Tourism Profile of Jammu and Kashmir | JKPSC KAS (Jammu and Kashmir): Preparation Course PDF Download

 Page 1


Since historic times, many writers and philosophers wrote about the scenic beauty of
Kashmir valley. One of those was Kalhana, who wrote in his ‘Rajatarangini’ that
Kailasha is the best place in the three worlds and the Himalayas are the best part of
Kailasha and Kashmir.
Tourism industry contributes a major part of the state’s economy and also has
immense potential to develop it further in future. The three regions of Jammu and
Kashmir are famous for their tourist places. For example, Jammu region is famous
for its temples like Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Raghunath temple, etc, Kashmir
valley is well-known for its scenic beauty and lush green gardens and valleys and
Ladakh region is famous for it monasteries and gompas.
Tourist Places in Jammu Region
Jammu is the Winter Capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. It is also the Gateway to
the Kashmir valley. Jammu is popularly known asCityofTemples. Important tourist
places of this region which include forts,temples,masjids and gurdwaras are as follows:
Akhnoor Fort
Akhnoor is the historical town where the Akhnoor fort is located. The town has
archeological remains of Harappan civilisation, which is about 28 km away from
Jammu district. Akhnoor fort is situated on the right bank of the Chenab river. Mian
Tej Singh (Dogra Sikh Commander) started its construction in 1762 AD and Raja
Alum Singh, his successor, completed the fort in 1802 AD. It is a protected area of
Archeological Survey of India.
TOURISM PROFILE OF
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
CHAPTER 15
Jammu and Kashmir is one of the best locations for tourism in the
world. The state is famous for its scenic beauty, beautiful valleys,
famous temples, monasteries and many more places.
Page 2


Since historic times, many writers and philosophers wrote about the scenic beauty of
Kashmir valley. One of those was Kalhana, who wrote in his ‘Rajatarangini’ that
Kailasha is the best place in the three worlds and the Himalayas are the best part of
Kailasha and Kashmir.
Tourism industry contributes a major part of the state’s economy and also has
immense potential to develop it further in future. The three regions of Jammu and
Kashmir are famous for their tourist places. For example, Jammu region is famous
for its temples like Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Raghunath temple, etc, Kashmir
valley is well-known for its scenic beauty and lush green gardens and valleys and
Ladakh region is famous for it monasteries and gompas.
Tourist Places in Jammu Region
Jammu is the Winter Capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. It is also the Gateway to
the Kashmir valley. Jammu is popularly known asCityofTemples. Important tourist
places of this region which include forts,temples,masjids and gurdwaras are as follows:
Akhnoor Fort
Akhnoor is the historical town where the Akhnoor fort is located. The town has
archeological remains of Harappan civilisation, which is about 28 km away from
Jammu district. Akhnoor fort is situated on the right bank of the Chenab river. Mian
Tej Singh (Dogra Sikh Commander) started its construction in 1762 AD and Raja
Alum Singh, his successor, completed the fort in 1802 AD. It is a protected area of
Archeological Survey of India.
TOURISM PROFILE OF
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
CHAPTER 15
Jammu and Kashmir is one of the best locations for tourism in the
world. The state is famous for its scenic beauty, beautiful valleys,
famous temples, monasteries and many more places.
Amar Mahal Palace
This palace is located on the bank of Tawi river in Jammu. It was built in the 19th
century by Raja Amar Singh, a Dogra king. In 1975, it was converted into a
museum.
It has many things to exhibit such as a golden throne weighing 120 kg, Pahari
miniature and Kangra miniature paintings, a library of 25000 antique books and
many rare art collections. It was the last residence of the Dogra kings. It is now a
heritage hotel on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Balidan Stambh
This stambh or pillar is established in Jammu city near the Bahu Fort. It was
constructed in 2008 and inaugurated in 2009 by the Indian government in the
memory of Indian soldiers (martyrs) who fought wars in Jammu and Kashmir since
independence. The pillar is about 60 m in height.
Bahu Fort
This fort is located in Jammu city on the left bank of Tawi river. It was originally
built by Raja Bahulochan about 3000 years ago. In the 19th century, it was rebuilt by
the Dogra Rulers. The fort has a temple of Mahakali which is locally known as
‘Bave Wali Mata’ temple.
? AMAR MAHAL PALACE WAS PLANNED BY A FRENCH ARCHITECT IN 1862
Page 3


Since historic times, many writers and philosophers wrote about the scenic beauty of
Kashmir valley. One of those was Kalhana, who wrote in his ‘Rajatarangini’ that
Kailasha is the best place in the three worlds and the Himalayas are the best part of
Kailasha and Kashmir.
Tourism industry contributes a major part of the state’s economy and also has
immense potential to develop it further in future. The three regions of Jammu and
Kashmir are famous for their tourist places. For example, Jammu region is famous
for its temples like Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Raghunath temple, etc, Kashmir
valley is well-known for its scenic beauty and lush green gardens and valleys and
Ladakh region is famous for it monasteries and gompas.
Tourist Places in Jammu Region
Jammu is the Winter Capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. It is also the Gateway to
the Kashmir valley. Jammu is popularly known asCityofTemples. Important tourist
places of this region which include forts,temples,masjids and gurdwaras are as follows:
Akhnoor Fort
Akhnoor is the historical town where the Akhnoor fort is located. The town has
archeological remains of Harappan civilisation, which is about 28 km away from
Jammu district. Akhnoor fort is situated on the right bank of the Chenab river. Mian
Tej Singh (Dogra Sikh Commander) started its construction in 1762 AD and Raja
Alum Singh, his successor, completed the fort in 1802 AD. It is a protected area of
Archeological Survey of India.
TOURISM PROFILE OF
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
CHAPTER 15
Jammu and Kashmir is one of the best locations for tourism in the
world. The state is famous for its scenic beauty, beautiful valleys,
famous temples, monasteries and many more places.
Amar Mahal Palace
This palace is located on the bank of Tawi river in Jammu. It was built in the 19th
century by Raja Amar Singh, a Dogra king. In 1975, it was converted into a
museum.
It has many things to exhibit such as a golden throne weighing 120 kg, Pahari
miniature and Kangra miniature paintings, a library of 25000 antique books and
many rare art collections. It was the last residence of the Dogra kings. It is now a
heritage hotel on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Balidan Stambh
This stambh or pillar is established in Jammu city near the Bahu Fort. It was
constructed in 2008 and inaugurated in 2009 by the Indian government in the
memory of Indian soldiers (martyrs) who fought wars in Jammu and Kashmir since
independence. The pillar is about 60 m in height.
Bahu Fort
This fort is located in Jammu city on the left bank of Tawi river. It was originally
built by Raja Bahulochan about 3000 years ago. In the 19th century, it was rebuilt by
the Dogra Rulers. The fort has a temple of Mahakali which is locally known as
‘Bave Wali Mata’ temple.
? AMAR MAHAL PALACE WAS PLANNED BY A FRENCH ARCHITECT IN 1862
The temple organises Bahu Mela twice during Navratras. It is heritage site of
Jammu and Kashmir. The fort also has a garden known as Bagh-e-Bahu. Near the
fort a fish-shaped aquarium has been made which is the largest underground
aquarium in the country.
Bhaderwah
It is a valley town in the Doda district. It is situated 80 km from Batote. The town is
also known asMiniKashmir andLandofSnakes. Tourists also observe many fairs
and festivals here like Mela Pat, Sobar Dhar Mela. It is also famous for Kud dance,
Pahari folk songs and music. The place has many heritage sites like Bhaderwah fort
which was earlier used as district jail, hundred years old masjid and an ancient
Vasuki Nag temple.
Gurudwara Sunder Singh
It is located near Raghunath Bazar in Jammu district. It was built by S Sunder Singh
Khurana Ji who lived in Amritsar about 166 years ago. Colourful floral motifs on the
walls enhance this historical monument.
Jama Masjid
It is located in Talab Khatikan near Raghunath Bazar in Jammu district. It is the
oldest and the biggest masjid of Jammu district. A large number of devotees observe
prayer in this masjid on the festival of Eid and on Fridays.
Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex
This complex is situated in Jammu city. Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex was
founded by Raja Dhruv Dev (1707-1733). The subsequent rulers of Jammu
including Dogra rulers also built many buildings and palaces in this complex. This
remained the main seat of Maharajas of Dogra dynasty till 1925 AD when Maharaja
Hari Singh moved to the Hari Niwas Palace in the Northern part of Jammu.
The palace is built in both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture style. The main
attraction of this palace complex are Sheesh Mahal and Pink Hall. The Pink Hall
has Dogra Art Museum which has miniature paintings of the various hill schools of
Kangra, Jammu and Basholi. A gold painted bow and arrow of Mughal emperor
Shah Jahan also increases its attraction.
Mata Vaishno Devi
It is one of the oldest shrines of India and is administered and controlled by the
State Government. It is located at a height of 5200 ft on the holy Trikuta Hills of
the Shiwalik hill range. The holy cave is 12 km from the Basecamp Katra, which is
located in Riasi district. The town Katra is 48 km away from Jammu.
Page 4


Since historic times, many writers and philosophers wrote about the scenic beauty of
Kashmir valley. One of those was Kalhana, who wrote in his ‘Rajatarangini’ that
Kailasha is the best place in the three worlds and the Himalayas are the best part of
Kailasha and Kashmir.
Tourism industry contributes a major part of the state’s economy and also has
immense potential to develop it further in future. The three regions of Jammu and
Kashmir are famous for their tourist places. For example, Jammu region is famous
for its temples like Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Raghunath temple, etc, Kashmir
valley is well-known for its scenic beauty and lush green gardens and valleys and
Ladakh region is famous for it monasteries and gompas.
Tourist Places in Jammu Region
Jammu is the Winter Capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. It is also the Gateway to
the Kashmir valley. Jammu is popularly known asCityofTemples. Important tourist
places of this region which include forts,temples,masjids and gurdwaras are as follows:
Akhnoor Fort
Akhnoor is the historical town where the Akhnoor fort is located. The town has
archeological remains of Harappan civilisation, which is about 28 km away from
Jammu district. Akhnoor fort is situated on the right bank of the Chenab river. Mian
Tej Singh (Dogra Sikh Commander) started its construction in 1762 AD and Raja
Alum Singh, his successor, completed the fort in 1802 AD. It is a protected area of
Archeological Survey of India.
TOURISM PROFILE OF
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
CHAPTER 15
Jammu and Kashmir is one of the best locations for tourism in the
world. The state is famous for its scenic beauty, beautiful valleys,
famous temples, monasteries and many more places.
Amar Mahal Palace
This palace is located on the bank of Tawi river in Jammu. It was built in the 19th
century by Raja Amar Singh, a Dogra king. In 1975, it was converted into a
museum.
It has many things to exhibit such as a golden throne weighing 120 kg, Pahari
miniature and Kangra miniature paintings, a library of 25000 antique books and
many rare art collections. It was the last residence of the Dogra kings. It is now a
heritage hotel on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Balidan Stambh
This stambh or pillar is established in Jammu city near the Bahu Fort. It was
constructed in 2008 and inaugurated in 2009 by the Indian government in the
memory of Indian soldiers (martyrs) who fought wars in Jammu and Kashmir since
independence. The pillar is about 60 m in height.
Bahu Fort
This fort is located in Jammu city on the left bank of Tawi river. It was originally
built by Raja Bahulochan about 3000 years ago. In the 19th century, it was rebuilt by
the Dogra Rulers. The fort has a temple of Mahakali which is locally known as
‘Bave Wali Mata’ temple.
? AMAR MAHAL PALACE WAS PLANNED BY A FRENCH ARCHITECT IN 1862
The temple organises Bahu Mela twice during Navratras. It is heritage site of
Jammu and Kashmir. The fort also has a garden known as Bagh-e-Bahu. Near the
fort a fish-shaped aquarium has been made which is the largest underground
aquarium in the country.
Bhaderwah
It is a valley town in the Doda district. It is situated 80 km from Batote. The town is
also known asMiniKashmir andLandofSnakes. Tourists also observe many fairs
and festivals here like Mela Pat, Sobar Dhar Mela. It is also famous for Kud dance,
Pahari folk songs and music. The place has many heritage sites like Bhaderwah fort
which was earlier used as district jail, hundred years old masjid and an ancient
Vasuki Nag temple.
Gurudwara Sunder Singh
It is located near Raghunath Bazar in Jammu district. It was built by S Sunder Singh
Khurana Ji who lived in Amritsar about 166 years ago. Colourful floral motifs on the
walls enhance this historical monument.
Jama Masjid
It is located in Talab Khatikan near Raghunath Bazar in Jammu district. It is the
oldest and the biggest masjid of Jammu district. A large number of devotees observe
prayer in this masjid on the festival of Eid and on Fridays.
Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex
This complex is situated in Jammu city. Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex was
founded by Raja Dhruv Dev (1707-1733). The subsequent rulers of Jammu
including Dogra rulers also built many buildings and palaces in this complex. This
remained the main seat of Maharajas of Dogra dynasty till 1925 AD when Maharaja
Hari Singh moved to the Hari Niwas Palace in the Northern part of Jammu.
The palace is built in both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture style. The main
attraction of this palace complex are Sheesh Mahal and Pink Hall. The Pink Hall
has Dogra Art Museum which has miniature paintings of the various hill schools of
Kangra, Jammu and Basholi. A gold painted bow and arrow of Mughal emperor
Shah Jahan also increases its attraction.
Mata Vaishno Devi
It is one of the oldest shrines of India and is administered and controlled by the
State Government. It is located at a height of 5200 ft on the holy Trikuta Hills of
the Shiwalik hill range. The holy cave is 12 km from the Basecamp Katra, which is
located in Riasi district. The town Katra is 48 km away from Jammu.
The abode of Goddess Vaishno Devi lies in a 98 ft long cave. The shrine also has
three natural pindis ofMataMahaSaraswati,MataMahaLakshmi andMataMaha
Kali. There is no certain record about the establishment of this temple. However,
geological studies show that it may be about a millions year old.
Panchvaktar Temple
Panchvaktar (five faces) Mahadev temple is considered as one of the oldest
Shivalayas in Jammu city. It is believed that Shankaracharya visited this place in the
9th century.
The temple was much later constructed by Raja Guje Singh of Jammu (AD
1687-1703). The Lingam in this temple is self manifested. The temple is also known
as ‘Rupaywala Mandir’ and earlier was connected with Amarnath Yatra.
Patnitop
It is a hill top resort located in Udhampur district. It is situated on the National
Highway-1 A in the Shiwalik belt of the Himalaya at a height of 2024 m above
mean sea level. The river Chenab flows in this region. This resort provides facilities
of paragliding, horse riding and other activities.
? MATA VAISHNO DEVI IS CONSIDERED TO BE AN INCARNATION OF THE THREE
SUPREME ENERGY i.e. MATA MAHA KALI, MAHA LAXSHMI AND MAHA SARASWATI
Page 5


Since historic times, many writers and philosophers wrote about the scenic beauty of
Kashmir valley. One of those was Kalhana, who wrote in his ‘Rajatarangini’ that
Kailasha is the best place in the three worlds and the Himalayas are the best part of
Kailasha and Kashmir.
Tourism industry contributes a major part of the state’s economy and also has
immense potential to develop it further in future. The three regions of Jammu and
Kashmir are famous for their tourist places. For example, Jammu region is famous
for its temples like Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Raghunath temple, etc, Kashmir
valley is well-known for its scenic beauty and lush green gardens and valleys and
Ladakh region is famous for it monasteries and gompas.
Tourist Places in Jammu Region
Jammu is the Winter Capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. It is also the Gateway to
the Kashmir valley. Jammu is popularly known asCityofTemples. Important tourist
places of this region which include forts,temples,masjids and gurdwaras are as follows:
Akhnoor Fort
Akhnoor is the historical town where the Akhnoor fort is located. The town has
archeological remains of Harappan civilisation, which is about 28 km away from
Jammu district. Akhnoor fort is situated on the right bank of the Chenab river. Mian
Tej Singh (Dogra Sikh Commander) started its construction in 1762 AD and Raja
Alum Singh, his successor, completed the fort in 1802 AD. It is a protected area of
Archeological Survey of India.
TOURISM PROFILE OF
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
CHAPTER 15
Jammu and Kashmir is one of the best locations for tourism in the
world. The state is famous for its scenic beauty, beautiful valleys,
famous temples, monasteries and many more places.
Amar Mahal Palace
This palace is located on the bank of Tawi river in Jammu. It was built in the 19th
century by Raja Amar Singh, a Dogra king. In 1975, it was converted into a
museum.
It has many things to exhibit such as a golden throne weighing 120 kg, Pahari
miniature and Kangra miniature paintings, a library of 25000 antique books and
many rare art collections. It was the last residence of the Dogra kings. It is now a
heritage hotel on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Balidan Stambh
This stambh or pillar is established in Jammu city near the Bahu Fort. It was
constructed in 2008 and inaugurated in 2009 by the Indian government in the
memory of Indian soldiers (martyrs) who fought wars in Jammu and Kashmir since
independence. The pillar is about 60 m in height.
Bahu Fort
This fort is located in Jammu city on the left bank of Tawi river. It was originally
built by Raja Bahulochan about 3000 years ago. In the 19th century, it was rebuilt by
the Dogra Rulers. The fort has a temple of Mahakali which is locally known as
‘Bave Wali Mata’ temple.
? AMAR MAHAL PALACE WAS PLANNED BY A FRENCH ARCHITECT IN 1862
The temple organises Bahu Mela twice during Navratras. It is heritage site of
Jammu and Kashmir. The fort also has a garden known as Bagh-e-Bahu. Near the
fort a fish-shaped aquarium has been made which is the largest underground
aquarium in the country.
Bhaderwah
It is a valley town in the Doda district. It is situated 80 km from Batote. The town is
also known asMiniKashmir andLandofSnakes. Tourists also observe many fairs
and festivals here like Mela Pat, Sobar Dhar Mela. It is also famous for Kud dance,
Pahari folk songs and music. The place has many heritage sites like Bhaderwah fort
which was earlier used as district jail, hundred years old masjid and an ancient
Vasuki Nag temple.
Gurudwara Sunder Singh
It is located near Raghunath Bazar in Jammu district. It was built by S Sunder Singh
Khurana Ji who lived in Amritsar about 166 years ago. Colourful floral motifs on the
walls enhance this historical monument.
Jama Masjid
It is located in Talab Khatikan near Raghunath Bazar in Jammu district. It is the
oldest and the biggest masjid of Jammu district. A large number of devotees observe
prayer in this masjid on the festival of Eid and on Fridays.
Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex
This complex is situated in Jammu city. Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex was
founded by Raja Dhruv Dev (1707-1733). The subsequent rulers of Jammu
including Dogra rulers also built many buildings and palaces in this complex. This
remained the main seat of Maharajas of Dogra dynasty till 1925 AD when Maharaja
Hari Singh moved to the Hari Niwas Palace in the Northern part of Jammu.
The palace is built in both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture style. The main
attraction of this palace complex are Sheesh Mahal and Pink Hall. The Pink Hall
has Dogra Art Museum which has miniature paintings of the various hill schools of
Kangra, Jammu and Basholi. A gold painted bow and arrow of Mughal emperor
Shah Jahan also increases its attraction.
Mata Vaishno Devi
It is one of the oldest shrines of India and is administered and controlled by the
State Government. It is located at a height of 5200 ft on the holy Trikuta Hills of
the Shiwalik hill range. The holy cave is 12 km from the Basecamp Katra, which is
located in Riasi district. The town Katra is 48 km away from Jammu.
The abode of Goddess Vaishno Devi lies in a 98 ft long cave. The shrine also has
three natural pindis ofMataMahaSaraswati,MataMahaLakshmi andMataMaha
Kali. There is no certain record about the establishment of this temple. However,
geological studies show that it may be about a millions year old.
Panchvaktar Temple
Panchvaktar (five faces) Mahadev temple is considered as one of the oldest
Shivalayas in Jammu city. It is believed that Shankaracharya visited this place in the
9th century.
The temple was much later constructed by Raja Guje Singh of Jammu (AD
1687-1703). The Lingam in this temple is self manifested. The temple is also known
as ‘Rupaywala Mandir’ and earlier was connected with Amarnath Yatra.
Patnitop
It is a hill top resort located in Udhampur district. It is situated on the National
Highway-1 A in the Shiwalik belt of the Himalaya at a height of 2024 m above
mean sea level. The river Chenab flows in this region. This resort provides facilities
of paragliding, horse riding and other activities.
? MATA VAISHNO DEVI IS CONSIDERED TO BE AN INCARNATION OF THE THREE
SUPREME ENERGY i.e. MATA MAHA KALI, MAHA LAXSHMI AND MAHA SARASWATI
Peer Kho Temple
This temple is located on the bank of Tawi river in Jammu city. It is believed that a
Jogi Guru Garib Nath came to Jammu and resided at Peer Kho (cave). The then
Raja Ajaib Dev built a temple at this cave for Jogi or Peer Guru Garib Nath during
15th century. The cave has a Shivalinga where a large number of devotees come
during Puranmasi, Amavasya, Ekadashi and Shivratri.
Purmandal Temple
This temple is located at a distance of 40 km from Jammu city in Samba district. It
is a temple complex devoted to Lord Shiva. It is also known as ChotaKashi and
located on the banks of Devika river, the underground river. During the time of
Shivaratri and Chaitra Chaudashi, a large number of devotees visit this temple. The
history of this temple is 2600 years old.
Ranbireshwar Temple
It is the well known Shiva temple in Jammu dedicated to Lord Shiva. Maharaja
Ranbir Singh built it in 1883. In Ranbireshwar temple, there are twelve Shiva
Lingams of crystal measuring 15 cm to 38 cm galleries with more than one lakh
‘bona lingam can be seen fixed on stone slabs inside the temple.
Raghunath Temple
This temple is located in Raghunath Bazar in Jammu city. It was built by the
Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1857 AD. The idols of Lord Rama, Mata Sita and Shri
Lakshman Ji are placed in the main temple. The unique fact of this temple is that its
inner walls are covered with gold sheets on three sides. There are many galleries of
Shaligrams. This temple also has a Sanskrit manuscripts library.
? RAGHUNATH TEMPLE IS THE LARGEST TEMPLE COMPLEX OF NORTH INDIA