Jammu and Kashmir has got rich cultural and religious potential to attract the pilgrimage tourists. The state has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the lifestyles of the native people who live in the villages in the different districts of the state. Visit to Jammu and Kashmir includes number of ancient Hindu, Muslim, Sufi and Buddhist temples, Shrines and Monasteries.
Jammu is popularly known as the ‘City of Temples’, owing to its large number of Hindu shrines. Most of the inhabitants of the town are, of course, Hindus, but the town also has a fairly substantial Muslim population. Although there are a few local Dogri-speaking Muslims in the town, most of them appear to be fairly recent settlers, from Poonch, Doda, Rajouri and from the Kashmir Valley.
Vaishno Devi Mandir
Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the most popular and revered pilgrimage centres in India. Dedicated to the Hindu deity Vaishno Devi, endearingly known as Mata Rani (Goddess Durga), this holy abode of the goddess is situated at an altitude of 5200 feet. It is believed that the goddess resides ...
Panch Peer
The Dargah of Panch Peer, located close to the Maharaja Palace of Dogra dynasty on NH 1A, is a place of great religious importance. This site is believed to be the place of meditation and preaching of the five Sufi saints and hence it is called as Panch Peer.
Mahamaya Temple
Mahamaya Temple is among the most-visited sanctums in Jammu and Kashmir. This temple is dedicated to a female freedom fighter called Mahamaya, who belonged to the Dogra community. The temple is situated on the Bypass Road behind the Bahu Fort. From the temple complex, you can behold beautiful sight of River Tawi.
Ziarat Peer Mitha
A revered Islamic shrine, located in the heart of the Jammu city, this place of worship features a twin structure, which is composed of a beautiful mosque and a large tomb. A fine specimen of splendid Mughal architecture style, this edifice boasts of fine carvings and gracefully adorned interiors. Eye-soothing verdure surrounds this grand construction, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Ranbireshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the most revered sites in Jammu and Kashmir. This temple is listed among the largest Lord Shiva temples in the entire North India. Located opposite the Civil Secretariat, this shrine was built during 1882-1883 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh (son of Maharaja Gulab Singh - founder of the state of Jammu and Kashmir).
Peer Kho Cave
Located around 3.5 km away from the heart of Jammu city, is known to be the oldest site in the Shivalik region. Situated on the busy Circular Road, this temple is easily accessible from different corners of the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and enshrines a black Swayambhu (naturally-formed) Shiva Lingam. It is believed that Jamvant (the 'King of Bears') – a prominent character in the Ramayana meditated at this spot, which is why it is alternatively known as Jamvant Cave.