Jammu

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Vaishno Devi Temple

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The Vaishno Devi Temple, located in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu, is one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi and is believed to fulfill the wishes of all its devotees. The journey to the temple involves a trek of around 13 km from the base camp at Katra, which is a beautiful and scenic route that passes through lush green forests and several small waterfalls.  At the end of the trek, visitors reach the holy cave where the shrine of Vaishno Devi is located. The shrine consists of three rock formations, known as the Pindis, which are worshipped as the three forms of the goddess - Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. The temple is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from March to October when the weather is pleasant. The temple is especially crowded during festivals like Navratri, Diwali, and during the summer vacation months.

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‍Patnitop

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Located in the Udhampur district of Jammu, Patnitop is a beautiful hill station that is popular for its snow-capped mountains, picturesque landscapes, and adventure sports activities. It is situated at an altitude of 2,024 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests of pine and deodar trees. The best time to visit Patnitop is during winters when it receives heavy snowfall and is ideal for skiing and snowboarding. One of the main attractions of Patnitop is the Nathatop, a famous paragliding spot that offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Visitors can also indulge in activities like skiing, trekking, and camping in the scenic surroundings of Patnitop. Another must-visit attraction is the Sanasar Lake, which is located about 20 km from Patnitop. The lake is surrounded by lush green meadows and is a great spot for picnics and boating. For those interested in history and culture, Patnitop is home to several ancient temples, including the Naag Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Kud Park Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi.

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‍Bhaderwah‍

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Bhaderwah is a picturesque town located in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1,610 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests, snow-capped mountains, and lush green meadows. Bhaderwah is a hidden gem in Jammu and is slowly gaining popularity among tourists for its scenic beauty, adventure sports, and ancient temples. One of the main attractions of Bhaderwah is the Bhaderwah Valley, which is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and is often referred to as "Mini Kashmir". The valley is surrounded by towering mountains and is home to several waterfalls, lakes, and streams. Bhaderwah is also a great destination for adventure enthusiasts as it offers activities like trekking, camping, and rock climbing. The town is home to several trekking routes that lead to scenic spots like Padri, Chinta Valley, and Seoj Meadow. For those interested in history and culture, Bhaderwah has several ancient temples, including the Chandi Mata Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Chandi, and the Gupt Ganga Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

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Mansar Lake‍

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Mansar Lake is a beautiful lake located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, ancient temples, and adventure sports. The lake is surrounded by dense forests, hills, and meadows, and is home to several species of birds and animals. The main attraction of Mansar Lake is the ancient temple of Sheshnag, which is located on the eastern bank of the lake. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during their exile. The temple attracts a large number of devotees every year. Visitors can also indulge in activities like boating, horse riding, and zipline across the lake. The lake is a popular spot for picnics and camping and is a great place to relax and unwind in the lap of nature. Mansar Lake is also home to several species of fish, including the famous Mahseer fish. Fishing is allowed in the lake with prior permission from the authorities.

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Raghunath Temple‍

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Raghunath Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the heart of Jammu city in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, and the main deity is a white marble idol of Lord Rama, which is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum.  The temple is also known for its annual Ram Navami festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. During the festival, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and a large number of devotees throng to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Rama. Visitors can also explore the nearby markets, which are famous for their traditional handicrafts, including shawls, carpets, and wooden handicrafts. The best time to visit the Raghunath Temple is during the months of September to February when the weather is pleasant, and the festivities are in full swing. Visitors should dress conservatively and remove their footwear before entering the temple.

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