Geography: Jammu is located at 32.73° N 74.87° E. It has an average elevation of 327 metres (1072 feet). Jammu is one of the three regions comprising India's northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu borders Kashmir, the disputed part of the state, to the north, Ladakh to the east, Himachal Pradesh to the south.
 Climate: Jammu is a pleasant and cool area with a subtropical climate. Summers are dry and hot while winters are cold. Temperatures can soar up to 45 degrees Celsius in summer and dip down to around 0 degrees Celsius in winter.

The best time to visit Jammu is between November and March, when the weather becomes pleasant. Summers are  unbearably hot. The best time to go Jammu and Kashmir for trekking is during summers (April-August), when all the routes are open, though some routes are also open during winters.

Jammu and Kashmir has been famous for its natural beauty since time immemorial and has been aptly described as "heaven on earth". It has two capitals- Jammu, the winter capital and Srinagar, the summer capital. The state is almost mountainous with stretches of valleys and some mountain lakes. Jammu is famous for its landscape, ancient temples, Hindu shrines, gardens and forts. Hindu holy shrines of Amarnath and Vaishno Devi attracts thousands of Hindu devotees every year. Jammu's beautiful natural landscape has made it one of the most famous destinations for adventure tourism in South Asia.

Jhajjar Kotli : Jhajjar Kotli, 35 kms from Jammu on the Jammu-Srinagar road is a picnic spot next to the Jhajjar stream. Surrounded by dense forests, it has a café with bar and residential facilities. At a height of 2,000 metres is the shrine of Mantalai. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva married goddess Parvati at this spot.
 Patnitop: 112 kms from Jammu is 'Patnitop' a resort on a plateau at 2,024 metres. Surrounded by thick alpine forests and a good view of the Chenab valley, Patnitop is developing as an alternative get-away after unrest in the Kashmir valley. In winter the snow-covered slopes are used for skiing, while in summer good trekking opportunities are available around the resort. There is a tourist lodge as well as tented accommodation available at Patnitop.

Jammu is located on a bluff of the Shivalik Range, overlooking the northern plains. It  is approximately 600 km away from the National Capital, New Delhi and is linked with a National Highway, railway and airport.

Jammu serves as a great connecting point for Kashmir be it by air, road or rail. The Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Reception Centre, Vir Marg (Ph:0191-546851) runs a regular bus service in the town. A national highway connects the city to the rest of the country. The Bus stand in Jammu is in the old town, off the Srinagar road. Delhi is 586 kms away, while Amritsar is at 243 kms and Srinagar 305 kms. Katra, the base town before the climb up to the Vaishno Devi shrine, is 48 kms away.

The Jammu Tawi station (General Inquiry and Reservation -Ph:431085,431407,131) is in the new town across Tawi River. Trains come in from Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Kanyakumari and Calcutta.

Jammu's airport is connected by air to New Delhi, Srinagar and Leh by the national domestic carrier as also by some private airlines. The Satwari airport is 6 km from town and one can hire a taxi to get to the city centre.

Lohri (13 January) This much-awaited festival in the Jammu province marks the culmination of the cold season and is celebrated through out the state with great excitement. In the province of Kashmir the special feature that marks the festival of Lohri is the Chajja dance. The young crowds in this state prepare 'Chajjas' with colored bits of paper and then dance on the street to the rhythm of drumbeats.
 Navratra Festival (Sept-Oct) It is one of the most important festivals in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a nine days festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Navaratri means "nine nights". 
Bahu Mela (March-April & September-October) A major festival is held at the Kali Temple in Bahu Fort, twice a year.

The state has a very rich history and a distinct culture where people of all faiths live in perfect harmony. Jammu and Kashmir has three distinct components - Hindu majority Jammu, Buddhist dominated Ladakh in the North and predominantly Muslim populated Valley, besides what is under Pakistan occupation. Jammu was home to various communities like the Dogras, the Sikhs and the Hindus who were all united. People of Jammu mostly speak Dogri, Kotli, Mirpuri, Hindi,Punjabi, and Urdu. A visti to 'Dogra Art Museum' is a must as it showcases Jammu's art and culture.
 Dance : 'Rouf' is always performed in the accompaniment of pleasant pathetic song. It is performed on all festive occasions and particularly on the evenings of Ramzan and IDD days. Group of women face each other and perform simple footwork which has a sensuous charm about it.
 Music: Hafiz Nagma is based on the classical music of Kashmir- 
The Sofiyiana Kalam. The Sufiyana Kalam has its own ragas known as Muquam. The prominent instrument used in Hafiz Nagma is called Santoor-a hundred stringed instrument played with sticks.

Jammu is one of the most famous pilgrimage tourism destinations in India. Vaishno Devi shrine : The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. Situated at a height of 5,300 ft., the site is located inside a cave in a hill. The Vaishno Devi shrine is nestled in the Trikuta Mountain. This cave temple is at a distance of 61 kms from Jammu and the last 13 kms of the way have to be negotiated on foot by the devotees. The total length of the holy Cave is about ninety eight feet and there are images of three deities viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. 
Cave Temple of Lord Amarnath ji, Amarnath : The cave is situated at a height of 3888 m ,about 141 km from the Kashmir's capital city of Srinagar. The area is under the control of the Indian Army due to terrorism threats and hence prior permission is needed from the government before making the pilgrimage. According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave where Lord Shiva told about the secret of Life and eternity to His divine consort Parvati, and hence this shrine holds a very special value to the Hindus.
 Amarnath - Shiva, in the form of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice - stalagmite. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time.
 Protestant Church: The Protestant church on Wazarat road is the oldest Church in the Jammu city.
 Peer Baba : Peer Baba is one of the Muslim holy places in Jammu. However, it is revered by Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs alike. It is the Dargah of a Muslim Saint, Peer Budhan Ali Shah.

Jammu's historic monuments feature an  unique blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture styles. 
Bahu Fort : The Bahu fort, which also serves as a religious temple is situated about 5 km from Jammu city on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi. Constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago, the existing Fort was more recently improved and rebuilt by Dogra rulers. One can really imagine, on looking at the fort, the wars fought, the invasions prevented and even the grandeur of the Royal families. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali inside the fort popularly known as Bave Wali Mata. Bave Wali Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu. Today the fort is surrounded with a beautiful terraced garden which is a favourite picnic spot of the city folk. It has waterfalls, flowers and big trees.
 Amar Mahal Palace: Located some eight kilometres from the main town,the palace stands amidst very picturesque environs. Its museum has a throne made of 120 kilos of pure gold. This palace has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Jammu's beautiful natural landscape has made it one of the most famous destinations for adventure tourism in South Asia. (Long term trek) The Amarnath Yatra and Gulmarg-Ferozepur Nala are the most trekked sites. A trek that is popular among both the trekkers and the pilgrims is the Amarnath trek that takes one to the sacred cave of Lord Amarnath. The time for Amarnath yatra can be modified, depending upon how much does one want to travel. Gulmarg makes an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range. Gulmarg to Ferozepur Nala makes a memorable trek.

Nightlife does not exist much in Jammu. There are a few small hotels and guesthouses at Gulmarg ski resort, but it is a quiet, undeveloped, isolated resort and nightlife is almost non-existent.

Jhajjar Kotli : Jhajjar Kotli, 35 kms from Jammu on the Jammu-Srinagar road is a picnic spot next to the Jhajjar stream. Surrounded by dense forests, it has a café with bar and residential facilities. 
Surinsar and Mansar Lakes: Located at 45 kms and 60 kms from Jammu, these beautiful lakes, surrounded by forested hills and with boating facilities, are popular picnic spots. The Surinsar Lake has a tiny island in the middle.

Jammu is a shopper's paradise. Pashmina is synonymous with the state, you touch it to feel the softness of a feather, a look at it will reveal the colours of a rainbow. Pashmina shawls not only reveal the magic of craftsmanship but stand as a testimony to the rich heritage and culture of the state. Fine pashmina shawls and the woollen pherans (long robes worn by men and women) with crewelwork embroidery are a good buy. Kashmiri woodcarvings are also worth picking up. The main shopping areas are at Raghunath Bazaar, Hari Bazaar and Upper Gummat. At the Cottage Emporium it is possible to buy handicrafts from different states.

The famed Kashmiri cuisine can be savoured at some restaurants. Some excellent north Indian food as well as Chinese (the Indian version!) cuisine and fast food is available all over. Some restaurants also have  an evening entertainment programme, while some have a beautiful night view of the lights on the trek route up to Vaishno Devi.

Dogra Art Museum: Sheesh Mahal, which used to be the royal residence of the Dogra kings, houses the Dogra Art Museum, which has handwritten Persian manuscripts of the Shahnama and Sikandernama. This place not only offers a beautiful view of the river Tawi but also showcases Jammu's art and culture. Gulmarg Hill Station : Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. At an amazing altitude of 2730 meters above sea level the hill resort has a gently sloping topography. Gulmarg is 57km southwest from the capital city of Srinagar and is close to the Indo-Pakistan border. Originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was impressed by the sight of its green slopes embellished with wild flowers. Gulmarg or the 'Meadow of Flowers' is a lovely blooming sight where an opulence of flora displays various colours with the changing seasons.
 Major Fascinations at Gulmarg: 
1. Gulmarg is an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range. 
2. Gulmarg boasts of a magnificent grassy golf course that is the world's highest too. 
3. Gulmarg is amongst the best skiing resorts in India. Gulmarg is also a good skiing sight for learners.

Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary : Located at a distance of about 28 km from Jammu city, the Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary has received its name from the nearby Nandini village. It has an area of 33.24-sq-kms and is surrounded by rich stock of Flora and Fauna. There are about eight mammal species in the whole sanctuary area. The main species are ,Leopard, Wildboar, Rhesus Monkey, Garal, Grey Langur, etc. The common birds found over here are, Indian Mynah, Blue Rock Pigeon, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, Chir Pheasants, Chakor, etc. A visit to the Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary will certainly not disappoint any nature or wild life lover.

Mansar Lake: Situated 62 km from Jammu, Mansar is a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills, over a mile in length by half-a-mile in width. Besides being a popular excursion destination in Jammu, it is also a holy site, sharing the legend and sanctity of Lake Mansarovar.

If you are taking the trek up to the cave shrine of Vaishno Devi, make sure to carry waterproof clothing and clean drinking water. Carry prescriptions  and medicines. Private cars can be hired from the travel agents, hotels and the taxi association. Banks and Money Changers: * State Bank of India, Hari Market. * Bank of India, Vir Marg. * J&K Bank Ltd., Town Hall.

J & K Tourism Development Corporation Tourist Reception Centre Vir Marg Ph: 0191 - 577756, 579554; Fax: 0191 ? 546412

Amarnath caves and surrounding areas: The area is under the control of the Indian Army due to terrorism threats and hence prior permission is needed from the government before making the pilgrimage. There were a number of terrorist attacks in the recent past and dozens of pilgrims die every year. 
Dogra Art Gallery: The Dogra Art Gallery is a  must visit when in Jammu.