stop at Gauri Kund which is approx. 40 Kms. from the Udhampur town and is at Altitude of 1225 mts above sea level. The journey is bit mountainous but worth watching. There is a small cave which is associated with the Godess Parvati, wife of Shiv is a 5 Kms short of Sudh Mahadev Temple. Sculptures from the hindu mythology can be seen here.


At the distance of about 5 Kms, you will visit the holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, the site and temple is said to be more than 2300 years old.


Later, you will visit the Archeological wise important site of Man Talai, red earthen ware and terra cotta figures discovered here. This site is at the distance of 8 Kms. approx. Continue your journey towards Patnitop which is another 15 Kms. from Sudh Mahadev. Stay overnight at the hotel at Patnitop.

Patnitop or Patni Top is a distortion of the Original name of “Patan da Talab” meaning “Pond of the Princess”. In olden times a pond existed in the meadows and the king’s princess. Part of the pond is still there in Patnitop meadow. The Britishers probably couldn’t get the name correctly in their revenue records, and over the years it changed from "Patan Da Talab" to Patnitop.


This is a famous hilltop and a picnic stop at an altitude of 2024 mtrs from sea level. Enveloped by thickly wooded forests, Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is generally covered with a thick mantle of snow thus providing opportunities for various snow games including skiing. It is the best-developed tourist spot of Jammu and is second to none in its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover.

Today we will walk around in the meadow and will visit the famous and unique temple dedicated to the Snake lord and made like the Pagodas. Overnight at the hotel.

After the lazy morning breakfast, we will drive / trek towards the meadow of Sanasar. At 11 kms from Patnitop, Natha Top offers scenic views of the mighty western (Kishtwar) Himalayas and the lower Shivalik range.


Eight kms. down the road, from Natha Top, is Sanasar, with Matha top falling en route. As you approach Sanasar, the range on the right is Shanta Ridge, with the Shank Pal Nag temple situated at its highest point of 2800 mts. Sanasar is named after small local lakes, 'Sana' & 'Sar' is located approx. 20 km west of Patnitop.


Sanasar, the mini Gulmarg and one of the remotest regions of India, is a wonderful hill station in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town is built in a cup-shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. Recently, it has been developed as a golf course for its tourists. While visiting Sanasar, you are provided opportunities for paragliding, parasailing and horse riding also. All these adventure sports activities are controlled by J&K government authorities. The place is a paradise for those who want to explore their latent sporting spirits and sportsmanship. It is particularly famous for the wide range of sporting activities.


Later in the evening, back to Patnitop and overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast, we will drive towards the town of Bhaderwah, which is often termed as “Chota Kashmir” means another / small Kashmir.


Bhaderwah is a Valley of bewitching natural beauty and panoramic vistas which have earned it the epithet of “Chota Kashmir”. It offers to the tourist a variety of beautidul landscapes, colorful local fairs, joyous festival moods and a unique mosaic of culture. Center to beauty of this saucer shaped valley are the Deodar and kail forests and River Neeru. A full majestic view of the sylvan valley with snow – capped background makes visitors fall in love with Bhaderwah.


We will visit town of Doda enroute and then will proceed to the beautiful town of Bhaderwah. Rest of the day at leisure and in the evening a walk to the Local Bazaars. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Begin the day with the prayer offering at Gupt Ganga - Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then we will drive towards one of the most beautiful valleys on earth; The Chinta Valley, situated at a height of 6,500 ft. above sea level. It is covered with thick coniferous forests on all sides and Chinta Nallah flowing through it. A grassy meadow called Bagan on one side of the village is favoured by picnickers.
Jai Valley is 10 Kms from Chinta is the picturesque longitudinal valley of Jai at a height of 7000 Ft. located 32 Kms from Bhaderwah. It is an extremely beautiful region spread over 6 Kms. The valley is surrounded by thick deodar forests on steep slopes with a sprawling meadow in the middle.


In the early evening, drive back to Bhaderwah and visit Chinoth Temple - dedicated to Goddess Chandi and Vasuki Naag Temple.
This is the oldest temple of Bhaderwah which was built in 11th century. Vasuki means in Sanskrit - Snake. According to Hindu mythology, Vasuki used to be the king of serpents who had naagmani on his forehead. The idol of Lord Vasuki is installed in the temple, which is made from a large stone. There is a provision to do special worship here before Kailash Yatra. Kailash Yatra is a religious journey of Hindus. Stay overnight at Bhaderwah.

40 KM from Bhaderwah. It is situated at an altitude of 10500 feet above sea level. It is a picnic spot that enjoys snowfall many times a year. On return to Bhaderwah visit Bhaderwah Fort - also known as Ratangarh Fort is one of the most historical and cultural assets of Bhaderwah. Later proceed to visit Gatha Lake. Stay overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Udhampur. En-route visit Jakhani Park. Check-in to the hotel. Later proceed to pay your obedience to Lord Krishna at ISKON Temple followed by Dudadhari Temple. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Check-out from the hotel and proceed to day excursion for Mansar Lake. Mansar Lake is a great tourist spot for all its scenic beauty, flora & fauna. The lake has proper walk way all around with projected view decks to enjoy flickering of seasonal birds, tortoise and fishes of different species. There is a wild life Sanctuary housing jungle life like Spotted Deer, Neelgai etc. besides other water birds such as Cranes, Ducks etc.


Later proceed to Jammu. Check-in and stay overnight at Jammu.

This is the last day of the tour. You will be transferred to Jammu Airport / Railway Station for your onward journey.